Family Advocacy

Defined as: “the act or process of supporting a cause” by Merriam-Webster Dictionary, advocacy is an important skill for all parents to possess. Below are some resources to help you find your voice in advocating for your student.

FAMILY ADVOCACY TIPS

www.wrightslaw.com/advocacy.htm
www.fetaweb.com/02/mistakes.parents.crabtree.htm

Parent to Parent of Georgia
Parent to Parent of Georgia offers services to families with disabilities or special healthcare needs.

The Arc of Georgia advocates for the rights and full participation of all children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Autism Speaks Resource Guide for GA

Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks sponsors autism research and conducts awareness and outreach activities aimed at families, governments, and the public.

Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI has merged with AADD.org) provides support services to families living with developmental disabilities.

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability (DBHDD) – operates state hospitals and provides for community-based services through contracted providers. The department serves people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, substance use disorders, or any combination of these. DBHDD’s primary responsibility is to serve people who are uninsured along with those on Medicaid and others with few resources or options.

The Epilepsy Foundation offers support services for those with epilepsy.

Georgia Advocacy Office (GAO) is an independent, federally mandated protection and advocacy system for people with disabilities in Georgia.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities is a federally funded, independent state agency that serves as a leading catalyst for systems change for individuals and families living with developmental disabilities. 

The Learning Disabilities Association of Georgia (LDAG) is one of 50 volunteer state organizations which comprise the Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA). The mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals of all ages with Learning Disabilities and/or Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders. 

Organization for Autism Research
Organization for Autism Research provides informational books in English & Spanish that can be ordered free of charge or downloaded. Their guide to transition can be applied to any disability.

Spina Bifida Association of Georgia-Tennessee works to support and encourage families and individuals with Spina Bifida throughout the state by providing information and education. 

Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia, Inc. (The SILC) is a private non-profit corporation governed by people with all types of disabilities from across the state; its goal is to identify societal barriers to independent living and to collaborate with Centers for Independent Living, Rehabilitation Services and other related entities to remove barriers and to increase the supports and services needed to create independent living opportunities. 

Tools for Life, Georgia’s Assistive Technology Act Program, works to increase access to and acquisition of assistive technology (AT) devices and services for Georgians of all ages and disabilities so they can live, learn, work, and play independently in communities of their choice.

Resources found within the Cobb County School District Special Education Parent Mentor website are for informational purposes only.  The resources contained here are not associated with, affliated with or sponsored by the Cobb County School District.  CCSD makes no recommendations about the validity or usefulness of any agencies listed herein.

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