About Us
Mission Statement
Our mission is to positively affect the quality of life for persons with intellectual disabilities by helping to ensure that appropriate and quality services are available and accessible throughout their lifespan.
History
In the early 1990's, interested people around the state began a concerted effort to improve services for individuals with intellectual disabilities. In 1994, AAWA began operations as the Tuscaloosa Mental Retardation Authority, a public not for profit organizations authorized under Act 310 of the Alabama Legislature. The agency was established in response to the Alabama Department of Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities efforts to improve community based services to individuals in the Tuscaloosa area. Responsibilities included planning, coordination and monitoring of community based services. In 2003, the agency assumed responsibility for these services for Bibb and Pickens County. In 2004, the agency changed its name to Ability Alliance of West Alabama. This name changed occurred as a result of the request by individuals served to remove the offensive term "mental retardation" from our name.
Services
Single Point of Entry into the Alabama Department of Mental Health’s Division of Intellectual Disabilities.
Assessment and evaluation for eligibility determination and placement on the State’s Waiting List for services from the Intellectual Disabilities Division and Medicaid Home and Community Based services.
Case Management and follow along services once approved and enrolled for services.
To make referrals to Ability Alliance of West Alabama, please contact the Call Center of the Alabama Department of Mental Health, Division of Intellectual Disabilities at
1-800-361-4491
If the referral is an emergency, you may also call the intake coordinator for assistance at 205-333-1577, ext. 227.
How can you make a difference?
Donations are tax-deductible and volunteer efforts may also be used by Ability Alliance to fund emergency and other supports and services to participants if needed. If you would like to make a difference through a donation or by volunteering please contact us.