In the department we have an Office of Consumer Empowerment directed by a consumer, George Neal. George has been a role model for people with intellectual disabilities for many years. He is employed full time, has his own home and his drivers license. Formerly, George served as president of People First of Alabama, a self-advocacy group that is connected nationally to other People First organizations.

The Office of Consumer Empowerment is responsible for providing leadership to individuals with intellectual disabilities to promote being active and participating in governmental and civic activities. They are a voice to the community about the rights, the needs, and the desires of Alabama citizens with intellectual disabilities. George says, “We are here to help people become more self-reliant and reach their dreams.” Watch this website or the People First website for upcoming events or conferences.

For more information about consumer rights and empowerment click on one of the following links:

• People First of Alabama: http://pfofal.org/
• People First Advisors Handbook: http://www.nasddds.org/pdf/AlabamaHandbook.doc
• Arc of Alabama: http://www.thearcofalabama.com/
•  Arc of the United States: http://thearc.org/
•  Write or call your legislator! Alabama Legislative Directory: http://www.legislature.state.al.us/misc/zipsearch.html
•  Information about individual rights
•  Accessing Services
•  Person centered planning formats and instructions
  • Personal Profile Frames (MS Word)
  • Personal Profile Frames (MS Power Point)
  • Instructions for the Personal Profile
  • Personal PATH Frames (MS Word)
  • Personal PATH Frames (MS Power Point)
  • Instructions for the Personal PATH
  • Values and Rights Affirmation

To contact the Office of Consumer Empowerment, please call 800-361-4491.