By The Numbers
The data below provides a snapshot of the state’s population of people with I/DD and older Americans, Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waitlists, and the collective impact of the BADN collaboration.
State Disability Prevalence Date
Est Total State Disability Population (%):
16.6%
Est Total State Disability Population (#):
836,200
Est State Prevalence of Developmental Disabilities (%):
State Waiting Lists for Medicaid HCBS
Number of People with IDD on Medicaid HCBS Waitlist:
1848
Number of People with Autism on Medicaid HCBS Waitlist:
N/A
Number of People who are Seniors and/or have Physical Disabilities on Medicaid HCBS Waitlist:
0
Total Number of People in State on Medicaid HCBS Waitlist:
2,016
State Aging & Disability Network
Number of Area Agencies on Aging/Aging & Disability Resource Centers:
13
Number of Centers for Independent Living:
4
Number of Developmental Disability Regions:
5
CITATION FOR COLUMN 1 DATA: The percentage of non-institutionalized males or females with any disability (all ages; 65+), cognitive disability (all ages; 65+), all races, regardless of ethnicity, across all levels of education in the United States. American Community Survey, 2023. Click here to view the source.
CITATION FOR COLUMN 1 DATA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Developmental Disability, Estimated Prevalence of Developmental Delay, All States, 2021-22. National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network. Click here to view the source.
CITATION FOR COLUMN 2 DATA: Kaiser Family Foundation. “Number of People Waiting for Medicaid Home Care (HCBS), by Target Population and Whether States Screen for Eligibility, 2024”. Click here to view the source.
*Not all state data is available or is N/A
Projects
The project hopes to leverage local media and the state’s aging and disability networks to better prepare aging individuals with IDD and other disabilities in Alabama for disasters and emergencies. The initiative has led to the development/provision of informational resources for first responders about the citizens they serve who may need additional assistance when disaster strikes. The initiative seeks to increase accessibility and ease of use to obtain assistance for aging individuals with I/DD and other disabilities upon being a disaster victim.
Deliverables will include resource guides and tip sheets, Rapid SOS profile assistance, and a multimedia campaign with links to resources and websites.
Through its BADN initiative, the Alabama Alliance is strengthening disaster readiness for vulnerable populations across the state. Key goals include:
Goal 1
Creating a tailored Disaster Preparedness Curriculum that outlines clear response protocols. Materials will be distributed via the state’s Meals on Wheels program, reaching hundreds of older adults in the region.
Goal 2
Training of Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) staff and faith-based community leaders through structured schedules to ensure consistent, localized preparedness education.
Goal 3
Delivering hands-on disaster preparedness training to all 14 Alabama ADRCs, with a focus on seniors and individuals with developmental disabilities.
Goal 4
Engaging communities at key events—including holiday parties and Older Americans Act Awareness programs—where participants can receive training and enroll in Smart 911.
Empowering senior volunteers as peer trainers and supporting their leadership in local preparedness efforts.
Goal 5
Empowering senior volunteers as peer trainers and supporting their leadership in local preparedness efforts.
Highlights/Milestones Achieved
The State Alliance Team (SAT) has worked to extend its reach and efforts to various communities with the support of the 911 Board and WSFA News Station. Through the development of several short video advertisements and interviews, the state’s main news station and 911 Board are disseminating brief clips via various modes of multimedia to educate the public about the unique needs and resources available to support individuals with I/DD and their families prepare for emergencies and natural disasters.
Key Resources Developed
State Co-Leads
Kent Crenshaw
Center for Independent Living
Scott Stabler
Alabama Department of Senior Services
State Alliance Teams
Shannon Trembley
Executive Director
Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (P&A)
Sylvia Bowen
Executive Director
Alabama Office of Disability
Trista Stout Walker
Director
Alabama Arise (a policy advocacy center)
Meesoon Han
Executive Director
Alabama-Korea Education and Economic Partnership (AKEEP)
Cheryl Smith
CEO
UCP Huntsville, Alabama Lifespan Respite Program
Linda Russo
Family Faculty | Community Engagement Coordinator
University of Alabama at Birmingham: Civitan-Sparks Center (UCEDD)
Jonathan Davis
Executive Assistant
Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) (State DD Agency/Council Designated State Agency)
Doris Hill
Associate Research Professor
Alabama’s Hispanic Training and Resource Advocacy Network (H-TRAN)
Tonia Bell
Adult Protective Service Supervisor
Alabama Department of Human Resources