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.

Our team is so grateful for the immense support from our community throughout 2025! Ability1st is now closed for the hol...
12/23/2025

Our team is so grateful for the immense support from our community throughout 2025! Ability1st is now closed for the holiday season so staff members can rest, relax and reset. Ability1st will reopen on Monday, January 5, 2026, ready to serve persons with disabilities in the Big Bend region. We hope you have a joyous and safe winter break!

12/23/2025

🌿 Founder Spotlight: David Jones 🌿 As Florida’s cooler seasons arrive, David shares his vision for inclusive outdoor recreation and how SportsAbility Alliance continues 35+ years strong to advocate, collaborate, and create active leisure opportunities for all abilities.
🔗 Learn more: www.sportsabilityalliance.org

12/23/2025

Updated version of all our support groups! 🌱

And keep on the look out for our Neurodivergent Support Group coming soon. 👀

Find out more info and sign up at this link: https://www.namisupportgroups.org/

12/19/2025
12/19/2025

Access to accounts that allow individuals with disabilities to save without losing government benefits will expand dramatically and people with the accounts will be able to save more than ever before.

Ability1st staff members purchased wish list gifts for a wonderful family this year and we had a fun wrapping party! Our...
12/18/2025

Ability1st staff members purchased wish list gifts for a wonderful family this year and we had a fun wrapping party! Our team goes above and beyond to serve our community.

12/15/2025

❄️COLD NIGHT SHELTERS❄️

Shelters will be available SUNDAY, December 14 & MONDAY, December 15 at these locations:

Single Adults (18 and over): The Kearney Center- 2650 Municipal Way
Families (At least 1 adult and child): HOPE Community- 2729 West Pensacola
Youth (ages 10-17): 2407 Roberts Ave- Hotline Number 850-576-6000

Please check in between 4pm to 8pm.

If you need assistance accessing Star Metro, please call or text Street Outreach Coordinator at 850-759-1895 or email outreach@bigbendcoc.org.

12/15/2025

Join LSNF on the last Wednesday of every month at Freeport Public Library! ⚖️ 🌟

📆 Last Wednesday of Each Month
⏰ 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
📍 Freeport Public Library

We hope to see you there! 👋 👀

12/15/2025

One of the most prestigious contemporary art awards in the world is for the first time going to an artist with a developmental disability.

12/15/2025

This National Stress-Free Family Holidays Month enjoy the season with less stress and more joy.

Visit Florida Health Finder at: bit.ly/43sy2Ub for more information.

12/12/2025

Today is International Day for Human Rights - an important day to remember that health care is an essential human right, and mental health care access is a critical part of health care.

Learn more about how different factors impact access to care at nami.org/advocacy

12/12/2025

Through an industry first collaboration with Special Olympics, plans are underway for United Airlines to hire more individuals with disabilities at major airports across the country.

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.