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GAO -- Advocacy for People with Developmental Disabilities

Protection and Advocacy for People with
Developmental Disabilities

Advocacy is provided to citizens with developmental disabilities throughout Georgia. A developmental disability refers to a severe, chronic disability which is (a) attributable to a mental or physical impairment, (b) manifested prior to age 22, (c) likely to continue indefinitely, (d) resulting in substantial limitations in at least three of seven major life functions, and (e) requiring services for an extended period of time.

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: To protect individuals with developmental disabilities in Georgia from abuse and neglect.

Objective 1: Investigate and address at least twenty-five (25) allegations of abuse or neglect, including the suspicious or unexplained deaths of persons with developmental disabilities.

Objective 2: Advocate for appropriate home and community-based supports and services for at least twenty-five (25) persons with developmental 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 in Georgia.

Objective 1: Advocate for appropriate home and community-based supports and services, including healthcare and educational supports, for at least twenty-five (25) people with developmental disabilities at risk of institutionalization.

Objective 2: Advocate for at least five (5) Georgians with developmental 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 at least ten (10) persons with developmental 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 at least ten (10) ordinary citizens to advocate for the full inclusion of Georgians with developmental disabilities in their communities.

In addition to the work done out of the Georgia Advocacy Office, we support Citizen Advocacy offices in eight local communities. The local offices recruit, match, train and give assistance to citizen advocates in Atlanta, DeKalb County, Macon, Baldwin County, Savannah, Gainesville, Augusta, and Athens.

For a general description and philosophy of this program please see the brochure