Early Intervention/Childhood Programs:
RISE was started in 1974 in Tuscaloosa to enrich the lives of infants and preschoolers – both traditional learners and children with varying abilities. Through early intervention and early childhood preschool services, children at RISE are equipped with the skills necessary to succeed in an inclusive school setting. The RISE Center at The University of Alabama is a part of the College of Human Environmental Sciences and provides opportunities for University students to experience evidence-based research practices in the field of early childhood education and early childhood special education. It is housed in the Stallings Center on the UA campus named after Coach Gene Stallings.
The RISE Program is a nationally recognized early childhood education program that is dedicated to excellence in service, research, and teaching. The program predominately serves young children with varying abilities but also includes traditional learners. The RISE model is a unique blend of early childhood education, child development, early childhood special education, and integrated therapy.
Other RISE Centers/Schools: The Ashford RISE School of Dallas, The RISE School of Austin, The RISE School of Denver, The RISE School of Houston, The RISE School of Corpus Christi, and the UAH Early Learning RISE Center Program.
Post Secondary/College Programs:
Post Secondary/
College Programs:
CrossingPoints Tier1 program is a collaboration between UA and the Tuscaloosa City and County School Systems. Students follow the transition curriculum entitled “Life Center Career Education” involving Daily Living skills, Personal Social Skills, Occupational Guidance and Preparation. CrossingPoints strives to create authentic transition connections between individuals with disabilities, their families, and the community that promote partnerships of caring to ensure the achievement of enviable lifestyles supported by ongoing self-determination and empowered decision making.
The ClemsonLIFE ™ program at Clemson University offers a collegiate experience that prepares young men and women with intellectual disabilities for competitive employment and independent living through a combination of academic coursework and career exploration. The program is designed for students who desire a post-secondary experience on a college campus. Our program incorporates functional academics, independent living, employment and social/leisure skills in a public university setting with the goal of producing self-sufficient young adults.
Aggie ACHIEVE at Texas A&M University is a comprehensive transition program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who have exited high school. Aggie ACHIEVE provides an inclusive and immersive college education and equips students for employment in the community. Aggie ACHIEVE aligns coursework, internship opportunities, and extracurricular activities with each student’s academic interests and employment goals. Aggie ACHIEVE is designed to enroll students for up to four years.
This event held in Atlanta each year honors inclusive postsecondary education programs serving those with intellectual disability and individuals and organizations advancing opportunities for those with Down syndrome to attend these postsecondary education programs.
Adult Programs:
Rainbow Omega ensures that adults with developmental disabilities have a safe home where their abilities and potentials are respected and nurtured in a Christian environment. Rainbow Omega instills both a family and a community atmosphere where individuals experience quality standards of care while enabling them to grow spiritually and to have productive, joy-filled and independent lives.
Eagles’ Wings, Inc. is a non-profit agency that provides Day Habilitation and Residential Services for adults with developmental disabilities. We provide a wide array of services that are individualized to meet each person’s unique emotional, physical, social, spiritual, and vocational needs. We are committed to promoting and protecting the individual rights of people. Our primary objective will be centered on happiness and independence for each individual in a respectful, secure, and person-centered environment which maximizes the potential for independence, productivity, and integration with the surrounding community.
ARC of Tuscaloosa is recognized as the foremost partner with families and people with developmental and intellectual disabilities to support and enhance the quality of their lives. The Arc does this through advocacy on behalf of individuals and families at all levels of The Arc and at the legislative, system and individual levels. Providing information and technical support to individuals, families and organizations assists them in fulfilling their dreams.
State/National Organizations:
State/National Organizations:
Down Syndrome Alabama started in June 1987 as a group of parents dedicated to advocating for their children who had Down syndrome. The organization's goal is to be a leading champion for those living with Down syndrome. DSA educates individuals with Down Syndrome, their families and the community about policy issues to advocate for change while also providing connections for families and educating the public about the amazing abilities of individuals with Down syndrome.
UCP of Alabama serves children and adults with developmental disabilities across the state of Alabama. The organization has six affiliates located throughout the state. Through a variety of programs offered by the different affiliates, UCP provides opportunities that fosters independence and productivity for individuals. Annually, over 5,000 children and adults receive services from UCP.
National Down Syndrome Congress is dedicated to improving they world for individuals with Down syndrome. The Congress supports bringing people together to accomplish its mission of providing information, advocacy, and support concerning all aspects of life for individuals with Down Syndrome and those who support them.