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Education

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Accessible College

  • Provides college preparation and transition support for students with physical disabilities and health conditions

  • Services include customized planning, training prep course, assistance with understanding and requesting college accommodations, managing medication and healthcare needs, and other additional supports

  • Training Course Overview

    • A self-paced program that equips parents, educators, and healthcare providers with essential skills and practical strategies to support students with physical disabilities and health conditions in navigating transitions, independent living, and personalized college planning for successful college experiences.

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Phone: 240-343-4304

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Email: info@accessiblecollege.com

 

Website: https://accessiblecollege.com

 

30 Minute Free Consultation Request: https://calendly.com/accessiblecollege/30min?month=2024-10

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Crossing Points 

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  • TIER 1  

    • https://crossingpoints.ua.edu/tier-1.html

    • PURPOSE: High school program involving a collaboration between Tuscaloosa County Schools, Tuscaloosa City Schools, and UA  

    • DURATION: up to 3 years (students age out of IEP services at 21) 

    • CURRICULUM: includes independent living skills, social skills, employment skills, and recreation activities  

    • COST: Free for participants and their families. Students are still enrolled in their respective school system  

    • TRANSPORTATION: provided by the program 

    • REFERRAL AND ELIGIBILITY  

      • Must be enrolled in either the Tuscaloosa City or County School Systems  

      • Ages 18-21, having completed all diploma pathway requirements  

      • Must have a disability and receiving services under an IEP  

      • Discuss application and referral process with Special Education Case Manager  

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  • TIER 2  

    • https://crossingpoints.ua.edu/tier-2.html

    • PURPOSE: summer program to support college age students with intellectual disabilities in exploring post-secondary education 

    • DURATION: June summer term 

    • CURRICULUM: blended CrossingPoints and University of Alabama curriculum tailored to individual interests  

    • LIVING ARRANGEMENTS: students reside at University of Alabama dorms  

    • REFERRAL 

    • Application provided on website 

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  • TIER 3 

    • https://crossingpoints.ua.edu/tier-3.html

    • https://education.ua.edu/crossingpoints-certificate-in-occupational-studies/ 

    • PURPOSE: non-degree certificate program for young adults with intellectual disabilities who are interested in pursuing post-secondary education at the University of Alabama  

    • CURRICULUM: 24 University credit hours, 10 CrossPoints specialized credit hours, and 54 internship hours  

    • COST: approximately $24,000 per semester (in-state)  

    • APPLICATION: applicants can access application portal to complete application and upload documentation  

    • MAJOR ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: 

      • Ages 19-26 

      • Have a documented intellectual disability  

      • Have received a high school diploma or certificate of completion  

      • Have the ability to maintain appropriate behavior, personal hygiene, and independence  

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Disability Scholarships

  • CRAIG H. NEILSEN FOUNDATION   

    • Scholarships for individuals with spinal cord injuries to attend select colleges and universities  

    • Website: https://chnfoundation.org/​

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ELEVATE

  • Partnership between Tuscaloosa County School System and Indian Rivers Behavioral Health to provide behavioral health, therapy, and crises intervention services to students enrolled in the program in an effort to promote a more successful educational environment 

  • Located at Lloyd Wood Education Center  

  • Referrals are made through the Tuscaloosa County School System 

    • Discuss with special education case manager for more information  

  • Website: https://www.irbh.org/services/child-and-family-services/elevate 

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IEP/504 Information

  • WHAT IS AN IEP? 

    • A special plan created for a student with disabilities to ensure they get the support and accommodations they need to succeed. 

  • WHO QUALIFIES FOR AN IEP? 

    • Any student who has a disability that affects their ability to learn and requires specialized instruction.  

  • WHAT IS A 504? 

    • A special plan created for a student with disabilities that needs accommodations but does not require specialized instruction 

  • WHO QUALIFIES FOR A 504? 

    • Any student who has a disability that limits one or more major life activities 

  • HOW CAN I REQUEST AN IEP OR 504 FOR MY CHILD? 

  • ADDITIONAL INFO 

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RISE Center 

 

  • Contact Information 

    • Mailing Address: PO Box 870305 

      Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 

    • Physical Address: 600 Johnny Stallings Drive 

      Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

  • The RISE Program is an early childhood education program that predominantly serves young children with disabilities while also including children who do not have disabilities.  

  • Enrollment Information 

    • Children with Disabilities  

      • Joylyn Boggs, Service Coordinator  

      • A meeting will be scheduled to tour the program, receive information regarding services offered, and to discuss the child's unique needs 

    • Children without Disabilities  

      • Families must attend a Traditional Learner Orientation before consideration for enrollment 

        • To sign up for an orientation, call 205-348-7931 

        • Held on the second Thursday of every month from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm  

      • Andi Gillen, Director  

        • 205-348-7931

        • To learn more about the opportunities to participate in the program 

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Shelton State Community College Office of Disability Services 

 

  • Contact Information 

     

  • REGISTRATION PROCESS  

    • Email Office of Disability Services to obtain forms to register for accommodations 

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Step 2 Adulthood 

  • Job readiness program provided by the Tuscaloosa County School System for students 18-21 still receiving IEP services  

  • Provides both in class job skills training and community based work opportunities  

  • Located at Lloyd Wood Education Center in Northport, AL  

  • Discuss application and referral process with student's special education case manger  

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Think College Programs
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Tips for College Accommodations

**Every college and university is different. These are generic tips that may help during the accommodations process, but please reach out to your specific school for more specific information.** 

 

DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS  

  • Documentation must be provided by a licensed medical or psychological healthcare professional. 

    • Statement of diagnoses  

    • Description of current symptoms and limitations (frequency, intensity, and duration) 

    • Possible accommodations recommendations may be taken into consideration  

  • IEP and 504 information can be used to supplement, but cannot be used to document disabilities on their own.  

 

SELF-ADVOCACY  

  • The student must identify themselves as a person with a disability to their college or university. Disability Services and instructors will not discuss accommodations with parents or other family members.  

  • When meeting with Disability Services, make sure to discuss accommodations that have been beneficial in the past.  

  • The student must discuss accommodations with instructors and advocate that the accommodations are being followed.  

  • The student must schedule tests to be taken in the testing center if this is an accommodation that they are receiving. They are not scheduled automatically!  

  • Accommodations must be requested every semester.  

 

COMMON ACCOMMODATIONS  

  • Accommodations are usually provided for in class assignments, quizzes, or tests. Assignments, papers, or projects that are completed outside of class typically do not apply, but can be discussed on an individual basis.  

  • Extended time on exams  

  • Distraction-reduced testing environment 

  • Note-taking assistance  

  • Wheelchair ramps and elevators  

  • Accessible seating arrangements 

  • Assistive technology  

  • Alternative formats for readings  

  • Priority registration  

  • Use of laptops if not typically allowed in class  

 

GENERAL PROCESS  

  • Complete application for accommodations 

  • Provide documentation of disability  

  • Meet with accommodations specialist to determine accommodation needs  

  • Provide instructors with letters outlining accommodations  

  • Utilize accommodations during the semester  

  • Register with Disability Services again every semester with new schedule and make any necessary changes to accommodations being provided. 

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University of Alabama 

ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS ​

  • https://ods.ua.edu/ 

  • Contact Information 

     

  • Process 

    • Consult Documentation Guidelines 

    • Complete ODS Application 

    • Upload Documentation  

    • Accommodations Specialist Reviews Documentation 

    • Send Accommodation Letters 

    • Meet with Instructors 

    • Follow Up as Needed 

     

  • Testing Center 

 

HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES ACCOMMODATIONS 

 

  • Service and Emotional Support Animals  

     

ACCESSIBILITY RESOURCES 

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Eagles Wings

  • https://www.ewitusc.org/

  • Contact Information:

  • Process:

    • Contact with interest for a specific program by using one of the sources above.​

  • Facility Day Habilitation:

    • ​Day Home Community Base Services includes: Planning Training Coordination Support

    • This program enable and increase independence, physical health, socialization and community integration.

      • This program is limited to 5 hours each day.​

  • Community Day Habilitation:

    • Services are regularly scheduled activities in non-residential settings, separate from the member’s residence or other residential living arrangement.

    • Activities focus on assistance with acquisition, retention, or improvement in self-help, socialization and adaptive skills that enhance social integration and outcomes.

      • This program is expected to be delivered in the community integrations activities designed to create an avenue of independence and autonomy. 

  • Residential Habilitation:

    • ​These services foster independence and community immersion by prioritizing privacy, dignity, and legal rights, such as managing personal resources and holding standard leases.

    • The program ensures individuals have full physical access to their communities and the freedom to lead their own goal-setting processes.

    • Individuals are supported in finding meaningful work, whether through independent employment, job coaching, or small group settings, to leverage their unique abilities in the professional world.

  • Small Group Employment:

    • ​Supported employment - individual employment supports- may also include support to establish or maintain self-employment, including home-based self-employment.

    • Supported employment services are individualized and have many variations fit for each individual

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Autism Support of Alabama

  • https://autism-alabama.org/

  • Contact Information:

  • Camp Frog Information:

    • ​Traditional camp activities in an adaptive setting.

    • Fellowship with families from across Alabama.

    • Open to Alabama families affected by autism for campers 6 to 55.​

    • Spring Camp (March 14-16) May Camp (May 2-4) Fall Camp (September 12-14/September 19-21)

    • Camp Frog Process:

      • Click the link to begin an application​

      • There is a $25 non-refundable application fee per family (ONLY 4 people including ASD camper allowed per group)

      • If you are selected you will receive a confirmation email that will include details regarding your camp weekend

  • Family Grants Information:

    • ​Autism Support of Alabama offers family grants to help alleviate financial burdens for families with loved ones diagnosed with autism.

      • These grants provide reimbursement of up to $400 for various ASD-related expenses.

    • Family grants are available during two grant cycles each year. Applications are accepted from November 1-30 and May 1-31. Recipients are chosen through a lottery system.

      • Please note that applications received outside these dates will not be considered.

    • Family Grants Process:

      • ​To apply for a family grant, please complete the application form here.  

      • You will need to upload receipts or invoices for all categories that show a minimum of $400 during the application process. 

      • All documentation must be dated between January 1, 2025 up until present.  All fields in the application must be completed and all required documents must be attached to be entered in the lottery.  

        • If the section does not apply to you and has a red asterisk by it put N/A in the field.

  • Post Secondary Scholarships Information:

    • ​Autism Support of Alabama offers post-secondary scholarships to individuals with a formal diagnosis of autism.

    • These scholarships provide financial support up to $1000 for those enrolled in or accepted to a post-secondary program.

    • Eligibility:

      • ​Formal diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

      • Enrollment or acceptance letter to a college, university, vocational/technical school, or day/job training program.

    • Post Secondary Scholarships Process:

      • Click link to begin application.

      • Applications available from April 1 through April 30.

      • ASA scholarship committee reviews each application.

      • Recipients will be notified.

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ADA National Network

  • https://adata.org/

  • ​Contact Information:​

  • ADA Overview:

    • ​The Americans with Disabilities Act is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and ensures equal rights and opportunities in areas such as employment, education, transportation, public accommodations, government services, and telecommunications.

    • Title I: 

      • Ensures individuals with disabilities have equal access to employment opportunities and benefits, requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodations so qualified applicants or employees can apply for jobs and perform essential job functions.

    • Title II:

      • ​Prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities in all programs, services, and activities of state and local governments, including public transportation systems.

    • Title III: 

      • Prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in private places of public accommodation, such as hotels, restaurants, retail stores, medical offices, schools, gyms, stadiums, and movie theaters.

    • Title IV:

      • ​Requires telephone and Internet companies to provide nationwide telecommunications relay services so individuals with hearing or speech disabilities can communicate by phone.

    • Title V:

      • ​Contains general provisions that apply to the ADA as a whole, including its relationship to other laws, state immunity, insurance and benefits, and attorney’s fees.

  • Process:

    • To get involved reach out via email or phone.​


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Libby's Friends

  • https://libbysfriends.org/

  • Contact Information 

  • Overview:

    • ​Raising a child with special needs is costly with wheelchairs, adaptive equipment, and therapies can total thousands of dollars

    • Insurance helps, but many expenses aren’t fully covered, leaving families with high deductibles and copays

    • This coverage gap adds stress to an already challenging situation

    • Our goal is to support families facing this financial gap

  • Events:

    • Libby's Friends Baseball Tournament (May 1-3)​

      • ​Help us hit a homerun as we host a baseball tournament.  Geared towards coach-pitched aged baseball teams, we look for this to be a fundraiser coupled with a great weekend of competition as teams prepare for their summer seasons.

    • Libby’s Friends Golf Tournament & Silent Auction (May 18)

      • ​Grab your favorite foursome and come attend our 6th annual golf tournament.  

      • Held at Highland Park Golf Course, we will be offering both a morning and afternoon wave of golf.

        • Also included in this event is a silent auction.  

        • Attempt to hit a hole in one on the course, or snag fantastic items for your family at our silent auction.

    • Libby’s Friends at the Birmingham Barons (Mid-August)

      • Meeting with Libby’s Friends Board, Associate Board members as well as families that we have helped.  

      • We love getting to see our new friends and the community that LF has created.  

        • Contact Lane Hagan for more information regarding this event.

    • Franks ‘N Steins (October 17)

      • 4th Annual fall festival event that includes trick-or-treating, dunk tank, costume contests, various games and face painting for children, a stein-hoisting competition and everyone’s favorite - a hot dog eating competition.​

  • Process

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Disability Rights & Resources

  • https://drradvocates.org/

  • Contact Information: 

  • Overview:

    • ​Disability Rights and Resources’ mission is to empower people with disabilities to fully participate in the community.

    • Encouraging people with disabilities to support one another in reaching their own independent living goals.

    • Promoting equal access and disability rights through advocacy and public awareness activities.

  • Process

    • ​Contact the team by filling out the form or calling the phone number listed above. ​

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Best Buddies

  • https://www.bestbuddies.org/alabama/

  • Contact Information 

    • 100 Southeast Second St, Suite 2200 Miami, FL 33131  

    • 1-800-8928339

  • Process

    • ​Fill out application form​

  •  Programs:

    • One-to-One Friendships​

      • ​Fosters one-to-one friendships between individuals with and without IDD

      • Supports social and emotional development during a critical stage of adolescence

      • Helps break down social barriers that are challenging even for teens without IDD

    • Leadership Development

      • ​Educates and empowers people with and without IDD

      • Develops leaders, public speakers, and self-advocates

      • Encourages participants to lead inclusion efforts in their communities and beyond

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Mobility Works

  • https://www.mobilityworks.com/

  • Contact Information: 

  • Overview:

    • ​Largest selection of wheelchair-accessible vehicles available through our industry-leading Buy Now Program

    • Buy Now makes it easy to find the right solution: select it, buy it, love it — or return it within 5 days if it’s not the right fit

    • Extensive inventory of converted SUVs, minivans, full-size vans, and adaptive solutions

    • Access to the latest technology and newest innovations in adaptive equipment Vehicles are crash-tested and converted by trusted brands: BraunAbility, Driverge Vehicle Innovations, and VMI

    • Over 90 locations nationwide with the largest in-stock inventory to meet both mobility and financial needs

  • Process

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The Horizons School

  • https://horizonsschool.org/

  • Contact Information:

  • Programs:

    • READI Career​

      • ​Acquire essential soft skills for job success

      • Investigate occupational areas of interest

      • Explore Department of Labor (DOL) Career Clusters

      • Practice prevocational skills through simulated workplace experiences

      • Observe employee roles and responsibilities through community-based job shadowing

    • READI College

      • Complete admissions, financial aid applications, and placement tests

      • Develop skills for classroom success

      • Navigate the campus and classroom environment

      • Strengthen time management and organizational skills to complete assignments

      • Communicate effectively with instructors and academic advisors

      • Participate in weekly one-on-one support and tutoring

    • Community Transition Program

      • Optional third-year program designed to increase independence

      • Transition from direct residential supervision to a graduated system of supported living, employment, and personal management services

      • Engage in jobs or college courses during the day

      • Return to campus for evening classes

      • Attend courses that reinforce and expand previously learned skills

      • Participate in weekly advising sessions

    • Contracting Services:

      • Individualized Contracted Support:

        • Ongoing services for adults in Career Services, Supported Living, College Support Services, Social Club, or Functional Literacy, delivered in the home, workplace, and community. Families contract monthly or by trimester based on demonstrated need. (Available exclusively to Horizons School graduates.)

      • Independent Living & Daily Skills:

        • Supported Living helps adults living independently strengthen Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as maintaining a safe home, grocery shopping, meal planning, bill paying, and health and hygiene management.

      • Education & Employment Support:

        • Career Services assist with job exploration, applications, resumes, interviews, workplace communication, and self-advocacy, while College Support Services help adults navigate postsecondary education, accommodations, executive functioning, and communication with instructors and advisors.

      • Community & Functional Skills Development:

        • Social Club offers structured social and recreational outings to build communication and negotiation skills, and Functional Literacy focuses on practical reading, math, and money skills to support independence and employability.

  • Process:

    • ​Fill out application​

    • Application review by team

    • Interview by team

    • Admissions decision notified 2 weeks after interview 

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Unless U 

  • https://www.unlessu.org/

  • Contact Information:

    • 737 Chestnut Street, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216

    • Contact Form

    • (205) 460-1550

  • Overview:

    • Non-profit organization dedicated to supporting adults with disabilities

    • Focuses on academic, spiritual, physical, social, and vocational growth

    • Provides an environment that promotes independence

    • Offers programming in academics, electives, life and social skills, and job training

    • Big events such as Unless U Got Talent, Unless U Drama Company, and Railway and Half Marathon.

  • Process:

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BlueSpot.VIP

  • https://bluespot.vip/

  • Contact Information:

  • Overview:

    • ​Purpose:

      • BlueSpot.VIP is a web app designed to support drivers who need accessible parking.

    • How It Works:

      • Volunteers use their smartphones to report accessible (handicapped) parking violations by taking photos and submitting them through BlueSpot.VIP.

    • Law Enforcement Access:

      • Submitted violations are made available online to local law enforcement agencies, allowing officers to review photos and, when reported in near-real time, potentially issue warnings or citations.

    • Get Involved:

      • Individuals can sign up as volunteer Reporters via the Register page, and law enforcement agencies can request a software demonstration by contacting BlueSpot.VIP.​

  •  Process:

    • Sign up as Law Enforcement Agency here​

    • Sign up as Volunteer Reporter here

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No Limit Lily Foundation

  • https://www.nolimitlily.org/

  • Contact Information:

  • Overview:

    • Provides education and advocacy for a more accessible Alabama

    • Creates inclusive, memorable family experiences without accessibility barriers

    • Serves as a voice for equality for children with accessibility needs

    • Promotes independence and confidence through community education and accessibility-focused events

    • GRANTS 

      • coming soon, fill out form to join waitlist.​

    • The Rolling Pumpkin Patch

      • Annual Rolling Pumpkin Patch event has grown over four years, serving more than 1,000 people in 2024

      • Expanded to include field trip days for local schools, ensuring special needs students can participate

      • Serves as a symbol of the foundation’s commitment to inclusion and breaking down accessibility barriers

      • Drives the mission to provide accessibility support, educational opportunities, and life-enriching experiences for individuals with mobility challenges

  • Process:

    • ​Contact via form​

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