Who do I call first for disability services in Jefferson County, Alabama?

Start with early intervention (children under 3), your school district's special education office (ages 3–21), and Alabama vocational rehabilitation for employment. This guide points to the right front door for Jefferson County.

Is help available in Spanish in Jefferson County?

Yes. This Jefferson County guide includes Spanish-language support, and most Alabama agencies provide interpretation on request.

What should I do in a disability-related crisis in Jefferson County?

For an immediate emergency call 911. For mental health crisis support call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), available 24/7. This page also lists local crisis resources where available.

Disability Services in Jefferson County, Alabama

A free, plain-language guide to disability services in Jefferson County, Alabama. Find who to call first for early intervention, special education, Medicaid waivers, transition planning, employment supports, and crisis help — with Spanish-language support. Always call to confirm details, which can change.

Services covered in Jefferson County

Early intervention (under 3) and special education / IEPs (ages 3–21)
Medicaid waivers and home- and community-based services
Vocational rehabilitation and supported employment
Transition planning, guardianship, and benefits
Crisis support — 911 for emergencies, 988 for mental health crisis

Key contacts in Jefferson County

Jefferson County, Alabama DMH DD Call Center (your front door) — Your front door for developmental-disability services in Jefferson County is the Alabama DMH Developmental Disabilities Call Center. Contact: 800-361-4491 (DD Call Center) · mh.alabama.gov.
Disability Rights & Resources — The Center for Independent Living for Birmingham/Jefferson and 20 central-Alabama counties: independent-living skills, peer support, benefits and housing advoc… Contact: 205-251-2223 · drradvocates.org.
The Arc of Central Alabama — Jefferson County provider for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (Blount and Jefferson): day programs, residential, employment, and family… Contact: 205-323-6383 · arcofcentralalabama.org.
United Way Area Agency on Aging (Jefferson County) — The Area Agency on Aging for Jefferson County: information and assistance (AgeLine), benefits and caregiver support, in-home services, and connection to aging … Contact: 205-458-3330 · 800-243-5463 · uwaaa.org.
NAMI Birmingham — Local NAMI affiliate serving Jefferson County: free mental-health education, family and peer support groups, and an information line (205-913-4785). Contact: 205-515-6150 · namibham.org.
Alabama DMH, Developmental Disabilities Call Center — Your statewide front door for developmental-disability services. Contact: 800-361-4491 · mh.alabama.gov.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Free, confidential crisis support 24/7 for mental health and substance use crises. Contact: 988.
Alabama's Early Intervention System (AEIS) — Statewide early-intervention program for babies and toddlers (birth–3) with delays or disabilities: free evaluation and services. Contact: 1-800-543-3098 · rehab.alabama.gov/services/ei.
Alabama Dept. of Rehabilitation Services, VR — Helps people with disabilities prepare for, get, and keep a job: counseling, training, assistive technology, job placement, and student transition services. Contact: 800-441-7607 · rehab.alabama.gov.
Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP) — Alabama's federally designated protection and advocacy agency. Contact: 800-826-1675 · adap.ua.edu.

These listings are a navigation aid, not endorsements — always call first to confirm current details. The full interactive Jefferson County directory on this page lists 11 local and statewide resources with filters by category, age, and payer, plus registry-listed providers nearby.

See more Alabama disability resources or browse other counties from the Alabama portal.