Resources

*** NOTE: The Brain Injury Peer Visitor Association does not endorse any of the following resources. This list is provided for your use and assistance. There are other valuable resources that we may have missed. Please also do research on your own, according to your exact needs, situation, and location.

General Services, Aid, and Assistance

  1. Brain Injury Peer Visitor Association™
    355 Guildhall Grove
    Alpharetta, GA 30022
    (770) 330-8416
    Fax: (770) 754-9097
    www.braininjurypeervisitor.org

    A Peer Visitor Program that is led and staffed by volunteers. They provide HOPE, SUPPORT, EMPATHY, EDUCATION, and INFORMATION for hospitalized and rehabilitating brain-injury survivors and their families, and via email and the telephone, from someone who has BEEN THERE ... and DONE THAT.

    Would you like to:

    • Speak with a brain-injury survivor?
    • Talk to the caregiver of a brain-injured loved one?
    • Receive a free helpful packet of information?

    They visit survivors of all types of brain injury, including stroke.

  2. Atlanta Legal Aid

    Atlanta:

    151 Spring Street NW
    Atlanta, GA 30303
    (404) 524-5811

    Cobb:

    30 South Park Square
    Marietta, GA 30090
    (770) 528-2565

    Dekalb:

    246 Sycamore St.
    Decatur, GA 30030
    (404) 377-0701

    South Fulton:

    1514 E. Cleveland Avenue
    Suite 100
    East Point, GA 30344
    (404) 669-0233

    Gwinnett:

    180 Camden Hill Rd.
    Suite A
    Lawrenceville, GA 30045
    (678) 376-4545

    Senior Citizens Hotline: (404) 657-9915
    (888) 257-9519
    www.atlantalegalaid.org
    Provides free or low cost legal assistance for persons unable to afford an attorney. Many limitations apply.

  3. Brain Injury Association (BIA) National Office
    8201 Greensboro Drive
    Suite 611
    McLean, VA 22102
    (703) 761-0750
    Family Helpline: (800) 444-6443
    www.biausa.org

    The mission of the national Brain Injury Association is to create a better future through brain-injury prevention, research, education, and advocacy.

  4. Brain Injury Association of Georgia (BIAG)
         1441 Clifton Road NE
    Atlanta, GA 30322
    (404) 712-5504
    (800) 444-6443
    Fax: (404) 712-0463
    www.braininjurygeorgia.org

    Provides comprehensive services for persons and family members, with brain injuries. Website, information and referral services, statewide support group listings, helpline referral and support services.

  5. Brain Trauma Foundation
         523 East 72nd St.
    New York, NY 10020
    (212) 772-0608
    Fax: (212) 772-0357
    www.braintrauma.org

    Nonprofit organization supporting persons with traumatic brain injury, educates healthcare professionals and medical organizations on brain damage and injury.

  6. DisABILITY LINK
         755 Commerce Dr.
    Suite 45
    Decatur, GA 30030
    (404) 687-8890
    email:

    Disability rights, advocacy training and support services. Focus is self-determination in employment and community living.

  7. Friends of Disabled Adults and Children
         4900 Lewis Road
    Stone Mountain, GA 30083
    (770) 491-9014
    www.fodac.org

    Provides durable medical equipment (donated) for the disabled, vehicle modification and building home ramps.

  8. Georgia Advocacy Office
         150 East Ponce De Leon Ave.
    Decatur, GA 30030
    (404) 373-0018
    (800) 537-2329
    www.thegao.org

    Advocates and attorneys working with and for oppressed and vulnerable individuals in Georgia, who are labeled as disabled or mentally ill to secure their protection and advocacy.

  9. Georgia Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission
         2 Peachtree Street NW
    Suite 26-426
    Atlanta, GA 30303
    (404) 651-5112
    www.bsitf.state.ga.us

    Provides funding for persons with Traumatic Brain Injury (brain injury due to external trauma only, illness not eligible) and spinal cord injury. Funding available for treatment, equipment, modifications, services not covered by insurance. Funding is a last resort option. Contact immediately, application processing may take several months.

  10. Georgia Department of Community Health
         (877) GA-PEACH
    www.peachcare.org
    www.dch.georgia.gov

    The Georgia Department of Community Health provides healthcare benefits, develops health policies and administers healthcare programs for Georgia citizens; and Peach Care provides affordable healthcare for children under 19.

  11. Georgia Department Of Human Resources
         2 Peachtree Street NW
    Suite 29-250
    Atlanta, GA 30303
    (404) 651-6314
    www.dhr.georgia.gov

    State of Georgia agency responsible for Community Mental Health, Department Of Family And Children's Services, TBI Waiver Program and Food Stamps.

  12. Georgia's Assistive Technology Act Program (Tools for Life)
         800-497-8665
    www.gatfl.org

    Helps Georgians of all ages and disabilities have access to assistive technology services in order to live, learn, work and play independently in communities of their choice.

  13. Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Agency (MARTA)
         2424 Piedmont Road NE
    Atlanta, GA 30324-3311
    (404) 848-4711
    www.itsmarta.com

    MARTA provides transportation services for the disabled through the Para transit program. Must be able to ride a handicapped accessible van, charge is $3.50 one way, must apply in advance. If you can ride the public train or bus, then call (404) 848-5112 for half cards for the disabled (currently $.85). Trains are 100% handicapped-accessible.

  14. National Association of State Head Injury Administrators
         4330 East West Highway
    Suite 301
    Bethesda, MD 20814
    (301) 656-3500
    Fax: (301) 656-3530
    www.nashia.org

    NASHIA assists the state government in promoting partnerships and building systems to meet the needs of individuals with brain injury and their families.

  15. National Center for Injury Prevention and Control
         Mailstop K65
    4770 Buford Highway NE
    Atlanta, GA 30341-3724
    (800) 232-4636
    www.cdc.gov/ncipc
    email:

    The CDC website provides good information on traumatic brain injury. Assists the US government, protects the health and safety of all Americans and provides human services, especially for people who are least able to help themselves.

  16. Social Security Administration
         (800) 772-1213
    www.socialsecurity.gov
    Call the toll-free number for your local office.

    CALL THEM IMMEDIATELY AND INQUIRE ABOUT DISABILITY, MEDICARE, MEDICAID, AND SSI FUNDING. This is often a lengthy process. Assistance from a lawyer (specializing in Social Security may be necessary).

  17. The Commonwealth Foundation
         (212) 606-3800
    www.cmwf.org

    The Commonwealth Fund is a private foundation that promotes high-performing healthcare systems for the young, old, minorities, and uninsured citizens of America.

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Employment

  1. DisABILITY LINK
         Jessica Long, Employment Specialist
    755 Commerce Drive
    #415
    Decatur, GA 30030
    (404) 687-8890 (Ask for Jessica)

    Provides a training workshop on “Getting A Job and Being Disabled.” The participants learn such things as: how to determine what types of jobs they can do; how to write resumes; how to interview for a job; having a disability and working; their disability rights as an employee, etc.

  2. Georgia Association of Training, Employment and Supports (GATES)
         Tripp Cook, Director
    44 Broad St. NW
    Suite 503
    Atlanta, GA 30303
    (404) 523-6674
    Fax: (404) 521-1714
    email:
    www.georgiagates.org

  3. Georgia Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities
         Lee Miller, Pres./CEO
    O Box 1090
    Fortson, GA 31808
    (706) 324-2150
    Fax: (706) 324-4549

  4. Georgia Department of Labor, Rehabilitation Services
         148 Andrew Young Intl. Blvd. NE
    Suite 510
    Atlanta, GA 30303-1751
    (404) 232-3910
    TTY: (404) 232-3911
    www.vocrehabga.org

    Provides assistance for employment, vocational counseling, training, funding, and services to assist persons with disabilities to return to work.

  5. Protection & Advocacy for Beneficiaries Social Security (PABSS)
    Service Areas – all Georgia Counties
    (404) 885-1234
    (800) 537-2329

    Assists individuals with disabilities who receive Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income benefits in obtaining information and advice about receiving vocational rehabilitation and employment services.

  6. Shepherd Center's Benefits Navigator (Social Security Disability Planning)
    2020 Peachtree Road NW
    Atlanta, GA 30309
    (866) 772-2726

    Sally Atwell (404) 350-7589 email:
    Curtis Rodgers (404) 350-7598 email:

    Provides information to assist people between the ages of 14 and 65 who are eligible for Social Security benefits based on a disability. They provide information to help the disabled in making informed decisions when they work and have Social Security benefits at the same time. (They cannot help anyone apply for Social Security nor help with appeals.)

  7. Side by Side Clubhouse
    755 Commerce Drive
    Suite B
    Decatur, Georgia 30030
    (404) 378-1139
    www.sidebysideclubhouse.org

    Provides people with a brain-injury disability a place to: belong and participate; develop meaningful relationships; find rewarding work; return for ongoing support.

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Financial Assistance

  1. Brain & Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission
    2 Peachtree St. NW
    Suite 26-426
    Atlanta, GA 30303
    (888) 233-5760
    www.bsitf.state.ga.us

    Provides funding for services and items that will improve the quality of life, increase independence, and allow inclusion in the community for individuals with traumatic brain (must be TRAUMATIC, not tumors, brain bleeds, etc.) and spinal cord injuries. (Priority given to those in at-risk situations.)

  2. Georgia Partnership for Caring
    PO Box 450987
    Atlanta, GA 31145-0987
    (678) 578-2920
    (800) 982-7468
    www.gacares.org

  3. Credit-Able / Getting Ahead Association
    Georgia Department of Labor / VR Tools for Life Program
    1700 Century Circle
    B-4
    Atlanta, GA 30345
    (800) 497-8665

    Provides guaranteed loans for assistive technology, home and vehicle modifications to Georgians with disabilities, their families, caregivers, and/or employers.

  4. Medicaid
    (800) 282-4536
    www.dch.state.ga.us

    Call to find your local office. Provides medical assistance (hospitals, doctors, and pharmacists) to people who can't afford to pay for some or all of their medical bills.

  5. Medicare
    (800) 669-8387 (Call to find your local office)
    www.medicare.org

    Provides health insurance (hospital and doctor's services) to people ages 65 years and older, and some disabled people under 65 years of age (eligibility begins 2 years after date of injury).

  6. Social Security Administration
    (800) 772-1213 (Call to find your local office)
    www.ssa.gov

    Provides cash benefits to people who have worked and have become disabled. This entitlement program ensures that citizens with disabilities receive benefits from this program.

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Driving Education and Recertification

  1. Dekalb Medical Center
    (404) 501-5140 Beth Anderson

  2. Emory Rehab
    1441 Clifton Road, NE
    Atlanta, GA 30322
    (404) 712-7593

    Has a driving program geared toward the brain-injured person, and involves verbal instructions, paper testing, as well as on the road (expressway and residential) experience.

  3. North Fulton Regional Hospital
    (770) 751-2500 or (770) 751-2650 Beth Gibson

  4. Shepherd Center
    2020 Peachtree Road, NW
    Atlanta, GA 30309
    (404) 352-2020
    www.shepherd.org

    Click on PATIENT CARE, then click on ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY to read about Adaptive Driving School, Dependent Passenger Evaluations, Van Driving Evaluations, Car Driving Evaluations, etc.

  5. Warm Springs
    (706) 655-5256
    www.rooseveltrehab.org

    They have a driver's education program for the disabled.

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Medical Equipment


Note: Look under Medical Equipment in your telephone directory. There are many Medical Supply stores. Ask your local pharmacist.

  1. Friends of Disabled Adults and Children, Inc. (FODAC)
    4900 Lewis Road
    Stone Mountain, GA 30083
    (770) 491-9014
    www.fodac.org
    Email:

    A non-profit organization that exists to provide medical equipment to disabled people in the metro Atlanta area who could not otherwise afford it (they cannot ship items).

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Home Care

  1. Synergy Home Care
    (678) 682-9121
    www.synergyhomecare.com

    A team of trained caregivers who assist you and your family with the care and support that you need. (Examples of services provided: personal care, companionship, light housekeeping, meal preparation, medication reminders, escort for shopping and errands; respite care.)

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Home Modifications

  1. All in One Accessibility
    (678) 766-1066
    www.allinoneaccess.com

    Home modifications and renovations for individuals with physical challenges and disabilities. Has just about every product imaginable to overcome some of the challenges to disability.

  2. Center for Universal Design
    (800) 647-6777
    www.ncsu.edu/www/ncsu/design/sod5/cud

    The nation's leading authority on accessible design offers useful publications for download.

  3. Georgia Tech's Center for Assistive Technology and Environmental Access
    (800) 726-9119
    www.catea.org

    Well-organized site featuring news, user-generated content and handy “quick reference guides” on pertinent topics.

  4. Infinitec
    (708) 444-8460
    www.infinitec.org/live/homemodifications/basics.htm

    The home modification section of this user-friendly site features helpful product references.

  5. National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification
    213-740-1364
    www.homemods.org

    Includes an information-rich “Frequently Asked Questions” page and a state-by-state resource directory.

  6. Shepherd Center's Learning Website
    www.myvitalconnections.org

    More resources and advice on how to get started with your own home modifications can be found on Shepherd Center's Learning Connections website.

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Nursing and Convalescent Homes

  1. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Home
    760 Pollard Blvd., SW
    Atlanta, GA. 30315
    (404) 688-9515

    Nursing and convalescent homes, hospice services.

  2. Rhodes AG Home Atlanta
    350 Boulevard SE
    Atlanta, GA 30312
    (404) 688-6731

    Nursing and convalescent homes.

  3. Sadie G Mays Health and Rehabilitation Center
    1821 West Anderson Ave. NW
    Atlanta, GA 30314
    (404) 794-2477

    Nursing & convalescent homes, retirement apartments and hotels, rehabilitation services.

  4. Shaw Executive Services, Inc.
    130 Twelve Oaks Cir NW
    Atlanta, GA 30327
    (404) 355-1171

    Nursing homes management.

  5. Shepherd Center
    Atlanta, GA 30318
    (404) 350-7301

    Nursing and convalescent homes.

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Brain Injury Rehabilitation Hospitals

  1. Craig Hospital
    Colorado
    (303) 789-8344
    www.craighospital.org

  2. Florida Institute for Neurological Rehabilitation
    Wauchula, FL
    (800) 697-5390
    www.finr.net

  3. Memorial Hermann
    Houston, TX
    (713) 797-5942
    www.memorialhermann.org

  4. Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
    Chicago
    (800) 354-REHAB
    www.ric.org

  5. Shepherd Center
    Atlanta, GA
    (404) 352-2020
    www.shepherd.org

  6. Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
    Boston
    (617) 573-7000
    www.spauldingrehab.org

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Vehicle Modifications

  1. Friends of Disabled Adults and Children
    4900 Lewis Road
    Stone Mountain, GA 30083
    (770) 491-9014
    www.fodac.org

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Aphasia

  1. National Aphasia Association
    www.aphasia.org

    Lists resources, materials, and Support Group information to help people with aphasia and their families.

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In-home Life Skills Therapy

  1. Mike Abercrombie
    (678) 491-5913
    email:

    A certified Occupational Therapy Aide and a certified Brain Injury Specialist, Mike teaches "compensatory strategies" — methods to help you learn to cope with your brain injury and strive to accomplish and do what you did before your injury. Mike, a brain-injury survivor, is LIVING PROOF that rehabilitation does work, and that what he practices and teaches works.

    • Do you need help with doing your daily activities?
    • Do you need help living each day?
    • Do you want to learn how to regain your independence and to take care of yourself?

    Call or email Mike today.

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Attorneys

  1. E. Marcus Davis, Attorney at Law
    918 Ponce de Leon Ave., NE
    Atlanta, GA 30306
    (404) 688-2000
    www.emarcusdavis.com

    Fighting with dedication, integrity and enthusiasm for the rights of brain-injured clients since 1976.

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