Your One-Stop Source for Birmingham’s Kids with Special Needs. An abbreviated list of local and national resources and services made available to Alabama residents who have children with special needs.
Published: March 1, 2018
By: Birmingham Parent
Following is an abbreviated list of local and national resources and services made available to Alabama residents who have children with special needs. Several services are offered throughout the state for parents with children with disabilities, from inclusive school care programs to music and sports teams and classes.
If you know of an organization or service that should be included in the next special needs directory online and in the September 2018 special needs issue, please e-mail editor@birminghamparent.com or fax to 205-987-7600 for updating in the next directory.
Be sure to check out our Virtual Special Needs Expo section here!
INFORMATION
Ady’s Army
404-957-0090
Adysarmy.org
Serving God by serving special needs families.
Ainsley’s Angels
256-565-4132
http://www.ainsleysangels.org
A group of runners that assist those with disabilities to compete in road races by pushing them in our race chariots.
Alabama Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments
205-422-5826
http://www.aapvi.org
Provides educational, social and recreational opportunities for families with children who are blind or have low vision, including children with multiple disabilities.
Alabama Council for Developmental Disabilities
334-242-3973 or 800-232-2158
http://www.acdd.org
Provides educational resources for individuals with special needs and their families.
Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP)
205-348-4928
http://www.adap.ua.edu
Provides free legal services for disabled individuals who qualify.
Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections
205-943-5349
http://www.childrensaid.org/apac
APAC is a collaborative effort between Children’s Aid Society of Alabama and Alabama Department of Human Resources.
Autism Society of Alabama
877-428-8476 or 205-951-1364
http://www.autism-alabama.org
A nonprofit advocacy group with the mission of improving services for those on the Autism Spectrum.
Disability Rights & Resources
205-685-0570
http://www.drradvocates.org
We empower people with disABILITIES to fully participate in the community.
Magnolia Special Needs Planning
205-440-4624
http://www.magnoliawealthstrategies.com
Our mission is to help you make informed decisions to meet your protection and investment/income needs.
Parent Connection Network of Alabama
800-441-7607 or 334-293-7500
http://www.rehab.alabama.gov/crs
A statewide network of families who have children with special health care needs or disabilities and who are willing to share their experiences with other families.
United Way of Central Alabama – Information and Referral Center
205-251-5131
http://www.uwca.org
CHILDCARE/DAYCARE
Childcare Resources, Birmingham
205-945-0018 or 800-822-2734
http://www.ccr-bhm.org
Assists parents with children with special needs in locating childcare and information.
United Ability – Hand in Hand Early Learning Program
205-944-3939
http://www.unitedability.org
A learning program for children 6 weeks through age 4 for children with and without disabilities to maximize each child’s intellectual, physical and emotional health.
EDUCATION
Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind
256-761-3660
http://www.aidb.org
Alabama Parent Education Center
334-567-2252
http://www.alabamaparentcenter.com
APEC provides parent training, information, support to help them become meaningful participants in their children’s education and lives.
Community Outreach Special Education PTA
http://www.cosepta.org
The Community Outreach Special Education Parent Teacher Association is a member of the Birmingham Council of PTAs.
Down SyndromeAlabama
205-988-0810
http://www.downsyndromealabama.org
Promotes lifelong Awareness, Acceptance and Advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome. DSA C.A.R.E.S. (connections – actions- resources- education-support.)
Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama
251-341-0170, 800-626-1582
http://www.efala.org
Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama improves the quality of life for persons with seizures. Information, referrals, emergency assistance, community education, a camp for kids.
Family Voices of Alabama
877-771-3862
http://www.familyvoicesal.org
Family Voices of Alabama aims to achieve family-centered care for all children and youth with special health care needs and/or disabilities.
The Horizons School
800-822-6242
http://www.horizonsschool.org
The Horizons School is a post-secondary program that teaches independent living, social and career skills to young adults, ages 18-26, with learning disabilities.
Jefferson County Child Development Council Inc. HeadStart/Early HeadStart
205-379-6067
jcochran@jccdc.com
Liberty Park Children’s Dentistry
704-502-7798
http://www.libertyparkchildrensdentistry.com
We are a new start-up pediatric dental office in Liberty Park with a passion for providing exceptional oral health care for special needs children.
Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes
205-870-4181
http://www.lindamoodbell.com/location/birmingham-alabama-learning-center
Lindamood-Bell helps children & adults improve language processing and learning. Our intensive, research-validated, sensory-cognitive instruction has improved reading and comprehension for individuals with learning challenges including Dyslexia, ADHD and ASD.
PAL – Alabama’s Parenting Assistance Line
866-962-3030
http://www.pal.ua.edu
Provides helpful assistance to moms, dads, grandparents, and relatives whose children are age birth through adolescence.
Southeastern Diabetes Education Services
205-402-0415
http://www.southeasterndiabetes.org
Spring Valley School
205-423-8660
http://www.springvalleyschool.org
Spring Valley School’s mission is educating students with learning differences, such as dyslexia and ADH.
VSA Arts of Alabama
205-307-6300 ext. 3
http://www.vsaalabama.org
A statewide, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing opportunities in the arts for people with chronic illnesses and disabilities.
FINANCIAL/INSURANCE/LEGAL
Alabama Family Trust
205-313-3915
http://www.alabamafamilytrust.com
A nonprofit special needs trust that holds and administers money for children and adults with disabilities, including the elderly in nursing homes, to help become eligible and maintain government benefits such as Medicaid and SSI.
AllKids
888-373-5437
http://www.adph.org/allkids
Provides insurance for eligible children younger than 19.
BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama – SNE SPONSOR
http://www.alabamablue.com/NewFamily
Bradford & Holliman, LLC – SNE SPONSOR
205-663-0281
http://www.bradfordholliman.com
john@bradfordholliman.com
Melanie@bradfordholliman.com
Estate and long-term care planning for young families, blended families, the disabled, empty nesters & the elderly.
Medicaid of Alabama
866-452-4930
http://www.medicaid.alabama.gov
Special Needs Alliance
Katherine Barr, Sirote and Permutt
205-930-45147
kbarr@sirote.com
A nationwide educational organization for attorneys with advanced knowledge & experience in laws affecting persons with disabilities.
Be sure to check out our Virtual Special Needs Expo section here!
HEALTH AND REHABILITATION
4 Paws for Ability
937-374-0385
http://www.4pawsforability.org
Service dogs (including seizure dogs, autism dogs, hearing dogs, and others) are made available to help increase community acceptance and participation of people with disabilities.
Alabama Allergy and Asthma Center
205-871-9661
http://www.alabamaallergy.com
A leading provider for patients who suffer from allergies, asthma, and immunological disorders, as well as food and drug allergies. Six convenient locations – Homewood, Hoover, Alabaster, Chelsea, Cullman, and Trussville.
Alabama Head Injury Foundation
205-823-3818 or 800-433-8002
http://www.ahif.org
Alabama Pediatric Therapy Services LLC
205-274-2244
http://www.alpediatrictherapy.com
Alabama Pediatric Therapy Services LLC is a specialized outpatient clinic providing occupational and speech therapy to children with special needs.
Alabama Relay Center
800-676-3777
http://www.alabamarelay.com
Communication systems for the visually impaired and hearing impaired
The Arc of Central Alabama
205-323-6383
http://www.arcofcentralalabama.org
Focused on early intervention services for children from birth to three years and on day and residential programs for adults age 21 and older who have intellectual & developmental disabilities.
The Arc of Shelby County
205-664-9313
http://www.thearcofshelby.org
We provide programs, services and support for infants, children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Behavioral ONE
205-233-1414
http://www.behavioralone.com
An assessment and treatment center offering evidence-based services in behavior analysis, speech pathology and clinical psychology for children with Autism, developmental and learning disabilities.
The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs
205-879-3417
http://www.thebellcenter.org
Provides early intervention services including physical, occupational and speech therapies and early childhood special education to children 3 and younger with special needs.
BOOST Kids Occupational Therapy & Yoga
205-767-9207
http://www.boostbirmingham.com
We provide children with a “boost” towards independence through improved skills, learned strategies, environmental modifications, and caregiver education while always embracing their interests and passions.
Brookwood Baptist Health Five locations in Central Alabama
Brookwood Baptist Medical Center
Birmingham, AL
Citizens Baptist Medical Center
Talladega, AL
Princeton Baptist Medical Center
Birmingham, AL
Shelby Baptist Medical Center
Alabaster, AL
Walker Baptist Medical Center
Jasper, AL
http://www.bbhob.vom
With five hospitals throughout central Alabama, hundreds of specialists and countless ways to customize your experience, Brookwood Baptist Health is a community of care dedicated to making your new beginning a happy one.
The Charity League Hearing & Speech Center
205-638-9149
http://www.childresnal.org/hearingandspeech
Provides speech and audiology services to patients having or suspected of having any of the communication or hearing disorders possible in the pediatric population.
Child-Adolescent Partners, LLC
205-492-2426
http://www.childadolescentpartners.com
Provides evidence-based professional counseling services to children, adolescents and adults throughout central Alabama.
Child’s Play Therapy Center LLC – Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services
205-978-9939
http://www.childsplaytherapycenter.com
Occupational, physical, speech and music therapy, along with academic tutoring. Experienced loving staff and facility just for kids.
Children’s of Alabama – SNE PRESENTER
205-638-9100
http://www.childrensal.org
Children’s of Alabama has provided specialized medical care for ill and injured children since 1911, offering inpatient, outpatient, and primary care services throughout Alabama.
Children’s of Alabama Adolescent Medicine Clinic
205- 638-9231
http://www.childrensal.org
The Adolescent Health Center serves patients ages 11-21 years of age. Services include primary care, eating disorders, nutrition, reproductive health, acne and ADHD.
Children’s of Alabama Hearing and Speech
205-638-9149
http://www.childrensal.org
Diagnostic and rehabilitative speech/language and audiology services are provided to inpatients and outpatients suspected of having any of the communication or hearing disorders possible in the pediatric population.
Medical Autism Clinic and The Developmental Medicine Clinic
205-638-5277
http://www.childrensal.org
Medical Autism Clinic serves children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, offering a variety of special evaluations. Developmental Medicine Clinic serves children with concerns related to development, behavior, social skills & learning.
Children’s of Alabama Newborn Follow-Up Clinic
205-638-6966
http://www.childrensal.org
Provides follow-up care to children born less than 29 weeks and low birth weight, had major cardiac surgery, been on ECMO or cooling therapy. Special examinations to check developmental milestones.
Children’s of Alabama Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine
205-638-9790
http://www.childrensal.org
The Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine utilizes an interdisciplinary approach to manage conditions including cerebral palsy, spina bifida and acquired brain injury, among others.
Children’s of Alabama Regional Poison Control Center
1-800-222-1222
http://www.childrensal.org
Provides free and confidential medical advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We help prevent the poisoning, treat and advise on medication overdoses and make recommendations on treatment.
Disability Determination Services
800-772-1213
http://ssa.gov
Dr. Sory “Chuck” Shannon Pediatric & Adolescent Dentistry
205-582-4508
http://www.shannonchuckmd.com
Pediatric dentistry from infancy to college age. Our long-term and caring staff is very child-friendly, so trust us with child’s dental care.
Easter Seals Pediatric Therapy – SNE SPONSOR
205-314-2165
http://www.eastersealsbham.org
Provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy to children with special needs ages birth to 21 regardless of ability to pay for services.
Full Life Ahead
205-439-6534, 866-700-2026
http://www.fulllifeahead.org
The Full Life Ahead Foundation exists to provide hope, knowledge, encouragement and connections for families who have a teen or young adult with a disability, helping them live the most independent and productive life possible.
Glenwood, Inc.
205-969-2880
http://www.glenwood.org
Glenwood offers Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) which is a type of intensive therapy that focuses on the principles and techniques of learning theory to help improve social behavior.
Hands, LLC
205-951-1364
http://www.autism-alabama.org
Services include one-on-one behavior-based therapy for children 2 to 18, social skills groups, workshops and support groups.
Lakeshore Foundation
205-313-7400
http://www.lakeshore.org
Lakeshore offers adapted recreation, aquatics, fitness and athletic programs for children with a physical disability. For more about our activity, research and advocacy opportunities, visit lakeshore.org.
Liberty Park Children’s Dentistry
704-502-7798
http://www.libertyparkchildrensdentistry.com
We are a new start-up pediatric dental office in Liberty Park with a passion for providing exceptional oral health care for special needs children.
Medical West, affiliate of UAB Health System
205-996-9378
http://www.medicalwesthospital.org
Milestones Behavior Group, Inc.
205-253-6903
http://www.milestonesaba.com
Milestones Behavior Group, INC provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and speech & language services to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental and communication disorders.
Mitchell’s Place- SNE SPONSOR
205-957-0294
http://www.mitchells-place.com
Providing comprehensive, research-based, educational, social and therapeutic services for children, adolescents, and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities in a deeply caring environment.
National TeleTherapy Resources
844-NTR-LINK
http://www.ntrlink.com
NTR offers virtual speech and occupational therapy for students all over the country. By utilizing our top-notch technology and combining it with our dedicated therapists, linking students to their success has become a reality!
Pediatric Therapy Associates, Inc.
http://www.pediatricptot.com
205-823-1215
Providing outpatient pediatric physical and occupational therapy to children and teenagers with special needs, sports-related injuries, medical/pain issues and educational challenges across a variety of settings.
Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Dept.
Children’s of Alabama Hospital: 205-638-9645
Clinic: 205-638-6289
http://www.childrensal.org/physicaloccupationaltherapy.org
Provides hospital and outpatient therapy services for children to support development, movement, play and daily activities.
Precision Chiropractic
205-988-9848
http://www.precisionchiro-al.com
Precision Chiropractic provides neurologically based specific chiropractic care for the Greater Birmingham area. Our doctors specialize in the Gonstead method.
Service Dogs Alabama
334-462-2463
http://www.servicedogsalabama.com
Dedicated to providing trained medical and psychiatric service dogs to children and veterans with disabilities and school service dogs to educators.
The UAB Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine at Children’s of Alabama
205-638-9790
http://www.uab.edu/medicine/peds/rehab
Treats children with conditions affecting development and function, trains tomorrow’s healthcare professionals and performs research to improve the lives of children with disabilities.
Thrive Behavioral Services
205-624-2200
http://www.thrivebehavioralservices.com
Behavioral services for children diagnosed with Autism and/or other developmental disabilities.
United Ability
205-944-3944
http://www.unitedability.org
United Ability provides innovative services connecting people with disabilities to their communities and empowering individuals to live full and meaningful lives.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham – Civitan International Research Center, Sparks Clinics
205-934-8900 or 800-822-2472
http://www.circ.uab.edu
Provides an extensive range of interdisciplinary clinics offering comprehensive diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of the needs of children and adults.
University of Montevallo – Speech and Language Center
205-665-6730
Assists children with communicative problems in obtaining diagnostic and therapeutic services; training of students majoring in speech language pathology.
UNLESS U
205-215-5209
http://www.unlessu.org
Committed to serving adults with developmental disabilities and their families through continuing education, life skills, and social skills.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
334-293-7500 or 800-441-7607
http://www.rehab.alabama.gov
Be sure to check out our Virtual Special Needs Expo section here!
RECREATION
Adaptive Aquatics
205-807-7519
http://www.adaptiveaquatics.org
Provides opportunities for people to learn to water ski, no matter what their limitations.
AMBUCS Birmingham
205-823-7800
http://www.trykes.org
Provides custom therapeutic trykes to disabled children within a five-county area. Our bikes give these amazing children an opportunity to be mobile and independent while spending time with their families.
BIRMINGHAM ZOO
205-879-0409
http://www.birminghamzoo.com
Birmingham Zoo has worked to develop the Sensory Friendly Zoo Initiative to improve our capacity to serve visitors with sensory processing needs. For more information go to http://www.birminghamzoo.com/visitor-info/accessibility.
CAMP ASCCA – Easter Seals – Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults
256-825-9226
http://www.campascca.org
Easter Seals Camp for children and adults with special needs.
Camp WheezeAway
334-799-3449
http://www.campchandler.org, click on Camp WheezeAway
A free camp for children ages 8-12 with moderate to severe asthma.
C.A.S.T. for Kids
256-310-4323
http://www.castforkids.org
Established in 1991 with a mission to host quality, outdoor recreational fishing events for children with special needs.
Children’s Dance Foundation
205-870-0073
http://www.childrensdancefoundation.org
Movement to Music for school-age children with special needs is creative, includes a variety of colorful props and features live music.
Children’s Harbor
205-638-5948
http://www.childrensharbor.com
Serving seriously ill children and their families through unique no-cost services at the family center at Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children and the Lake MartinCamp Facility in Alexander City.
Dance Without Limits
251-610-4969
http://www.dancwwithoutlimitsfoundation.org
A 501c3 non-profit providing dance programs for children and young adults with special needs who may not otherwise have an opportunity to experience the joy of dance.
The Exceptional Foundation – SNE PRESENTER
205-870-0776
http://www.exceptionalfoundation.org
The Exceptional Foundation is a nonprofit organization that strives to meet the social and recreational needs of children and adults with special needs.
The Helen Keller School of Alabama Summer Assessment Camp
256-761-3251
http://www.aidb.org
This no-cost, six-day, life-skills camp is designed for students who are sensory impaired, multi-disabled, functioning significantly below grade level, and interested in enrollment into the HKS. Only twelve spaces are available.
Moody Miracle League
205-225-9444
http://www.moodymiracleleague.org
A full handicapped accessible baseball field for any special need player. More than 250 players ranging from 4-75.
The Music Room Music Education – Music Therapy
205-702-6074
http://www.themusicroomleeds.com
Drums and Disabilities is a unique percussion-based music therapy program currently serving a large majority of the special needs community in Alabama.
Oak Mountain Youth Baseball/Softball Challenger League
205-223-6461
http://www.omybs.org
Provides boys and girls with disabilities the opportunity to experience the emotional development and the fun of playing Youth League Baseball.
RoofTop Friends
334-244-1385
http://www.rooftopfriends.org
RoofTop Friends exists to love, serve, fellowship, share faith with those affected by disabilities by providing AL Family Retreat, fun activities, and other respite care.
Southern Breeze Travel
256-513-9874
http://www.southernbreeze.vacations
Planning the best vacation sometimes can be hard work. I specialize in resort travel, honeymoons, family vacations and travel for families with members with special needs.
Special Equestrians
205-987-9462
http://www.specialequest.org
Provides high-quality therapeutic horseback riding and equine assisted activities to persons with physical, cognitive, developmental and emotional disabilities.
RESPITE & SUPPORT
Aaron’s Staff Respite care Ministry
205-261-9914
http://www.aaronstaffrespite.org
Respite care at Aaron’s Staff means supporting the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of children with disabilities and their families.
Alabama Lifespan Respite Resource Network
256-859-4900
866-737-8252
http://www.alabamarespite.org
Works to create and connect family caregivers to quality respite resources.
Saint Mark United Methodist Church Respite
205-444-4696
http://www.saintmarkumc.org/#/our-ministries/respite-care
Shades Mountain Baptist Church Special Needs Ministry
205-822-1670
http://www.shades.org/connect/ministries/special-needs
A ministry providing assistance to special needs children, adults and the elderly.
Socks 4 Surgery
http://www.socks4surgery.com
Dedicated to providing a keepsake of a pair of socks; a reminder of overcoming the adversity of surgery.
SUPPLIES/SPECIALTY ITEMS/TOYS
Bath Fitter
205-876-1760
http://www.bathfitter.com
Bath Fitter addresses mobility issues by converting traditional tubs to easy access walk-in showers with safety bars.
BioTech Limb & Brace
205-324-7897 or 866-706-LIMB
http://www.biotechlimbandbrace.com
Biotech Limb and Brace has 6 fully certified orthotic and prosthetic practitioners serving Birmingham and Central Alabama for the last 15 years.
Elrod Mobility – SNE SPONSOR
800-693-5763
http://www.mytelrodmobility.com
We understand the freedom and independence the right mobility product can provide. Our associates are trained to take all the time necessary to ensure you get the mobility product that’s perfectly suited to your needs.
Griffin Mobility – SNE SPONSOR
256-751-1365
http://www.griffinmobility.com
Griffin Mobility is your source for wheelchair accessible vehicles, automotive adaptive equipment and home accessibility products. Family owned and operated for over 25 years.
Mobility Central – SNE SPONSOR
205-916-0670
http://www.mobilitycentralinc.com
Mobility Central employs a team of highly trained and caring medical equipment professionals dedicated to the wellbeing of our patients.
Teacher’s Pet
205-783-5437
http://www.shopteacherspet.com
Local teaching supplies including special needs, STEM resources and more.
Weighted Hearts
205-258-8415
http://www.facebook.com/weightedhearts/
Weighted Hearts offers weighted blankets as a unique alternative therapy to aid those needing relief from Anxiety, Autism, Bipolar Disorder, CHARGE, PTSD, Restless Legs, sleep difficulties and more.
TRANSPORTATION
Clastran
205-325-8787
http://www.clastran.com
Transports persons who are elderly (60-plus), disabled or traveling to or from a rural area in Jefferson or Shelby counties.
Kid One
800-543-7143, 205-978-1000
http://www.kidone.org
Kid One Transport provides transportation for any child in need of reaching care that will better them medically, mentally or physically when they are without means of transportation.
RESIDENTIAL
Montgomery Children’s Specialty Center
334-261-3445
http://www.montgomerychildrenscare.com
A preferred children’s nursing and rehabilitation facility in Montgomery, AL. Providing services to children with severe developmental disabilities that require ongoing nursing care.