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Empowering Independence,
Enhancing Quality of Life.

Ability1st stands as North Florida's beacon for individuals with disabilities, offering tailored services to foster self-reliance and elevate every aspect of their daily lives.

Learn More About Ability1st
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Who Is Ability1st?

Relationships & Collaboration

  • A Community-Powered Initiative

Ability1st stands as a community-based organization, dedicated to offering support services, advocacy, and vital information. Our mission: empower individuals with disabilities to live with autonomy and confidence.

  • By the Disabled, For the Disabled

We take pride in being an institution operated and governed by people with disabilities. Whether you seek our services or wish to contribute to our mission, we’re delighted to welcome you.

  • Empowerment Across Counties

Our ambition aligns with the core goal of all Centers for Independent Living: to empower individuals with disabilities to dictate their life’s direction. Serving Leon, Jefferson, Madison, Taylor, Gadsden, and Wakulla counties, we’re a nonprofit, community-based beacon of support and services for those with diverse disabilities.

Who We Serve

Programs Elevating Independence and Life Quality

At Ability1st, we passionately curate programs designed to champion the aspirations of individuals with disabilities. Our holistic approach ensures that every participant experiences enhanced autonomy, support, and a deepened sense of community involvement.

Access to Independence

Ability1st enhances accessibility and independence through builds, equipment loans, and medical supplies.

Information & Referral

When our passionate staff provide I&R, individuals are provided education, collaborative planning, and problem-solving.

Mental Health Outreach

Support for life transitions, disability empowerment, and well-being.

Permanent Supportive Housing

Ability1st provides housing, life skills, and goal-setting for disabled homeless individuals and families.

Street Outreach

Ability1st aids unsheltered disabled individuals with supplies, counseling, skills training, and permanent housing.

Youth Services

Empowering disabled students with career skills, mentorship, and leadership through HSHT and Youth Transition.

Love From Our Community

Alex B.

What a pleasure! I am so grateful this nonprofit organization exists. We were able to donate our medical equipment and we know that someone else will reap the benefits of the equipment. Savannah M. was wonderful and very helpful. Thank you!

Margaret Shields

These wonderful people built a beautiful ramp for my friend who recently became a amputee.

Thanks 👍

Patrick Halks

We had to move our Dad into a new ALF on short notice, and his bed wasn’t his. We needed a hospital style bed, or at least one with rails. Ability 1st provided us with a bed, free of charge, at basically a moments notice.

Latest News and Events

Ability1st Meetings
Events

Board of Directors Meeting

PUBLIC NOTICE: Our next Board of Directors meeting will be held via Zoom on There are no upcoming meetings..

Brandie McCabe
News

Brandie McCabe Joins Ability1st Team

Brandie McCabe, an FSU graduate with more than 18 years of social services experience, recently joined the Ability1st team as our Human Services Program Manager. 

Learn How To

Get Involved

By supporting our non-profit organization, you can help us make a lasting impact in the lives of those in need. Your donation can provide essential resources, such as equipment, transportation and guidance, to those facing challenges in our community. Partnering with us allows you to be a part of something bigger, as we work together to create a brighter future for all.  Together, we can change lives by empowering individuals to reach their full potential.

Learn more

Ability1st

Success Stories

Wendy Strickland Ability1st
Journey to Safety: Transforming Lives with Compassion and Practical Support
Wendy, guided by Ability1st, transformed her walkway into a safe passage, ensuring her world remained accessible despite visual impairments.
Zachary Staubitz Ability1st
Empowering Futures: From High School to Career with Confidence and Capability
Zachary, empowered by Ability1st's High School High Tech program, navigates from high school towards a future in theatre and technology.
Brenda Underhill Ability1st
Adapt and Overcome: Navigating Life’s Challenges with Resilience and Support
Brenda, bravely facing health adversities, found independence and safety through Ability1st's tailored home modifications and unwavering support.
Carrie Tyree Ability1st
Undefeated Spirit: Regaining Independence with a Helping Hand
Carrie, resilient and determined, overcame mobility challenges with Ability1st's assistance, ensuring her home became a safe and accessible sanctuary.
Turqoise Palmer Ability1st
From Despair to Hope: A Journey to Stability and New Beginnings
Turquoise triumphed over adversity with Ability1st's support, transitioning from a shelter to stability, employment, and a brighter future for her family.
See More Of Our Success Stories

Our Mission

Ability1st, the Center for Independent Living of North Florida, is a community-based nonprofit organization that provides services to persons with varying disabilities. Our mission is to empower people with disabilities to live independently and enhance their quality of life.

Quick Links

Contact Us

Address:
1823 Buford Court
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
Phone: (850) 575-9621
Fax: (850) 575-5740
E-mail: contact@ability1st.info

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