Alabama
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The state motto of Alabama is "We Dare Defend Our Rights," including the rights of individuals with disabilities to have real employment opportunities at competitive wages.
2013 to 2014
2013 to 2014
2013 to 2014
2013 to 2014
2013 to 2014
General |
2012 | 2013 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population. | 4,822,023 | 4,833,722 | 4,849,377 |
| Number of people with disabilities (all disabilities, ages 18-64). | 436,803 | 419,282 | 422,549 |
| Number of people with disabilities who are employed (all disabilities, ages 18-64). | 116,875 | 113,656 | 114,928 |
| Number of people without disabilities who are employed (ages 18-64). | 1,770,431 | 1,781,281 | 1,791,279 |
| Percentage of working age people who are employed (all disabilities). | 26.76% | 27.11% | 27.20% |
| Percentage of working age people who are employed (NO disabilities). | 70.80% | 70.51% | 71.29% |
| Overall unemployment rate. | 8.00% | 7.20% | 6.80% |
| Poverty Rate (all disabilities). | 24.90% | 23.80% | 25.10% |
| Poverty Rate (NO disabilities). | 17.80% | 17.80% | 18.20% |
| Number of males with disabilities (all ages). | 369,003 | 351,158 | 367,873 |
| Number of females with disabilities (all ages). | 409,040 | 406,671 | 408,575 |
| Number of Caucasians with disabilities (all ages). | 539,990 | 530,814 | 553,359 |
| Number of African Americans with disabilities (all ages). | 214,534 | 201,737 | 198,318 |
| Number of Hispanic/Latinos with disabilities (all ages). | 9,568 | 11,349 | 11,801 |
| Number of American Indians/Alaska Natives with disabilities (all ages). | 5,961 | 5,141 | 5,289 |
| Number of Asians with disabilities (all ages). | 2,483 | 3,966 | 3,784 |
| Number of Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders with disabilities (all ages). | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Number of with multiple races disabilities (all ages). | 13,143 | 12,571 | 12,370 |
| Number of others with disabilities (all ages). | 1,521 | 3,427 | 3,060 |
SSA OUTCOMES |
2012 | 2013 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of SSI recipients with disabilities who work. | 3,478 | 3,376 | 3,466 |
| Percentage of SSI recipients with disabilities who work relative to total SSI recipients with disabilities. | 2.10% | 2.00% | 2.10% |
| Old Age Survivor and Disability Insurance (OASDI) recipients/workers with disabilities. | 233,849 | 237,304 | 236,857 |
MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES |
2012 | 2013 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of mental health services consumers who are employed. | 8,197 | 6,635 | 5,943 |
| Number of mental health services consumers who are part of the labor force (employed or actively looking for employment). | 23,230 | 17,786 | 16,224 |
| Number of adults served who have a known employment status. | 74,821 | 58,284 | 53,429 |
| Percentage of all state mental health agency consumers served in the community who are employed. | 11.00% | 11.40% | 11.10% |
| Percentage of supported employment services evidence based practices (EBP). | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Percentage of supported housing services evidence based practices (EBP). | 0.40% | 0.40% | 0.50% |
| Percentage of assertive community treatment services evidence based practices (EBP). | 1.60% | 1.80% | 1.80% |
| Percentage of medications management evidence based practices (EBP). | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Number of evidence based practices (EBP) supported employment services. | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Number of evidence based practices (EBP) supported housing services. | 289 | 264 | 311 |
| Number of evidence based practices (EBP) assertive community treatment services. | 1,079 | 1,084 | 1,055 |
| Number of evidence based practices (EBP) medications management. | N/A | N/A | N/A |
WAGNER PEYSER OUTCOMES |
2012 | 2013 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of registered job seekers with a disability. | 7,075 | 7,855 | 8,415 |
| Proportion of registered job seekers with a disability. | 0.02 | 0.02 | 0.02 |
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OUTCOMES (ADULTS) |
2011 | 2012 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total number of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work served by Job Training and Partnership Act/Workforce Investment Act programs. | 34 | 50 | 55 |
| Total number of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work who entered unsubsidized employment. | 20 | 17 | 22 |
| Percentage of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work who entered unsubsidized employment relative to total the number of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work. | 59.00% | 34.00% | 40.00% |
| Incidence rate of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work who entered unsubsidized employment per 100,000 individuals in the general state population. | 0.42 | 0.35 | 0.46 |
VR OUTCOMES |
2013 | 2014 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number of people served under VR. |
7,462 |
N/A |
N/A |
| Number of people with visual impairments served under VR. | 460 | N/A | N/A |
| Number of people with communicative (hearing loss, deafness) impairments served under VR. | 843 | N/A | N/A |
| Number of people with physical impairments served under VR. | 1,331 | N/A | N/A |
| Number of people cognitive impairments served under VR. | 3,022 | N/A | N/A |
| Number of people psychosocial impairments served under VR. | 1,439 | N/A | N/A |
| Number of people with mental impairments served under VR. | 367 | N/A | N/A |
| Percentage of overall closures into employment under VR. | 41.90% | N/A | N/A |
| Number of employment network (EN) and vocational rehabilitation (VR) tickets assigned. | N/A | 8,199 | 4,720 |
| Number of eligible ticket to work beneficiaries. | N/A | 345,848 | 345,409 |
| Total number of ID closures using supported employment services with or without Title VI-B funds expended (VI-C prior to 2002). | 253 | N/A | N/A |
| Total number of ID competitive labor market closures. | 491 | N/A | N/A |
IDD OUTCOMES |
2011 | 2012 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dollars spent on day/employment services for integrated employment funding. | $2,768,000 | $2,727,000 | $2,501,000 |
| Dollars spent on day/employment services for facility-based work funding. | $494,000 | $489,000 | $1,003,000 |
| Dollars spent on day/employment services for facility-based non-work funding. | $53,627,000 | $54,833,000 | $54,120,000 |
| Dollars spent on day/employment services for community based non-work funding. | N/A | N/A | $0 |
| Percentage of people served in integrated employment. | 5.00% | 5.00% | 4.00% |
| Number of people served in community based non-work. | N/A | N/A | 0 |
| Number of people served in facility based work. | 50 | 49 | 102 |
| Number of people served in facility based non-work. | 4,646 | 4,590 | 4,577 |
| Number supported in integrated employment per 100,000 individuals in the general state population. | 5.20 | 4.80 | 4.40 |
EDUCATION OUTCOMES |
2011 | 2012 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percent of children with IEPs aged 6 through 21 served inside the regular class 80% or more of the day (Indicator 5a). | 83.51% | 84.82% | 83.83% |
| Percent of children with IEPs aged 6 through 21 served inside the regular class less than 40% of the day (Indicator 5b). | 6.68% | 6.68% | 6.79% |
| Percent of children with IEPs aged 6 through 21 served in separate schools, residential facilities, or homebound/hospital placements (Indicator 5c). | 1.56% | 1.56% | 2.73% |
| Percent of youth with IEPs aged 16 and above with an IEP that includes appropriate measurable postsecondary goals (Indicator 13). | 99.91% | 100.00% | 99.98% |
| Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were enrolled in higher education within one year of leaving high school (Indicator 14a). | 19.60% | 24.90% | 22.24% |
| Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were enrolled in higher education or competitively employed within one year of leaving high school (Indicator 14b). | 40.20% | 60.70% | 62.35% |
| Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were enrolled in higher education or in some other postsecondary education or training program; or competitively employed or in some other employment within one year of leaving high school (Indicator 14c). | 45.50% | 68.80% | 76.36% |
| Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were competitively employed within one year of leaving high school (Subset of Indicator 14). | 20.60% | 35.76% | 40.11% |
ABILITYONE/JWOD PROGRAM |
2014 |
|---|---|
| Number of overall agency blind and SD hours. | 1,613,485 |
| Number of overall total blind and SD workers. | 1,408 |
| Number of AbilityOne blind and SD hours (products). | 297,988 |
| Number of AbilityOne blind and SD hours (services). | 882,262 |
| Number of AbilityOne blind and SD hours (combined). | 1,180,250 |
| Number of AbilityOne blind and SD workers (products). | 196 |
| Number of AbilityOne blind and SD workers (services). | 610 |
| Number of AbilityOne blind and SD workers (combined). | 806 |
| AbilityOne wages (products). | $2,732,728 |
| AbilityOne wages (services). | $11,470,273 |
WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION: 14(c) CERTIFICATE-HOLDING ENTITIES OUTCOMES |
2014 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Number of 14(c) certificate-holding private businesses. | 0 | 0 |
| Number of 14(c) certificate-holding school work experience programs (SWEPs). | 0 | 0 |
| Number of 14(c) certificate-holding community rehabilitation programs (CRPs). | 29 | 29 |
| Number of 14(c) certificate holding patient workers. | N/A | 0 |
| Total Number of 14(c) certificate holding entities. | N/A | 29 |
| Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding private businesses. | N/A | 0 |
| Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14 (c) certificate holding school work experience programs (SWEPs). | N/A | 0 |
| Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding community rehabilitation programs (CRPs). | N/A | 2,071 |
| Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding patient workers. | N/A | 0 |
| Total reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding entities. | N/A | 2,071 |
Alabama SB 226 - 06/04/2015
"The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2014 established Section 529A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, to allow families and individuals to save for disability-related expenses of a disabled individual in a federal tax-advantaged account...This bill would include ABLE in the legislative intent...to provide for the ABLE Program; provide for definitions relating to the ABLE Program; would provide for the income tax exemption eligible to the ABLE Program; and provide appropriations for Fiscal Year 2015 for development and implementation of the ABLE Program."
"The Legislature of Alabama intends to establish a qualified ABLE Program in this state which will encourage and assist Alabama individuals and families in saving private funds for the purpose of supporting Alabama citizens with disabilities."
- Other
- Asset Development / Financial Capability
Governor's Office on Disability - Mission Statement (2008) - 12/30/2006
The Governor’s Office on Disability (GOOD) was created by Executive Order Number 43 in 1999 (re-established with Governor Bentley’s Executive Order 15 in 2011). It was formed to serve as a statewide clearing house for information on disability and resources in Alabama. Its other major function is to act as a liaison to the Governor’s Office on disability issues. GOOD’s mission statement was revised in 2008 to include “facilitate the inclusion of Alabamians with disabilities in education, employment, housing, transportation, health care, and leisure.” The mission statement does not specifically mention employment. GOOD has two “annual reports” (covering two years each) available, but these do not specifically mention Employment First concepts either.
- Other
Alabama Division of Developmental Disabilities - Report: State Employment Leadership Network (SELN) [2/2015] - 02/27/2015
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
State Plan for the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program and State Plan Supplement for the State Supported Employment Services Program for FY 2015 - 07/31/2014
Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, Alabama Department of Mental Health, Alabama State Department of Education, Alabama Medicaid, Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, and the Alabama Department of Post-Secondary Education continue to work towards Employment First legislation. Additionally, the lead agencies (ADMH and ADRS) have been very active in regional trainings to assist providers, families, and advocates to better understanding Employment First and to address fears and concerns from these groups. The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services is also participating with the Alabama Department of Mental Health in the Employment First Leadership Mentoring Program Community of Practice through the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). Additional training, to the Employment First Team, is being provided via Vision Quest (through ODEP). Partners on the Employment First Team are working as a local unit and in concert with other states to better understand how to successfully infuse integrated employment into the Medicaid Waiver and State Plan Options.”
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities State Plan “Draft Goals and Objectives 2017-2021
“Objective 3: By 2021, ACDD will support activities that increase the knowledge of employers, providers, people with I/DD and their families, and others about the benefits of having people with I/DD participate in community-based workforce and volunteer activities”
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Other
- Employer Engagement
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Alabama Preparing for Life Transition Planning Guide (6/2015)
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Education
- Other
- School-to-Work Transition
Office of Supported Employment
The Office of Supported Employment plans and coordinates all initiatives that address expanding employment services to consumers served through the DD Division. This includes training and technical assistance. This office also writes and manages grants that fund employment pilots throughout the state. Further, this office takes the lead in expanding collaboration with other state agencies and organizations so our consumers are more successful at obtaining competitive employment.
- Department of Mental Health
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Alabama Department of Social Services State Partners: Alabama Department of Mental Health
ADSS currently partners on several ventures with the ADMH, to include ADRC development and advisory, consumer-directed and person-centered system change, Chronic Disease Self-Management programs, pre-and post-disaster planning and assistance, the Alzheimer’s/Dementia Related Disorders State Plan and Employment First Workforce development. The Council of Developmental Disabilities is housed within the ADMH and operates under Public Law 106-402 and a Governor’s Executive Order. …… ADSS is a member of the DD Council and staff of the DD Council actively participates in cross training, resource development and advice for ADRC development.”
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Other
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
- Resource Leveraging
Alabama Pathways to Employment
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Workforce Development
- Department of Education
- Medicaid Agencies
- School-to-Work Transition
- Mental Health
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities Program
In September 2011, the University of Alabama at Birmingham received a grant for training special educators to improve services and results for children with disabilities. The Special Education—Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities Program provides funds that help address state-identified needs for highly qualified personnel in special education, related services, early intervention, and regular education programs that serve children with disabilities. The Alabama grant is part of Focus Area A - Preparing Personnel to Serve Infants, Toddlers, and Preschool-Age Children with Disabilities.
- Department of Education
- Other
Alabama-Association for Persons Supporting Employment First
A 5,000-member organization with chapters in over 31 states, this network was formed to improve and expand integrated employment opportunities, services, and outcomes for people with disabilities. The Alabama chapter works to enhance innovative, individualized employment opportunities, promote careers, and improve quality of life for people with disabilities by providing education, technical assistance and training, advocacy, and support to people and their families, employers, and employment specialists.
- Other
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program
The Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP) is part of the nationwide federally mandated protection and advocacy system. ADAP works to provide quality, legally based advocacy services to Alabamians with disabilities in order to protect, promote and expand their rights.
- Other
Alabama Disability Employment Initiative - 10/08/2013
The Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) is a three-year federal grant-funded program that improves education, training, employment opportunities, and employment outcomes for people with disabilities who are unemployed, underemployed, and/or receiving Social Security disability benefits. In 2013, Alabama was awarded a Round 4 DEI grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment Training Administration. This grant ended in 2015.
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Department of Workforce Development
- Department of Education
- Medicaid Agencies
- Other
- Self-Employment
- School-to-Work Transition
- Mental Health
- Asset Development / Financial Capability
- Employer Engagement
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
- Data Sharing
Alabama Medicaid Money Follows the Person - 10/24/2012
Alabama received a Medicaid Money Follows the Person grant in October 2012. Alabama received $3.4 million in the first year and up to $28 million over the four-year project to support the successful transition of 625 individuals from an institutional setting to community living. The majority of the funds provide Home and Community-Based Services for Medicaid-eligible individuals who are elderly or have disabilities and who choose to transition from nursing facilities or a state-operated psychiatric hospital Grant funds will cover the upfront costs associated with transitioning each individual as well as the administrative costs of operating the program and will be paid during the first year of each person’s transition.
- Medicaid Agencies
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Alabama Employment First
One in five people living in the United States have some type of disability. Alabama ranks near the bottom in competitive employment opportunities for people with significant disabilities. Employment First is a declaration of both philosophy and policy, stating that employment is the first priority and preferred outcome of people with disabilities.
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Employer Engagement
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Alabama Governor’s Youth Leadership Forum
Started in 1999, the Alabama Governor's Youth Leadership Forum is an innovative, intensive, five-day career leadership training program for high school juniors and seniors with disabilities throughout Alabama. Program activities focus on career planning, leadership development, technology resources and information on disability history to assist young people with disabilities in reaching their maximum potential.
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- School-to-Work Transition
Alabama VR Transition Services
Vocational Rehabilitation Service (VRS) places substantial emphasis on assisting youth with disabilities in the transition from school to post school activities. Transition services are a coordinated set of activities that lead to employment. A vocational rehabilitation counselor works with youth and their families to assess their needs and plan individualized services to meet their chosen vocational goal. Every public high school in Alabama has a vocational rehabilitation counselor assigned to provide transition services.
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Education
- School-to-Work Transition
- Employer Engagement
Alabama Teen Transition Clinic
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- School-to-Work Transition
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Alabama Project GATE
Alabama has piloted the Gaining Access To Employment project, a collaborative effort between the state’s Department of Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities (MH/DD) and its Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). Through this project, known as Project GATE, the two agencies work together to help local service providers use funds to support integrated employment opportunities. MH/DD and VR have a long history of partnering, including joint efforts on a supported employment workgroup, due to the strong relationships between colleagues at each department.
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Customized Employment
- Employer Engagement
- Segregated Day & Employment Services
- Provider Transformation
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) Meetings & Training - 09/26/2013
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Other
- Customized Employment
- School-to-Work Transition
- Mental Health
- Provider Transformation
Alabama APSE (AL-APSE) 2013 Conference & Training Event - 05/13/2013
The AL-APSE/ACDD Conference was intended to disseminate a wide variety of information to professionals as well as individuals with disabilities
At the end of this program, participants developed skills, including: (a) identifying employer concerns and how to resolve those concerns when hiring a person with a disability; (b) identifying quality supported employment services, natural supports, and common marketing strategies to overcome barriers to employment for people with the most significant disabilities; (c) recognizing the unique challenges people with disabilities have when seeking employment and identifying steps to become employed in a competitive job market; and (d) identifying low-cost assistive technology solutions to help individuals with disabilities in a variety of settings.- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Workforce Development
- Other
- Employer Engagement
Governor’s Summit on Disability Employment
BIRMINGHAM—Governor Robert Bentley on Friday joined Alabama Labor Commissioner Fitzgerald Washington and Alabama Mental Health Commissioner Jim Perdue to announce a statewide employment summit for Alabamians with disabilities. The Governor’s Summit on Disability Employment, scheduled for October 2016, is designed to connect companies with individuals with disabilities who are unemployed or under employed despite their ability, desire, and willingness to work. “I firmly believe having an opportunity for a quality job should be open for everyone, including Alabamians with a disability,” Governor Bentley said. “This Summit on Disability Employment will bring together agencies, organizations, commissions and most importantly the consumers to address the disparaging gap in unemployment for those with disabilities. Disabled Alabamians are part of the dedicated Alabama workforce, and are a great partner to help companies be successful.”
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Workforce Development
- Other
- Employer Engagement
EEOC Sues Two Hawk Employment Agency - 02/22/2016
A temporary employment agency violated federal law when it asked an applicant illegal medical questions during its application process and then refused to hire the applicant because of her responses to those illegal medical inquiries, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit filed today. In addition, the suit alleges that Two Hawk failed to retain employment applications as required by federal law.
- Other
University of Alabama at Birmingham ADA Settlement - 02/10/2016
This Agreement resolves an investigation and compliance review of physical accessibility for individuals with disabilities at UAB under title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. §§ 12131 - 12134 (ADA), and the Department of Justice's implementing regulation, 28 C.F.R. Part 35, including the 1991 Standards for Accessible Design, 28 C.F.R. Part 35 (2011) at Appendix D (1991 Standards), and the ADA 2010 Standards for Accessible Design, 28 C.F.R. § 35.104 (2010 Standards as the requirements set forth in appendices B and D to 36 C.F.R. part 1191 and the requirements contained in subpart D of 28 C.F.R. part 35) (collectively the Standards).
- Other
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Alabama HCBS Transition Plan (3/17/15) - 03/17/2015
This document details the steps taken to ensure that individuals receiving long term services and supports through home and community-based services (HCBS) programs under the 1915 (c), 1915 (i), and 1915 (k), Medicaid authorities have the required full access to benefits of community living and the opportunity to receive services in the most integrated setting that is appropriate.
- Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Medicaid Agencies
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
- Segregated Day & Employment Services
Alabama Medicaid Money Follows the Person - 10/11/2012
Alabama received a Medicaid Money Follows the Person grant in October 2012. Alabama received $3.4 million in the first year and up to $28 million over the four-year project to support the successful transition of 625 individuals from an institutional setting to community living. The majority of the funds provide Home and Community-Based Services for Medicaid-eligible individuals who are elderly or have disabilities and who choose to transition from nursing facilities or a state-operated psychiatric hospital Grant funds will cover the upfront costs associated with transitioning each individual as well as the administrative costs of operating the program and will be paid during the first year of each person’s transition.
- Medicaid Agencies
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Alabama Medicaid State Plan (Proposed) Amendments
Amendments to the State Plan (SPAs) are required when changes to amount, duration or scope of services, or eligibility requirements are proposed. This resource provides the current proposed amendments.
- Medicaid Agencies
Alabama Medicaid State Plan
The Medicaid State Plan outlines the organization and function of the Alabama Medicaid Agency. Amendments to the State Plan (SPAs) are required when changes to amount, duration or scope of services, or eligibility requirements are proposed.
- Medicaid Agencies
Alabama HCBS Living at Home Waiver for Persons w/ID (0391.R02.00)
This waiver provides day hab, personal care, prevocational, respite, supported employment, behavior therapy, community specialist services, crisis intervention, environmental accessibility adaptations, OT, PT, residential hab other living arrangement, skilled nursing, specialized medical equipment, specialized medical supplies, speech and language therapy for individuals w/MR ages 3 - no max age
- Medicaid Agencies
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
- Segregated Day & Employment Services
Alabama Home and Community- Based Waiver for Persons with MR (0001.R06.00)
The waiver provides day hab, personal care, prevocational, residential hab, respite, supported employment, adult companion, behavior therapy, community specialist services, crisis intervention, environmental accessibility adaptations, OT, PT, skilled nursing, specialized medical equipment, specialized medical supplies, speech/language therapy for individuals w/MR ages 3 - no max age
- Medicaid Agencies
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
States - Large Tablet
Snapshot
The state motto of Alabama is "We Dare Defend Our Rights," including the rights of individuals with disabilities to have real employment opportunities at competitive wages.
2013 to 2014
2013 to 2014
2013 to 2014
2013 to 2014
2013 to 2014
State Data
General |
2012 | 2013 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population. | 4,822,023 | 4,833,722 | 4,849,377 |
| Number of people with disabilities (all disabilities, ages 18-64). | 436,803 | 419,282 | 422,549 |
| Number of people with disabilities who are employed (all disabilities, ages 18-64). | 116,875 | 113,656 | 114,928 |
| Number of people without disabilities who are employed (ages 18-64). | 1,770,431 | 1,781,281 | 1,791,279 |
| Percentage of working age people who are employed (all disabilities). | 26.76% | 27.11% | 27.20% |
| Percentage of working age people who are employed (NO disabilities). | 70.80% | 70.51% | 71.29% |
| Overall unemployment rate. | 8.00% | 7.20% | 6.80% |
| Poverty Rate (all disabilities). | 24.90% | 23.80% | 25.10% |
| Poverty Rate (NO disabilities). | 17.80% | 17.80% | 18.20% |
| Number of males with disabilities (all ages). | 369,003 | 351,158 | 367,873 |
| Number of females with disabilities (all ages). | 409,040 | 406,671 | 408,575 |
| Number of Caucasians with disabilities (all ages). | 539,990 | 530,814 | 553,359 |
| Number of African Americans with disabilities (all ages). | 214,534 | 201,737 | 198,318 |
| Number of Hispanic/Latinos with disabilities (all ages). | 9,568 | 11,349 | 11,801 |
| Number of American Indians/Alaska Natives with disabilities (all ages). | 5,961 | 5,141 | 5,289 |
| Number of Asians with disabilities (all ages). | 2,483 | 3,966 | 3,784 |
| Number of Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders with disabilities (all ages). | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Number of with multiple races disabilities (all ages). | 13,143 | 12,571 | 12,370 |
| Number of others with disabilities (all ages). | 1,521 | 3,427 | 3,060 |
SSA OUTCOMES |
2012 | 2013 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of SSI recipients with disabilities who work. | 3,478 | 3,376 | 3,466 |
| Percentage of SSI recipients with disabilities who work relative to total SSI recipients with disabilities. | 2.10% | 2.00% | 2.10% |
| Old Age Survivor and Disability Insurance (OASDI) recipients/workers with disabilities. | 233,849 | 237,304 | 236,857 |
MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES |
2012 | 2013 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of mental health services consumers who are employed. | 8,197 | 6,635 | 5,943 |
| Number of mental health services consumers who are part of the labor force (employed or actively looking for employment). | 23,230 | 17,786 | 16,224 |
| Number of adults served who have a known employment status. | 74,821 | 58,284 | 53,429 |
| Percentage of all state mental health agency consumers served in the community who are employed. | 11.00% | 11.40% | 11.10% |
| Percentage of supported employment services evidence based practices (EBP). | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Percentage of supported housing services evidence based practices (EBP). | 0.40% | 0.40% | 0.50% |
| Percentage of assertive community treatment services evidence based practices (EBP). | 1.60% | 1.80% | 1.80% |
| Percentage of medications management evidence based practices (EBP). | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Number of evidence based practices (EBP) supported employment services. | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Number of evidence based practices (EBP) supported housing services. | 289 | 264 | 311 |
| Number of evidence based practices (EBP) assertive community treatment services. | 1,079 | 1,084 | 1,055 |
| Number of evidence based practices (EBP) medications management. | N/A | N/A | N/A |
WAGNER PEYSER OUTCOMES |
2012 | 2013 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of registered job seekers with a disability. | 7,075 | 7,855 | 8,415 |
| Proportion of registered job seekers with a disability. | 0.02 | 0.02 | 0.02 |
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OUTCOMES (ADULTS) |
2011 | 2012 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total number of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work served by Job Training and Partnership Act/Workforce Investment Act programs. | 34 | 50 | 55 |
| Total number of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work who entered unsubsidized employment. | 20 | 17 | 22 |
| Percentage of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work who entered unsubsidized employment relative to total the number of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work. | 59.00% | 34.00% | 40.00% |
| Incidence rate of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work who entered unsubsidized employment per 100,000 individuals in the general state population. | 0.42 | 0.35 | 0.46 |
VR OUTCOMES |
2013 | 2014 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number of people served under VR. |
7,462 |
N/A |
N/A |
| Number of people with visual impairments served under VR. | 460 | N/A | N/A |
| Number of people with communicative (hearing loss, deafness) impairments served under VR. | 843 | N/A | N/A |
| Number of people with physical impairments served under VR. | 1,331 | N/A | N/A |
| Number of people cognitive impairments served under VR. | 3,022 | N/A | N/A |
| Number of people psychosocial impairments served under VR. | 1,439 | N/A | N/A |
| Number of people with mental impairments served under VR. | 367 | N/A | N/A |
| Percentage of overall closures into employment under VR. | 41.90% | N/A | N/A |
| Number of employment network (EN) and vocational rehabilitation (VR) tickets assigned. | N/A | 8,199 | 4,720 |
| Number of eligible ticket to work beneficiaries. | N/A | 345,848 | 345,409 |
| Total number of ID closures using supported employment services with or without Title VI-B funds expended (VI-C prior to 2002). | 253 | N/A | N/A |
| Total number of ID competitive labor market closures. | 491 | N/A | N/A |
IDD OUTCOMES |
2011 | 2012 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dollars spent on day/employment services for integrated employment funding. | $2,768,000 | $2,727,000 | $2,501,000 |
| Dollars spent on day/employment services for facility-based work funding. | $494,000 | $489,000 | $1,003,000 |
| Dollars spent on day/employment services for facility-based non-work funding. | $53,627,000 | $54,833,000 | $54,120,000 |
| Dollars spent on day/employment services for community based non-work funding. | N/A | N/A | $0 |
| Percentage of people served in integrated employment. | 5.00% | 5.00% | 4.00% |
| Number of people served in community based non-work. | N/A | N/A | 0 |
| Number of people served in facility based work. | 50 | 49 | 102 |
| Number of people served in facility based non-work. | 4,646 | 4,590 | 4,577 |
| Number supported in integrated employment per 100,000 individuals in the general state population. | 5.20 | 4.80 | 4.40 |
EDUCATION OUTCOMES |
2011 | 2012 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percent of children with IEPs aged 6 through 21 served inside the regular class 80% or more of the day (Indicator 5a). | 83.51% | 84.82% | 83.83% |
| Percent of children with IEPs aged 6 through 21 served inside the regular class less than 40% of the day (Indicator 5b). | 6.68% | 6.68% | 6.79% |
| Percent of children with IEPs aged 6 through 21 served in separate schools, residential facilities, or homebound/hospital placements (Indicator 5c). | 1.56% | 1.56% | 2.73% |
| Percent of youth with IEPs aged 16 and above with an IEP that includes appropriate measurable postsecondary goals (Indicator 13). | 99.91% | 100.00% | 99.98% |
| Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were enrolled in higher education within one year of leaving high school (Indicator 14a). | 19.60% | 24.90% | 22.24% |
| Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were enrolled in higher education or competitively employed within one year of leaving high school (Indicator 14b). | 40.20% | 60.70% | 62.35% |
| Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were enrolled in higher education or in some other postsecondary education or training program; or competitively employed or in some other employment within one year of leaving high school (Indicator 14c). | 45.50% | 68.80% | 76.36% |
| Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were competitively employed within one year of leaving high school (Subset of Indicator 14). | 20.60% | 35.76% | 40.11% |
ABILITYONE/JWOD PROGRAM |
2014 |
|---|---|
| Number of overall agency blind and SD hours. | 1,613,485 |
| Number of overall total blind and SD workers. | 1,408 |
| Number of AbilityOne blind and SD hours (products). | 297,988 |
| Number of AbilityOne blind and SD hours (services). | 882,262 |
| Number of AbilityOne blind and SD hours (combined). | 1,180,250 |
| Number of AbilityOne blind and SD workers (products). | 196 |
| Number of AbilityOne blind and SD workers (services). | 610 |
| Number of AbilityOne blind and SD workers (combined). | 806 |
| AbilityOne wages (products). | $2,732,728 |
| AbilityOne wages (services). | $11,470,273 |
WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION: 14(c) CERTIFICATE-HOLDING ENTITIES OUTCOMES |
2014 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Number of 14(c) certificate-holding private businesses. | 0 | 0 |
| Number of 14(c) certificate-holding school work experience programs (SWEPs). | 0 | 0 |
| Number of 14(c) certificate-holding community rehabilitation programs (CRPs). | 29 | 29 |
| Number of 14(c) certificate holding patient workers. | N/A | 0 |
| Total Number of 14(c) certificate holding entities. | N/A | 29 |
| Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding private businesses. | N/A | 0 |
| Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14 (c) certificate holding school work experience programs (SWEPs). | N/A | 0 |
| Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding community rehabilitation programs (CRPs). | N/A | 2,071 |
| Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding patient workers. | N/A | 0 |
| Total reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding entities. | N/A | 2,071 |
Legislation
Alabama SB 226 - 06/04/2015
"The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2014 established Section 529A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, to allow families and individuals to save for disability-related expenses of a disabled individual in a federal tax-advantaged account...This bill would include ABLE in the legislative intent...to provide for the ABLE Program; provide for definitions relating to the ABLE Program; would provide for the income tax exemption eligible to the ABLE Program; and provide appropriations for Fiscal Year 2015 for development and implementation of the ABLE Program."
"The Legislature of Alabama intends to establish a qualified ABLE Program in this state which will encourage and assist Alabama individuals and families in saving private funds for the purpose of supporting Alabama citizens with disabilities."
- Other
- Asset Development / Financial Capability
Executive Orders
Governor's Office on Disability - Mission Statement (2008) - 12/30/2006
The Governor’s Office on Disability (GOOD) was created by Executive Order Number 43 in 1999 (re-established with Governor Bentley’s Executive Order 15 in 2011). It was formed to serve as a statewide clearing house for information on disability and resources in Alabama. Its other major function is to act as a liaison to the Governor’s Office on disability issues. GOOD’s mission statement was revised in 2008 to include “facilitate the inclusion of Alabamians with disabilities in education, employment, housing, transportation, health care, and leisure.” The mission statement does not specifically mention employment. GOOD has two “annual reports” (covering two years each) available, but these do not specifically mention Employment First concepts either.
- Other
Policy
Alabama Division of Developmental Disabilities - Report: State Employment Leadership Network (SELN) [2/2015] - 02/27/2015
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
State Plan for the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program and State Plan Supplement for the State Supported Employment Services Program for FY 2015 - 07/31/2014
Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, Alabama Department of Mental Health, Alabama State Department of Education, Alabama Medicaid, Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, and the Alabama Department of Post-Secondary Education continue to work towards Employment First legislation. Additionally, the lead agencies (ADMH and ADRS) have been very active in regional trainings to assist providers, families, and advocates to better understanding Employment First and to address fears and concerns from these groups. The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services is also participating with the Alabama Department of Mental Health in the Employment First Leadership Mentoring Program Community of Practice through the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). Additional training, to the Employment First Team, is being provided via Vision Quest (through ODEP). Partners on the Employment First Team are working as a local unit and in concert with other states to better understand how to successfully infuse integrated employment into the Medicaid Waiver and State Plan Options.”
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities State Plan “Draft Goals and Objectives 2017-2021
“Objective 3: By 2021, ACDD will support activities that increase the knowledge of employers, providers, people with I/DD and their families, and others about the benefits of having people with I/DD participate in community-based workforce and volunteer activities”
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Other
- Employer Engagement
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Alabama Preparing for Life Transition Planning Guide (6/2015)
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Education
- Other
- School-to-Work Transition
Office of Supported Employment
The Office of Supported Employment plans and coordinates all initiatives that address expanding employment services to consumers served through the DD Division. This includes training and technical assistance. This office also writes and manages grants that fund employment pilots throughout the state. Further, this office takes the lead in expanding collaboration with other state agencies and organizations so our consumers are more successful at obtaining competitive employment.
- Department of Mental Health
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Partnerships
Alabama Department of Social Services State Partners: Alabama Department of Mental Health
ADSS currently partners on several ventures with the ADMH, to include ADRC development and advisory, consumer-directed and person-centered system change, Chronic Disease Self-Management programs, pre-and post-disaster planning and assistance, the Alzheimer’s/Dementia Related Disorders State Plan and Employment First Workforce development. The Council of Developmental Disabilities is housed within the ADMH and operates under Public Law 106-402 and a Governor’s Executive Order. …… ADSS is a member of the DD Council and staff of the DD Council actively participates in cross training, resource development and advice for ADRC development.”
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Other
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
- Resource Leveraging
Alabama Pathways to Employment
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Workforce Development
- Department of Education
- Medicaid Agencies
- School-to-Work Transition
- Mental Health
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities Program
In September 2011, the University of Alabama at Birmingham received a grant for training special educators to improve services and results for children with disabilities. The Special Education—Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities Program provides funds that help address state-identified needs for highly qualified personnel in special education, related services, early intervention, and regular education programs that serve children with disabilities. The Alabama grant is part of Focus Area A - Preparing Personnel to Serve Infants, Toddlers, and Preschool-Age Children with Disabilities.
- Department of Education
- Other
Alabama-Association for Persons Supporting Employment First
A 5,000-member organization with chapters in over 31 states, this network was formed to improve and expand integrated employment opportunities, services, and outcomes for people with disabilities. The Alabama chapter works to enhance innovative, individualized employment opportunities, promote careers, and improve quality of life for people with disabilities by providing education, technical assistance and training, advocacy, and support to people and their families, employers, and employment specialists.
- Other
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program
The Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP) is part of the nationwide federally mandated protection and advocacy system. ADAP works to provide quality, legally based advocacy services to Alabamians with disabilities in order to protect, promote and expand their rights.
- Other
Systems-Change Funding
Alabama Disability Employment Initiative - 10/08/2013
The Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) is a three-year federal grant-funded program that improves education, training, employment opportunities, and employment outcomes for people with disabilities who are unemployed, underemployed, and/or receiving Social Security disability benefits. In 2013, Alabama was awarded a Round 4 DEI grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment Training Administration. This grant ended in 2015.
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Department of Workforce Development
- Department of Education
- Medicaid Agencies
- Other
- Self-Employment
- School-to-Work Transition
- Mental Health
- Asset Development / Financial Capability
- Employer Engagement
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
- Data Sharing
Alabama Medicaid Money Follows the Person - 10/24/2012
Alabama received a Medicaid Money Follows the Person grant in October 2012. Alabama received $3.4 million in the first year and up to $28 million over the four-year project to support the successful transition of 625 individuals from an institutional setting to community living. The majority of the funds provide Home and Community-Based Services for Medicaid-eligible individuals who are elderly or have disabilities and who choose to transition from nursing facilities or a state-operated psychiatric hospital Grant funds will cover the upfront costs associated with transitioning each individual as well as the administrative costs of operating the program and will be paid during the first year of each person’s transition.
- Medicaid Agencies
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Alabama Employment First
One in five people living in the United States have some type of disability. Alabama ranks near the bottom in competitive employment opportunities for people with significant disabilities. Employment First is a declaration of both philosophy and policy, stating that employment is the first priority and preferred outcome of people with disabilities.
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Employer Engagement
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Alabama Governor’s Youth Leadership Forum
Started in 1999, the Alabama Governor's Youth Leadership Forum is an innovative, intensive, five-day career leadership training program for high school juniors and seniors with disabilities throughout Alabama. Program activities focus on career planning, leadership development, technology resources and information on disability history to assist young people with disabilities in reaching their maximum potential.
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- School-to-Work Transition
Alabama VR Transition Services
Vocational Rehabilitation Service (VRS) places substantial emphasis on assisting youth with disabilities in the transition from school to post school activities. Transition services are a coordinated set of activities that lead to employment. A vocational rehabilitation counselor works with youth and their families to assess their needs and plan individualized services to meet their chosen vocational goal. Every public high school in Alabama has a vocational rehabilitation counselor assigned to provide transition services.
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Education
- School-to-Work Transition
- Employer Engagement
Alabama Teen Transition Clinic
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- School-to-Work Transition
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Alabama Project GATE
Alabama has piloted the Gaining Access To Employment project, a collaborative effort between the state’s Department of Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities (MH/DD) and its Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). Through this project, known as Project GATE, the two agencies work together to help local service providers use funds to support integrated employment opportunities. MH/DD and VR have a long history of partnering, including joint efforts on a supported employment workgroup, due to the strong relationships between colleagues at each department.
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Customized Employment
- Employer Engagement
- Segregated Day & Employment Services
- Provider Transformation
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Training/Capacity Building
Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) Meetings & Training - 09/26/2013
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Other
- Customized Employment
- School-to-Work Transition
- Mental Health
- Provider Transformation
Alabama APSE (AL-APSE) 2013 Conference & Training Event - 05/13/2013
The AL-APSE/ACDD Conference was intended to disseminate a wide variety of information to professionals as well as individuals with disabilities
At the end of this program, participants developed skills, including: (a) identifying employer concerns and how to resolve those concerns when hiring a person with a disability; (b) identifying quality supported employment services, natural supports, and common marketing strategies to overcome barriers to employment for people with the most significant disabilities; (c) recognizing the unique challenges people with disabilities have when seeking employment and identifying steps to become employed in a competitive job market; and (d) identifying low-cost assistive technology solutions to help individuals with disabilities in a variety of settings.- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Workforce Development
- Other
- Employer Engagement
Governor’s Summit on Disability Employment
BIRMINGHAM—Governor Robert Bentley on Friday joined Alabama Labor Commissioner Fitzgerald Washington and Alabama Mental Health Commissioner Jim Perdue to announce a statewide employment summit for Alabamians with disabilities. The Governor’s Summit on Disability Employment, scheduled for October 2016, is designed to connect companies with individuals with disabilities who are unemployed or under employed despite their ability, desire, and willingness to work. “I firmly believe having an opportunity for a quality job should be open for everyone, including Alabamians with a disability,” Governor Bentley said. “This Summit on Disability Employment will bring together agencies, organizations, commissions and most importantly the consumers to address the disparaging gap in unemployment for those with disabilities. Disabled Alabamians are part of the dedicated Alabama workforce, and are a great partner to help companies be successful.”
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Workforce Development
- Other
- Employer Engagement
Enforcement
EEOC Sues Two Hawk Employment Agency - 02/22/2016
A temporary employment agency violated federal law when it asked an applicant illegal medical questions during its application process and then refused to hire the applicant because of her responses to those illegal medical inquiries, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit filed today. In addition, the suit alleges that Two Hawk failed to retain employment applications as required by federal law.
- Other
University of Alabama at Birmingham ADA Settlement - 02/10/2016
This Agreement resolves an investigation and compliance review of physical accessibility for individuals with disabilities at UAB under title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. §§ 12131 - 12134 (ADA), and the Department of Justice's implementing regulation, 28 C.F.R. Part 35, including the 1991 Standards for Accessible Design, 28 C.F.R. Part 35 (2011) at Appendix D (1991 Standards), and the ADA 2010 Standards for Accessible Design, 28 C.F.R. § 35.104 (2010 Standards as the requirements set forth in appendices B and D to 36 C.F.R. part 1191 and the requirements contained in subpart D of 28 C.F.R. part 35) (collectively the Standards).
- Other
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Medicaid & Employment
Alabama HCBS Transition Plan (3/17/15) - 03/17/2015
This document details the steps taken to ensure that individuals receiving long term services and supports through home and community-based services (HCBS) programs under the 1915 (c), 1915 (i), and 1915 (k), Medicaid authorities have the required full access to benefits of community living and the opportunity to receive services in the most integrated setting that is appropriate.
- Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Medicaid Agencies
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
- Segregated Day & Employment Services
Alabama Medicaid Money Follows the Person - 10/11/2012
Alabama received a Medicaid Money Follows the Person grant in October 2012. Alabama received $3.4 million in the first year and up to $28 million over the four-year project to support the successful transition of 625 individuals from an institutional setting to community living. The majority of the funds provide Home and Community-Based Services for Medicaid-eligible individuals who are elderly or have disabilities and who choose to transition from nursing facilities or a state-operated psychiatric hospital Grant funds will cover the upfront costs associated with transitioning each individual as well as the administrative costs of operating the program and will be paid during the first year of each person’s transition.
- Medicaid Agencies
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Alabama Medicaid State Plan (Proposed) Amendments
Amendments to the State Plan (SPAs) are required when changes to amount, duration or scope of services, or eligibility requirements are proposed. This resource provides the current proposed amendments.
- Medicaid Agencies
Alabama Medicaid State Plan
The Medicaid State Plan outlines the organization and function of the Alabama Medicaid Agency. Amendments to the State Plan (SPAs) are required when changes to amount, duration or scope of services, or eligibility requirements are proposed.
- Medicaid Agencies
Alabama HCBS Living at Home Waiver for Persons w/ID (0391.R02.00)
This waiver provides day hab, personal care, prevocational, respite, supported employment, behavior therapy, community specialist services, crisis intervention, environmental accessibility adaptations, OT, PT, residential hab other living arrangement, skilled nursing, specialized medical equipment, specialized medical supplies, speech and language therapy for individuals w/MR ages 3 - no max age
- Medicaid Agencies
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
- Segregated Day & Employment Services
Alabama Home and Community- Based Waiver for Persons with MR (0001.R06.00)
The waiver provides day hab, personal care, prevocational, residential hab, respite, supported employment, adult companion, behavior therapy, community specialist services, crisis intervention, environmental accessibility adaptations, OT, PT, skilled nursing, specialized medical equipment, specialized medical supplies, speech/language therapy for individuals w/MR ages 3 - no max age
- Medicaid Agencies
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
States - Small Tablet
Snapshot
The state motto of Alabama is "We Dare Defend Our Rights," including the rights of individuals with disabilities to have real employment opportunities at competitive wages.
2013 to 2014
2013 to 2014
2013 to 2014
2013 to 2014
2013 to 2014
State Data
General |
2012 | 2013 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population. | 4,822,023 | 4,833,722 | 4,849,377 |
| Number of people with disabilities (all disabilities, ages 18-64). | 436,803 | 419,282 | 422,549 |
| Number of people with disabilities who are employed (all disabilities, ages 18-64). | 116,875 | 113,656 | 114,928 |
| Number of people without disabilities who are employed (ages 18-64). | 1,770,431 | 1,781,281 | 1,791,279 |
| Percentage of working age people who are employed (all disabilities). | 26.76% | 27.11% | 27.20% |
| Percentage of working age people who are employed (NO disabilities). | 70.80% | 70.51% | 71.29% |
| Overall unemployment rate. | 8.00% | 7.20% | 6.80% |
| Poverty Rate (all disabilities). | 24.90% | 23.80% | 25.10% |
| Poverty Rate (NO disabilities). | 17.80% | 17.80% | 18.20% |
| Number of males with disabilities (all ages). | 369,003 | 351,158 | 367,873 |
| Number of females with disabilities (all ages). | 409,040 | 406,671 | 408,575 |
| Number of Caucasians with disabilities (all ages). | 539,990 | 530,814 | 553,359 |
| Number of African Americans with disabilities (all ages). | 214,534 | 201,737 | 198,318 |
| Number of Hispanic/Latinos with disabilities (all ages). | 9,568 | 11,349 | 11,801 |
| Number of American Indians/Alaska Natives with disabilities (all ages). | 5,961 | 5,141 | 5,289 |
| Number of Asians with disabilities (all ages). | 2,483 | 3,966 | 3,784 |
| Number of Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders with disabilities (all ages). | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Number of with multiple races disabilities (all ages). | 13,143 | 12,571 | 12,370 |
| Number of others with disabilities (all ages). | 1,521 | 3,427 | 3,060 |
SSA OUTCOMES |
2012 | 2013 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of SSI recipients with disabilities who work. | 3,478 | 3,376 | 3,466 |
| Percentage of SSI recipients with disabilities who work relative to total SSI recipients with disabilities. | 2.10% | 2.00% | 2.10% |
| Old Age Survivor and Disability Insurance (OASDI) recipients/workers with disabilities. | 233,849 | 237,304 | 236,857 |
MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES |
2012 | 2013 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of mental health services consumers who are employed. | 8,197 | 6,635 | 5,943 |
| Number of mental health services consumers who are part of the labor force (employed or actively looking for employment). | 23,230 | 17,786 | 16,224 |
| Number of adults served who have a known employment status. | 74,821 | 58,284 | 53,429 |
| Percentage of all state mental health agency consumers served in the community who are employed. | 11.00% | 11.40% | 11.10% |
| Percentage of supported employment services evidence based practices (EBP). | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Percentage of supported housing services evidence based practices (EBP). | 0.40% | 0.40% | 0.50% |
| Percentage of assertive community treatment services evidence based practices (EBP). | 1.60% | 1.80% | 1.80% |
| Percentage of medications management evidence based practices (EBP). | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Number of evidence based practices (EBP) supported employment services. | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Number of evidence based practices (EBP) supported housing services. | 289 | 264 | 311 |
| Number of evidence based practices (EBP) assertive community treatment services. | 1,079 | 1,084 | 1,055 |
| Number of evidence based practices (EBP) medications management. | N/A | N/A | N/A |
WAGNER PEYSER OUTCOMES |
2012 | 2013 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of registered job seekers with a disability. | 7,075 | 7,855 | 8,415 |
| Proportion of registered job seekers with a disability. | 0.02 | 0.02 | 0.02 |
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OUTCOMES (ADULTS) |
2011 | 2012 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total number of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work served by Job Training and Partnership Act/Workforce Investment Act programs. | 34 | 50 | 55 |
| Total number of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work who entered unsubsidized employment. | 20 | 17 | 22 |
| Percentage of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work who entered unsubsidized employment relative to total the number of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work. | 59.00% | 34.00% | 40.00% |
| Incidence rate of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work who entered unsubsidized employment per 100,000 individuals in the general state population. | 0.42 | 0.35 | 0.46 |
VR OUTCOMES |
2013 | 2014 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number of people served under VR. |
7,462 |
N/A |
N/A |
| Number of people with visual impairments served under VR. | 460 | N/A | N/A |
| Number of people with communicative (hearing loss, deafness) impairments served under VR. | 843 | N/A | N/A |
| Number of people with physical impairments served under VR. | 1,331 | N/A | N/A |
| Number of people cognitive impairments served under VR. | 3,022 | N/A | N/A |
| Number of people psychosocial impairments served under VR. | 1,439 | N/A | N/A |
| Number of people with mental impairments served under VR. | 367 | N/A | N/A |
| Percentage of overall closures into employment under VR. | 41.90% | N/A | N/A |
| Number of employment network (EN) and vocational rehabilitation (VR) tickets assigned. | N/A | 8,199 | 4,720 |
| Number of eligible ticket to work beneficiaries. | N/A | 345,848 | 345,409 |
| Total number of ID closures using supported employment services with or without Title VI-B funds expended (VI-C prior to 2002). | 253 | N/A | N/A |
| Total number of ID competitive labor market closures. | 491 | N/A | N/A |
IDD OUTCOMES |
2011 | 2012 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dollars spent on day/employment services for integrated employment funding. | $2,768,000 | $2,727,000 | $2,501,000 |
| Dollars spent on day/employment services for facility-based work funding. | $494,000 | $489,000 | $1,003,000 |
| Dollars spent on day/employment services for facility-based non-work funding. | $53,627,000 | $54,833,000 | $54,120,000 |
| Dollars spent on day/employment services for community based non-work funding. | N/A | N/A | $0 |
| Percentage of people served in integrated employment. | 5.00% | 5.00% | 4.00% |
| Number of people served in community based non-work. | N/A | N/A | 0 |
| Number of people served in facility based work. | 50 | 49 | 102 |
| Number of people served in facility based non-work. | 4,646 | 4,590 | 4,577 |
| Number supported in integrated employment per 100,000 individuals in the general state population. | 5.20 | 4.80 | 4.40 |
EDUCATION OUTCOMES |
2011 | 2012 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percent of children with IEPs aged 6 through 21 served inside the regular class 80% or more of the day (Indicator 5a). | 83.51% | 84.82% | 83.83% |
| Percent of children with IEPs aged 6 through 21 served inside the regular class less than 40% of the day (Indicator 5b). | 6.68% | 6.68% | 6.79% |
| Percent of children with IEPs aged 6 through 21 served in separate schools, residential facilities, or homebound/hospital placements (Indicator 5c). | 1.56% | 1.56% | 2.73% |
| Percent of youth with IEPs aged 16 and above with an IEP that includes appropriate measurable postsecondary goals (Indicator 13). | 99.91% | 100.00% | 99.98% |
| Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were enrolled in higher education within one year of leaving high school (Indicator 14a). | 19.60% | 24.90% | 22.24% |
| Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were enrolled in higher education or competitively employed within one year of leaving high school (Indicator 14b). | 40.20% | 60.70% | 62.35% |
| Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were enrolled in higher education or in some other postsecondary education or training program; or competitively employed or in some other employment within one year of leaving high school (Indicator 14c). | 45.50% | 68.80% | 76.36% |
| Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were competitively employed within one year of leaving high school (Subset of Indicator 14). | 20.60% | 35.76% | 40.11% |
ABILITYONE/JWOD PROGRAM |
2014 |
|---|---|
| Number of overall agency blind and SD hours. | 1,613,485 |
| Number of overall total blind and SD workers. | 1,408 |
| Number of AbilityOne blind and SD hours (products). | 297,988 |
| Number of AbilityOne blind and SD hours (services). | 882,262 |
| Number of AbilityOne blind and SD hours (combined). | 1,180,250 |
| Number of AbilityOne blind and SD workers (products). | 196 |
| Number of AbilityOne blind and SD workers (services). | 610 |
| Number of AbilityOne blind and SD workers (combined). | 806 |
| AbilityOne wages (products). | $2,732,728 |
| AbilityOne wages (services). | $11,470,273 |
WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION: 14(c) CERTIFICATE-HOLDING ENTITIES OUTCOMES |
2014 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Number of 14(c) certificate-holding private businesses. | 0 | 0 |
| Number of 14(c) certificate-holding school work experience programs (SWEPs). | 0 | 0 |
| Number of 14(c) certificate-holding community rehabilitation programs (CRPs). | 29 | 29 |
| Number of 14(c) certificate holding patient workers. | N/A | 0 |
| Total Number of 14(c) certificate holding entities. | N/A | 29 |
| Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding private businesses. | N/A | 0 |
| Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14 (c) certificate holding school work experience programs (SWEPs). | N/A | 0 |
| Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding community rehabilitation programs (CRPs). | N/A | 2,071 |
| Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding patient workers. | N/A | 0 |
| Total reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding entities. | N/A | 2,071 |
Legislation
Alabama SB 226 - 06/04/2015
"The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2014 established Section 529A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, to allow families and individuals to save for disability-related expenses of a disabled individual in a federal tax-advantaged account...This bill would include ABLE in the legislative intent...to provide for the ABLE Program; provide for definitions relating to the ABLE Program; would provide for the income tax exemption eligible to the ABLE Program; and provide appropriations for Fiscal Year 2015 for development and implementation of the ABLE Program."
"The Legislature of Alabama intends to establish a qualified ABLE Program in this state which will encourage and assist Alabama individuals and families in saving private funds for the purpose of supporting Alabama citizens with disabilities."
- Other
- Asset Development / Financial Capability
Executive Orders
Governor's Office on Disability - Mission Statement (2008) - 12/30/2006
The Governor’s Office on Disability (GOOD) was created by Executive Order Number 43 in 1999 (re-established with Governor Bentley’s Executive Order 15 in 2011). It was formed to serve as a statewide clearing house for information on disability and resources in Alabama. Its other major function is to act as a liaison to the Governor’s Office on disability issues. GOOD’s mission statement was revised in 2008 to include “facilitate the inclusion of Alabamians with disabilities in education, employment, housing, transportation, health care, and leisure.” The mission statement does not specifically mention employment. GOOD has two “annual reports” (covering two years each) available, but these do not specifically mention Employment First concepts either.
- Other
Policy
Alabama Division of Developmental Disabilities - Report: State Employment Leadership Network (SELN) [2/2015] - 02/27/2015
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
State Plan for the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program and State Plan Supplement for the State Supported Employment Services Program for FY 2015 - 07/31/2014
Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, Alabama Department of Mental Health, Alabama State Department of Education, Alabama Medicaid, Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, and the Alabama Department of Post-Secondary Education continue to work towards Employment First legislation. Additionally, the lead agencies (ADMH and ADRS) have been very active in regional trainings to assist providers, families, and advocates to better understanding Employment First and to address fears and concerns from these groups. The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services is also participating with the Alabama Department of Mental Health in the Employment First Leadership Mentoring Program Community of Practice through the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). Additional training, to the Employment First Team, is being provided via Vision Quest (through ODEP). Partners on the Employment First Team are working as a local unit and in concert with other states to better understand how to successfully infuse integrated employment into the Medicaid Waiver and State Plan Options.”
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities State Plan “Draft Goals and Objectives 2017-2021
“Objective 3: By 2021, ACDD will support activities that increase the knowledge of employers, providers, people with I/DD and their families, and others about the benefits of having people with I/DD participate in community-based workforce and volunteer activities”
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Other
- Employer Engagement
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Alabama Preparing for Life Transition Planning Guide (6/2015)
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Education
- Other
- School-to-Work Transition
Office of Supported Employment
The Office of Supported Employment plans and coordinates all initiatives that address expanding employment services to consumers served through the DD Division. This includes training and technical assistance. This office also writes and manages grants that fund employment pilots throughout the state. Further, this office takes the lead in expanding collaboration with other state agencies and organizations so our consumers are more successful at obtaining competitive employment.
- Department of Mental Health
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Partnerships
Alabama Department of Social Services State Partners: Alabama Department of Mental Health
ADSS currently partners on several ventures with the ADMH, to include ADRC development and advisory, consumer-directed and person-centered system change, Chronic Disease Self-Management programs, pre-and post-disaster planning and assistance, the Alzheimer’s/Dementia Related Disorders State Plan and Employment First Workforce development. The Council of Developmental Disabilities is housed within the ADMH and operates under Public Law 106-402 and a Governor’s Executive Order. …… ADSS is a member of the DD Council and staff of the DD Council actively participates in cross training, resource development and advice for ADRC development.”
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Other
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
- Resource Leveraging
Alabama Pathways to Employment
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Workforce Development
- Department of Education
- Medicaid Agencies
- School-to-Work Transition
- Mental Health
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities Program
In September 2011, the University of Alabama at Birmingham received a grant for training special educators to improve services and results for children with disabilities. The Special Education—Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities Program provides funds that help address state-identified needs for highly qualified personnel in special education, related services, early intervention, and regular education programs that serve children with disabilities. The Alabama grant is part of Focus Area A - Preparing Personnel to Serve Infants, Toddlers, and Preschool-Age Children with Disabilities.
- Department of Education
- Other
Alabama-Association for Persons Supporting Employment First
A 5,000-member organization with chapters in over 31 states, this network was formed to improve and expand integrated employment opportunities, services, and outcomes for people with disabilities. The Alabama chapter works to enhance innovative, individualized employment opportunities, promote careers, and improve quality of life for people with disabilities by providing education, technical assistance and training, advocacy, and support to people and their families, employers, and employment specialists.
- Other
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program
The Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP) is part of the nationwide federally mandated protection and advocacy system. ADAP works to provide quality, legally based advocacy services to Alabamians with disabilities in order to protect, promote and expand their rights.
- Other
Systems-Change Funding
Alabama Disability Employment Initiative - 10/08/2013
The Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) is a three-year federal grant-funded program that improves education, training, employment opportunities, and employment outcomes for people with disabilities who are unemployed, underemployed, and/or receiving Social Security disability benefits. In 2013, Alabama was awarded a Round 4 DEI grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment Training Administration. This grant ended in 2015.
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Department of Workforce Development
- Department of Education
- Medicaid Agencies
- Other
- Self-Employment
- School-to-Work Transition
- Mental Health
- Asset Development / Financial Capability
- Employer Engagement
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
- Data Sharing
Alabama Medicaid Money Follows the Person - 10/24/2012
Alabama received a Medicaid Money Follows the Person grant in October 2012. Alabama received $3.4 million in the first year and up to $28 million over the four-year project to support the successful transition of 625 individuals from an institutional setting to community living. The majority of the funds provide Home and Community-Based Services for Medicaid-eligible individuals who are elderly or have disabilities and who choose to transition from nursing facilities or a state-operated psychiatric hospital Grant funds will cover the upfront costs associated with transitioning each individual as well as the administrative costs of operating the program and will be paid during the first year of each person’s transition.
- Medicaid Agencies
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Alabama Employment First
One in five people living in the United States have some type of disability. Alabama ranks near the bottom in competitive employment opportunities for people with significant disabilities. Employment First is a declaration of both philosophy and policy, stating that employment is the first priority and preferred outcome of people with disabilities.
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Employer Engagement
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Alabama Governor’s Youth Leadership Forum
Started in 1999, the Alabama Governor's Youth Leadership Forum is an innovative, intensive, five-day career leadership training program for high school juniors and seniors with disabilities throughout Alabama. Program activities focus on career planning, leadership development, technology resources and information on disability history to assist young people with disabilities in reaching their maximum potential.
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- School-to-Work Transition
Alabama VR Transition Services
Vocational Rehabilitation Service (VRS) places substantial emphasis on assisting youth with disabilities in the transition from school to post school activities. Transition services are a coordinated set of activities that lead to employment. A vocational rehabilitation counselor works with youth and their families to assess their needs and plan individualized services to meet their chosen vocational goal. Every public high school in Alabama has a vocational rehabilitation counselor assigned to provide transition services.
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Education
- School-to-Work Transition
- Employer Engagement
Alabama Teen Transition Clinic
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- School-to-Work Transition
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Alabama Project GATE
Alabama has piloted the Gaining Access To Employment project, a collaborative effort between the state’s Department of Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities (MH/DD) and its Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). Through this project, known as Project GATE, the two agencies work together to help local service providers use funds to support integrated employment opportunities. MH/DD and VR have a long history of partnering, including joint efforts on a supported employment workgroup, due to the strong relationships between colleagues at each department.
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Customized Employment
- Employer Engagement
- Segregated Day & Employment Services
- Provider Transformation
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Training/Capacity Building
Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) Meetings & Training - 09/26/2013
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Other
- Customized Employment
- School-to-Work Transition
- Mental Health
- Provider Transformation
Alabama APSE (AL-APSE) 2013 Conference & Training Event - 05/13/2013
The AL-APSE/ACDD Conference was intended to disseminate a wide variety of information to professionals as well as individuals with disabilities
At the end of this program, participants developed skills, including: (a) identifying employer concerns and how to resolve those concerns when hiring a person with a disability; (b) identifying quality supported employment services, natural supports, and common marketing strategies to overcome barriers to employment for people with the most significant disabilities; (c) recognizing the unique challenges people with disabilities have when seeking employment and identifying steps to become employed in a competitive job market; and (d) identifying low-cost assistive technology solutions to help individuals with disabilities in a variety of settings.- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Workforce Development
- Other
- Employer Engagement
Governor’s Summit on Disability Employment
BIRMINGHAM—Governor Robert Bentley on Friday joined Alabama Labor Commissioner Fitzgerald Washington and Alabama Mental Health Commissioner Jim Perdue to announce a statewide employment summit for Alabamians with disabilities. The Governor’s Summit on Disability Employment, scheduled for October 2016, is designed to connect companies with individuals with disabilities who are unemployed or under employed despite their ability, desire, and willingness to work. “I firmly believe having an opportunity for a quality job should be open for everyone, including Alabamians with a disability,” Governor Bentley said. “This Summit on Disability Employment will bring together agencies, organizations, commissions and most importantly the consumers to address the disparaging gap in unemployment for those with disabilities. Disabled Alabamians are part of the dedicated Alabama workforce, and are a great partner to help companies be successful.”
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Workforce Development
- Other
- Employer Engagement
Enforcement
EEOC Sues Two Hawk Employment Agency - 02/22/2016
A temporary employment agency violated federal law when it asked an applicant illegal medical questions during its application process and then refused to hire the applicant because of her responses to those illegal medical inquiries, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit filed today. In addition, the suit alleges that Two Hawk failed to retain employment applications as required by federal law.
- Other
University of Alabama at Birmingham ADA Settlement - 02/10/2016
This Agreement resolves an investigation and compliance review of physical accessibility for individuals with disabilities at UAB under title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. §§ 12131 - 12134 (ADA), and the Department of Justice's implementing regulation, 28 C.F.R. Part 35, including the 1991 Standards for Accessible Design, 28 C.F.R. Part 35 (2011) at Appendix D (1991 Standards), and the ADA 2010 Standards for Accessible Design, 28 C.F.R. § 35.104 (2010 Standards as the requirements set forth in appendices B and D to 36 C.F.R. part 1191 and the requirements contained in subpart D of 28 C.F.R. part 35) (collectively the Standards).
- Other
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Medicaid & Employment
Alabama HCBS Transition Plan (3/17/15) - 03/17/2015
This document details the steps taken to ensure that individuals receiving long term services and supports through home and community-based services (HCBS) programs under the 1915 (c), 1915 (i), and 1915 (k), Medicaid authorities have the required full access to benefits of community living and the opportunity to receive services in the most integrated setting that is appropriate.
- Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Medicaid Agencies
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
- Segregated Day & Employment Services
Alabama Medicaid Money Follows the Person - 10/11/2012
Alabama received a Medicaid Money Follows the Person grant in October 2012. Alabama received $3.4 million in the first year and up to $28 million over the four-year project to support the successful transition of 625 individuals from an institutional setting to community living. The majority of the funds provide Home and Community-Based Services for Medicaid-eligible individuals who are elderly or have disabilities and who choose to transition from nursing facilities or a state-operated psychiatric hospital Grant funds will cover the upfront costs associated with transitioning each individual as well as the administrative costs of operating the program and will be paid during the first year of each person’s transition.
- Medicaid Agencies
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Alabama Medicaid State Plan (Proposed) Amendments
Amendments to the State Plan (SPAs) are required when changes to amount, duration or scope of services, or eligibility requirements are proposed. This resource provides the current proposed amendments.
- Medicaid Agencies
Alabama Medicaid State Plan
The Medicaid State Plan outlines the organization and function of the Alabama Medicaid Agency. Amendments to the State Plan (SPAs) are required when changes to amount, duration or scope of services, or eligibility requirements are proposed.
- Medicaid Agencies
Alabama HCBS Living at Home Waiver for Persons w/ID (0391.R02.00)
This waiver provides day hab, personal care, prevocational, respite, supported employment, behavior therapy, community specialist services, crisis intervention, environmental accessibility adaptations, OT, PT, residential hab other living arrangement, skilled nursing, specialized medical equipment, specialized medical supplies, speech and language therapy for individuals w/MR ages 3 - no max age
- Medicaid Agencies
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
- Segregated Day & Employment Services
Alabama Home and Community- Based Waiver for Persons with MR (0001.R06.00)
The waiver provides day hab, personal care, prevocational, residential hab, respite, supported employment, adult companion, behavior therapy, community specialist services, crisis intervention, environmental accessibility adaptations, OT, PT, skilled nursing, specialized medical equipment, specialized medical supplies, speech/language therapy for individuals w/MR ages 3 - no max age
- Medicaid Agencies
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
States - Phablet
Snapshot
The state motto of Alabama is "We Dare Defend Our Rights," including the rights of individuals with disabilities to have real employment opportunities at competitive wages.
2013 to 2014
2013 to 2014
2013 to 2014
2013 to 2014
2013 to 2014
State Data
General |
2014 |
|---|---|
| Population. | 4,849,377 |
| Number of people with disabilities (all disabilities, ages 18-64). | 422,549 |
| Number of people with disabilities who are employed (all disabilities, ages 18-64). | 114,928 |
| Number of people without disabilities who are employed (ages 18-64). | 1,791,279 |
| Percentage of working age people who are employed (all disabilities). | 27.20% |
| Percentage of working age people who are employed (NO disabilities). | 71.29% |
| Overall unemployment rate. | 6.80% |
| Poverty Rate (all disabilities). | 25.10% |
| Poverty Rate (NO disabilities). | 18.20% |
| Number of males with disabilities (all ages). | 367,873 |
| Number of females with disabilities (all ages). | 408,575 |
| Number of Caucasians with disabilities (all ages). | 553,359 |
| Number of African Americans with disabilities (all ages). | 198,318 |
| Number of Hispanic/Latinos with disabilities (all ages). | 11,801 |
| Number of American Indians/Alaska Natives with disabilities (all ages). | 5,289 |
| Number of Asians with disabilities (all ages). | 3,784 |
| Number of Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders with disabilities (all ages). | N/A |
| Number of with multiple races disabilities (all ages). | 12,370 |
| Number of others with disabilities (all ages). | 3,060 |
SSA OUTCOMES |
2014 |
|---|---|
| Number of SSI recipients with disabilities who work. | 3,466 |
| Percentage of SSI recipients with disabilities who work relative to total SSI recipients with disabilities. | 2.10% |
| Old Age Survivor and Disability Insurance (OASDI) recipients/workers with disabilities. | 236,857 |
MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES |
2014 |
|---|---|
| Number of mental health services consumers who are employed. | 5,943 |
| Number of mental health services consumers who are part of the labor force (employed or actively looking for employment). | 16,224 |
| Number of adults served who have a known employment status. | 53,429 |
| Percentage of all state mental health agency consumers served in the community who are employed. | 11.10% |
| Percentage of supported employment services evidence based practices (EBP). | N/A |
| Percentage of supported housing services evidence based practices (EBP). | 0.50% |
| Percentage of assertive community treatment services evidence based practices (EBP). | 1.80% |
| Percentage of medications management evidence based practices (EBP). | N/A |
| Number of evidence based practices (EBP) supported employment services. | N/A |
| Number of evidence based practices (EBP) supported housing services. | 311 |
| Number of evidence based practices (EBP) assertive community treatment services. | 1,055 |
| Number of evidence based practices (EBP) medications management. | N/A |
WAGNER PEYSER OUTCOMES |
2014 |
|---|---|
| Number of registered job seekers with a disability. | 8,415 |
| Proportion of registered job seekers with a disability. | 0.02 |
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OUTCOMES (ADULTS) |
2013 |
|---|---|
| Total number of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work served by Job Training and Partnership Act/Workforce Investment Act programs. | 55 |
| Total number of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work who entered unsubsidized employment. | 22 |
| Percentage of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work who entered unsubsidized employment relative to total the number of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work. | 40.00% |
| Incidence rate of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work who entered unsubsidized employment per 100,000 individuals in the general state population. | 0.46 |
VR OUTCOMES |
2015 |
|---|---|
| Total Number of people served under VR. |
N/A |
| Number of people with visual impairments served under VR. | N/A |
| Number of people with communicative (hearing loss, deafness) impairments served under VR. | N/A |
| Number of people with physical impairments served under VR. | N/A |
| Number of people cognitive impairments served under VR. | N/A |
| Number of people psychosocial impairments served under VR. | N/A |
| Number of people with mental impairments served under VR. | N/A |
| Percentage of overall closures into employment under VR. | N/A |
| Number of employment network (EN) and vocational rehabilitation (VR) tickets assigned. | 4,720 |
| Number of eligible ticket to work beneficiaries. | 345,409 |
| Total number of ID closures using supported employment services with or without Title VI-B funds expended (VI-C prior to 2002). | N/A |
| Total number of ID competitive labor market closures. | N/A |
IDD OUTCOMES |
2013 |
|---|---|
| Dollars spent on day/employment services for integrated employment funding. | $2,501,000 |
| Dollars spent on day/employment services for facility-based work funding. | $1,003,000 |
| Dollars spent on day/employment services for facility-based non-work funding. | $54,120,000 |
| Dollars spent on day/employment services for community based non-work funding. | $0 |
| Percentage of people served in integrated employment. | 4.00% |
| Number of people served in community based non-work. | 0 |
| Number of people served in facility based work. | 102 |
| Number of people served in facility based non-work. | 4,577 |
| Number supported in integrated employment per 100,000 individuals in the general state population. | 4.40 |
EDUCATION OUTCOMES |
2013 |
|---|---|
| Percent of children with IEPs aged 6 through 21 served inside the regular class 80% or more of the day (Indicator 5a). | 83.83% |
| Percent of children with IEPs aged 6 through 21 served inside the regular class less than 40% of the day (Indicator 5b). | 6.79% |
| Percent of children with IEPs aged 6 through 21 served in separate schools, residential facilities, or homebound/hospital placements (Indicator 5c). | 2.73% |
| Percent of youth with IEPs aged 16 and above with an IEP that includes appropriate measurable postsecondary goals (Indicator 13). | 99.98% |
| Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were enrolled in higher education within one year of leaving high school (Indicator 14a). | 22.24% |
| Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were enrolled in higher education or competitively employed within one year of leaving high school (Indicator 14b). | 62.35% |
| Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were enrolled in higher education or in some other postsecondary education or training program; or competitively employed or in some other employment within one year of leaving high school (Indicator 14c). | 76.36% |
| Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were competitively employed within one year of leaving high school (Subset of Indicator 14). | 40.11% |
ABILITYONE/JWOD PROGRAM |
2014 |
|---|---|
| Number of overall agency blind and SD hours. | 1,613,485 |
| Number of overall total blind and SD workers. | 1,408 |
| Number of AbilityOne blind and SD hours (products). | 297,988 |
| Number of AbilityOne blind and SD hours (services). | 882,262 |
| Number of AbilityOne blind and SD hours (combined). | 1,180,250 |
| Number of AbilityOne blind and SD workers (products). | 196 |
| Number of AbilityOne blind and SD workers (services). | 610 |
| Number of AbilityOne blind and SD workers (combined). | 806 |
| AbilityOne wages (products). | $2,732,728 |
| AbilityOne wages (services). | $11,470,273 |
WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION: 14(c) CERTIFICATE-HOLDING ENTITIES OUTCOMES |
2015 |
|---|---|
| Number of 14(c) certificate-holding private businesses. | 0 |
| Number of 14(c) certificate-holding school work experience programs (SWEPs). | 0 |
| Number of 14(c) certificate-holding community rehabilitation programs (CRPs). | 29 |
| Number of 14(c) certificate holding patient workers. | 0 |
| Total Number of 14(c) certificate holding entities. | 29 |
| Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding private businesses. | 0 |
| Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14 (c) certificate holding school work experience programs (SWEPs). | 0 |
| Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding community rehabilitation programs (CRPs). | 2,071 |
| Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding patient workers. | 0 |
| Total reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding entities. | 2,071 |
Legislation
Alabama SB 226 - 06/04/2015
"The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2014 established Section 529A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, to allow families and individuals to save for disability-related expenses of a disabled individual in a federal tax-advantaged account...This bill would include ABLE in the legislative intent...to provide for the ABLE Program; provide for definitions relating to the ABLE Program; would provide for the income tax exemption eligible to the ABLE Program; and provide appropriations for Fiscal Year 2015 for development and implementation of the ABLE Program."
"The Legislature of Alabama intends to establish a qualified ABLE Program in this state which will encourage and assist Alabama individuals and families in saving private funds for the purpose of supporting Alabama citizens with disabilities."
- Other
- Asset Development / Financial Capability
Executive Orders
Governor's Office on Disability - Mission Statement (2008) - 12/30/2006
The Governor’s Office on Disability (GOOD) was created by Executive Order Number 43 in 1999 (re-established with Governor Bentley’s Executive Order 15 in 2011). It was formed to serve as a statewide clearing house for information on disability and resources in Alabama. Its other major function is to act as a liaison to the Governor’s Office on disability issues. GOOD’s mission statement was revised in 2008 to include “facilitate the inclusion of Alabamians with disabilities in education, employment, housing, transportation, health care, and leisure.” The mission statement does not specifically mention employment. GOOD has two “annual reports” (covering two years each) available, but these do not specifically mention Employment First concepts either.
- Other
Policy
Alabama Division of Developmental Disabilities - Report: State Employment Leadership Network (SELN) [2/2015] - 02/27/2015
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
State Plan for the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program and State Plan Supplement for the State Supported Employment Services Program for FY 2015 - 07/31/2014
Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, Alabama Department of Mental Health, Alabama State Department of Education, Alabama Medicaid, Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, and the Alabama Department of Post-Secondary Education continue to work towards Employment First legislation. Additionally, the lead agencies (ADMH and ADRS) have been very active in regional trainings to assist providers, families, and advocates to better understanding Employment First and to address fears and concerns from these groups. The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services is also participating with the Alabama Department of Mental Health in the Employment First Leadership Mentoring Program Community of Practice through the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). Additional training, to the Employment First Team, is being provided via Vision Quest (through ODEP). Partners on the Employment First Team are working as a local unit and in concert with other states to better understand how to successfully infuse integrated employment into the Medicaid Waiver and State Plan Options.”
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities State Plan “Draft Goals and Objectives 2017-2021
“Objective 3: By 2021, ACDD will support activities that increase the knowledge of employers, providers, people with I/DD and their families, and others about the benefits of having people with I/DD participate in community-based workforce and volunteer activities”
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Other
- Employer Engagement
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Alabama Preparing for Life Transition Planning Guide (6/2015)
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Education
- Other
- School-to-Work Transition
Office of Supported Employment
The Office of Supported Employment plans and coordinates all initiatives that address expanding employment services to consumers served through the DD Division. This includes training and technical assistance. This office also writes and manages grants that fund employment pilots throughout the state. Further, this office takes the lead in expanding collaboration with other state agencies and organizations so our consumers are more successful at obtaining competitive employment.
- Department of Mental Health
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Partnerships
Alabama Department of Social Services State Partners: Alabama Department of Mental Health
ADSS currently partners on several ventures with the ADMH, to include ADRC development and advisory, consumer-directed and person-centered system change, Chronic Disease Self-Management programs, pre-and post-disaster planning and assistance, the Alzheimer’s/Dementia Related Disorders State Plan and Employment First Workforce development. The Council of Developmental Disabilities is housed within the ADMH and operates under Public Law 106-402 and a Governor’s Executive Order. …… ADSS is a member of the DD Council and staff of the DD Council actively participates in cross training, resource development and advice for ADRC development.”
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Other
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
- Resource Leveraging
Alabama Pathways to Employment
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Workforce Development
- Department of Education
- Medicaid Agencies
- School-to-Work Transition
- Mental Health
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities Program
In September 2011, the University of Alabama at Birmingham received a grant for training special educators to improve services and results for children with disabilities. The Special Education—Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities Program provides funds that help address state-identified needs for highly qualified personnel in special education, related services, early intervention, and regular education programs that serve children with disabilities. The Alabama grant is part of Focus Area A - Preparing Personnel to Serve Infants, Toddlers, and Preschool-Age Children with Disabilities.
- Department of Education
- Other
Alabama-Association for Persons Supporting Employment First
A 5,000-member organization with chapters in over 31 states, this network was formed to improve and expand integrated employment opportunities, services, and outcomes for people with disabilities. The Alabama chapter works to enhance innovative, individualized employment opportunities, promote careers, and improve quality of life for people with disabilities by providing education, technical assistance and training, advocacy, and support to people and their families, employers, and employment specialists.
- Other
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program
The Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP) is part of the nationwide federally mandated protection and advocacy system. ADAP works to provide quality, legally based advocacy services to Alabamians with disabilities in order to protect, promote and expand their rights.
- Other
Systems-Change Funding
Alabama Disability Employment Initiative - 10/08/2013
The Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) is a three-year federal grant-funded program that improves education, training, employment opportunities, and employment outcomes for people with disabilities who are unemployed, underemployed, and/or receiving Social Security disability benefits. In 2013, Alabama was awarded a Round 4 DEI grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment Training Administration. This grant ended in 2015.
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Department of Workforce Development
- Department of Education
- Medicaid Agencies
- Other
- Self-Employment
- School-to-Work Transition
- Mental Health
- Asset Development / Financial Capability
- Employer Engagement
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
- Data Sharing
Alabama Medicaid Money Follows the Person - 10/24/2012
Alabama received a Medicaid Money Follows the Person grant in October 2012. Alabama received $3.4 million in the first year and up to $28 million over the four-year project to support the successful transition of 625 individuals from an institutional setting to community living. The majority of the funds provide Home and Community-Based Services for Medicaid-eligible individuals who are elderly or have disabilities and who choose to transition from nursing facilities or a state-operated psychiatric hospital Grant funds will cover the upfront costs associated with transitioning each individual as well as the administrative costs of operating the program and will be paid during the first year of each person’s transition.
- Medicaid Agencies
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Alabama Employment First
One in five people living in the United States have some type of disability. Alabama ranks near the bottom in competitive employment opportunities for people with significant disabilities. Employment First is a declaration of both philosophy and policy, stating that employment is the first priority and preferred outcome of people with disabilities.
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Employer Engagement
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Alabama Governor’s Youth Leadership Forum
Started in 1999, the Alabama Governor's Youth Leadership Forum is an innovative, intensive, five-day career leadership training program for high school juniors and seniors with disabilities throughout Alabama. Program activities focus on career planning, leadership development, technology resources and information on disability history to assist young people with disabilities in reaching their maximum potential.
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- School-to-Work Transition
Alabama VR Transition Services
Vocational Rehabilitation Service (VRS) places substantial emphasis on assisting youth with disabilities in the transition from school to post school activities. Transition services are a coordinated set of activities that lead to employment. A vocational rehabilitation counselor works with youth and their families to assess their needs and plan individualized services to meet their chosen vocational goal. Every public high school in Alabama has a vocational rehabilitation counselor assigned to provide transition services.
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Education
- School-to-Work Transition
- Employer Engagement
Alabama Teen Transition Clinic
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- School-to-Work Transition
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Alabama Project GATE
Alabama has piloted the Gaining Access To Employment project, a collaborative effort between the state’s Department of Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities (MH/DD) and its Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). Through this project, known as Project GATE, the two agencies work together to help local service providers use funds to support integrated employment opportunities. MH/DD and VR have a long history of partnering, including joint efforts on a supported employment workgroup, due to the strong relationships between colleagues at each department.
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Customized Employment
- Employer Engagement
- Segregated Day & Employment Services
- Provider Transformation
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Training/Capacity Building
Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) Meetings & Training - 09/26/2013
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Other
- Customized Employment
- School-to-Work Transition
- Mental Health
- Provider Transformation
Alabama APSE (AL-APSE) 2013 Conference & Training Event - 05/13/2013
The AL-APSE/ACDD Conference was intended to disseminate a wide variety of information to professionals as well as individuals with disabilities
At the end of this program, participants developed skills, including: (a) identifying employer concerns and how to resolve those concerns when hiring a person with a disability; (b) identifying quality supported employment services, natural supports, and common marketing strategies to overcome barriers to employment for people with the most significant disabilities; (c) recognizing the unique challenges people with disabilities have when seeking employment and identifying steps to become employed in a competitive job market; and (d) identifying low-cost assistive technology solutions to help individuals with disabilities in a variety of settings.- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Workforce Development
- Other
- Employer Engagement
Governor’s Summit on Disability Employment
BIRMINGHAM—Governor Robert Bentley on Friday joined Alabama Labor Commissioner Fitzgerald Washington and Alabama Mental Health Commissioner Jim Perdue to announce a statewide employment summit for Alabamians with disabilities. The Governor’s Summit on Disability Employment, scheduled for October 2016, is designed to connect companies with individuals with disabilities who are unemployed or under employed despite their ability, desire, and willingness to work. “I firmly believe having an opportunity for a quality job should be open for everyone, including Alabamians with a disability,” Governor Bentley said. “This Summit on Disability Employment will bring together agencies, organizations, commissions and most importantly the consumers to address the disparaging gap in unemployment for those with disabilities. Disabled Alabamians are part of the dedicated Alabama workforce, and are a great partner to help companies be successful.”
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Workforce Development
- Other
- Employer Engagement
Enforcement
EEOC Sues Two Hawk Employment Agency - 02/22/2016
A temporary employment agency violated federal law when it asked an applicant illegal medical questions during its application process and then refused to hire the applicant because of her responses to those illegal medical inquiries, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit filed today. In addition, the suit alleges that Two Hawk failed to retain employment applications as required by federal law.
- Other
University of Alabama at Birmingham ADA Settlement - 02/10/2016
This Agreement resolves an investigation and compliance review of physical accessibility for individuals with disabilities at UAB under title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. §§ 12131 - 12134 (ADA), and the Department of Justice's implementing regulation, 28 C.F.R. Part 35, including the 1991 Standards for Accessible Design, 28 C.F.R. Part 35 (2011) at Appendix D (1991 Standards), and the ADA 2010 Standards for Accessible Design, 28 C.F.R. § 35.104 (2010 Standards as the requirements set forth in appendices B and D to 36 C.F.R. part 1191 and the requirements contained in subpart D of 28 C.F.R. part 35) (collectively the Standards).
- Other
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Medicaid & Employment
Alabama HCBS Transition Plan (3/17/15) - 03/17/2015
This document details the steps taken to ensure that individuals receiving long term services and supports through home and community-based services (HCBS) programs under the 1915 (c), 1915 (i), and 1915 (k), Medicaid authorities have the required full access to benefits of community living and the opportunity to receive services in the most integrated setting that is appropriate.
- Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Medicaid Agencies
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
- Segregated Day & Employment Services
Alabama Medicaid Money Follows the Person - 10/11/2012
Alabama received a Medicaid Money Follows the Person grant in October 2012. Alabama received $3.4 million in the first year and up to $28 million over the four-year project to support the successful transition of 625 individuals from an institutional setting to community living. The majority of the funds provide Home and Community-Based Services for Medicaid-eligible individuals who are elderly or have disabilities and who choose to transition from nursing facilities or a state-operated psychiatric hospital Grant funds will cover the upfront costs associated with transitioning each individual as well as the administrative costs of operating the program and will be paid during the first year of each person’s transition.
- Medicaid Agencies
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Alabama Medicaid State Plan (Proposed) Amendments
Amendments to the State Plan (SPAs) are required when changes to amount, duration or scope of services, or eligibility requirements are proposed. This resource provides the current proposed amendments.
- Medicaid Agencies
Alabama Medicaid State Plan
The Medicaid State Plan outlines the organization and function of the Alabama Medicaid Agency. Amendments to the State Plan (SPAs) are required when changes to amount, duration or scope of services, or eligibility requirements are proposed.
- Medicaid Agencies
Alabama HCBS Living at Home Waiver for Persons w/ID (0391.R02.00)
This waiver provides day hab, personal care, prevocational, respite, supported employment, behavior therapy, community specialist services, crisis intervention, environmental accessibility adaptations, OT, PT, residential hab other living arrangement, skilled nursing, specialized medical equipment, specialized medical supplies, speech and language therapy for individuals w/MR ages 3 - no max age
- Medicaid Agencies
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
- Segregated Day & Employment Services
Alabama Home and Community- Based Waiver for Persons with MR (0001.R06.00)
The waiver provides day hab, personal care, prevocational, residential hab, respite, supported employment, adult companion, behavior therapy, community specialist services, crisis intervention, environmental accessibility adaptations, OT, PT, skilled nursing, specialized medical equipment, specialized medical supplies, speech/language therapy for individuals w/MR ages 3 - no max age
- Medicaid Agencies
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
States - Phone
Snapshot
The state motto of Alabama is "We Dare Defend Our Rights," including the rights of individuals with disabilities to have real employment opportunities at competitive wages.
2013 to 2014
2013 to 2014
2013 to 2014
2013 to 2014
2013 to 2014
State Data
General |
2014 |
|---|---|
| Population. | 4,849,377 |
| Number of people with disabilities (all disabilities, ages 18-64). | 422,549 |
| Number of people with disabilities who are employed (all disabilities, ages 18-64). | 114,928 |
| Number of people without disabilities who are employed (ages 18-64). | 1,791,279 |
| Percentage of working age people who are employed (all disabilities). | 27.20% |
| Percentage of working age people who are employed (NO disabilities). | 71.29% |
| Overall unemployment rate. | 6.80% |
| Poverty Rate (all disabilities). | 25.10% |
| Poverty Rate (NO disabilities). | 18.20% |
| Number of males with disabilities (all ages). | 367,873 |
| Number of females with disabilities (all ages). | 408,575 |
| Number of Caucasians with disabilities (all ages). | 553,359 |
| Number of African Americans with disabilities (all ages). | 198,318 |
| Number of Hispanic/Latinos with disabilities (all ages). | 11,801 |
| Number of American Indians/Alaska Natives with disabilities (all ages). | 5,289 |
| Number of Asians with disabilities (all ages). | 3,784 |
| Number of Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders with disabilities (all ages). | N/A |
| Number of with multiple races disabilities (all ages). | 12,370 |
| Number of others with disabilities (all ages). | 3,060 |
SSA OUTCOMES |
2014 |
|---|---|
| Number of SSI recipients with disabilities who work. | 3,466 |
| Percentage of SSI recipients with disabilities who work relative to total SSI recipients with disabilities. | 2.10% |
| Old Age Survivor and Disability Insurance (OASDI) recipients/workers with disabilities. | 236,857 |
MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES |
2014 |
|---|---|
| Number of mental health services consumers who are employed. | 5,943 |
| Number of mental health services consumers who are part of the labor force (employed or actively looking for employment). | 16,224 |
| Number of adults served who have a known employment status. | 53,429 |
| Percentage of all state mental health agency consumers served in the community who are employed. | 11.10% |
| Percentage of supported employment services evidence based practices (EBP). | N/A |
| Percentage of supported housing services evidence based practices (EBP). | 0.50% |
| Percentage of assertive community treatment services evidence based practices (EBP). | 1.80% |
| Percentage of medications management evidence based practices (EBP). | N/A |
| Number of evidence based practices (EBP) supported employment services. | N/A |
| Number of evidence based practices (EBP) supported housing services. | 311 |
| Number of evidence based practices (EBP) assertive community treatment services. | 1,055 |
| Number of evidence based practices (EBP) medications management. | N/A |
WAGNER PEYSER OUTCOMES |
2014 |
|---|---|
| Number of registered job seekers with a disability. | 8,415 |
| Proportion of registered job seekers with a disability. | 0.02 |
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OUTCOMES (ADULTS) |
2013 |
|---|---|
| Total number of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work served by Job Training and Partnership Act/Workforce Investment Act programs. | 55 |
| Total number of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work who entered unsubsidized employment. | 22 |
| Percentage of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work who entered unsubsidized employment relative to total the number of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work. | 40.00% |
| Incidence rate of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work who entered unsubsidized employment per 100,000 individuals in the general state population. | 0.46 |
VR OUTCOMES |
2015 |
|---|---|
| Total Number of people served under VR. |
N/A |
| Number of people with visual impairments served under VR. | N/A |
| Number of people with communicative (hearing loss, deafness) impairments served under VR. | N/A |
| Number of people with physical impairments served under VR. | N/A |
| Number of people cognitive impairments served under VR. | N/A |
| Number of people psychosocial impairments served under VR. | N/A |
| Number of people with mental impairments served under VR. | N/A |
| Percentage of overall closures into employment under VR. | N/A |
| Number of employment network (EN) and vocational rehabilitation (VR) tickets assigned. | 4,720 |
| Number of eligible ticket to work beneficiaries. | 345,409 |
| Total number of ID closures using supported employment services with or without Title VI-B funds expended (VI-C prior to 2002). | N/A |
| Total number of ID competitive labor market closures. | N/A |
IDD OUTCOMES |
2013 |
|---|---|
| Dollars spent on day/employment services for integrated employment funding. | $2,501,000 |
| Dollars spent on day/employment services for facility-based work funding. | $1,003,000 |
| Dollars spent on day/employment services for facility-based non-work funding. | $54,120,000 |
| Dollars spent on day/employment services for community based non-work funding. | $0 |
| Percentage of people served in integrated employment. | 4.00% |
| Number of people served in community based non-work. | 0 |
| Number of people served in facility based work. | 102 |
| Number of people served in facility based non-work. | 4,577 |
| Number supported in integrated employment per 100,000 individuals in the general state population. | 4.40 |
EDUCATION OUTCOMES |
2013 |
|---|---|
| Percent of children with IEPs aged 6 through 21 served inside the regular class 80% or more of the day (Indicator 5a). | 83.83% |
| Percent of children with IEPs aged 6 through 21 served inside the regular class less than 40% of the day (Indicator 5b). | 6.79% |
| Percent of children with IEPs aged 6 through 21 served in separate schools, residential facilities, or homebound/hospital placements (Indicator 5c). | 2.73% |
| Percent of youth with IEPs aged 16 and above with an IEP that includes appropriate measurable postsecondary goals (Indicator 13). | 99.98% |
| Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were enrolled in higher education within one year of leaving high school (Indicator 14a). | 22.24% |
| Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were enrolled in higher education or competitively employed within one year of leaving high school (Indicator 14b). | 62.35% |
| Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were enrolled in higher education or in some other postsecondary education or training program; or competitively employed or in some other employment within one year of leaving high school (Indicator 14c). | 76.36% |
| Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were competitively employed within one year of leaving high school (Subset of Indicator 14). | 40.11% |
ABILITYONE/JWOD PROGRAM |
2014 |
|---|---|
| Number of overall agency blind and SD hours. | 1,613,485 |
| Number of overall total blind and SD workers. | 1,408 |
| Number of AbilityOne blind and SD hours (products). | 297,988 |
| Number of AbilityOne blind and SD hours (services). | 882,262 |
| Number of AbilityOne blind and SD hours (combined). | 1,180,250 |
| Number of AbilityOne blind and SD workers (products). | 196 |
| Number of AbilityOne blind and SD workers (services). | 610 |
| Number of AbilityOne blind and SD workers (combined). | 806 |
| AbilityOne wages (products). | $2,732,728 |
| AbilityOne wages (services). | $11,470,273 |
WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION: 14(c) CERTIFICATE-HOLDING ENTITIES OUTCOMES |
2015 |
|---|---|
| Number of 14(c) certificate-holding private businesses. | 0 |
| Number of 14(c) certificate-holding school work experience programs (SWEPs). | 0 |
| Number of 14(c) certificate-holding community rehabilitation programs (CRPs). | 29 |
| Number of 14(c) certificate holding patient workers. | 0 |
| Total Number of 14(c) certificate holding entities. | 29 |
| Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding private businesses. | 0 |
| Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14 (c) certificate holding school work experience programs (SWEPs). | 0 |
| Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding community rehabilitation programs (CRPs). | 2,071 |
| Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding patient workers. | 0 |
| Total reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding entities. | 2,071 |
Legislation
Alabama SB 226 - 06/04/2015
"The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2014 established Section 529A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, to allow families and individuals to save for disability-related expenses of a disabled individual in a federal tax-advantaged account...This bill would include ABLE in the legislative intent...to provide for the ABLE Program; provide for definitions relating to the ABLE Program; would provide for the income tax exemption eligible to the ABLE Program; and provide appropriations for Fiscal Year 2015 for development and implementation of the ABLE Program."
"The Legislature of Alabama intends to establish a qualified ABLE Program in this state which will encourage and assist Alabama individuals and families in saving private funds for the purpose of supporting Alabama citizens with disabilities."
- Other
- Asset Development / Financial Capability
Executive Orders
Governor's Office on Disability - Mission Statement (2008) - 12/30/2006
The Governor’s Office on Disability (GOOD) was created by Executive Order Number 43 in 1999 (re-established with Governor Bentley’s Executive Order 15 in 2011). It was formed to serve as a statewide clearing house for information on disability and resources in Alabama. Its other major function is to act as a liaison to the Governor’s Office on disability issues. GOOD’s mission statement was revised in 2008 to include “facilitate the inclusion of Alabamians with disabilities in education, employment, housing, transportation, health care, and leisure.” The mission statement does not specifically mention employment. GOOD has two “annual reports” (covering two years each) available, but these do not specifically mention Employment First concepts either.
- Other
Policy
Alabama Division of Developmental Disabilities - Report: State Employment Leadership Network (SELN) [2/2015] - 02/27/2015
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
State Plan for the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program and State Plan Supplement for the State Supported Employment Services Program for FY 2015 - 07/31/2014
Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, Alabama Department of Mental Health, Alabama State Department of Education, Alabama Medicaid, Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, and the Alabama Department of Post-Secondary Education continue to work towards Employment First legislation. Additionally, the lead agencies (ADMH and ADRS) have been very active in regional trainings to assist providers, families, and advocates to better understanding Employment First and to address fears and concerns from these groups. The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services is also participating with the Alabama Department of Mental Health in the Employment First Leadership Mentoring Program Community of Practice through the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). Additional training, to the Employment First Team, is being provided via Vision Quest (through ODEP). Partners on the Employment First Team are working as a local unit and in concert with other states to better understand how to successfully infuse integrated employment into the Medicaid Waiver and State Plan Options.”
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities State Plan “Draft Goals and Objectives 2017-2021
“Objective 3: By 2021, ACDD will support activities that increase the knowledge of employers, providers, people with I/DD and their families, and others about the benefits of having people with I/DD participate in community-based workforce and volunteer activities”
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Other
- Employer Engagement
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Alabama Preparing for Life Transition Planning Guide (6/2015)
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Education
- Other
- School-to-Work Transition
Office of Supported Employment
The Office of Supported Employment plans and coordinates all initiatives that address expanding employment services to consumers served through the DD Division. This includes training and technical assistance. This office also writes and manages grants that fund employment pilots throughout the state. Further, this office takes the lead in expanding collaboration with other state agencies and organizations so our consumers are more successful at obtaining competitive employment.
- Department of Mental Health
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Partnerships
Alabama Department of Social Services State Partners: Alabama Department of Mental Health
ADSS currently partners on several ventures with the ADMH, to include ADRC development and advisory, consumer-directed and person-centered system change, Chronic Disease Self-Management programs, pre-and post-disaster planning and assistance, the Alzheimer’s/Dementia Related Disorders State Plan and Employment First Workforce development. The Council of Developmental Disabilities is housed within the ADMH and operates under Public Law 106-402 and a Governor’s Executive Order. …… ADSS is a member of the DD Council and staff of the DD Council actively participates in cross training, resource development and advice for ADRC development.”
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Other
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
- Resource Leveraging
Alabama Pathways to Employment
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Workforce Development
- Department of Education
- Medicaid Agencies
- School-to-Work Transition
- Mental Health
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities Program
In September 2011, the University of Alabama at Birmingham received a grant for training special educators to improve services and results for children with disabilities. The Special Education—Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities Program provides funds that help address state-identified needs for highly qualified personnel in special education, related services, early intervention, and regular education programs that serve children with disabilities. The Alabama grant is part of Focus Area A - Preparing Personnel to Serve Infants, Toddlers, and Preschool-Age Children with Disabilities.
- Department of Education
- Other
Alabama-Association for Persons Supporting Employment First
A 5,000-member organization with chapters in over 31 states, this network was formed to improve and expand integrated employment opportunities, services, and outcomes for people with disabilities. The Alabama chapter works to enhance innovative, individualized employment opportunities, promote careers, and improve quality of life for people with disabilities by providing education, technical assistance and training, advocacy, and support to people and their families, employers, and employment specialists.
- Other
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program
The Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP) is part of the nationwide federally mandated protection and advocacy system. ADAP works to provide quality, legally based advocacy services to Alabamians with disabilities in order to protect, promote and expand their rights.
- Other
Systems-Change Funding
Alabama Disability Employment Initiative - 10/08/2013
The Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) is a three-year federal grant-funded program that improves education, training, employment opportunities, and employment outcomes for people with disabilities who are unemployed, underemployed, and/or receiving Social Security disability benefits. In 2013, Alabama was awarded a Round 4 DEI grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment Training Administration. This grant ended in 2015.
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Department of Workforce Development
- Department of Education
- Medicaid Agencies
- Other
- Self-Employment
- School-to-Work Transition
- Mental Health
- Asset Development / Financial Capability
- Employer Engagement
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
- Data Sharing
Alabama Medicaid Money Follows the Person - 10/24/2012
Alabama received a Medicaid Money Follows the Person grant in October 2012. Alabama received $3.4 million in the first year and up to $28 million over the four-year project to support the successful transition of 625 individuals from an institutional setting to community living. The majority of the funds provide Home and Community-Based Services for Medicaid-eligible individuals who are elderly or have disabilities and who choose to transition from nursing facilities or a state-operated psychiatric hospital Grant funds will cover the upfront costs associated with transitioning each individual as well as the administrative costs of operating the program and will be paid during the first year of each person’s transition.
- Medicaid Agencies
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Alabama Employment First
One in five people living in the United States have some type of disability. Alabama ranks near the bottom in competitive employment opportunities for people with significant disabilities. Employment First is a declaration of both philosophy and policy, stating that employment is the first priority and preferred outcome of people with disabilities.
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Employer Engagement
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Alabama Governor’s Youth Leadership Forum
Started in 1999, the Alabama Governor's Youth Leadership Forum is an innovative, intensive, five-day career leadership training program for high school juniors and seniors with disabilities throughout Alabama. Program activities focus on career planning, leadership development, technology resources and information on disability history to assist young people with disabilities in reaching their maximum potential.
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- School-to-Work Transition
Alabama VR Transition Services
Vocational Rehabilitation Service (VRS) places substantial emphasis on assisting youth with disabilities in the transition from school to post school activities. Transition services are a coordinated set of activities that lead to employment. A vocational rehabilitation counselor works with youth and their families to assess their needs and plan individualized services to meet their chosen vocational goal. Every public high school in Alabama has a vocational rehabilitation counselor assigned to provide transition services.
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Education
- School-to-Work Transition
- Employer Engagement
Alabama Teen Transition Clinic
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- School-to-Work Transition
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Alabama Project GATE
Alabama has piloted the Gaining Access To Employment project, a collaborative effort between the state’s Department of Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities (MH/DD) and its Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). Through this project, known as Project GATE, the two agencies work together to help local service providers use funds to support integrated employment opportunities. MH/DD and VR have a long history of partnering, including joint efforts on a supported employment workgroup, due to the strong relationships between colleagues at each department.
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Customized Employment
- Employer Engagement
- Segregated Day & Employment Services
- Provider Transformation
- Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Training/Capacity Building
Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) Meetings & Training - 09/26/2013
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Other
- Customized Employment
- School-to-Work Transition
- Mental Health
- Provider Transformation
Alabama APSE (AL-APSE) 2013 Conference & Training Event - 05/13/2013
The AL-APSE/ACDD Conference was intended to disseminate a wide variety of information to professionals as well as individuals with disabilities
At the end of this program, participants developed skills, including: (a) identifying employer concerns and how to resolve those concerns when hiring a person with a disability; (b) identifying quality supported employment services, natural supports, and common marketing strategies to overcome barriers to employment for people with the most significant disabilities; (c) recognizing the unique challenges people with disabilities have when seeking employment and identifying steps to become employed in a competitive job market; and (d) identifying low-cost assistive technology solutions to help individuals with disabilities in a variety of settings.- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Workforce Development
- Other
- Employer Engagement
Governor’s Summit on Disability Employment
BIRMINGHAM—Governor Robert Bentley on Friday joined Alabama Labor Commissioner Fitzgerald Washington and Alabama Mental Health Commissioner Jim Perdue to announce a statewide employment summit for Alabamians with disabilities. The Governor’s Summit on Disability Employment, scheduled for October 2016, is designed to connect companies with individuals with disabilities who are unemployed or under employed despite their ability, desire, and willingness to work. “I firmly believe having an opportunity for a quality job should be open for everyone, including Alabamians with a disability,” Governor Bentley said. “This Summit on Disability Employment will bring together agencies, organizations, commissions and most importantly the consumers to address the disparaging gap in unemployment for those with disabilities. Disabled Alabamians are part of the dedicated Alabama workforce, and are a great partner to help companies be successful.”
- Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Workforce Development
- Other
- Employer Engagement
Enforcement
EEOC Sues Two Hawk Employment Agency - 02/22/2016
A temporary employment agency violated federal law when it asked an applicant illegal medical questions during its application process and then refused to hire the applicant because of her responses to those illegal medical inquiries, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit filed today. In addition, the suit alleges that Two Hawk failed to retain employment applications as required by federal law.
- Other
University of Alabama at Birmingham ADA Settlement - 02/10/2016
This Agreement resolves an investigation and compliance review of physical accessibility for individuals with disabilities at UAB under title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. §§ 12131 - 12134 (ADA), and the Department of Justice's implementing regulation, 28 C.F.R. Part 35, including the 1991 Standards for Accessible Design, 28 C.F.R. Part 35 (2011) at Appendix D (1991 Standards), and the ADA 2010 Standards for Accessible Design, 28 C.F.R. § 35.104 (2010 Standards as the requirements set forth in appendices B and D to 36 C.F.R. part 1191 and the requirements contained in subpart D of 28 C.F.R. part 35) (collectively the Standards).
- Other
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Medicaid & Employment
Alabama HCBS Transition Plan (3/17/15) - 03/17/2015
This document details the steps taken to ensure that individuals receiving long term services and supports through home and community-based services (HCBS) programs under the 1915 (c), 1915 (i), and 1915 (k), Medicaid authorities have the required full access to benefits of community living and the opportunity to receive services in the most integrated setting that is appropriate.
- Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Medicaid Agencies
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
- Segregated Day & Employment Services
Alabama Medicaid Money Follows the Person - 10/11/2012
Alabama received a Medicaid Money Follows the Person grant in October 2012. Alabama received $3.4 million in the first year and up to $28 million over the four-year project to support the successful transition of 625 individuals from an institutional setting to community living. The majority of the funds provide Home and Community-Based Services for Medicaid-eligible individuals who are elderly or have disabilities and who choose to transition from nursing facilities or a state-operated psychiatric hospital Grant funds will cover the upfront costs associated with transitioning each individual as well as the administrative costs of operating the program and will be paid during the first year of each person’s transition.
- Medicaid Agencies
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Alabama Medicaid State Plan (Proposed) Amendments
Amendments to the State Plan (SPAs) are required when changes to amount, duration or scope of services, or eligibility requirements are proposed. This resource provides the current proposed amendments.
- Medicaid Agencies
Alabama Medicaid State Plan
The Medicaid State Plan outlines the organization and function of the Alabama Medicaid Agency. Amendments to the State Plan (SPAs) are required when changes to amount, duration or scope of services, or eligibility requirements are proposed.
- Medicaid Agencies
Alabama HCBS Living at Home Waiver for Persons w/ID (0391.R02.00)
This waiver provides day hab, personal care, prevocational, respite, supported employment, behavior therapy, community specialist services, crisis intervention, environmental accessibility adaptations, OT, PT, residential hab other living arrangement, skilled nursing, specialized medical equipment, specialized medical supplies, speech and language therapy for individuals w/MR ages 3 - no max age
- Medicaid Agencies
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
- Segregated Day & Employment Services
Alabama Home and Community- Based Waiver for Persons with MR (0001.R06.00)
The waiver provides day hab, personal care, prevocational, residential hab, respite, supported employment, adult companion, behavior therapy, community specialist services, crisis intervention, environmental accessibility adaptations, OT, PT, skilled nursing, specialized medical equipment, specialized medical supplies, speech/language therapy for individuals w/MR ages 3 - no max age
- Medicaid Agencies
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)