Alabama Dept of Rehabilitation Services

We are a state agency that is unique in the nation for providing services to children and adults with disabilities through a seamless system of service delivery.

Through our continuum of services, ADRS provides assistance throughout a lifetime. With individualized services provided in homes, schools, the workplace, and the community, ADRS assists every person in achieving his or her maximum potential.

The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services provides quality services and programs to consumers who are deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened or deaf-blind. These services are provided by professionals who are trained in the unique communication issues, technology and culture of this population.

Any deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, or deaf-blind individual who has a substantial barrier to employment and needs assistance in preparing for a job, getting a job, and/or keeping a job is eligible for services.

Rehabilitation counselors for the deaf and hard of hearing (RCDs) provide a wide range of vocational rehabilitation services to persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or late deafened. The RCDs are qualified as being proficient in American Sign Language (ASL) to ensure direct communication access with consumers who use ASL as their primary mode of communication.

Some specialized services provided by RCDs include:

• audiological and hearing aid assessments
• deaf culture and awareness
• communication techniques
• assistive listening devices and other rehabilitation technology
• interpreter services
• referrals and assistance to obtain services from specialized agencies
• specialized vocational and other training services
• ADA requirements for communication accessibility
• resources for hard of hearing and late-deafened individuals

ADRS employs a staff audiologist to assist counselors in the employment of people with hearing loss.  Staff audiologists help consumers refine their auditory skills through the use of hearing and other assistive technology. In addition, they enable consumers to develop individualized strategies for enhancing their overall communication.