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Empowering Every Ability.

Comprehensive disability services empowering individuals to live independently, pursue employment, and thrive in their communities.

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Our Programs

Services That Empower

From independent living to career development, our programs are designed with the community, for the community.

Independent Living

Skills training, home modifications, and support services that help individuals live on their own terms.

Employment Support

Job coaching, resume building, workplace accommodations advocacy, and employer partnerships.

Adaptive Recreation

Sports leagues, art workshops, outdoor adventures, and social activities for all abilities.

Assistive Technology

Assessment, training, and access to adaptive devices and cutting-edge assistive technology.

Respite Care

Quality short-term care services providing families with much-needed support and peace of mind.

Youth Transition

Preparing young adults with disabilities for life after school — college, careers, and community living.

Our Mission

Building a World Where Everyone Belongs

AbilityFirst was founded on a simple belief: disability is not inability. For over 15 years, we have worked alongside individuals with disabilities to break barriers, build skills, and create pathways to full participation in community life.

We don't speak for people with disabilities — we amplify their voices, support their choices, and advocate for the systemic changes that make inclusion real.

Person-CenteredCommunity-LedRights-BasedEvidence-Driven
A group of diverse people collaborating at a community workshop table, smiling and engaged

"Nothing About Us Without Us"

The core principle that guides everything we do

Our Leadership

Dedicated professionals with lived experience and deep expertise in disability services.

Dr. Maya Richardson, Executive Director

Dr. Maya Richardson

Executive Director

20+ years in disability rights and nonprofit leadership. Former ADA policy advisor.

James Okonkwo, Programs Director

James Okonkwo

Programs Director

Occupational therapist turned program designer. Passionate about accessible recreation.

Sarah Chen, Assistive Technology Lead

Sarah Chen

Assistive Technology Lead

Biomedical engineer specializing in adaptive devices and accessible interface design.

Rights & Advocacy

Know Your Rights

Understanding disability rights is the first step to exercising them. We advocate for policy change and empower individuals to self-advocate.

ADA Rights

The Americans with Disabilities Act protects your right to equal access in employment, public spaces, transportation, and telecommunications.

Read the full guide →

Fair Housing

Landlords must provide reasonable accommodations and modifications. You have the right to accessible housing without discrimination.

Know your housing rights →

Workplace Rights

Employers must provide reasonable accommodations. You cannot be discriminated against in hiring, promotion, or job duties based on disability.

Workplace accommodation guide →

Our Advocacy Impact

  • Accessible Transit Expansion

    Successfully advocated for 40 new accessible bus stops and paratransit route extensions across metro Atlanta.



  • Employment First Policy

    Helped pass county Employment First legislation prioritizing competitive integrated employment for people with disabilities.



  • Digital Accessibility Standards

    Led coalition that established mandatory WCAG 2.1 compliance for all city government websites and digital services.



  • Inclusive Education Funding

    Secured $2.3M in state funding for inclusive classroom programs and assistive technology in 15 schools.

Resource Directory

Find the Support You Need

A curated directory of resources organized by need. Click any category to explore.

Benefits & Financial Assistance
  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

    Federal benefits for individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.

  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

    Needs-based benefits for individuals with limited income and resources.

  • Medicaid Waiver Programs

    Home and community-based services as an alternative to institutional care.

  • ABLE Accounts

    Tax-advantaged savings accounts for disability-related expenses without affecting benefits.

Housing & Transportation
  • Section 811 Housing

    HUD-supported affordable housing for very low-income persons with disabilities.

  • Home Modification Grants

    Funding for ramps, widened doorways, accessible bathrooms, and other home modifications.

  • Paratransit Services

    Door-to-door transportation for individuals unable to use fixed-route transit.

Education & Employment
  • Vocational Rehabilitation

    State-funded services including career counseling, job training, and placement assistance.

  • Disability Services Offices

    College and university offices providing academic accommodations and support.

  • Ticket to Work Program

    SSA program helping disability beneficiaries explore employment while protecting benefits.

Health & Wellness
  • Adaptive Fitness Programs

    Inclusive gyms, wheelchair sports leagues, and adapted exercise classes.

  • Mental Health Support

    Counseling services, peer support groups, and crisis intervention accessible to all.

  • Assistive Technology Lab

    Try and borrow adaptive devices, screen readers, alternative input devices, and communication aids.

Caregiver & Family Support
  • Respite Care Services

    Short-term care so families can rest, recharge, and take care of their own needs.

  • Family Support Groups

    Monthly peer-led groups for parents, siblings, and caregivers.

  • Special Needs Planning

    Financial planning workshops for special needs trusts, guardianship, and future care.

Need immediate assistance?

Call our intake line at (404) 555-0347 or TTY (404) 555-0348

Get in Touch

We're Here For You

Reach out by phone, email, or the form below. We offer multiple communication options to serve everyone.

Contact Options

Voice Phone

(404) 555-0347

Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 9am-1pm

TTY/TDD

(404) 555-0348

Text telephone for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers

Video Relay Service

(404) 555-0349

ASL video relay for sign language users

Email

[email protected]

We respond within 1 business day

Visit Us

2400 Martin Luther King Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30311

Fully wheelchair accessible, free accessible parking

Send Us a Message

We respect your privacy. Your information is never shared.