Advocacy services are offered to individuals and to make changes in the community. Individual advocacy services assist people with disabilities to become self-advocates, to exercise one's rights or obtain services you need to be more independent. Systems advocacy involves changing the community to insure equal access for people with disabilities and to create options that promote independence.

Information and Referral Services (I&R) are offered over the telephone to people with disabilities, family members, businesses, professionals and the general public. I&R services provide the caller with information about disability related resources, rights, organizations, programs and services.

Peer Support services are offered to people with disabilities by people with disabilities. Peer support is offered to individuals and groups. Peers provide information, share their personal experience, listen, and help others solve problems. Peer support training is also offered.

Independent Living Skills training assists consumers learn what is needed to live more independently. Consumers learn new ways to take control over their lives through skill development and increased knowledge. Areas addressed are selected by the consumer and may include learning about community resources, self-advocacy, and managing a household or personal assistant.

Employment Services are available through the Projects with Industry Program. The Center assists consumers find jobs. Consumers learn job seeking skills, interviewing techniques, job retention skills, work incentives, employment rights, and how to maintain employment. Employers meet qualified job applicants, and learn about job accommodations, tax credits and other resources. Staff provides follow-up services for a minimum of 90 days following the date of hire.

Interpreting Services facilitate communication between deaf and hearing consumers in many different community settings. The Center uses qualified interpreters who hold a state of Alabama license or permit.

Staff Training is offered to businesses and organizations to better understand disability issues. Clients learn how they can accommodate their employees, customers, or clients with disabilities. Available on a fee for service basis.

Americans with Disabilities Act Consultation This service ranges from a comprehensive on-site survey with written recommendations to answering questions over the telephone. Available on a fee-for service basis.

Braille Services are offered to individuals, businesses, educational programs, and other organizations. Materials are proofread for accuracy. Binding services are available upon request.

Southeast Disabilities and Business Technical Assistance Center(SEDBTAC)­Alabama Affiliate . This service is offered to consumers, businesses, government agencies, schools, and non-profit organizations to promote voluntary compliance of the Americans with Disabilities Act(AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT). Services include technical assistance, information and referral, dissemination, training, and development of local networks throughout the state of Alabama. To access the SE-DBTAC website, click here.(www.sedbtac.org)

Home Modification Services assist people with disabilities make their homes more accessible by removing architectural barriers. Such modifications include ramp construction, widening doorways, installing grab bars, installing visual alarm systems, and others. Residents of Birmingham and Walker County may be eligible for a grant to pay for modifications. Design services are also available. To make a referral, click here(bilc@bellsouth.net).

Computer Lab/Internet Access is provided for consumers to learn independent living skills, write a resume, advocacy, surf the web or just become more comfortable operating a computer. Consumers can learn how to use specialized input and output devices and obtain advice before purchasing equipment. Individual and group demonstrations are available to consumers, family members, educators, employers, libraries, and other professionals.

Library materials are available to the public to learn more about disability issues. The Center maintains extensive publications regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act and Fair Housing Act. Certain items may be checked-out.

Homeless services are available for people with disabilities who have no permanent housing. Such services include personal assistance, interpreting services, independent living skills training, advocacy, and other independent living services.

E-Mail us at bilc@bellsouth.net