About Us

About


Created by the Alabama Legislature in 1994, the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS) is the state agency that serves Alabamians with disabilities from birth throughout their lives. Our “continuum of care” approach means that help is here at every stage of a person’s life.

Services are provided by our four main programs through 25 community offices, reaching residents in all 67 counties.

Click here to review ADRS Regulations and Notices

Programs


Early Intervention (EI) serves children from birth to age 3 by coordinating services statewide for infants and toddlers with developmental delays.

Children’s Rehabilitation Service (CRS) serves children and teens from birth to 21 with special health-care needs and their families.

Vocational Rehabilitation Service, our largest program, serves teens and adults to provide specialized employment- and education-related services and training. Programs within this division include:

  • VRS-Blind/Deaf program provides Blind Services, Deaf Services and OASIS (Older Alabamians System of Information and Services) programs.
  • Business Enterprise Program enables qualified blind individuals to achieve independence through self-employment, and partners with businesses to connect them with these reliable and cost-efficient vendors.
  • Business Relations Program works with thousands of Alabama businesses on disability-related issues, providing recruitment assistance, disability management, training, and employee retention services.
  • Lakeshore Rehabilitation Clinic in Birmingham is accredited by CARF (Council on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) and assists people with significant disabilities achieve their individual goals through vocational training, college, or directly to employment.

SAIL assists individuals with the most-significant disabilities, providing a wide range of education, assistive technology, training and home-based services to allow them more independence.

FAQs


The mission of the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services is “to enable children and adults with disabilities to achieve their maximum potential.

                                            Blueprint for the 21st Century
MISSION: TO ENABLE ALABAMA’S CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES TO ACHIEVE THEIR MAXIMUM POTENTIAL
We VALUE the worth, dignity and rights of people with disabilities and we will:
•	provide an easily accessible, integrated continuum of services;
•	ensure quality services that are family-centered, culturally sensitive, and community-based; promote and respect consumer choice regarding provision of services;
•	advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities and promote self-advocacy; 
•	include people with disabilities, their families and advocates in agency planning and policy development.
We VALUE independence and meaningful work for people with disabilities and we will:
•	educate families, children, employers, schools and the public that people with disabilities can and do work;
•	advocate for quality health services and community supports that enable people with disabilities to work and/or function independently;
•	develop, maintain and expand working relationships with employers;
•	identify and create job opportunities that are compatible with consumer abilities; foster cross-divisional collaboration to achieve successful work outcomes.
We VALUE all staff and their contributions in achieving our mission and we will:
•	communicate openly and honestly;
•	recruit, develop, retain and promote a diverse, qualified staff;
•	involve staff in agency planning, policy development, and performance objectives; recognize and reward exemplary job performance;
•	provide staff opportunities for personal and professional growth.
We VALUE leadership at all levels, and we will:
•	maximize staff participation in all agency initiatives;
•	create an environment which encourages and supports creativity and innovation; facilitate teamwork among all staff;
•	provide support and leadership development opportunities.
We VALUE maximum acquisition and efficient and effective management of resources and we will:
•	acquire maximum resources; increase legislative support;
•	develop and use appropriate technological advancements; evaluate the effective and efficient use of our resources; collaborate with organizations in the public and private sectors.
We VALUE public support, and we will:
•	educate the public about our mission, goals, services and expertise;
•	secure support from business and industry, consumers of services, partners and policymakers;
•	create partnerships that expand services to enhance opportunities for consumers; maximize staff involvement in the development of grassroots support.


                                        

Each program has different eligibility criteria, but generally each program is designed to assist people with disabilities and their families.

Types of services vary according to each program and may include assessments, environmental or equipment modifications, specialized therapies, family support and counseling, assistive technology, training and more. Our program staff works with each individual to find the best plan of action for their unique needs; often taking a multi-disciplinary approach working in tandem with other programs. One department. One Mission.

Not generally, but some programs may require a consumer to participate in the costs of a rehabilitation service.

Services are available in all 67 Alabama counties.

To apply or make a referral for services, contact the office serving your area by using the Office Locations feature of this website or call the ADRS toll free number: 800.441.7607

 Locations

ADRS State Office
602 S. Lawrence St.
Montgomery, AL 36104
P: (334) 293-7500
TFN: 800-441-7607
FAX: (334) 293-7383

800.441.7607

Americans with Disabilities Act


ADA Hotline

1-800-205-9986

1-888-574-2257 (TTY)