Georgia Advocacy Office, Inc. (GAO)

Advocacy and Legal ServicesService

Information and Referral / Advocacy RequestService

GAO connects people with disabilities, supporters, allies, and professionals to disability rights information, referrals, and possible GAO advocacy services.

Freedom From Abuse and NeglectProgram

GAO investigates reports of abuse and neglect and monitors places where people with disabilities receive services, including group homes, day programs, nursing facilities, hospitals, jails, and ICFs.

ADA and Civil Rights EnforcementProgram

GAO helps enforce disability civil rights under the ADA and Rehabilitation Act through direct advocacy, complaints, policy work, public education, monitoring, and possible legal action.

Assistive Technology AdvocacyProgram

GAO helps people with disabilities address barriers to getting assistive technology and related services, such as communication tools, mobility aids, environmental controls, and school or workplace accommodations.

Competitive Integrated Employment / PABSSProgram

GAO helps people with disabilities remove barriers to work and supports access to integrated jobs that pay at least minimum wage.

Voting Rights and Access / PAVAProgram

GAO helps voters with disabilities understand their rights, learn about accessible voting, report voting barriers, and improve access with election officials.

Home and Community Based Services AdvocacyProgram

GAO monitors Georgia's compliance with Olmstead-related settlement agreements and advocates for people with disabilities to receive services in the most integrated community setting.

Representative Payee Review ProgramProgram

GAO reviews Social Security representative payees, investigates possible payee misconduct, and provides education to protect beneficiaries from misuse of funds.

Children and Youth / Children's Freedom InitiativeProgram

GAO works so children and youth with disabilities can get needed behavioral health and community-based services and avoid institutional placement.

Citizen AdvocacyProgram

GAO supports Citizen Advocacy efforts that build long-term one-to-one relationships between community members and people with developmental disabilities who may be isolated or at risk.