Event Connects Persons with Disabilities with Area Service Providers

A unique event to connect persons with disabilities of all ages with organizations providing assistance will take place April 21 at Eastmont Baptist Church in Montgomery.

The Disability Summit – “Empowering People with Disabilities of All Ages with Information, Resources, and Technology” – is a free event sponsored by the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS), the State of Alabama Client Assistance Program (SACAP), and Eastmont Baptist Church.

Individuals who either have a disability or have a loved one with a disability may need access to information, technology, financial assistance, various resources, or creative solutions to improve their daily lives, said Rachel Hughes, SACAP director, who also organized the event.

“When I talk to people in the community, I often hear, ‘I had no idea programs like yours even existed,’ ” said Hughes. “This event aims to change that common misconception by putting people face-to-face with representatives from more than 25 area organizations who aim to serve persons with disabilities.”

Vendors at the summit will be on-hand to answer attendees’ questions from 1 to 4 p.m. Featured agencies will include ADRS (including Alabama’s Early Intervention System, Children’s Rehabilitation Service, Vocational Rehabilitation Service, and State of Alabama Independent Living [SAIL] ), the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind, the Alabama Library for the Blind, AUM Bridges, the Children’s Center of Montgomery, Camp ASCCA, Easter Seals, Full Life Ahead, Help Me Grow Alabama, the Montgomery Center for Independent Living, Roof Top Friends, the Successful Living Center, United Cerebral Palsy, and many more.

Eastmont Baptist Church is located at 4505 Atlanta Highway in Montgomery.

The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services is the state agency whose mission is to enable Alabama’s children and adults with disabilities to achieve their maximum potential.