Disabilities (Georgia)

Disabilities

Aids	Veterans
Assistive Technology	Respite Care (Help For The Caregiver)
Autism	Health & Medical
Blind/Low Vision	Housing
Children & Youth	Insurance & Benefits
Civil Rights And Protections	Multiple Sclerosis
Deaf/Hearing Impaired	Recreation & Travel
Education & Training	Transportation
Employment & Accommodation	Where Else To Go For Help

Aids

Key Contacts & Aids Help Resources Throughout All Of Georgia (Google)
Aids, Advocacy, Case Management, Clothing / Furniture, Financial / Public Assistance, Food, Funeral, Housing, Legal, Practical Support, Spiritual Support, Transportation and Technical Assistance for Agencies and Organizations.

AIDS Law Manual
HIV and Confidentiality, Family Law, Health Care, Immigration, Insurance, HIV and Public Benefits, and much more.

Paulding County Community Service Directory (GA)
Children, disability, seniors, housing, health & medical, crisis hotlines, employment & other social services.

Travelers With Disabilities
Includes specific precautions for travelers with immune systems weakened by diseases such as HIV, leukemia, and lymphoma.

See Consumer-SOS/Health & Medical

Assistive Technology For The Disabled

Enlarge The Small Print On Your Computer Screen Through Free Downloads
Read the fine print from emails and hard-to-read websites. Better than what's on Windows or Explorer.
Allows you to zoom in on the small print.

Learning Disabiities and ADHD
Find out about: General Information About State Resources, State Government Agencies, Federally Funded Programs, Parent and Professional Organizations and Technology Assistance for The Disabled.

FODAC (Friends Of Disabled Adults (Georgia)
Provides free refurbished equipment such as wheelchairs to help the mobility impaired and those needing home health assistance. Assistance is given to physically disabled people of all ages.

Special Needs Database For Georgia
Comprehensive resource database containing over 7,000 resources in over 200 categories. Has complete, up-to-date information for individuals with disabilities, their families, and professionals throughout Georgia..

Assistive Technology For The Disabled-Georgia (Google)
Covers a broad ranch of topics including Assistive Technology,
Careers in Information, Technology, Communication, Government Accessibility, Product Accessibility, Your Technology Rights and Federal Service Locators.

States With Lemon Laws For Wheelchairs and Other Assistive Devices
Will download a pdf from 2019 with the states and laws that apply. Google your state if not listed.

Consumers’ Guide To Telecommunications Relay Services (FCC)

Closed Captioning On TV (FCC)

See Education & Training
See Employment & Accommodation

Autism

FOCUS-Families of Children Under Stress in Georgia (call 770-234-9111 or email: inquiry@focus-ga.org )
FOCUS offers wraparound programs of support to families of children, teens, and young adults through age 29, who are medically fragile or have developmental/physical disabilities. Programs include hospital support, workshops, adapted day and overnight camps, adapted swim teams, parent share groups, family camps and activities, grants for critical medical equipment, and more. FOCUS seeks to create a community for families of children with disabilities

See Consumer-SOS Autism Support Groups & Resources

Blind/Low Vision

GA Project Independence (55 and older) 844-367-4872 or call Blind Services Coordinator Shirley Robinson 404-783-3545.
Administered by the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA), Project Independence (also referred to as the Older Blind Program) is a vision program for seniors that provides services that can help you remain independent.

Services may include: comprehensive low vision evaluations by qualified professionals to assess your needs, skills training in your home community by certified rehabilitation specialists, mobility training by certified instructors support groups that offer opportunities to learn from and interact with peers assistive devices such as talking watches, big button phones and magnifiers.

The Georgia Vision Program Resource Guide includes descriptions and contact information for these providers as well as advocacy/education organizations, the Centers for Independent Living, Georgia public library services, and hearing and vision loss resources.

Florence Maxwell Low Vision Clinic 404-875-9011.
The Low Vision Clinic (part of CVI) can suggest the tools to make it easier to do the things you want to do. Learn how to enhance your sight with powerful magnifiers, digital devices, lamps and special low vision items. Based on your specific goals and needs, you will be shown how to make the best use of your remaining vision.

Center For The Visually Impaired (CVI) 404-875-9011
Clients range from low vision to total blindness. While optometrists and ophthalmologists determine eye health from a medical perspective, CVI’s programs help with education, training and learning how to use remaining vision.
We get many referrals from local eye doctors whose patients have lost a significant amount of vision. CVI can assist by providing low vision aids or by teaching independent living skills.

VisAbility Store (Low Vision Items From GA Center For The Visually Impaired)
Not always cheap, but here you can find specially made Magnifiers, Assistive Technology Devices, Braille Items, Canes and Accessories, Health and Wellness Items, Kitchen and Cooking Aids, Labeling and Marking Aids, Sunglasses, Lamps, Low Vision Items, Telephones, Watches and Clocks.

Georgia Lions Lighthouse (404) 325-3630 or (800) 718-7483
The mission of the Lighthouse is to foster sight conservation and restoration, and hearing conservation.

New Option Waiver Program (NOW) and Comprehensive Support Waiver Program (COMP) (GA)
Medicaid waiver program through NOW offers services and support to enable individuals to remain living on their own or in their family home and participate in the community. COMP serves individuals with more intensive needs, primarily those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who require residential care. Both NOW/COMP programs are accessed through six regional DBHDD field offices.

GA Medicaid Waiver Community Care Services Program (CCSP) 866-552-4464
Allows seniors to remain in independent living when they may otherwise have to go to a nursing home. Special Medicaid waiver where seniors may qualify even if their Social Security benefits are way above the normal Medicaid cut off point. This program is from the Georgia Department of Community Health, which may have other resources as well.

Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD) Medicaid (GA-PDF download)
How it works, expenses not covered and where to get help.

National Federation of the Blind (State By State Affiliates)
Advocacy, resources, scolarships, mentoring and referral.

Other Resources For The Blind or Visually Impaired (Google)

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Children & Youth

Easter Seals 404-943-1070 (GA)
Programs and support for chidlren & adults with disabilities. May be a good advocate-also helps with employment and work clothes. Teams of therapists, teachers and other health professionals help each person overcome obstacles to independence and reach his or her personal goals. Easter Seals also includes families as active members of any therapy program, and offers the support families need.

Southern Poverty Law Center
Fights hate and bigotry, and seeks justice for the most vulnerable members of our society.
Monitors hate groups, and defends the rights of Illegal Immigrants, delinquent or learning disabled kids treated unfairly by schools.

Children with Disabilities (GA Legal Aid)
Resources and law concerning children with special needs.

Paulding County Community Service Directory (GA)
Children, disability, seniors, housing, health & medical, crisis hotlines, employment & other social services.

See Education & Training
See Employment & Accommodation

Civil Rights And Protections

Civil Rights & Protections (Google)
Find out your rights and the type of accommodations you can receive in regards to Communications, Employment, Education, Health, Housing, Transportation and accessibility to buildings.

Disability Advocates Throughout Georgia

Disability Link 404-687-8890
Open 9 to 5 on week days.
Will help with advocacy and provide resources and referrals for those with disabilities.
Call them if you need a job or other assistance.

Disability & Business Technical Assistance Centers
(DBTACs)
Ten regional “one-stop” centers are available to provide information and assistance on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) issues.

For Free Legal Assistance
See Consumer-SOS/Lawyers/Courts and Self Help

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Deaf/Hearing Impaired

Georgia Lions Lighthouse (404) 325-3630 or (800) 718-7483
The mission of the Lighthouse is to foster hearing and sight conservation and restoration. Provides free hearing aids to those who financially qualify.

Georgia Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: GCDHH 404-292-5312 (Voice/TTY) or 800-541-0710 (Voice/TTY)
To serve individuals who are Deaf, Deaf-Blind, Late–deafened, people with Hearing Loss, and others with respect to all communication modes; by providing support services, advocacy, and education, which foster self-determination, empowerment and independence.

Georgia Commission for Deaf or Hard of Hearing (GA Dept of Human Services) 404.657.5258
Advocacy, Aging services, family and children services.

Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD) Medicaid (GA-PDF download)
How it works, expenses not covered and where to get help.

Other State & National Resources for The Deaf or Hearing Impaired

Google Searches For Deaf or Hard of Hearing

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Education & Training

Learning Disabiities and ADHD
Find out about: General Information About State Resources, State Government Agencies, Federally Funded Programs, Parent and Professional Organizations and Technology Assistance for The Disabled.

Easter Seals (GA)
Programs and support for chidlren & adults with disabilities. May be a good advocate-also helps with employment and work clothes. Teams of therapists, teachers and other health professionals help each person overcome obstacles to independence and reach his or her personal goals. Easter Seals also includes families as active members of any therapy program, and offers the support families need.

Disability Advocates Throughout Georgia

Disability Link 404-687-8890
Open 9 to 5 on week days.
Will help with advocacy and provide resources and referrals for those with disabilities.
Call them if you need a job or other assistance.

Friends of Disabled Adults 770-491-9014

Learning Resources
The resources here will assist individuals with learning and other disabilities by providing critical information needed to increase the quality of the education they receive. A number of sites are directed toward college-bound young people with disabilities.

Vocational Rehabilitation Programs (All States & DC)
Information about the SSA’s vocational rehabilitation programs and listings of state and private vocational rehabilitation providers.

See Employment & Accommodation
See Children & Youth

Employment & Accommodation

Employment Related Services For Those With Disabilities (GA) (State-wide)

Disability Advocates Throughout Georgia

Disability Link 404-687-8890
Open 9 to 5 on week days.
Will help with advocacy and provide resources and referrals for those with disabilities.
Call them if you need a job or other assistance.

FOCAC-Friends of Disabled Adults 770-491-9014

Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia (404) 527-7155
Offers job assistance, information & referral ad support groups for epileptics and their families.

Special Needs Database For Georgia
Comprehensive resource database containing over 7,000 resources in over 200 categories. Has complete, up-to-date information for individuals with disabilities, their families, and professionals throughout Georgia.

More On Employment For The Disabled
This section of the OESP web site contains information that can help advocates assist people with disabilities who want to work.

State Partnership Initiative (SPI)
Partnerships between the Social Security Administration and 12 states to develop innovative projects to assist adults with disabilities to re-enter the work force. These state are as follows: California, New York, Illinois, North Carolina, Iowa, Ohio, Minnesota, Oklahoma, New Hampshire, Vermont, New Mexico and Wisconsin.

Labor Departments & Employment Services (All 50 States & DC)

Job Links
These employers have indicated interest in recruiting and hiring qualified individuals with disabilities for open positions within their company or organization.

For more job links, see http://www.disability.gov

Jobs (Workers.gov)
This section provides assistance to individuals with disabilities in getting and keeping jobs. Here you will find standard job banks and resume-building sites, along with sites dealing with self-employment, work incentives for Social Security recipients, and job accommodations.

See Education & Training
See Assistive Technology For The Disabled
See Civil Rights And Protections
See Consumer-SOS/The Workplace

Health & Medical

Adult Medically Needy Program for Those with Disabilities in Georgia (Google)

Veteran's Benefits and Other Issues (Consumer-SOS)

Disability Advocates Throughout Georgia

Power of Attorney (Consumer-SOS)

Disability Link 404-687-8890
Open 9 to 5 on week days.
Will help with advocacy and provide resources and referrals for those with disabilities.
Call them if you need a job or other assistance.

Georgia Advocacy Office (404) 885-1234
Free help to disabled individuals who have problems related to their disability. They can help you with issues concerning handicap accessibility, employment discrimination, nursing home abuse, and other disability matters. Good for asking about reasonable accommodations in the workplace. Will provide a list of Attorneys who can help you obtain Social Security Disability benefits.

Do You Have Medical Bills You Cannot Pay?-Georgia (Google)

Learning Disabiities and ADHD
Find out about: General Information About State Resources, State Government Agencies, Federally Funded Programs, Parent and Professional Organizations and Technology Assistance for The Disabled.

Social Security Disability Benefits (How To Apply)

Health Care,Insurance, And Service Supports
Medicaid, insurance, managed care and long term services and supports and more.

Low Cost Medicines
One-stop link to thousands of low Cost medicines offered through hundreds of patient assistance programs sponsored by member companies, non-member companies and government and local organizations.

Benefits Checkup
Find programs for people ages 55 and over that may pay for some of their costs of prescription drugs, health care, utilities, and other essential items or services. Please fill out their simple questionnaire to find programs that can assist you or your loved ones.

Cleaning For A Reason: Free House Cleaning For Women With Cancer (50 States, DC & Canada)
If you are a woman with cancer and at least 18 years old, their affiliate maid services will provide you with a free cleaning once a month for up to 4 months. After your application is complete and your doctor verification is received, they'll contact the maid service partner in your area. For more information see How To Register.

See Insurance & Benefits
See Children & Youth
See Consumer-SOS/Insurance
See Consumer-SOS/Health & Medical
See Consumer-SOS/The Workplace

Housing

Homeless (or Soon To Be Homeless) Assistance Directory (Georgia)
Are you about to be homeless? This site lists homeless assistance resources by Georgia, such as:

Permanent Supportive Housing (for people with disabilities)
Homeless Prevention and/or Rapid Re-Housing
Emergency Shelter
Transitional Housing
Domestic Violence
Additional Information

Disability Link 404-687-8890
Open 9 to 5 on week days.
Will help with advocacy and provide resources and referrals for those with disabilities.
Call them if you need a job or other assistance.

New Option Waiver Program (NOW) and Comprehensive Support Waiver Program (COMP) (GA)
Medicad waiver program through NOW offers services and support to enable individuals to remain living on their own or in their family home and participate in the community. COMP serves individuals with more intensive needs, primarily those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who require residential care. Both NOW/COMP programs are accessed through six regional DBHDD field offices.

HUD Approved Counseling Agencies In Georgia
Housing counseling agencies throughout the country who can give you advice on buying a home, renting, defaults, foreclosures, credit issues and reverse mortgages.

In- Home Caregiving For Reduced Rent (Google Search for Georgia)
In-Home Caregiving provides homeowners with live-in, non-medical services from qualified caregivers for reduced rent. Thus family caregivers are given respite, because the homeowners can live independently in their own homes. In return, the “tenant” caregiver lives there for a reduced rent.

Special Needs Database For Georgia
Comprehensive resource database containing over 7,000 resources in over 200 categories. Has complete, up-to-date information for individuals with disabilities, their families, and professionals throughout Georgia.

World Institute On Disability
WID is a non-profit international public policy center dedicated to carrying out cutting-edge research on disability issues and overcoming obstacles to independent living.

HUD Approved Counseling Agencies In Every State
Housing counseling agencies throughout the country who can
give you advice on buying a home, renting, defaults, foreclosures, credit issues and reverse mortgages.

See Consumer-SOS/Landlord/Tenant
See Consumer-SOS/Home Matters

Insurance & Benefits

Veteran's Benefits (Consumer-SOS)

North Georgia Community Action, Inc. 706-692-5623(Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Dade, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, Walker, and Whitfield Counties and maybe more)

Family Resettlement Program (assists TANF recipients or individuals who are at the end of their eligibility, need additional services upon obtaining employment, with their rent and/or utilities. Their Supplemental Security Income Advocacy Program assists eligible TANF recipients to apply for benefits if they are disabled and provide childcare, if necessary, and travel to medical or Social Security appointments in order to complete the process
Information Referral

Disability Link 404-687-8890
Open 9 to 5 on week days.
Will help with advocacy and provide resources and referrals for those with disabilities.
Call them if you need a job or other assistance.

North Georgia Community Action, Inc. (Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Dade, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, Walker, and Whitfield Counties and maybe more.)

Their Supplemental Security Income Advocacy Program assists eligible TANF recipients to apply for benefits if they are disabled and provide childcare, if necessary, and travel to medical or Social Security appointments in order to complete the process
Transportation
Information Referral

Social Security Disability Secrets
Advice, FAQS and in depth answers from a former Social Security Claims Examiner. Learn how to apply, how to prepare your case and more.

FAQs On Life Insurance (GA)

FAQs On Health Insurance (GA)

FAQs On Workers Compensation (GA)

Social Security Disability Benefits (How To Apply)

Special Needs Database For Georgia
Comprehensive resource database containing over 4,000 resources in over 100 categories. Has complete, up-to-date information for individuals with disabilities, their families, and professionals throughout Georgia.

The Social Security Handbook

Veteran's Benefits

State Bar of Georgia Military Legal Assistance Program (404) 527-8765
Service members and veterans are connected to Georgia lawyers who are willing to provide free or reduced-fee legal services. The program helps veterans who have service-connected disability legal issues. It also helps service members who have civil, non-criminal legal needs.

Service Women's Action Network (SWAN)
Securing equal opportunity and freedom to serve without discrimination, harassment or assault; and to reform veterans’ services to ensure high quality health care and benefits for women veterans and their families.

National Veterans Legal Service Program (NVLSP) (Disability Benefits)

American Legion
Helps veterans in Jobs, Benefits, Education, Health Care, Family and Finances

VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars)
Whether it's helping service members and their families through long deployments or cope with rough financial times, NMS programs put our military families first. From providing free phone time and emergency financial assistance to farewell and welcome home ceremonies and college scholarships, the NMS department is here supporting our troops day in and day out.

DAV (Disabled American Veteran)

Free professional assistance to veterans and their families in obtaining benefits and services earned through military service and provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other agencies of government.
Provides a structure through which disabled veterans can express their compassion for their fellow veterans through a variety of volunteer programs.
Outreach concerning its program services to the American people generally, and to disabled veterans and their families specifically.
Represents the interests of disabled veterans, their families, their widowed spouses and their orphans before Congress, the White House and the Judicial Branch, as well as state and local government.

Emory Volunteer Clinic for Veterans
To initiate service with the Clinic, you must be referred by one of the following organizations:

The Military Legal Assistance Program Committee of the Georgia Bar
The Veterans Legal Clinic at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Decatur
Practicing attorneys who serve as mentors for Emory law students
National Veterans Legal Service Program (NVLSP) (Disability Benefits)
Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program (For US Appeals Ct Claims Re Veteran's Issues)
Service organizations including the American Legion, VFW, DAV, and
Georgia Vietnam Veterans Alliance (Google)
Service Women's Action Network (SWAN) (www.servicewomen.org)

See Health & Medical
See Consumer-SOS/Insurance
See Consumer-SOS/Health & Medical
See Consumer-SOS/The Workplace

Multiple Sclerosis

National MS Society-Find A Chapter Nearest You (All 50 States & DC)
Through the Society’s fifty-state network of chapters, assistance is provided to over a million people annually. Chapters encourage personal empowerment with employment counseling, family programs, volunteer opportunities, and advocacy issues.

Other Multiple Sclerosis Help Groups (Google)

Recreation & Travel

Special Needs Database For Georgia
Comprehensive resource database containing over 7,000 resources in over 200 categories. Has complete, up-to-date information for individuals with disabilities, their families, and professionals throughout Georgia.

Compeer Atlanta 678-686-5918
Free program that matches trained volunteers and at-risk individuals on a one-to-one basis in
supportive friendships. For seniors or those with a mental illness or developmental disabilities.

Travelers With Disabilities
Find out how accessible specific destinations are for travelers with disabilities. Also includes specific precautions for travelers with immune systems weakened by diseases such as HIV, leukemia, and lymphoma.

See Consumer-SOS/Travel

Respite Care (Help For The Caregiver)

Respite Links In All 50 States
Family caregivers may qualify for free respite support where trained caretakers can watch your dependents while you have a few hours to yourself. Some states provide respite services to:
Family caregivers providing care for individuals age 60 or older;
Family caregivers providing care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders, regardless of age; or
Grandparents and other relative caregivers (not parents) 55 years of age and older providing care to children under age 18; or age 18-59.

GA Community Support Solutions (Respite Care For Parents of Kids With Developmental Disabilities)
Sometimes the parents of kids with disabilities need a rest so they can make time for themselves. GCSS respite providers are trained, experienced care givers who come to your family’s home to provide respite for your loved one. Service options include, but are not limited to: a few hours a week, weekend respite, or for up to a week at a time. Emergency Respite is also available for those who qualify. Individuals 3 years of age and older who have been diagnosed with a developmental disability may be eligible.

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Transportation

Special Needs Database For Georgia
Comprehensive resource database containing over 7,000 resources in over 200 categories. Has complete, up-to-date information for individuals with disabilities, their families, and professionals throughout Georgia.

Transportation, Access, Your Rights And More

North Georgia Community Action, Inc. (Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Dade, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, Walker, and Whitfield Counties and maybe more.)

Transportation
Information Referral

The National Center on Senior Transportation (866) 528-NCST or (202) 347-7385 (TDD).
Our mission is to increase transportation options for older adults and enhance their ability to live more independently within their communities throughout the United States. Staff from NCST helps members of the aging services and transportation communities address a diverse array of transportation issues, directs callers to additional resources and answers questions about ADA rights and responsibilities. We also encourage you to visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Disability Advocates Throughout Georgia

Paulding County Community Service Directory (GA)
Children, disability, seniors, housing, health & medical, crisis hotlines, employment & other social services.

Fayette Senior Services (GA) 770-461-0813
Transportation to and from non emergency medical appointments treatment centers and pharmacies (for adults 60 plus and younger adults who are disabled)

Disability Link 404-687-8890
Open 9 to 5 on week days.
Will help with advocacy and provide resources and referrals for those with disabilities.
Call them if you need a job or other assistance.

Georgia Advocacy Office (404) 885-1234
Open 9 to 5 on week days.
Good for asking about reasonable accommodations in the workplace.

Where Else To Go For Help

Compeer Atlanta 678-686-5918
Free program that matches trained volunteers and at-risk individuals on a one-to-one basis in
supportive friendships. For Seniors or those with a mental illness or developmental disabilities.

Georgia Advocacy Office (404) 885-1234
Free help to disabled individuals who have problems related to their disability. They can help you with issues concerning handicap accessibility, employment discrimination, nursing home abuse, and other disability matters. Good for asking about reasonable accommodations in the workplace. Will provide a list of Attorneys who can help you obtain Social Security Disability benefits.

Disability Advocates Throughout Georgia

Disability Link 404-687-8890
Open 9 to 5 on week days.
Will help with advocacy and provide resources and referrals for those with disabilities.
Call them if you need a job or other assistance.

Bathroom-SOS (National Directory of Public Bathrooms)
Some bathrooms are rated for disability access.

Disability Advocacy Centers In All 50 States (No Links)

National Find Family Registry For People with Disabilities
Open to people seeking each other even though just bits of information are available.
May help reunite those who lost touch with family members with disabilities for other reasons too, like divorce, foster care or adoption, personal problems or misfortune.

Disability Links In All 50 States
One Agency Per State.

United Way Help Line (For All 50 States, DC & Puerto Rico)
Choose your state, select your city, and look up help agencies galore!!! Their stellar search engine can lead you to any social service topic imaginable. Type in the word "Disabilities" and out pops dozens of advocate and social service agencies in your city and state. For help with a specific disability, type in "disabled and (the name of your disability)".

Find The AARP In Your State
The AARP offers legal advocacy for seniors and may also have state specific consumer brochures which are available to everyone.

National Help Orgs For A Variety Of Consumer Problems
The Elderly, Environment, Families, Fraud, Health & Safety, Insurance The Handicapped, Medical Problems, Telemarketing and more.

Find Your Local Newspaper, Magazine, Radio & TV Stations
Give them a little bad press and you're bargaining power increases tremendously. Select your state, and then click on your county or city for the proper media to report to. (DC Not Included).

Where To Write For Vital Records (50 States & DC)
For birth, death and marriage certificates, divorce papers and more.

Consumer-SOS-Lawyers, Courts & Self Help
For free or low cost lawyers, navigating small claims courts and legal research.

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