Accessibility Facts

Disabled accessibility is noted in most listings on this Web site. For information about accessible events, contact the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel at 800-ALABAMA, or 334-242-4717 (TDD) and request a free copy of the Alabama Calendar of Events, which includes accessibility information for the mobility-impaired.

Transportation

Alabama is served by various airlines, car rental agencies, motorcoach companies and trains. Disabled travelers choosing these modes of transportation are advised to work out any special needs in advance with the carrier.

Disabled travelers may call Travelers Aid agencies to inquire about protective travel services, such as making special arrangements to have someone accompany them to an airport or train station. Services may vary at different agencies. Travelers Aid agencies are located in Birmingham (205-322-5426), Mobile (251-438-1625) and Montgomery (334-269-0488).

To use parking spaces reserved for the disabled, it is necessary for the disabled person's car license plate (either in- or out-of-state) to show a 3-inch square image of the international symbol of access - a stick-figure profile of a wheelchair user. A vehicle not owned by the disabled traveler (such as a rental car) requires a placard, bearing the same symbol, hung from the rearview mirror. For details about obtaining decals and placards, contact your local courthouse.

Special Equipment Needs

Disabled travelers interested in renting wheelchairs, arranging emergency wheelchair repairs, or purchasing such items as electric wheelchair batteries, oxygen tanks, etc., are advised to consult the "Hospital Equipment and Supplies" section (or a similar section) in the local Yellow Pages – especially if in or near Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile or Montgomery.

Telephone Assistance

Alabama's Telephone Relay service enables hearing-impaired persons with access to a TDD to place calls to non-TDD users (and vice versa). TDD users dial 1-800-548-2546. When the communications assistant (CA) answers, give the name and number of the person you wish to call. When that person answers, the CA will relay messages back and forth, using both TDD and voice. Non-TDD users dial 1-800-548-2547. When the CA answers, follow the procedure previously listed. Note: Certain restrictions may apply for out-of-state users; the CA will explain these before making the call.

Additional Information Sources

Alabama Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities, Inc.
206 13th St. S., Birmingham, AL 35233-1317, 205-251-2223 (Voice/TDD)

Alabama's Governor's committee on Employment of People with Disabilities
2129 E. South Blvd., Montgomery, AL 36116, 334-281-8780, ext. 215 (Voice) or ext. 249 (TDD)

Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind
P.O. Box 698, Talladega, AL 35160, 334-761-3491 (Voice/TDD)

AIDB also operates regional centers in Auburn, Birmingham, Dothan, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, Muscle Shoals and Tuscaloosa.