Georgia Advocacy Office is a nonprofit that protects the rights of people with disabilities and mental illness in Georgia. Its advocates look into abuse and neglect, work to help people get services in their own communities, and can file complaints or go to court when talking does not fix a problem. You can call to speak with a staff member who can point you to the right help.
DBHDD is the State of Georgia agency for mental health, substance use, and developmental disability services. It runs a 24-hour crisis phone line and points people to crisis centers, local providers, and regional field offices. It also handles court-ordered forensic evaluations and runs transitional housing and deaf services.
This is the part of the Georgia Department of Education that works on special education for students with disabilities. It supports schools, teachers and families, and it checks that schools follow the federal special education law (IDEA). Families can use the help desk, read parent information, and find a parent mentor in their school district.
Disabled In Action Atlanta is a nonprofit led by Rev. Calvin Peterson, who was born with a disability. It speaks up for children and adults with disabilities who live in poverty, and for their parents and caregivers. Its work includes mentoring, a parent support group, books for teachers and parents, caregiver relief, and talks for schools and churches.
This is a Georgia state office that works to protect the safety, well-being, and rights of people with disabilities. You can send them a complaint or a question, and staff will look into it and tell you what they did. The office also keeps lists of outside resources.
disABILITY LINK is a Center for Independent Living, which means it is run by and for people with disabilities. It serves Metro Atlanta and nearby counties. It offers peer support, skills training, advocacy, job help, assistive technology, travel training, and help applying for SNAP food benefits.
This is the national group for people with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a rare genetic condition, and for their families and caregivers. It runs a phone line that is open all day and night, a mentor program for newly diagnosed families, and private Facebook support groups. It also offers grief support, school toolkits, and training for doctors and schools.
The Spina Bifida Association is a national group that works to improve care for people living with spina bifida. It keeps a directory of clinics that treat spina bifida and shares care guidelines for health teams. Advisory councils of adults, parents, and professionals help guide its work.
The Atlanta Thrive is a nonprofit that helps parents learn how Atlanta's public schools work and speak up for their children. It offers a fellowship course for parents, free consultations, and help with things like special education, school meetings and enrollment. It also runs campaigns that push the school district to be open with families.
The Autism Society of America is a national nonprofit for Autistic people, families, caregivers, and professionals. Its helpline can point you to resources, and it links people to local affiliates. It also offers online courses and runs programs on jobs, health, and water safety.
LEWIS is a nonprofit that works to build trust between police officers and the communities they serve. It does research and runs the BRIDGES program, which offers training, community workshops and live events to help traffic stops and other police contacts go more safely. It also partners with other groups on youth projects in Atlanta and Los Angeles.
