Alabama Disability Resources and Advocacy Organizations
Scroll down for links to government agencies and disability rights organizations in Alabama. They may be able assist you with:
- disability advocacy
- home health services
- home care
- nursing aide services
- Medicaid
- accessing other community resources to help people with disabilities.
Many of these organizations work to address the unique needs associated with different disabilities, including but not limited to physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities, and mental illness. Others focus on issues such as access to housing and legal assistance based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
If you live in Alabama and are a person with a disability, learning about state-specific resources to support people with disabilities can help you advocate for yourself. If you are a friend, family member, or caregiver of a person with disabilities in Alabama, these resources can help you in supporting your loved one.
Note: this website attempts to use people first language and thus uses the term "person with a disability" rather than disabled or handicapped.
We hope you will check out the rest of OlmsteadRights.org to learn about critical rights of people with disabilities.
Protection & Advocacy Organization
The Alabama state disability protection and advocacy (P&A) agency is Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP). ADAP is part of the nation's federally-funded P&A system. It provides help to people with disabilities in Alabama to expand and defend their rights, including supporting self-advocacy groups and legal assistance. The ADAP is part of the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN).
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC)
ADRCs are the main points of access for long-term supports and services for older adults and people with disabilities, including home health care and assistive technology.
Legal Services Organizations
These organizations provide free legal assistance for low-income individuals, including help with accessing Social Security and Medicaid benefits.
Other Disability Advocacy Organizations
These organizations protect and advocate for the civil and human rights of people with disabilities.
State Medicaid Agency
Learn about and apply for Medicaid services in Alabama.
- Alabama Medicaid Agency
- Alabama Medicaid: Home & Community-Based Waiver Services
- Well Child Check-Up Program (EPSDT)
Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC)
The Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) helps remove barriers to independent living for people with disabilities and works to increase necessary supports and services. It is part of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL).
Other State Agencies
These agencies provide help for people with disabilities and their families and caregivers. Disability services are often free or low-cost.
- Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities
- Department of Mental Health/Division of Developmental Disabilities
- Alabama Department of Senior Services
- 211 Connects Alabama
- Alabama Department on Aging and Elder Services
Money Follows the Person (MFP)
Free assistance with transitioning from a nursing facility or institutional care to the community.
Crisis Services
Crisis intervention and counseling for people who are in need of immediate help or need someone to talk to. If you or a loved one is experiencing emotional distress, these agencies are ready to offer free and confidential help. Common concerns include but are not limited to mental illness, suicide, intellectual or developmental disability, physical disability, substance abuse, grief, sexual assault, and family violence.
- Suicide Prevention Resource Center
- Suicide Prevention and Resources Coalition
- Crisis Center Birmingham
- Crisis Services of North Alabama
- LifeLines (Mobile)
Services for Senior Citizens
Free or low-cost resources and disability services for senior citizens and their loved ones to promote successful community living.
- Alabama Department of Senior Services
- Senior Talk Line
- Aging and Disability Resource Centers
- Aging Well
Regional Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Center
Provides information, training, and guidance on disability access and Alabama disability services. One of 10 regional centers in the ADA National Network.
Developmental Disabilities Services
These agencies address the specific needs of people with developmental disabilities. They advocate for community inclusion and access to Alabama disability services.
- Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities
- Alabama Division of Developmental Disabilities
- The Arc of Alabama
Mental Health Services
These agencies address the specific needs of people with mental illness and promote mental health. Some agencies offer free or low-cost group counseling and education programs.
- Alabama Department of Mental Health
- WellStone Behavioral Health
- Alabama Council of Community Health Boards
- NAMI Alabama
Physical Disabilities Services
Free or low-cost Alabama disability services for people of all ages, including physical therapy, access to employment and education, support for independent living, and assistive technology.
Traumatic Brain Injury Services
Information and resources for individuals with traumatic brain injuries and their loved ones.
Addiction and Substance Abuse Services
Information and resources for people with substance abuse and their loved ones.
Low-Income Housing Services
Information and tools for locating affordable housing and access to public housing.
- Alabama Low-Income Housing
- Alabama Housing Finance Authority
- Alabama Legal Help/Public Housing & Section 8