Exceptional Lives Expo, Empowering Every Family
The Exceptional Lives Expo brings together families, caregivers, educators, and providers who support individuals with disabilities. It’s a welcoming space where families can explore services, gather helpful information, and discover programs designed to make daily life easier.
Each year, organizations from therapy centers to medical providers and community programs join us to create an event that truly makes a difference.
This year’s Expo will be held on Saturday March 21, 2026 from 10 A.M. - 2 P.M. at Vestavia Hills Civic Center.
Meet Your Vendors
Children's of Alabama
Children’s of Alabama is a nationally recognized pediatric hospital dedicated solely to the care and treatment of children. Through advanced medical care, research, and education, they provide specialized services and support to help children and families achieve the best possible health outcomes.
BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama
BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama is the largest provider of health insurance benefits in the state, serving millions of members with medical, dental, and pharmacy coverage. They work with employers, families, and individuals to help connect people with quality, affordable healthcare and wellness resources.
Ady's Big Army
Ady's Big Army's mission is to provide an educational environment that creates meaningful jobs, builds a sense of belonging, cultivates a culture of honor, and changes the way the world views those with disabilities. They believe that everyone deserves a chance to shine, to be seen for their abilities, and take pride in meaningful work.
Affordable Counseling Therapy
Affordable Counseling Therapy (ACT) is committed to serving the community through face-to-face and telehealth counseling for families and individuals that cannot otherwise afford such services. ACT provides professional counseling support in areas of, but not limited to stress, anger, relationships, addictions, finances and other emotional issues. Their goal is to return to the community a mentally healthy, and well-adjusted family, or individual.
AIDS Alabama
AIDS Alabama is dedicated to helping you stay healthy. Through our health and wellness programs, AIDS Alabama provides services to those affected by HIV. As part of a comprehensive approach to treatment, education, and prevention of HIV, AIDS Alabama provides housing, health care services, health insurance premium assistance, and support groups designed to empower community members living with HIV/AIDS. AIDS Alabama also offers comprehensive Prevention Programs, including HIV and STI testing and treatment, counseling, and outreach to at-risk communities.
Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind
The Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) is the world’s most comprehensive education, rehabilitation and service program serving individuals of all ages who are deaf, blind, deafblind and multidisabled. Founded in 1858 by a young medical doctor who wanted to educate his deaf brother, AIDB now serves more than 31,000 infants, toddlers, children, adults and seniors with hearing and vision loss throughout Alabama each year.
Allied Pediatric Therapy
Allied Pediatric Therapy has provided services to children and families since 1993. Their staff is composed of highly motivated and professionally trained individuals who provide physical, occupational, speech, and developmental therapies to children with delays and special needs in a variety of settings, including home, preschools/daycares, community locations, schools, and our outpatient clinics. They're dedicated to nurturing the growth and development of children from birth to 21 years.
Archetype
At Archetype, their goal is to help people of all lifestyles achieve optimal health and experience lasting total body wellness. They believe everyone has the potential to be at their best. Whether you’re at home, work, or enjoying leisure activities, our holistic approach supports you every step of the way.
Birmingham Anxiety & Trauma Therapy
Birmingham Anxiety & Trauma Therapy (BATT) has been providing mental health services to the Greater Birmingham Area since 2004. Theirr therapists all specialize in trauma and anxiety, but each therapist also has their own unique specialty. want to provide people with the services they need in an environment that is nurturing and where folks feel comfortable talking about their personal experiences.
Birmingham Children's Theatre
Birmingham Children's Theatre produces high-quality, professional theatrical entertainment and curriculum-relevant arts education experiences for children and families. As Birmingham’s only professional theatre company with a specific focus on the education of children through the arts, BCT celebrates the unique role that it plays in the community and recognizes the importance of providing a quality experience for eager young minds from across the State of Alabama.
Cahaba Medical Care
Cahaba Medical Care is a community-based healthcare organization that aims to follow Christ in becoming an incarnation of love, peace, and justice for our patients on their journey towards physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being, as well as being a center for transformational primary care training in rural and urban areas by modeling and exhorting the next generation of medical professionals in a career of excellence, conscientiousness, and compassion.
Central Alabama Wellness
Central Alabama Wellness provides an array of services for individuals dealing with mental illness and/or substance use disorders. In our substance abuse programs, priority admission is given to pregnant women, women with dependent children and individuals with IV substance use disorders. Services to individuals with intellectual disabilities, other than case management, are based upon available waiver services as approved by the State of Alabama Department of Mental Health.
Central Alabama Wellness
Central Alabama Wellness provides an array of services for individuals dealing with mental illness and/or substance use disorders. In our substance abuse programs, priority admission is given to pregnant women, women with dependent children and individuals with IV substance use disorders. Services to individuals with intellectual disabilities, other than case management, are based upon available waiver services as approved by the State of Alabama Department of Mental Health.
Connect ABA
Connect ABA therapy centers are locally owned and operated by a team of experienced BCBAs. Serving children ages 2-10, we provide child centered ABA through individualized treatment goals and play based learning. We strive to make positive impacts on the lives of the families we serve.
Divine Pediatrics
Divine Pediatrics Occupational Therapy are dedicated to promoting the health, movement, and overall wellbeing of every child they serve. Their approach is centered on creating a nurturing and supportive environment where children can develop confidence and enhance their abilities. They pride ourselves on offering personalized care that sets us apart from others.
Ellie Mental Health
Ellie Mental Health was proudly founded on the principle of destigmatizing mental health. The mental health industry is full of barriers, and they’ve made their our goal to fill the gap and find innovative ways to break down these barriers for the communities they serve.
Enchanted Princesses
Since 2014, The Enchanted Princesses has been bringing the magic of beloved characters to birthday parties and events in the greater Birmingham, AL area. Our experienced performers, including Singing Princesses, Superheroes, Swimming Mermaids, Balloon Twisters, and Face Painting Fairies, create unforgettable experiences for children of all ages.
Family Voices
Family Voices is a family-led organization that transforms systems of care to work better for all children and youth, especially those with special health care needs or disabilities. By putting families at the forefront and centering their leadership and lived expertise, they build a culture that includes everyone and fosters equitable outcomes.
Full Life Ahead Foundation
Full Life Ahead strives to bridge the gap between NOW and LATER by connecting individuals with disabilities to the resources and supports needed to reach FULL LIFE status. By engaging in communities, advocating for knowledge and opportunity, The Full Life Ahead Foundation helps families navigate the journey from high school to real life living. The Goal? A life lived as an active, contributing member of the community, supported by the necessary resources to create an independent living experience.
Glenwood, Inc.
Glenwood is a nonprofit agency dedicated to serving children, adolescents and adults with autism and other behavioral health needs. Founded in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1974, Glenwood has spent more than five decades fulfilling its mission to help individuals live life to their fullest potential.
God Did It Ministries
GOD DID IT MINISTRIES (GDIM) mission is to provide compassion, understanding, and support to communities through service to others. GDIM serves as a bridge for low-income and underserved residents to receive help and support in their time of need. GDIM collaborates with local leaders, advocacy groups, and volunteers to reach goals most think are unattainable.
Goldfish Swim School - Hoover
Goldfish Swim School is proud to provide state-of-the-art aquatic swimming facilities that are dedicated to indoor children’s swim lessons and programs for children ages 4 months and up. From Jump Start Clinics to our competitive team known as Swim Force, we’re committed to helping your child develop important life skills so he or she can make waves in life.
Hanger Clinic
At Hanger Clinic, we care for our patients like family, working together to deliver the best possible orthotic and prosthetic outcomes. With more than 900 locations across the country, we create customized solutions for people of all ages, including state-of-the-art prostheses, braces, cranial helmets, and other devices designed to increase the mobility and function of each person we serve.
Lakeshore Foundation
Lakeshore has become an internationally renowned organization, serving over 4,000 unique individuals annually through physical activity, sport, recreation, advocacy, policy and research. It serves as an Olympic and Paralympic Training Site, strengthening the ongoing commitment to the development of para sports. Each day they work to use their time, energy, expertise and resources to be a leader in advancing their mission to encourage and provide opportunities for people with disability to live a healthy lifestyle through activity, research, advocacy and health promotion.
The Miracle League of Shelby County
The Miracle League of Shelby County’s mission is to provide opportunities for children with disabilities to play Miracle League Baseball, regardless of their abilities, promote community support and sponsorship of Miracle Leagues and promote the construction of special facilities that meet the unique needs of Miracle League players and their families.
Mitchell's Place
Mitchell’s Place specializes in improving the lives of children affected by autism and other developmental disabilities, and also focuses on early learning for preschool aged children. We use quality diagnostic, educational and therapeutic services provided by highly skilled therapy teams to unlock each child’s potential. These teams work to remediate social, communicative, adaptive and academic functioning while simultaneously reducing and decelerating maladaptive behavior.
The Parenting Assistance Line (PAL)
The Parenting Assistance Line (PAL) provides parents, grandparents, relatives and caregivers across the state the kind of support they need to become more confident and successful parents, recognizing that sometimes parenting can be tough! With PAL’s assistance, parents can feel less stressed, more confident, less isolated and better able to cope as they have the opportunity to talk through their specific parenting situation or concern. PAL’s wealth of resources is available at no charge and assists parents in nurturing happy, healthy families.
Pediatric Dental Associates of Alabama
At Pediatric Dental Associates of Alabama, their mission is to make every child’s smile brighter and every visit stress-free. Our Birmingham dentists provide gentle, compassionate care in a child-friendly environment designed to put kids and parents at ease. They pride themselves on providing high-quality dental care to their patients and making every trip to their office fun and enjoyable for the whole family.
Pediatric Dental Associates of Alabama
At Pediatric Dental Associates of Alabama, their mission is to make every child’s smile brighter and every visit stress-free. Our Birmingham dentists provide gentle, compassionate care in a child-friendly environment designed to put kids and parents at ease. They pride themselves on providing high-quality dental care to their patients and making every trip to their office fun and enjoyable for the whole family.
Rejoicing Rhythms
Rejoicing Rhythms' program integrates group drumming with proven health strategies to help maximize JOY and wellness regardless of age, health, or special needs. Using drums and percussion instruments, we create a joyful, energizing time of recreation, creativity, and expression. Their programs rarely look the same, but creativity, expression, wellness and JOY are found at the heart of all of their programs.
Renewal by Andersen
Renewal by Andersen of Alabama is proud to serve the replacement window & patio door needs of the Birmingham & Huntsville area and beyond. They are the window replacement division of Andersen Windows, drawing on the Andersen tradition of over 110 years of quality, innovation & craftsmanship. With their hassle-free Signature Service process, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your windows are expertly crafted & installed.
Special Needs Kids Matter
Special Needs Kids Matter's mission is to bring hope, create unity, and declare prosperity in the world where differences are embraced. Their vision is to diversify this world where special needs kids are empowered to fulfill their purposeful destiny.
The Arc of Shelby County
The Arc of Shelby County is recognized as the foremost partner with families and people with developmental and intellectual disabilities to support and enhance the quality of their lives. The Arc does this through advocacy on behalf of individuals and families at all levels, providing information and technical support to individuals, families, and organizations to assist them in fulfilling their dreams.
The Bell Center
The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs has provided quality early intervention services in a center-based program in Birmingham since 1984. Here, infants and toddlers at risk for developmental delay receive services from transdisciplinary teams which include a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, a speech-language pathologist and an early childhood special education teacher as each child works on specific individual developmental goals.
The Hedrick Foundation
The main project of The Hedrick Foundation is The Hedrick House. The Hedrick House is a first-of-its-kind-in-Alabama ministry that is actively working to maximize independent living for cognitively normal adults living with physical disabilities by giving them the chance to leverage the benefits of community to live fuller, more productive lives! While our entire team is working to bring The Hedrick House to fruition, we are looking forward to having more opportunities, as the Lord guides us into the future, to foster hope and independence so that people impacted by disabilities can THRIVE.
The Horizons School
Since 1991, The Horizons School has been preparing young adults with learning difficulties for an independent life. Our curriculum, with the community as our classroom, provides students with the skills to live and work independently. The Horizons School is located in a vibrant community where students learn in a safe, supervised setting. The school building and residence are in a quaint downtown neighborhood, which has all the amenities our students need within walking distance.
Three Dimensional Dog
Three Dimensional Dog approaches canine behavior from a mental health and "parent-training" perspective using evidence-based cognitive / behavioral rehabilitation strategies to positively impact unwanted behavior. Dogs are thinking, planning creatures whose behavior closely mirrors that of human children. As such, we teach "dog parents" how to set appropriate boundaries using proper communication practices. Our core objective is to enhance their feelings of security through the development of a harmonious relationship.
UAB Regional Autism Network
UAB RAN strives to listen to families to understand their unique situations and needs, create bridges and connections between families and providers, guide providers who serve families with autistic family members and/or other intellectual/developmental disabilities, and advocate in the community for a more inclusive and understanding society for ALL.
UA CrossingPoints Program
CrossingPoints is a partnership between The University of Alabama’s Department of Special Education & Multiple Abilities in the College of Education and the Tuscaloosa City and County School Systems. The purpose of CrossingPoints is to provide transition services for students with disabilities ages 18-21. Students participating in CrossingPoints receive hands-on instruction in vocational/employment aspects of transition in specially selected or assigned job sites at The University of Alabama.
United Ability of Greater Birmingham
United Ability transforms lives by creating pathways and opening doors for individuals of all ages with disabilities. Through education, healthcare, and employment services, they enable people to thrive in their communities. They’re building a community where disability doesn’t limit possibility—because at United Ability, they believe in Possibility Beyond Disability™ and the power of every person to reach their full potential.
Valleydale Counseling Center
In an increasingly confusing and demanding world, Valleydale Counseling Center is compelled by the love of Christ and the love of people to offer biblically driven and clinically sound counseling services. We desire to help people live their lives grounded in the truth of the gospel and its teachings while providing additional tools and resources to help in everyday settings and situations.
Chance to Win Amazing Prizes
Family 4-pack to Schoolhouse Rock, Live!, Birmingham Children's Theatre
2 tickets to The Little Mermaid (sensory friendly) June 30, 6:30pm,
Red Mountain Theatre
Free week of tuition to any newly enrolled family at Aim Academy
Birthday Party Package at Bricks & Minifigs
4-pack CaveFest Tickets
Family 4 Pack Ticket Vouchers to the
Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
1 hour of bowling and shoes for up to 6 bowlers at Vestavia Bowl
$100 certificate for a uniform and belt and three free classes at
World Class Tae Kwon Do
One hour of balloon twisting to be used for a party or event from
Enchanted Princesses
Gift Card from Troups Pizza
$50 Visa Gift Card from
Affordable Counseling Therapy
Check out last year's Expo!
Take a look at highlights from the 2025 Expo, where families connected with vendors, discovered new resources, and enjoyed a lively community atmosphere.
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