Information, Funding, and Resources

Information and Resources: These organizations provide support to help individuals and families understand and access services available for people with disabilities. This may include information about funding options, community programs, assistive technology, and other helpful resources. Many also offer guidance and training to help families make informed decisions and plan for the future, including guardianship options and future financial planning.

Click on each agency below to access more information.

ABA Centers of Georgia

ABA Centers of Georgia is making individualized and comprehensive Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy more accessible than ever for those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Kids in our programs are eager to engage and feel celebrated for achieving each step on their ABA journey!

Watch the video below to learn more about ABA Centers of Georgia

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855-724-9356

mailto:msheeler@abacenters.com

https://www.abacentersga.com/

Aspire Health Care Services LLC

Aspire Home Care Services LLC provides trusted, compassionate pediatric in-home nursing and personal care for medically fragile children across Georgia. We proudly support families through the Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP), offering skilled services such as tracheostomy and ventilator care, G tube feedings, medication management, and daily assistance. With extensive experience, we deliver exceptional care where your child feels safest and most comfortable-at home.

800-708-5601

mailto:info@aspire-hcs.com

http://www.aspire-hcs.com

Autism Wonders Inc

Autism Wonders is committed to supporting autistic individuals and their families through advocacy, education, and direct resource provision. The organization offers autism awareness and acceptance initiatives, parent and caregiver education, community workshops, and connections to critical resources, including support services, educational tools, and community-based programs. With a strong focus on culturally responsive and inclusive practices, Autism Wonders Inc. works to reduce stigma, empower families, and bridge gaps in access to essential resources and supports for autism-impacted individuals and families.

470-940-8131

info@autismwonders.org

autismwonders.org

Bennett's Place

Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI)

BDI is a non-profit organization providing multiple services including pre-employment and work readiness, benefits navigation, family support services, and behavioral health. Our goal is to empower individuals to live as independently as possible.BDI is a non-profit organization providing multiple services including pre-employment and work readiness, benefits navigation, family support services, and behavioral health. Our goal is to empower individuals to live as independently as possible.

678-365-0071

empowers@bobbydodd.org

www.bobbydodd.org

Childkind

Our mission is to empower families caring for children involved with the child welfare system, specializing in those with special health care and developmental needs. Whether it be a child with a complex medical or developmental diagnosis, a child with maladaptive behaviors, a teenager, or a sibling group, we work hard to make it possible for parents to be successful caregivers and for their families to be sustainable.

404-248-1980

mailto:info@childkind.org

http://www.childkind.org

Cottage Grove Home Care

Cottage Grove Home Care is a nurse owned home care agency serving children and families throughout Gwinnett County. We provide compassionate, reliable in-home nursing and personal care services that support medically complex students in remaining safe, supported, and successful at home and at school. Our team partners closely with families, schools, case managers, and care coordinators to help each child thrive.

Watch the video below to learn more about Cottage Grove Home Care

678-572-6988

mailto:info@cottagegrovehomecare.com

https://www.cottagegrovehomecare.com/

Dunn-Harris Healthcare Services

Dunn-Harris Health provides compassionate, high-quality in-home nursing and personal care for special needs children, adults, and seniors—with no out-of-pocket cost options available. We partner with families and care teams to deliver personalized support that promotes safety, dignity, and independence at home.

770-541-3447

mailto:admin@dunnharrishealth.com

https://www.dunnharrishealth.com

Exceptional Futures

FODAC

FODAC provides refurbished equipment and services for adults and children with disabilities to improve their overall quality of life. This is achieved by providing free or low-cost wheelchairs and other home medical equipment (HME), vehicle and home adaptations, and assistive technology (AT) to residents of Georgia and their family.

770-491-9014 X152

mailto:creditable@fodac.org

https://fodac.org/creditable/

Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD)

The Division of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and provides them with opportunities to live independently and in the most integrated setting possible. Services are funded via two types of Medicaid waivers, New Options Waiver (NOW) and Comprehensive Waiver (COMP).

404-244-5050

r3waiverapplications@dbhdd.ga.gov

https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/

Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled

Georgia Library Service (GLS) for the Blind and Print Disabled is a free braille and talking book library service for individuals who are blind or whose physical abilities require the use of books and magazines in audio, braille or other adapted formats.

Watch the video below to learn more about Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled

800-248-6701

gls@georgialibraries.org

gls.georgialibraries.org

Georgia Parent Support Network Inc

GNR Public Health - Children's Medical Services

GNR Public Health serves the residents of Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale counties by promoting and protecting their health and well-being.

We proudly provide a wide range of services addressing all public health aspects. From health services to disease prevention and monitoring to health education and emergency response to community education and outreach to health inspections, our dedicated team works tirelessly with healthcare providers, local partners, and the community to ensure the people who live and work in Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale counties stay healthy, protected, and prepared.

770-339-5048

gnrC1st@gnrhealth.com

www.gnrhealth.com

Good Faith Remote Care

Good Faith Remote Care is a business that has a medical mission of supporting patients and family through several different types of professional care from behavioral health therapy, to remote nurse monitoring, to medication review, to assistance with navigating the healthcare journey with a call for caring and compassion.

404-908-0738

mailto:goodfaithrm@gmail.com

https://mygoodfaithhealth.com/

Greater Atlanta Pathways

Gwinnett County Police Department

Gwinnett County Probate Court

Gwinnett County Probate Court exercises jurisdiction over guardians and conservators of adults, administration of estates, birth and death certificates, certificates of residence, conservators for minors, involuntary hospitalizations/outpatient evaluations, marriage licenses, probate of wills, temporary and permanent guardians of minors, and weapons carry licenses.

770-822-8350

probatecourt@gwinnettcounty.com

https://www.gwinnettcourts.com/probate/

Gwinnett County Public Library

I DECIDE Georgia

I DECIDE Georgia provides decision-making resources, tools, and coaching that provides viable, sustainable alternatives to guardianship, so every adult has the right to make life decisions and direct their life. We value dignity and self-determination, and believe everyone can make decisions, supported by people they trust using supported decision-making.

404-885-1234

mailto:info@idecidega.org

https://idecidega.org

https://idecidega.circle.so/c/about/

Low Vision Supply

Parent to Parent of Georgia

Parent to Parent of Georgia offers a variety of services to Georgia families impacted by disabilities or special healthcare needs. Our Vision is to be the source of choice for support, information, education, and leadership development for Georgians with disabilities or special health care needs, ages birth to 26, and their families. Our Mission is to support Georgia families and individuals from birth to 26 impacted by disabilities or special health care needs.

800-229-2038

info@p2pga.org

https://www.p2pga.org/

Passion 4 Purpose Home Care

Passion 4 Purpose Home Care is a Georgia-based home healthcare agency dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care for children and adults with complex medical needs. We specialize in supporting medically fragile individuals through skilled nursing, personal care services, and family-centered care that promotes safety, independence, and dignity. Our mission is to partner with families and schools to ensure continuity of care and improved quality of life.

678-689-5587

mailto:info@passion4purposehc.org

http://www.passion4purposehc.com

PRC-Saltillo

Presidential Home Care

Professional and Quality Home Care, LLC

Professional and Quality Home Care, LLC provides compassionate, person-centered services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through Georgia Medicaid NOW and COMP Waivers. Our trained staff support independence, safety, and community inclusion while delivering high-quality care tailored to each individual’s needs.

770-892-6820

mailto:newpatient@pqhomehealthcare.com

https://www.pqhomehealthcare.com/

Quality Care and Love LLC

Ride Gwinnett

Special Home Care

Special Home Care provides in-home caregiving and nursing support for children and young adults with disabilities, including helping parents become their child’s paid caregiver through Medicaid programs such as GAPP. The company is owned and operated by parents of two children with special needs, so our services are rooted in real-life understanding, compassion, and advocacy. We guide families through Medicaid, waivers, and community resources while delivering family-centered care in English, Spanish, Albanian and Bosnian.

833-999-3003

mailto:Info@specialbrothershomecare.com

http://www.specialbrothershomecare.com

Special Needs Siblings

Special Needs Siblings is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the often-overlooked brothers and sisters of individuals with disabilities. We provide safe spaces, resources, and programs that help siblings process their experiences, build resilience, and develop a strong sense of identity and community. Our mission is to ensure siblings feel seen, supported, and empowered as vital members of their families.

470-343-4463

info@specialneedssiblings.com

www.specialneedssiblings.com

Spectrum Autism Support Group

The Spectrum Support group was established in 1998 and they currently serve over 2,400 families in Gwinnett County and the Atlanta metropolitan area. It is a well-known resource in the autistic community. They administer a wide array of different programs for the autism community including: Respite Programs, Monthly Support Groups, Family Camps, Overnight Camps, Summer Day Camps, and Social Skills Groups. The social opportunities are geared toward providing support for the entire family through education and online resources to improve the lives of families and individuals who have been impacted by autism.

770-239-6630

mailto:info@spectrumautism.org

http://spectrumautism.org

Star Choices, Inc.

Star Choices supports adults with Intellectual and Developmental disabilities to integrate fully into their community.Through residential services we teach independent living skills and through community support to help people find and make connections and friends within their community. We believe that everyone should have the same opportunities to make choices, find their purpose and contribute their gifts.

678-209-1663

mailto:sue@starchoices.org

http://www.starchoices.org

The Emory Autism Center

The Georgia Inclusive Postsecondary Education Consortium

The Georgia Inclusive Postsecondary Education Consortium (GaIPSEC) seeks to create opportunities for students who have historically not had access to post-secondary educational opportunities. Members of the Consortium are committed to providing information and training resources for individuals, families, colleges & universities, and agencies to achieve the goal of inclusive postsecondary education (PSE) opportunities for all.

Too many young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities find themselves sitting at home with nothing to do, and nowhere to go when they get out of high school. It doesn’t have to be this way.

All individuals have the capacity to do great things, and to continue learning, to work and to contribute to their communities.

Colleges and universities need help finding the right tools and supports to aid all young people in this quest, and families need education and advice about their options.

The consortium works with members of diverse communities to help higher education institutions implement programs that extend the dream of higher education to young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The programs target those individuals who previously were excluded from the college experience under the belief that “they can’t.” The consortium is bringing together members from all over Georgia to show that with innovation, compassion and the right resources, they can.

404-413-1289

cld@gsu.edu

https://cld.gsu.edu/gaipsec/#gaipsec-resources

Tobii Dynavox

Tobii Dynavox is a global, full-service provider of groundbreaking communication solutions for people with disabilities. Our solutions are purpose-built for AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) yet designed to be customized. This makes it possible for clinicians to set goals for their clients and adapt our assistive communication solutions to meet their changing needs over time.

Watch the video below to learn more about Tobii Dynavox

800-344-1778

marivic.beebe@tobiidynavox.com

www.tobiidynavox.com

Tools for Life- GA's AT ACT Program

The Tools for Life (TFL) program increases knowledge, awareness, and access to assistive technology (AT) for Georgians of all ages and disabilities, helping them live, learn, work, and participate independently in their communities. As Georgia’s AT Act Program, TFL offers activities, services, and access to AT Labs featuring a wide range of tools that support independence in school settings. These technologies can help students participate more fully in classroom activities, build essential skills, and access learning in ways that meet their individual needs.

404-894-0541

info@gatfl.gatech.edu

Xclusive Care Services, LLC

We are a Georgia-based Pediatric Waiver agency dedicated to supporting medically fragile children by providing compassionate, high-quality in-home care. Our team partners with families to promote safety, independence, and improved quality of life through individualized, compliant services. We help familes apply for GAPP Waiver Services The GAPP program is a Georgia Medicaid waiver that provides in-home medical services for children and young adults (birth–21) with complex or medically fragile conditions, allowing them to receive care at home instead of in a hospital or long-term facility.
What GAPP Covers
Skilled Nursing (RN/LPN) – often private duty nursing
Personal Care Support – help with daily living activities
Therapies

470-945-2141

mailto:info@xclusivecareservices.com

http://www.xclusivecareservices.com

Financial Resources & Funding for Supports (Video Presentations)

Estate Planning for a Child with a Disability

Estate Planning for a Child with a Disability - Kim Martin

This presentation will explain how parents can set up estate planning documentation (legal documentation necessary so that, at the time of their deaths, the child’s care will be legally transferred to another authority and financial support and inheritance for the child will be provided) in a manner that will not result in a loss of benefits of SSI or Medicaid.

Suggested Audience: Elementary, Middle and High Schools

About Kim Martin

Kim Martin is a partner at the law firm of Harrison and Held LLP. She is a trusts and estates attorney whose practice focuses on estate planning for families with a special needs family member. Her areas of expertise also include guardianship and divorce settlement agreements in cases that involve a child with special needs.

As the mother of two beautiful children, one of whom has Autism, Kim brings to her practice an appreciation for the unique challenges and joys of parenting a special needs child.

Kim was admitted to the practice of law in Georgia in 1999. She earned her law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1999). She has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of Virginia (1990).

Kim's publications include articles in Trusts and Estates Magazine and Family Lawyer Magazine. She has appeared on several podcasts, most notably ABC's of Disability Planning and Wealth Matters, hosted by Gaslowitz and Frankel. She recently recorded an informational video for True Link on the subject of Divorce and the Special Needs Child.

Kim is a frequent speaker on subjects related to special needs issues. Her appearances as a speaker include numerous workshops hosted by Families of Children Under Stress (FOCUS); the annual Special Needs Conference at Stetson University (October 2021 and 2022); the Chattanooga Estate Planning Council (October 2021); and the Estate Planning and Probate Section of the Atlanta Bar Association (December 2019).

Memberships/Professional Credentials:

Board of Directors, “Just” People, an organization devoted to providing housing and day programs for adults with developmental disabilities
Board of Directors, Special Needs Cobb, which assists developmentally disabled adults with supported living and day programs
Board of Directors, Frazer Center, which offers an inclusive pre-K program and a day program for adults with intellectual disabilities
Board of Directors, Peter and Paul’s Place, which offers art-based programs for neuro-diverse adults
Board of Directors, Branch Out Initiative, which provides STEM activities for children with special needs
Member, Academy of Special Needs Planners
Member, State Bar of Georgia
Member, Atlanta Bar Association
Member, Atlanta Estate Planning Council (AEPC)
Member, Georgia Association for Women Lawyers
Member, FOCUS Parent Advisory Council (PAC)
Past member, Easter Seals Policy Council; named Easter Seals Parent of the Year in 2010
Past member, Editorial Board of The Mortmain, a publication of the Estate Planning and Probate Section of the Atlanta Bar Association

Maintaining Social Security Benefits While Working

Maintaining Social Security Benefits While Working - Anna Maki

This presentation will provide viewers information on how paid employment can impact Social Security benefits for individuals with disabilities.

Suggested Audience: High School

About Anna Maki

Anna Maki is the Director of Benefits Navigation at Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI), formerly All About Developmental Disabilities. She earned her Juris Doctorate at the University of Georgia School of Law and has a Master’s in Community Counseling specializing in clinical diagnoses and addressing issues impacting individuals with developmental disabilities.

Through BDI she developed a comprehensive benefits mapping process to assess individuals’ eligibility for benefits including Social Security, Medicaid Waivers, Family Support Services, GVRA, and more. Since the program’s inception in 2016, Anna and her team have served more than 1,200 families and secured more than 240 million in lifetime benefits for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

With over 20 years of professional experience, Anna is adept at problem-solving and navigating the benefits maze. Most recently she has earned provisional certification as a Community Partner Work Incentives Counselor through Social Security Administration. Anna is the mom of an adult son with autism. She enjoys volunteering in the community and serves as a Special Olympics coach and unified partner in basketball and track and field.

NOW/COMP Medicaid Waivers

NOW/COMP Medicaid Waivers - Vanessa Pryor

This presentation will discuss the NOW/COMP Medicaid Waivers which can provide financial support to individuals with disabilities to cover the cost of support needed to live and function in the community. The presentation will cover how to apply for this funding.

Suggested Audience: Elementary, Middle, and High Schools

About Vanessa Pryor

Vanessa Pryor, LCSW is the Intake Coordinator for the DBHDD Region 3 Field Office.

She has over 20 years of experience serving individuals in the Behavioral Health and IDD communities, and their stakeholders.

Understanding Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Understanding Supplemental Security Income (SSI) - Alicia Lipscomb

SSI is a monthly cash assistance program for individuals with disabilities. This presentation will cover applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for children and adults with disabilities.

Suggested Audience: Elementary, Middle, and High Schools

About Alicia Lipscomb

Alicia Lipscomb began her career with Social Security Administration in 2001 as a Claims Representative in the Winder, GA Social Security office. In August 2008, Alicia was selected as the Public Affairs Specialist for the Georgia Area Director’s Office, Social Security Administration, which oversees 33 Social Security offices and 2.1 million beneficiaries. In 2010, 2015, 2017 and 2018, she received Deputy Commissioner Citations in recognition of her contribution to SSA’s communication goals and objectives. When not working, Alicia enjoys spending time with her children, Charles and Cecelia, watching her beloved University of Georgia Bulldogs and travels whenever the opportunity arises.

Guardianship & Supported Decision Making (Video Presentations)

Basics of Applying for Guardianship

Basics of Applying for Guardianship - Judge Christopher Ballar

Once a decision has been made to apply for guardianship of your adult child with disabilities, Gwinnett County Probate Judge Christopher Ballar will walk you through the process from beginning to end.

*Please note that fees mentioned in the video have increased as of 1/1/2025. Please contact Probate Court for the latest information.*

Suggested Audience: High School

About Judge Christopher Ballar

Born and raised in the metro area, Judge Ballar graduated from Oglethorpe University in 1993 with a BA in history. He later attended Mercer University in Macon where he earned his Juris Doctor in 2000. Thereafter, he practiced law in Lawrenceville and in January of 2008 opened his own law firm in Buford. The firm served clients in the areas of wills, trusts, estates, probate, guardianship and Elder Law. In 2012, he was elected to the office of Probate Judge of Gwinnett County and officially took his post on January 1, 2013.

Supported Decision Making

Supported Decision Making - Dana Lloyd

This presentation will go into detail about supported decision making. Supported decision making (SDM) is a tool that allows people with disabilities to retain their decision-making capacity by choosing supporters to help them make choices.

Suggested Audience: High School

About Dana Lloyd

Dana Lloyd currently serves as Director of Community Outreach and Engagement at the Georgia Advocacy Office and coordinates I DECIDE GA’s Supported Decision-Making Project.

Why You May Want to Consider Guardianship

Why You May Want to Consider Guardianship - Heather Nadler

This presentation will help parents understand what options a parent/caregiver can take when guardianship transfers to the adult child with disabilities at 18 years old. Topics will include guardianship, powers of attorney and supported decision making.

Suggested Audience: High School

About Heather Nadler

Heather Durham Nadler is one of just eleven attorneys in the State of Georgia to be Certified as an Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation, as accredited by the American Bar Association. Her practice is concentrated in the areas of Special Needs Law, Elder Law and Estate Planning.

Heather earned a B.S. in International Business with concentrations in Spanish and Management Information Systems from Auburn University. She received her J.D. from Tulane University School of Law where she was on the editorial board of the Tulane Journal of International and Comparative Law. While in law school she also clerked at the Supreme Court of the State of Georgia for the Honorable Justice Hugh P. Thompson.

In 2020 and 2021, Heather was named as one of the Top 50 Women Lawyers in the State of Georgia by her peers and Atlanta Magazine. She has also been selected as a Super Lawyer in the field of Elder Law every year since 2015. From 2009 to 2014 she was selected as a Rising Star in the field of Elder Law. In 2020 Heather was honored by the DeKalb Volunteer Lawyers Foundation for her commitment to pro bono service through the DeKalb County Probate Court Probate Information Center.

Articles authored by Heather on the topics of Special Needs and Elder Law have been published in Family Law Quarterly published by the American Bar Association, the Georgia Bar Journal, and Atlanta Lawyer Magazine.

Heather is the current President of the Georgia Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and a member of the Academy of Special Needs Planners, the Georgia Bar Association, and the Atlanta Bar Association. She is admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia and before the Supreme Court of the State of Georgia. She is a Past Chair and served on the Board of Directors of the Elder Law Section of the Atlanta Bar Association. Heather also served as Secretary of the Georgia Chapter of NAELA, was on the steering committee, and was awarded an Outstanding Achievement Award by the Georgia Chapter. In addition, she has served on the Editorial Board of The Mortmain, the newsletter of the Estate Planning Section of the Atlanta Bar Association and currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors for Special Needs Schools of Gwinnett.

She frequently speaks and lectures to professional and community groups at the state and national level on the topics of Elder Law, Special Needs Law, and Estate Planning. Heather has also served as an instructor for the Emory University Academy for Retired Professionals, the Emory University Center for Lifelong Learning, Mercer University’s Senior University and as a guest lecturer to law students at The University of Georgia School of Law and John Marshall Law School.

Gwinnett County Public Schools does not endorse the agencies posted on this website nor does it maintain associated agency website links.