The Spondylitis Association of America is a national group for people living with spondyloarthritis, a type of arthritis that affects the spine and joints. It runs free-to-join style peer support groups, including one listed for Atlanta, and shares education, exercise videos, and a list of recommended rheumatologists. Family members and caregivers are welcome too.
The Center for the Visually Impaired is a nonprofit in Midtown Atlanta that helps people of all ages who have vision loss. It offers low vision eye exams, classes to learn daily living skills, white cane travel and technology, programs for kids, and support groups. Fees are on a sliding scale, and most insurance is accepted.
This is the Georgia Chapter of the Huntington's Disease Society of America. It helps people and families affected by Huntington's disease with free support groups, social workers, and a map to find help near you. The group also teaches through events and speaks up for families.
I Will Survive, Inc. is a nonprofit led by veterans. It helps military-connected families who are at higher risk for breast cancer or are living with it. Help includes money support such as paying housing costs, wellness workshops, and mentoring with a peer who has been through it.
MG Georgia is a volunteer-led support group in metro Atlanta for people living with myasthenia gravis, a muscle weakness disease, and their families. It holds monthly meetings in person and on Zoom with expert speakers. It also offers a community program for Black people with myasthenia gravis, a free items pantry, and yearly awareness and health events.
Breakthrough T1D's Georgia chapter is the local hub for people living with type 1 diabetes. It lists support groups, an Atlanta social club, resource packs, an online forum, local events, and ways to volunteer or speak up as an advocate.
Hanger Clinic makes and fits artificial limbs, braces and other supports. The Atlanta clinic on Peachtree Park Drive is open on weekdays. You can call or text to ask for a free evaluation.
Empowerline is run by the Atlanta Regional Commission. It helps older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers in metro Atlanta. You can call and talk to a certified counselor for free, or search a database of local services.
CAPS is the counseling center for Emory University students. It offers free, private short-term counseling, relationship counseling, and groups, and it helps students find longer-term care off campus. Students can call any time of day or night to talk with a clinician.
Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled is a free library for Georgia residents who cannot read regular print. It mails audio and braille books, magazines and players to your home, and you can also download books to your phone or tablet. There is a walk-in library in Atlanta where staff can help you in person.
The High Museum of Art is an art museum on Peachtree Street in Midtown Atlanta. It shows historical and contemporary art and traveling exhibitions. It also runs monthly free and low-cost programs, classes, camps, tours, and events for kids, teens, adults, and seniors.
The Central Training Center is one of three day training centers run by Fulton County for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It offers group training in daily living, social skills, getting around, and community life. To use it, a person first needs a Georgia NOW or COMP waiver.
Shepherd Center is a rehabilitation hospital in Atlanta. These pages show a concussion clinic, a chronic pain clinic, and recreation therapy events for people with brain, spine and other nerve-related injuries or conditions. You can call or fill out a form to ask for an appointment at the clinics.
The Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission is a Georgia state agency that gives grants to residents with traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries. Grants help pay for equipment, therapy, home or vehicle changes, and other injury-related needs after other funding options are used. Awards require approval and are not immediate emergency assistance.
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation is a national nonprofit for people living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, also called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It funds research and offers education and support. Its IBD Help Center gives information and referrals to patients, families and caregivers, and its Georgia Chapter runs local events such as Take Steps walks.
disABILITY LINK is a center for independent living in Tucker. It is run by and for people with disabilities. Staff offer peer support, help finding work, travel training, assistive technology, help moving out of a nursing facility, and help applying for SNAP.
The Urban Indigo Foundation is an Atlanta nonprofit that offers wellness and play programs for families and children with special needs. Children who are neurodivergent, neurotypical, or differently abled learn and play together without judgment. The group also offers inclusive playdates, swim and bike programs, and help for parents with school plans like IEPs and 504s.
Special Needs Siblings is a group that supports brothers and sisters of people with disabilities. It runs private online groups for teen siblings, adult siblings, and parents or caregivers. It also helps families find local sibling support and offers hardship help to siblings and caregivers who qualify.
Parent to Parent of Georgia helps families of children and young people with disabilities or special health care needs, from birth to age 26. It matches parents with other parents, runs support groups and free trainings, and helps families find services. All of its services are free.
NAMI Georgia is the state office of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It offers free classes, support groups, and presentations for people living with mental health conditions and for their families. It also runs a HelpLine that gives information and connects people to local help.
