Reviewed by: Sharron Swain
Help create an inclusive Alabama—13 organizations you need to know
Sponsored
April is Autism Acceptance Month—organizations and individuals across the world are celebrating spaces where everyone in the autism community feels connected, welcomed and loved.
To mark the occasion, we pulled together a guide to organizations that support individuals with behavioral and developmental health needs throughout the state.
1. Arts ‘n Autism
Serving preschool kids to young adults, Arts ‘n Autism focuses on sensory integration therapy for individuals with autism.
- Location: Tuscaloosa
- Age range: Preschool to young adults
- Specializes in: Sensory integration therapy
- Why it’s unique: Arts ‘n Autism uses music, art + fine motor activities.
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
2. The Bell Center for Early Intervention
The Bell Center maximizes the potential of children from birth to three years of age who are at risk for developmental delay and can serve as a useful resource for families with kids who may be on the spectrum.
- Location: Homewood
- Age range: Birth to three years old
- Specializes in: Therapy services for infants + toddlers with special needs, including autism
- Why it’s unique: The Bell Center is the only center-based early intervention provider in Alabama.
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
Advertisement
3. The Arc of Central Alabama
The Arc of Central Alabama serves 800+ people throughout Jefferson and Blount counties.
Supporting all ages for nearly 70 years, The Arc provides day programs, trainings, employment services and more for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Locations: Jefferson + Blount counties
- Age range: All ages
- Specializes in: Services for people with intellectual + developmental disabilities
- Why it’s unique: The Arc of Central Alabama is a non-reject program.
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
4. Easterseals Alabama
Easterseals Alabama has served children, adults, seniors and their families for 100+ years through job readiness, summer internship programs, therapy sessions and more.
- Locations: Anniston, Birmingham, Mobile, Montgomery, Muscle Shoals, Opelika, Selma, Tuscaloosa
- Age range: All ages
- Specializes in: Therapy + resources for autistic individuals, and people experiencing communication or physical challenges
- Why it’s unique: Easterseals Alabama has helped individuals + their families for 100+ years.
- Website | Facebook
5. KultureCity
DYK that one in four individuals has a sensory need or an invisible disability? These are individuals with PTSD, autism, dementia, strokes and more.
Knowing that sounds, lights or crowds might be overwhelming for many people, KultureCity creates programs and initiatives like mobile sensory stations, vehicles, portable bags and more.
- Location: Vestavia Hills
- Age range: All ages
- Specializes in: Resources for individuals with sensory sensitivities
- Why it’s unique: KultureCity has a mobile sensory bus that travels across the state.
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
Advertisement
6. Studio by the Tracks
For 35 years, Studio By The Tracks has hosted adult programs, as well as transitional programs for artists ages 16+ on the autism spectrum.
- Location: Birmingham
- Age range: 16+
- Specializes in: Art classes for adults with autism
- Why it’s unique: Studio By The Tracks provides all the materials—you just need to show up!
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
7. Glenwood
Glenwood is a premium provider of behavioral health care for children as young as 18 months old to adults in their senior years.
When a family walks through the doors and needs services, Glenwood wants them to reach their full potential. They support these families through 40 programs such as:
- Location: Birmingham
- Age range: 18-months-old to senior adults
- Specializes in: Behavioral health care for individuals with autism
- Why it’s unique: Glenwood provides day programs + full-time residential care.
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
8. D.A.T.S.M.O.M.
Having a child or family member experience developmental delays can be a lonely road, which is why organizations like D.A.T.S.M.O.M. (Disability as an Ability Toward Success: Moms on the Move) are crucial for building community.
- Location: Montgomery
- Age range: 18-months-old to senior adults
- Specializes in: Support + training for families of children on the autism spectrum
- Why it’s unique: D.A.T.S.M.O.M. offers resources + tools for families to become advocates for their children.
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
9. Mitchell’s Place
Mitchell’s Place is an inclusive, accredited preschool and outpatient clinic with a mission to improve the lives of children and families affected by autism and other developmental disabilities.
- Location: Birmingham
- Age range:
- Specializes in: Improving the lives of children affected by autism and other developmental disabilities
- Why it’s unique: Mitchell’s Place offers over 11 services with individualized treatment plans to help unlock each child’s potential.
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
10. Ady’s Big Army
At Ady’s Big Army, individuals with special needs can express themselves, work with others and accomplish goals—all while their families have others who understand what they’re going through.
- Location: Birmingham
- Age range: All ages + families
- Specializes in: A community focus for families with children with disabilities
- Why it’s unique: Ady’s Big Army allows bakers, jewelry makers + more to create handmade items and sell them.
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
Advertisement
11. Special Equestrians
Special Equestrians, Inc. seeks to enrich the lives of people with physical, cognitive or emotional challenges through a relationship with a horse.
- Location: Birmingham
- Age range: Ages 4+
- Specializes in: Therapeutic horse riding
- Why it’s unique: Founder Rita Mendel moved from New York + saw a need for therapeutic riding in Birmingham.
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
12. Mobile Bay ABA Autism Center
Serving children of all ages diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, this Mobile-area organization serves as a cornerstone for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy.
- Location: Mobile
- Age range: Children under 18
- Specializes in: Applied Behavior Analysis therapy
- Why it’s unique: Mobile Bay Autism Center offers one-on-one + group therapy sessions.
- Website
13. United Ability
Through early intervention, daycare programs, employment services and more, United Ability is upholding the vision of “a world where disability is neither defining nor limiting.”
- Location: Birmingham
- Age range: All ages
- Specializes in: Therapy, daycares + job placement for all ages
- Why it’s unique: United Ability serves nearly 6,000 individuals across the Birmingham area.
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
Acceptance recognizes people for their strengths, complexities and individuality. It’s a welcoming feeling, rather than a hostile one.
Take time to learn about these organizations and how they create a more inclusive Alabama.
Sponsored by:
Advertisement
