Ability1st

Ability1st Ability1st provides direct human services with an emphasis on empowering independent living

Ability1st is a United Way Agency that provides the following Core Services:

Independent Living Skills Training
Instruction and skill building for living independently with a disability. Topics can include cooking, budgeting, transportation, and social skills training. Information and Referral
Information and Referral services educate consumers, family, and community members about what community resources are available, as well as coordination of referrals from and to other community agencies or services. Having adequate information and knowing where to go for specific services promotes empowerment. Peer Support
Peer support provides the opportunity for one person with a disability to discuss life experiences with another person with a disability. Ability1st is currently working toward developing a Peer Mentoring Program, which will be made up of volunteers with disabilities. Advocacy
Advocacy is one of Ability1st’s core services and an important part of the Independent Living Philosophy. According to Webster’s definition, being an Advocate means one that pleads the cause of another or one that defends or maintains a cause or proposal. Not only does the agency strive to fulfill this role, but we also educate and train consumers to be their own advocate.

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month 💙We are beyond grateful for the incredible volunteers who give their time, energy,...
04/15/2026

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month 💙

We are beyond grateful for the incredible volunteers who give their time, energy, and heart to make a difference in our community. Your compassion and dedication do not go unnoticed — you are the reason so many lives are touched in meaningful ways.

Whether you’re lending a helping hand, offering support, or simply showing up with kindness, YOU matter more than words can express.

Thank you for being the heartbeat of what we do. 🌟

04/14/2026

Join us for the 2nd Annual First Responders Fun Day!

Bring the whole family out for a free day of fun, community, and connection at the North Florida Fairgrounds on Saturday, April 18th from 11AM–2PM.

Meet your local first responders, enjoy activities, snow cones, specialty vehicles, and learn about valuable community programs. Free parking and admission!

04/14/2026
04/14/2026

April is Autism Acceptance Month.

In Alexandria, building understanding starts with listening to our community.

All of our officers receive training focused on interacting with individuals with autism, led by local mothers of children with autism. Their lived experiences help shape how we respond with greater empathy, awareness, and care.

Every marked patrol vehicle is also equipped with an autism go bag, providing tools that can help reduce stress and support more effective communication during interactions.

These efforts are part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring every person in our community is treated with respect, dignity, and understanding.

04/14/2026
04/13/2026
04/13/2026

Family and friends provide billions of hours of mostly unpaid care for adults with disabilities and other conditions across the U.S. A new report finds the value of such care tops all Medicaid spending.

Please consider joining our mission!
04/07/2026

Please consider joining our mission!

Thank you for your interest in serving on the Ability1st Board of Directors. Board members help guide the mission, strategy, and governance of Ability1st and play a key role in supporting independent living for individuals with disabilities in our community. Ability1st is a Center for Independent Li...

GO TEAM GO!!!!!
04/07/2026

GO TEAM GO!!!!!

04/07/2026

Have you signed up yet?📍The ribbon cutting + tour of our New Wakulla Career Center is coming up!

We'll give you a tour of the space and tell you how we can support your hiring and training needs. If you’re a career seeker, we can discuss the no-cost training options and job support we offer to help you reach your goals.


Register today! bit.ly/2026WCCTour

04/07/2026

🙌 Volunteers Needed: SportsAbility Expo Tallahassee

Be part of something meaningful! The SportsAbility Expo Tallahassee is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make this incredible two-day event of adaptive sports and recreation possible. From assisting with activities to supporting participants and event logistics, your time can make a real impact.

🗓 April 17, 2026 – Tallahassee State College
🗓 April 18, 2026 – Maclay Gardens State Park, Tallahassee, FL

Whether you’re passionate about inclusion, love community events, or just want to give back, we’d love to have you on the team!

👉 Sign up to volunteer today: https://www.sportsability.org/sportsability-expo-tallahassee

Help us create a fun, accessible, and unforgettable experience for all!

04/05/2026

Address

1823 Buford Court
Tallahassee, FL
32308

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 3pm

Telephone

+18505759621

Website

https://www.walmart.com/registry/RR/7c16f2ef-c753-476c-a59c-a82190b019de, https://www.amazo

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Our Story

Welcome to Ability1st! We are a community-based organization offering support services, advocacy, and information to empower people with disabilities to live independently. Our programs are designed to target the most vulnerable people living with disabilities in our community, and to provide ways to improve their quality of life. This may include access to affordable housing, mental health and crisis counseling, career development, assistance applying for Social Security benefits, and durable medical equipment loans.

We are a United Way agency celebrating 40 years of service in the Big Bend community.