If you’re seeking resources to address disability discrimination in Alabama, there are several state and national organizations that provide advocacy, legal assistance, and support. Here’s a detailed list:
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### **1. Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP)**
- **Purpose**: A federally funded protection and advocacy program for individuals with disabilities in Alabama.
- **Contact**:
- **Phone**: **1-800-826-1675**
- **Website**: [adap.ua.edu](https://adap.ua.edu)
- **Details**:
- Offers legal representation and advocacy for individuals facing discrimination.
- Provides assistance with education, employment, housing, and public access issues.
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### **2. Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS)**
- **Purpose**: Supports individuals with disabilities in achieving independence and employment.
- **Contact**:
- **Phone**: **1-800-441-7607**
- **Website**: [rehab.alabama.gov](https://www.rehab.alabama.gov)
- **Services**:
- Employment support for people with disabilities.
- Advocacy for workplace accommodations.
- Support for those facing discrimination in vocational settings.
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### **3. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) – Birmingham District Office**
- **Purpose**: Enforces federal laws prohibiting disability discrimination in the workplace.
- **Contact**:
- **Phone**: **1-800-669-4000**
- **Local Office**: **205-651-7030**
- **Website**: [eeoc.gov](https://www.eeoc.gov)
- **Details**:
- File a charge of discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Mediation and legal assistance for employment-related disability discrimination.
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### **4. Disability Rights & Resources**
- **Purpose**: Provides services and advocacy for independent living and disability rights in Alabama.
- **Contact**:
- **Phone**: **1-800-682-7453**
- **Website**: [drradvocates.org](https://www.drradvocates.org)
- **Services**:
- Advocacy for individuals experiencing discrimination.
- Resources for accessibility and community living.
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### **5. Alabama Legal Services**
- **Purpose**: Offers free or low-cost legal services for low-income individuals, including those facing discrimination.
- **Contact**:
- **Phone**: **1-866-456-4995**
- **Website**: [legalservicesalabama.org](https://www.legalservicesalabama.org)
- **Details**:
- Legal advice and representation for disability discrimination cases.
- Support for housing, employment, and public access issues.
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### **6. Office for Civil Rights (OCR) – U.S. Department of Education**
- **Purpose**: Ensures that educational institutions comply with federal disability laws, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
- **Contact**:
- **Phone**: **1-800-421-3481**
- **Website**: [ed.gov/ocr](https://www2.ed.gov/ocr)
- **Details**:
- Investigates disability discrimination in schools, colleges, and universities.
- Offers guidance on filing complaints regarding educational access.
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### **7. Alabama Department of Education (Special Education Services)**
- **Purpose**: Protects the rights of students with disabilities in Alabama’s public schools.
- **Contact**:
- **Phone**: **334-694-4900**
- **Website**: [alsde.edu](https://www.alsde.edu)
- **Details**:
- Advocacy for students with disabilities under IDEA and Section 504.
- Support for parents navigating discrimination issues in schools.
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### **8. Southeast ADA Center**
- **Purpose**: Provides training and technical assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the Southeast region, including Alabama.
- **Contact**:
- **Phone**: **1-800-949-4232**
- **Website**: [adata.org](https://www.adata.org)
- **Details**:
- Information and resources on ADA rights and responsibilities.
- Free consultation for individuals and employers regarding accommodations.
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### **9. Alabama Disability Advocacy Coalition (ADAC)**
- **Purpose**: Grassroots organization focused on disability rights and policy advocacy.
- **Contact**:
- **Website**: [alabamadisabilityadvocacycoalition.org](https://alabamadisabilityadvocacycoalition.org) (Check for local chapters).
- **Details**:
- Advocacy for systemic change in disability discrimination policies.
- Community engagement and resources for individuals.
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### **10. National Resources Applicable in Alabama**
- **Job Accommodation Network (JAN)**:
- **Website**: [askjan.org](https://www.askjan.org)
- Provides guidance on workplace accommodations and disability rights.
- **Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF)**:
- **Website**: [dredf.org](https://www.dredf.org)
- Advocacy and legal guidance on disability discrimination issues.
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### **Steps to Address Disability Discrimination:**
1. **Document the Incident**:
- Keep detailed records of discriminatory actions, including dates, witnesses, and communication.
2. **Seek Legal Advice**:
- Contact ADAP or Legal Services Alabama for guidance on filing complaints.
3. **File a Complaint**:
- Workplace: File with the EEOC.
- Education: File with OCR or contact the Alabama Department of Education.
4. **Advocate for Your Rights**:
- Use ADA and Section 504 laws to request reasonable accommodations or address violations.
Let me know if you need additional help or further details!