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Our fundraising event, "An Evening with Josh Blue Comedy," is ALMOST HERE! 🎭 On Thursday, Feb. 23, come and join us at Red Mountain Theatre for laughs, eats, libations, a silent auction and so much more! To purchase your tickets, visit https://bit.ly/3Y0EyfV!
"An Evening with Josh Blue Comedy" is right around the corner, and we couldn't let too much time pass without saying a HUGE THANK YOU to our gracious sponsors! ♥️ We appreciate the support of our mission and efforts to make sure the people in our community, regardless of age, s*x, race or ability, have the opportunity to be as independent as possible! 👏
Help us give a round of applause to Regions Bank, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Community Action, The Bennett Group, Lamar Advertising of Birmingham, Murfee Meadows, Inc., Dignity Memorial, Atlantic Video Corporation, Roper and Wilson, Attorneys at Law, Children's of Alabama, Kellum Wilson & Associates, Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa and FourWard Employee Wellness!
If you haven't already, get your tickets now to join in on good fun with us on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. at Red Mountain Theatre! Purchase tickets now at https://bit.ly/3kvHqTz.
GET TO KNOW Josh Blue Comedy!🎤 Following his third place finish on NBC’s America's Got Talent in 2021, Josh has been lighting up the country with laughter! He has celebrated countless groundbreaking wins and headlined at venues all over the world! In 2018, he crushed his set on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and recorded his stand-up comedy special, Broccoli, at his home club, Comedy Works in Denver, Co! Not only is Josh an amazing comedian, he is a single father living in Denver, Co., with his son and daughter!
Josh embodies our mission and is an outstanding example of what we want each and every person with disabilities to be—empowered and involved. We are so excited to be welcoming him to our city and hosting "An Evening with Josh Blue" on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 5:30 p.m. at Red Mountain Theatre. Join in on the laughter and purchase your tickets now at https://bit.ly/3VPaVN5.
Not only is our event, "An Evening With Josh Blue Comedy" going to bring laughter and disability education to Birmingham it will also help us establish our first fully equipped ADA resource center, The Next Step Resource Center! 🙌
We have had the privilege of providing services to residents throughout Alabama, and our Resource Center will help us to further increase our impact on the disabled community and encourage independent living.
Our plan is allow for the kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms to have ADA features to make independent living more equitable, flexible and intuitive, as everyone should be able to use a building regardless of disability.
👉The bathrooms will include grab bars, comfort-height toilets and curbless showers.
👉Bedrooms will have lower closet rods or pull-down closet rods, wider closet doors, good lighting, accessible shelving or storage and lower shelves and cubbies to replace dressers.
👉The designs call for a 3’-5’ of clearance around the bed, to ensure the bedroom is wheelchair accessible and a 5’x5’ floor space for turning around in a wheelchair.
Please help us fulfill our long-time goal of building a fully ADA resource center and join us on Thursday, Feb. 23 to enjoy comedy, food, music a silent auction and more. To purchase tickets, visit https://bit.ly/3VPaVN5.
Get ready to welcome the HILARIOUS Josh Blue Comedy to Birmingham on Thursday, Feb. 23! 🎭🎉 Come and laugh until you cry with us at Red Mountain Theatre during "An Evening with Josh Blue!" The renowned comic, who happens to have cerebral palsy, will be leading us in laughter and breaking down stereotypes of living with disabilities!
Proceeds from this event will help us establish our FIRST fully equipped ADA resource center, “The Next Step Resource Center." To purchase your ticket(s) and learn more, visit https://bit.ly/3Z3wUm7.
From our DRR family to yours Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We look forward to serving you in 2023!
Great meeting at the New Heights Resource Center in Tuscaloosa with superintendent Dr. Mike Daria and all community partners. Excited about opening an office in this facility allowing DRR to work with all agencies and the school system to provide services for those that need us the most.
Did you know DRR can help individuals receiving SSI Disability determine how much they can work & earn without reducing or losing their benefits? Let our Work Incentives Planning Assistance (WIPA) program help you! Check out this awesome consumer feedback! 👏👏👏👏
It's Election Day! Make your voice heard.
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What if I need accommodations to vote? Your polling place will have an accessible voting machine or you may have someone help you vote. If you are over age 70, you may also request to move to the front of the line to vote, instead of having to wait. Click HERE for details.
Assistance for Voters with Disabilities In an effort to provide accessible voting options for all of Alabama voters, Secretary of State John H. Merrill has created this page to assist voters who are disabled. Accessible Absentee Voting Options Eligible voters who wish to cast an absentee ballot may....
What if my polling location isn't accessible? All polling locations should be accessible. If your polling location is not accessible to you, please contact ADAP.
A graphic showing a person dropping a ballot into a box, with text that reads, "Want to vote in the general election? Absentee ballots are now available! Reach out to your county election manager to...
What if I can't make it to the polls to vote? You may vote absentee. However, it is too late to vote absentee by mail. You can still go into your local county clerk's office and vote in-person. There are rules to who is eligible and what you need to bring with you. Click HERE for all the information on absentee voting.
Here you can find answers to your questions about topics such as eligibility for an absentee ballot, applying for an absentee ballot, and casting an absentee ballot. Absentee ballot applications delivered by mail must be received in the office of the Absentee Election Manager for your county no late...
What are the amendments on the ballot and what do they mean in plain terms? There are 10 amendments proposed to the Alabama Constitution. Some are state-wide and some only impact certain areas. For a brief explanation in plain terms, click HERE. It is important to understand what the amendments mean to you. Be sure to ask questions and research if you don't understand.
Ten amendments and a constitutional proposal seek to change and update the Alabama Constitution.
What will the ballot look like? This election covers US Senate, US House of Representative, State Senate, State Representatives, State Attorney General and other Department positions, local district jobs (like judges, attorneys, and commissioners), and 10 proposed amendments. Click HERE to see a sample ballot for your county.
Do I need to take anything with me to vote? Yes, you must have a state issued ID to vote in an Alabama election. Click HERE to find out more!
How do I know if I am registered to vote? Click HERE to check your voting status. If you are not registered to vote in Alabama, it is too late to register for next week's election. However, stop by one of our offices and we will help you register for the next election.
How do I know where to vote? Where you vote is based on where you live. You MAY vote at a different location for local elections and national elections. Click HERE to find your polling location!
Photos from The Horizons School, Birmingham, Alabama's post
Hearts of Horizons Civitan Club members hosted Mr. John Roper, Executive Director, of Disability Rights and Resources (DRR). He shared his experience as a service provider and parent of a teen daughter with disabilities. John provided all with Go Bags including basic supplies for emergency preparedness. Faculty followed up with more detailed lessons about safe response at home, work and in the community. We thank John and DRR for helping to prepare Horizons School students for emergencies! Disability Rights & Resources Civitan International
Happy St. Pattys Day from
All of us at Disability Rights and Resources. Have a great day
Had the pleasure of speaking to the Horizons school last night. These young adults will live independently and be a valuable asset to any community they choose. Thank you to Dr. Geiger and his team for allowing me to speak on behalf of Disability Rights and Resources.
Disability Rights & Resources (DRR) and its board of directors are pleased to announce the hiring of John A. Roper as DRR’s new executive director. John will assume his leadership role beginning Jan. 3, 2022.
John brings a wealth of experience in leading nonprofits that advance rights and opportunities for a diverse range of people. This experience directly complements DRR’s mission as a nonprofit dedicated to serving people with disabilities and advancing opportunities for independent living.
“Every day, the incredible team at Disability Rights & Resources is on the front lines of creating positive change,” John said. “This is an organization filled with men and women who have devoted their lives to making a meaningful difference for people with disabilities, and the team’s insights, initiatives, and compassion set the organization apart. My focus will be to further empower DRR and its teams to serve people in helpful and innovative ways. Many of us come from different backgrounds, but we are all united by the power of hope and freedom, and we will build on DRR’s foundation for success and reach new heights in serving our communities – together.”
John succeeds Dan Kessler who recently announced his retirement effective Dec. 31, 2021.
John most recently served as chief executive officer (CEO) of the Arc of the Emerald Coast in Florida, where he oversaw a staff of 180-250 people. The Arc’s mission is to provide a path from disability to capability. As the leader of the Emerald Coast chapter, Roper established and maintained positive working relationships and collaborative arrangements with a wide range of advocates for people with disabilities. He also developed an operational plan incorporating goals and objectives that work toward the strategic direction of the Arc and ensured programs and services advanced the organization’s mission.
John's experience also includes serving as executive director of Lighthouse Counseling Center, Inc. Lighthouse delivered extensive services reaching people facing a number of challenges. In addition to its alcohol rehabilitation and substance abuse treatment services, Lighthouse reached people with co-occuring mental health needs. Lighthouse also conducted outreach for pregnant women; in addition, the organization delivered housing solutions for homeless clients. Further, Lighthouse provided services to meet the needs of people with HIV or AIDS.
Prior to Lighthouse, John served as Vice President of Southeast Affordable Housing for the Volunteers of America Southeast. Roper managed and directed planning, building and housing for recipients across Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi.
Each of these roles involved working with people who lack many of the advantages and opportunities of the average American. In addition, each role required complex strategies to effectively carry out key strategic initiatives that made a measurable difference in people’s lives. John's success in leading these organizations is a key factor that prompted DRR’s board to select him for the executive director role.
“John will use his passion for serving others, knowledge of nonprofits, grant-writing experience, and fundraising skills to bring Disability Rights & Resources to the next level,” said Kathy Lovell, board president for Disability Rights & Resources. “His extensive leadership background, combined with his deep personal commitment to service, make him uniquely qualified to lead our organization. United around a vision for empowering and serving more people with disabilities, we are confident DRR will reach new heights as we move forward.”
Besides having experience operating nonprofits, John has a direct connection to disability and is no stranger to independent living needs. He has a daughter with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a genetic bone disorder that affects one throughout his or her lifetime. She requires daily assistance and the use of a wheelchair and is an amazingly successful high school student. Roper has advocated and continues to advocate for her full inclusion in society. He ensures every day that she lives the independent living philosophy and has enabled her to meet the challenges of living with a significant disability.
In addition to his work experience, John has been involved with other nonprofits and board affiliations. He is a graduate of the Nonprofit Executive Leadership Institute, as well as the Rotary Leadership Institute. He served as a member of the Affordable Housing Committee - Montgomery Homeless Coalition, River Region United Way Executive Committee, One Place Family Justice Center Advisory Board and Okaloosa County Early Learning Coalition Board. He has held various volunteer positions such as: membership chair of the Alabama Association of Non-Profits, secretary of The Arc of Florida State Board of Director and Executive Committee, chairman of The Arc of Florida Advocacy Committee, director of Chilton County Law Enforcement Explorer Program, president of the Fort Walton Beach Rotary Club and team member of the Chilton County Area Drug Free School Community team.
John earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology and minored in criminal justice at Troy University and earned his Associate’s in Business from Wallace State Community College in Selma, Ala.
Please join us in welcoming John to DRR!
Disability Rights and Resources and its board of directors is pleased to announce the hiring of John A. Roper as its new Executive Director. He will begin this new role on January 3, 2022.
Other individuals have released misinformation/disinformation, which confused John A. Roper with another John Roper in Florida. This information should be ignored.
Let’s take this opportunity to tell you about the facts.
Mr. Roper brings a wealth of experience in running non-profits that benefit and work to advance rights and opportunities for individuals, including those with disabilities.
He formerly served as the CEO of the ARC of the Emerald Coast, where he oversaw an $7.5 million annual operating budget with a staff of 180-250 employees.
The ARC of the Emerald Coast ‘s mission is to provide a path from disability to capability, and it has a vision to empower those with developmental disabilities to live meaningful lives.
Likewise, he served as Executive Director for the Lighthouse Counseling Center, Inc.
And before that he served as Vice President of the Southeast Affordable Housing, Volunteers of America Southeast, which provides affordable housing options.
All these roles involved working with people who lack many of the advantages and opportunities of the average American.
Besides having experience operating non-profits, Mr. Roper has a direct connection to disability.
He has a daughter with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a genetic bone disorder that affects one throughout his or her lifetime. She requires daily assistance and use of a wheelchair but is an amazing successful high school student.
He has advocated and continues to advocate for her full inclusion in society. He ensures every day that she lives the independent living philosophy and has enabled her to meet the challenges of living with a significant disability.
Mr. Roper is no stranger to independent living for persons with disabilities.
He will use his passion for serving others, knowledge of non-profits, grant writing, and fundraising skills to bring Disability Rights and Resources to the next level.
Please welcome him on board.
Huge thanks to our amazing volunteers from CarMax for building this beautiful ramp! Thanks for being part of changing a life!
A graphical model for disability justice! Understanding this movement is vital to preserving disability rights and building our movement as we grow in learning, knowledge, and community.
Image:
Disability justice means intersectionality (understanding that there are layers of oppression that people experience and we are all united in the struggle against it), leadership of those most impacted, anti-capitalism, cross-movement organizing, wholeness (caring about the whole person and our independence), sustainability (building this movement!), cross-disability solidarity, interdependence (nothing without us, none of us are free until all of us are), collective access, and collective liberation!
A reminder that Day of Action: Fight for Emergency Rental Assistance is coming up TOMORROW at 11am! We can't wait to see our community show up for fair, accessible, and FAST distribution of ERA funding to those who need it most!
Don't forget to check out our website; it has our sign-on letter, social media toolkit, shareable graphics for Facebook and Twitter, talking points, and much, much more!
Join us for a day of action this Saturday, November 13th as we fight for emergency rental assistance in Alabama! We'll be demonstrating in the historic Birmingham Civil Rights District at the main office of our coalition partners Disability Rights & Resources located at 1418 6th Avenue North
ERA Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE From the Alabama Disability Action Coalition (ADAC) Contact us: [email protected] The Emergency Rental Assistance Program The Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program in Alabama has received a total of $263 million in federal funds and has been officially act...
Accessible Alabama Just sent us this information. Thank you! Applications are opening for the Public Housing in Fultondale! Please see the instructions below and don't hesitate to call us! 205-251-2223
10/19/2021 - Nov 15-18 ONLY Taking Applications for Fultondale Public Housing
Better Communities, Brighter Futures - Moving Beyond Expectations!
Taking Applications for Public Housing in the following Fultondale Communities:
• Brookside Village
• Fultondale Village
• Hickory Grove
• Red Hollow
Want to know more about those properties?
Details for each property are available using the links above.
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Applications:
Beginning Monday, November 15th, 2021, you may pick up a Public Housing Application, Monday through Thursday November 18th, 2021, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm from The Jefferson County Housing Authority's (JCHA) Fultondale Office. The applications are for the following sites: Fultondale, Brookside, Red Hollow, and Hickory Grove: 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedroom units.
You will have to call 205-841-2595 to make an appointment to bring the application back for processing. At that time, you MUST have the following documentation to bring WITH you to your appointment. All members of the applicants' family 18 and older must be present at the application interview.
________________________________________
Items Needed for Appointment/Interview:
Please call to make an appointment to bring the application back with the following documentation for processing. All Adults 18 yrs and older must be present.
• We CANNOT accept an application without proper Identification.
• Valid state driver's license, State ID or Military ID for each household member 18 years and older. (Copies are NOT acceptable)
• Original birth certificates for each family member (Copies are NOT acceptable)
• If Birth name does not match social security card, you must be able to show the documentation for name change.
• Original Social Security Cards for each family member (Copies are NOT acceptable)
• Marriage Certificate and/or Divorce Decree, Statement of Separation (whichever applies)
• Name and Mailing address of current employer
• Verification of current income- 3 consecutive paystubs (SS, SSI, TANF, Food Stamps, Child Support, Unemployment, etc.)
• Name and address of current childcare provider
• Correct names and addresses of current and former Landlords, for the past five years
NO APPLICATION WILL BE ACCEPTED IF ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION IS NOT SUBMITTED AT THE TIME OF THE INTERVIEW
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Directions of Fultondale Office:
Take I-65 North and exit at Walker Chapel Road. Take a left crossing back over the interstate. Take the first left which takes you into public housing community. The community center will be two blocks down on the right. 2100 Stoney Brook Lane, Fultondale, AL 35068
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Application Open: November 15th, 2021
Application Close: November 18th, 2021
Fultondale application is available online
Applications Taken At:
Jefferson County Housing Authority (Fultondale Office)
4501 Little Drive
Fultondale, AL 35068
________________________________________
Questions:
Contact: Catherine Duncan at 205-841-2595 or email Catherine
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35203
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Join us this Friday alongside the Alabama Disability Action Coalition for a virtual event designed to learn all about voting in Alabama! Whether you're voting in person on Election Day (with precautions!) or absentee, we've got the information for you. #GOTV #AlabamaVotes #CriptheVote Video description: a flyer with red, white, and blue "Vote" buttons, and a link for the event (also found on our Events page on Facebook) with text that reads: All About the Vote, Join us this Friday, October 16, from 1-3pm CST, at http://tiny.cc/allaboutvote
Join us this Thursday for our monthly happy hour! This month, we’re talking disability pride. It’s a casual event, so bring a drink and come chat with us on Zoom! You can find the event and Zoom info on Facebook by clicking the link below! http://tiny.cc/disabilitypride (Image shows a flyer for the Disability Pride Happy Hour event. Blue and purple background with orange and pink stripes, and text reads “Join us for Disability Pride Happy Hour, October 15, 5pm”.)
Check out a wonderful leadership opportunity - sign up with us to be a mentor in the disability community! Check out the link below to sign up: http://tiny.cc/drrmentor (Video description: flyer for mentorship program, with red text on grey background, with white arrows pointing to text saying to sign up for the mentorship program.)
Jeh Jeh Pruitt WBRC has five words for you: chocolate, chocolate and more CHOCOLATE! In case you missed it, we got to hang out with Jeh Jeh and the WBRC FOX6 News team yesterday to talk about the upcoming #MagicCityChocolateChallenge! Check out the clip below to get the inside scoop on one of our participating chocolatiers - Simply Sonequa Pound Cakes. And if you haven't purchased your tickets yet, hop to it so you can join us April 30 at Regions Field! Our flash ticket sale ends tomorrow, so act fast: https://magiccitychocolatechallenge.instagift.com/
Day dreaming about summertime? Us, too. Go ahead and secure some summer fun at our silent auction April 30 at the 2019 #MagicCityChocolateChallenge! Bid on items like a four-pack of tickets to Point Mallard Park water park or an afternoon of golf at Point Mallard Golf Course! All proceeds benefit programs made available through Disability Rights & Resources. Get your tickets today: https://magiccitychocolatechallenge.instagift.com/ Video: kid sliding down water slide at Point Mallard Water Park.
The Block Party is just getting started! Come celebrate National Voter Registration Day with us! We got lunch for you and we are here till 2!
Wendy Whitbred - Nursing Home Transition Specialist "Why Vote"
This model Mustang GT race car can be yours!! Join us Thursday at 5:30 at Regions Field for the 4th Annual Magic City Chocolate Challenge. https://magiccitychocolatechallenge.instagift.com/
Commissioner Burdeshaw, we thank you for joining us in advocating for more funding for the Centers for Independent Living!
This is a video of the Disability Rights & Resources staff Mannequin Challenge--a video showing our staff frozen in action at our WorkPlan meeting. Audio provided by Gwen Brown: "Don't move".
Driving the ADA Legacy Tour Bus following visit to Alabama State Capitol.
Fair Housing Center Of Northern Alabama
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