Georgia

GEORGIA

ADA Center

Southeast ADA Center

1419 Mayson Street NE

Atlanta, GA, 30324

(800) 949-4232 (V/TTY)

(404) 541-9001 (V/TTY)

ADAsoutheast@law.syr.edu

http://www.adasoutheast.org


Assistive Technology

Tools for Life, Georgia Assistive Technology Act Program

512 Means St Suite 250

Atlanta, GA 30318

(404) 894-0541

info@gatfl.org

http://www.gatfl.org


CHIP

(health care for low-income uninsured children)

PeachCare for Kids

P.O. Box 2583

Atlanta, GA, 30301-2583

(877) 427-3224

peachcare@dch.ga.gov

http://www.peachcare.org


D D Council

Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities

2 Peachtree St, N.W., 26th floor

Atlanta, GA 30303

(888) 275-4233

(404) 657-2126

(404) 657-2133 (TDD)

http://www.gcdd.org


Developmental Disabilities

Office of Developmental Disabilities

Division of Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Diseases

Department of Human Resources

2 Peachtree Street, N.W., 24th floor

Atlanta , GA, 30303-3142

404-657-2252

http://dph.georgia.gov


Early Intervention

Babies Can’t Wait Program

Department of Human Resources

2 Peachtree Street, 11.217

Atlanta, GA, 30303-3186

(888) 651-8224

(404) 657-2726

http://www.dph.georgia.gov/Babies-Cant-Wait


Bright from the Start

Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning

2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive SE,

754 East Tower

Atlanta, GA 30334

(404) 656-5957

http://decal.ga.gov/


Epilepsy

Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia

6065 Roswell Road, NE, Suite 715

Atlanta, GA, 30328

(800) 527-7105 (In GA)

(404) 527-7155

epilepsy@epilepsyga.org

http://www.epilepsyga.org


Independent Living

Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia, Inc.

315 West Ponce de Leon Ave, Suite 600

Decatur, GA 30030

(888) 288-9780

(770) 270-6860

(770) 270-5671

http://www.silcga.org


National Council on Independent Living

1710 Rhode Island Avenue, NW, 5th Floor

Washington, DC, 20036

(202) 207-0334 (V);

(202) 207-0340 (TTY)

ncil@ncil.org

http://www.ncil.org


Learning Disabilities

Learning Disabilities Association of Georgia

2566 Shallowford Road, Suite 104, PMB 353

Atlanta , GA, 30345

(404) 303-7774

ldaga@bellsouth.net

http://www.ldag.org


Mental Health

National Mental Health America of Georgia

100 Edgewood Ave., Suite 502

Atlanta, GA, 30303

(404) 527-7175

http://www.mhageorgia.org/


NAMI-Georgia, National Alliance on Mental Illness

3180 Presidential Drive, Suite A

Atlanta , GA, 30340

(800) 726-1052

(770) 234-0855

namigeorgia@namiga.org

http://www.namiga.org


Georgia Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health

1381 Metropolitan Parkway

Atlanta, GA, 30310

(800) 832-8645

(404) 758-4500

http://www.gpsn.org


Mediation

Division for Exceptional Students

Georgia Department of Education

205 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive SE

Atlanta, GA 30334

(404) 657-9965

askdoe@gadoe.org

http://www.gadoe.org


Mental Health

Division of Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Diseases

Department of Human Resources

2 Peachtree Street, N.W., 22.224

Atlanta , GA, 30303-3142

(404) 657-2260

gbskinner@dhr.state.ga.us

http://www.mhddad.dhr.georgia.gov


Mental Health – Youth

Department of Human Resources

Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Diseases

2 Peachtree Street, N.W., 23.420

Atlanta , GA, 30303-3171

(404) 657-5681

dmorgan@dhr.state.ga.us

http://mhddad.dhr.georgia.gov/portal/site/DHR-MHDDAD/


Parent Organizations

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Georgia Congress of Parents and Teachers, Inc.

114 Baker Street, N.E.

Atlanta , GA, 30308-3366

(404) 659-0214

http://www.georgiapta.org


Parent Training and Information Center (PTI)

Parent to Parent of Georgia, Inc.

3070 Presidential Parkway, Suite 130

Atlanta, GA, 30340

(800) 229-2038

info@p2pga.org

http://www.p2pga.org


Protection & Advocacy

Georgia Advocacy Office

One Decatur Town Center

150 E. Ponce de Leon Avenue, Suite 430

Decatur, GA, 30030

(800) 537-2329

(404) 885-1234 (V/TTY)

info@thegao.org

http://www.thegao.org


The ARC of Georgia

PO Box 91051

Atlanta, GA 30364

(470) 222-6088

sramirez@thearc.org

https://ga.thearc.org/


Relay Services

(800) 255-0135 (V)

(800) 255-0056 (TTY);, 711 (TTY)

(800) 229-5746 (Speech to Speech-English)

(866) 260-9470 (Speech to Speech-Spanish)


Special Education

Division for Exceptional Students

Georgia Department of Education

205 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive SE

Atlanta, GA 30334

(404) 657-9965

askdoe@gadoe.org

http://www.gadoe.org


Special Format Library

Georgia Library for Accessible Services

1800 Century Place Suite 150

Atlanta, GA 30345

(800) 248-6701

glass@georgialibraries.org

http://www.georgialibraries.org/glass


Special Health Care Needs

Office of Children with Special Needs

Department of Human Resources

Division of Public Health

Maternal and Child Health Section

2 Peachtree Street, N.W., 11-227

Atlanta , GA, 30303

(404) 657-2850

http://www.dph.georgia.gov/children-and-youth-special-healthcare-needs-cyshn


Speech, Language, and Hearing

Georgia Speech-Language-Hearing Association

925B Peachtree St NE, Suite 620

Atlanta, GA 30309

(404) 496-5559

http://www.gsha.org


State Web Site

Connect with your state’s official website to find all manner of state agencies and information, including how to contact your governor and/or your representatives in the Senate and House:

http://www.georgia.gov


Vocational Education, Disabilities

Vocational Rehabilitation Program

Check website for local offices

(404) 232-1998

https://gvs.georgia.gov/


Easter Seals North Georgia

53 Perimeter Center East Suite 550

Atlanta, GA 30346

(404) 9431070-2006

www.easterseals.com/northgeorgia


Easter Seals Southern Georgia

1906 Palmyra Road

Albany, GA, 31701

(229) 439-7061

http://www.easterseals.com/southerngeorgia/?referrer=https://www.google.com/


Fragile Kids Foundation

3825 Presidential Pkwy., Suite 103

Atlanta, GA, 30340

(770) 234-9111

inquiry@focus-ga.org

https://focus-ga.org/


VSA arts of Georgia

199 Armour Drive

Atlanta, GA 30324

(404) 221-1270, ext. 207

http://www.vsaartsga.org

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Newborn Genetic Screenings

The Power of Newborn Genetic Screenings: How Newborn Genetic Screenings Can Change the Diagnosis

By Penelope Gatlin • 05 Oct, 2023
By Penelope Gatlin October 2023 When our son was born in 2012, he was hypotonic, severely jaundiced, had feeding difficulties and features such as epicanthic folds and small low set ears. We were told immediately that doctors had suspicions of a genetic syndrome. At that time, genetic testing was limited and once abnormal karyotype, Trisomy 21, and Fragile X were ruled out, we left the hospital with an 8 day old and no diagnosis. While no testing was available at that time to identify the ultra-rare syndrome my child had, because it wouldn’t even be identified until 4 years later, I can only imagine the difference it would have made to our journey to have such an answer sooner. Instead, we were unprepared and actually unaware that just because a diagnosis hadn’t been made then that it didn’t mean there wasn’t in fact a rare disease present. Instead, we dealt with issues as they came and worried and wondered what would be next. From feeding issues and reflux and constipation, to low muscle tone and delayed walking, to speech delay, social and emotional delays, toileting delays, diagnoses of developmental delay, anxiety, situational mutism, sensory processing disorder, and autism, until finally genetic testing that revealed the diagnosis that we’d waited 7 years to find out. While receiving a diagnosis can seem scary, not having an answer but knowing there must be one is even more so. In 2019, the day I clicked onto the portal to see the test results, the largest word on the page was POSITIVE. My heart stopped for a second. For the first time, I read the words “Okur-Chung Neurodevelopmental Disorder.” A roller coaster of emotions ensued, including sadness that we hadn’t known this from birth because it would have made us as parents more prepared, and given us more understanding about what might arise next. Relief that we had an answer, grateful that this syndrome had been identified and that he was among one of the first hundred diagnosed with it in the world, and glad we had the privilege to have access to the testing. Excitement that we can participate in future research. Fright that there’s so much we don’t know about OCNDS, and happiness that there is something that we do. A feeling that we are no longer shooting in the dark and have a small but supportive community to rely on and learn from. I am hopeful that one day, all newborns with features like my child will be tested at birth, so parents can have access to the answers, support, and interventions and therapies that can best help their child as soon as possible.
Autism Diagnosis

Why I Should Have Gotten the Autism Diagnosis for My Child Early On (or Why I Did Not)

By Terri Jordan • 23 Aug, 2023
For 16 years, my child displayed numerous symptoms that left us searching for answers, but a genetic diagnosis remained elusive. I considered having my child evaluated for autism to shed light on their situation. However, when I reached out to teachers, doctors, and therapists, I received frustrating responses: “Your child is too friendly to be autistic.” This statement made me doubt the possibility of autism because my child was sociable. “Your child can transition from one activity to another – they are not autistic.” Hearing this, I questioned whether my child’s ability to shift activities invalidated the need for an autism evaluation. “Your child can look me in the eye and answer questions – they are not autistic.” Observations like this made me second-guess the idea of autism, even though my child faced various challenges. “Getting a diagnosis that does not apply to your child would be a big waste of money.” Despite my persistent concerns, this cautionary advice about the evaluation costs left me hesitant. We finally pursued an evaluation when my son turned 20, and it confirmed that he is indeed on the autism spectrum (severe side). Looking back, I regret not taking this step sooner. I should have pursued the autism diagnosis before we received the genetic diagnosis. There are several benefits we could have gained as a family if we had pursued an early diagnosis: “Early Support Is Crucial:” I now realize that early intervention could profoundly impact my child’s development. We could have accessed the right services and therapies much earlier with a diagnosis. “Understanding My Child Better:” I struggled to comprehend my child’s behaviors and communication difficulties. An earlier diagnosis could have provided insights into their unique needs and thought processes. The education could also help me explain how to react to my child’s behavior to family members. “Tailored Guidance and Resources:” A diagnosis could have opened doors to specialized resources and guidance, enabling me to provide the best possible support for my child. “Connecting with Others:” Being part of the autism community might have connected us with other parents who understand our experiences. Sharing and learning from each other could have been invaluable. “Planning for the Future:” Knowing more about my child’s strengths and challenges could have helped me better plan their future, including education, career, and overall well-being. Depending on your location, many states offer funding and support if your child has an autism diagnosis. I wish I listened to my voice instead of being swayed by experts who didn’t fully understand my child’s situation. Ultimately, I know this decision is significant, requiring careful consideration by parents. Looking back, I wish I had trusted my instincts and sought an evaluation sooner to improve my child’s life.
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