Protection and Advocacy for Individual Rights
The goal of the Protection and Advocacy for Individual Rights (PAIR) program is to operate a system for the protection and advocacy of the legal and human rights of persons with disabilities residing in Georgia who are not eligible for the protection and advocacy services available through the Protection & Advocacy of Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PADD) or the Protection Advocacy of Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) programs or through the Client Assistance Program (CAP) which advocates with respect to problems with the Division of Rehabilitation Services.
We would like to hear your opinion on how we are doing this work.
Click here if you would like to fill out a satisfaction survey about a particular situation that you have spoken to us about.
Click here is you would like to know about our client grievance procedure.
Below is a description of our planned emphasis for 2008 - 2009. Please email (to info@thegao.org) or mail (to 150 East Ponce de Leon Avenue, Suite 430, Decatur, GA 30030) your comments, suggestions, or questions. We welcome your comments on our work throughout the year.
Priority 1. Protect individuals with disabilities in Georgia from abuse and neglect.
Objective 1. Investigate and address allegations of abuse or neglect, including the suspicious or unexplained deaths of persons with disabilities.
Objective 2. Advocate for appropriate home and community-based supports and services for persons with disabilities residing in facilities, with a focus on monitoring the State’s compliance with the Office of Civil Rights Voluntary Compliance Agreement.
Priority 2. To respond to allegations of discrimination and legal rights violations of persons with disabilities.
Objective 1. Advocate for appropriate home and community-based supports and services, including healthcare and educational, for people with disabilities at risk of institutionalization.
Objective 2. Advocate for people with disabilities subject to legal rights violations and discrimination in any of the following areas: fiduciary relationships, local and state government, healthcare, housing, transportation, and employment.
Priority 3. Promote the integration and self-determination of persons with disabilities in the community.
Objective 1. Empower people with disabilities, family members, and concerned citizens to advocate for competitive employment, educational, healthcare, and other services that are appropriate to the person's needs.
Objective 2. Recruit ordinary citizens to advocate for the full inclusion of Georgians with disabilities in their communities.