Best of Birmingham-Disability Edition
For those of our friends that are local to the Birmingham area, you know there is something special about this place. But beyond the amazing restaurant scene and kind people and beautiful homes, our city is THRIVING in caring for people with disabilities. We want to share with all of you the places that have had an impact on our family in hopes that you can get connected to them as well. If you are new on the journey of disability parenting, check out this list. If you aren’t new to this journey and see any places we are missing, please reach out so we can add all of the amazing places serving our children and families in the Birmingham community.
If there is a star next to the organization, we have either experienced their amazing care personally, or have relationships with them…so please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions about the organizations we are specifically connected to.
*The Bell Center- The Bell Center is dedicated to maximizing the potential of children from birth to three years of age who are at risk for developmental delay.Here, infants and toddlers at risk for developmental delay receive services from transdisciplinary teams which include a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, a speech-language pathologist and an early childhood special education teacher as each child works on specific individual developmental goals.
*United Ability- We are a nonprofit that provides innovative services connecting people with disabilities to their communities and empowering individuals to live full and meaningful lives. We envision a world where disability is neither defining nor limiting and help unite people with unique abilities in achieving a successful future.
*Hand in Hand Early Learning Center- Hand In Hand Early Learning Program is a program for children from 6 weeks to 4 years of age. The program’s name reflects total environment rich in unique learning experiences. It is a place where children play, learn and grow together. Children of all abilities develop understanding, acceptance and compassion – a great foundation for future success.
*Unless U- Unless U is a non-profit organization committed to fostering the growth of adults with disabilities academically, spiritually, physically, socially, and vocationally. Our services create an environment that promotes independence.
Exceptional Foundation- The Exceptional Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was established in 1993 to serve individuals with special needs in the Greater Birmingham area by targeting social and recreational objectives not met by educational institutions or the community at large.
*The Is-Able Center- The Is-Able Center provides services that encourage, educate and empower. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities, their loved ones and caregivers. Our core services include social development, support groups, accessible computer labs, employment services and life skills / health & wellness classes.
Mitchell’s Place- Mitchell’s Place specializes in improving the lives of children affected by autism and other developmental disabilities, and also focuses on early learning for preschool aged children. We use quality diagnostic, educational and therapeutic services provided by highly skilled therapy teams to unlock each child’s potential. These teams work to remediate social, communicative, adaptive and academic functioning while simultaneously reducing and decelerating maladaptive behavior.
Arc of Central Alabama- The Arc of Central Alabama serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families through comprehensive and quality programming, advocacy efforts, education, and awareness, all in an effort to ensure each person affected by IDD has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential for the most independent life possible.
The HANDS Program- The HANDS Program opened its doors in 2006 to children diagnosed with autism and their families. We have provided one-on-one and small group behavioral therapy, as well as training and consultation services for over 10 years! We have since expanded our services to also include teen and adult groups, a Kinect sports program, a financial assistance program! At HANDS, we believe that it is not the diagnosis that matters. We focus on each person individually and help them reach their full potential.
*Premier South Therapy- From infant feeding therapy to preschool speech and language intervention, we aim to empower children by building a strong communicative foundation. We evaluate and treat dysphagia, articulation, voice, social skills, stuttering, and preschool language.
Triumph Services- Triumph provides independent living skills, employment, social skills training, and counseling for individuals with developmental disabilities.
*Capernaum Young Life- Young Life Capernaum gives young people with disabilities the chance to experience fun and adventure, to develop fulfilling friendships and to challenge their limits while building self-esteem through club, camp and other exciting activities.
Easterseals of Birmingham- Easterseals of the Birmingham Area’s mission is to create solutions that change the lives of children and adults with disabilities or other special needs … and their families.
Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama- Founded in 1971, the Epilepsy Foundation Alabama provides programs and services that support people and families impacted by epilepsy. With the strength of a national organization and network of epilepsy experts, EFAL provides national scope and local impact.
*Libby’s Friends- We know first hand how expensive it is to raise a child with special needs. Wheelchairs, adaptive equipment, and therapies can run thousands of dollars and are not always fully covered by insurance. While we are very thankful for insurance, there is a gap in coverage where these things are either not covered at all or the deductibles and copays put added stress to an already difficult situation. Our goal is to assist families who are in this financial gap. Let us take some of the burden off of your shoulders so you can enjoy life with your incredibly special family member.
*Red Mountain Grace- We are honored to provide safe, clean, and affordable apartments to patients and their families receiving long-term medical care at hospitals throughout the city of Birmingham.
Hand in Paw- Hand in Paw is Alabama’s premier Animal-Assisted Therapy provider and a national leader in this growing field. At Hand in Paw, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we train qualified animals and their owners to work as a team in therapeutic settings. HIP teams become heroes to people of all ages dealing with emotional and physical life challenges. These Therapy Teams deliver positive distraction, motivation, empathy and compassion in several facilities across Central Alabama and Tuscaloosa.
*Alabama Disability Advocacy Program (ADAP)- ADAP’s mission is to provide quality, legally-based advocacy services to Alabamians with disabilities in order to protect, promote and expand their rights. ADAP’s vision is one of a society where persons with disabilities are valued, exercise self-determination through meaningful choices, and have equality of opportunity.
*Birmingham AMBUCS- Birmingham AMBUCS is a nonprofit charitable organization with a diverse membership dedicated to inspiring mobility and independence through providing therapeutic tricycles for children and veterans with disabilities.
The Red Barn- The mission of The Red Barn is to provide educational, therapeutic, and equine-assisted programs benefiting individuals with disabilities and special circumstances, especially those living in low-income families.
*The Ability Clinic- The Ability Clinic provides complex primary care services and on-site specialty care for children and adults with disabilities or other complex medical conditions.
*ourHOME- We provide housing options for adults with cognitive disabilities so they can experience INDEPENDENCE, BELONGING, and the DIGNITY of maximizing their potential.
*Lakeshore Foundation- Lakeshore foundations mission is to provide opportunity for individuals with disability to live a healthy lifestyle through physical activity, research, advocacy and health promotion.
Children’s Harbor- (Specifically for medically complex children) Children’s Harbor has been providing unique services to seriously ill children and their families for over 30 years. Through extensive partnerships with illness-specific organizations, we provide accessible, state-of-the-art camp facilities at no cost. The Harbor Family Center, located at Children’s of Alabama, provides counseling and respite for thousands of children and families at no cost to families.
Businesses you should support that empower and employ people with disabilities:
*Unless U Scoops- The Mission of Unless U Scoops is to provide vocational training in a safe and fun work environment for the students of Unless U while serving the community with the sweetest of skills. Open Monday-Friday from 1-5pm. Grab an ice cream and empower a person with intellectual disabilities.
*Bitty & Beau’s- Bitty & Beau’s Coffee is a human rights movement disguised as a coffee shop, where people with intellectual & developmental disabilities are valued in the workplace. It’s a place where diversity isn’t just appreciated, it’s celebrated. Bitty & Beau’s Coffee proudly employs 400+ individuals with disabilities nationwide. Open in Homewood daily from 6:30am-5pm
*Community Naturals- Natural Home and Body scents made by the Special Needs Community. We are a community of special needs parents and advocates that make products that fight for others. Head to our SHOP to buy Community Naturals today.