Transition for Students with Developmental Disabilities

Community Services and Supports (early childhood - adult)

Families can seek these services and funds for the child with the developmental/intellectual disability to promote healthy living and growth, such as therapeutic and recreation programs.

• Full Listing of Medicaid Waiver and Applications (medicaid.georgia.gov)
• Family Supports Application (A service funded through DBHDD and serviced by AVITA for individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities.
• AVITA Services (Have your Family Support Application Ready to submit and call AVITA at 678-513-5799)
• Disability Resource Center (private, non-profit, non-residential independent living resource center)
• Therapeutic Parks and Recreation

NOW/COMP Waiver - Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities:Although many children do not qualify for NOW/COMP Waiver until after they leave the school system (due to the fact most children receive services already provided through the school system), each situation is different.  You do not have to have medicaid secured to apply for the NOW/COMP waiver, however medicaid is necessary before these waiver services and funding can be issued.  Utilizing Family Supports while you wait for NOW/COMP Waiver services is highly recommended.  

• NOW/COMP Waiver Fact Sheet
• NOW/COMP Waiver Application and Information- (For guidance on how to apply, scroll down and click on "Process" to access the instructional video link).  There are 3 options to apply - online, in-person/phone with a DBHDD representative or by mail. We recommend you either apply on-line or in-person.

In-Home Services and Health Supports through Medicaid and Community Resources:

• Service Options Using Resources in the Community and Environment Waiver (SOURCE) - This program is intended for those over the age of 65 or those with a physical disability under the age of 65.
• Georgia Pediatric Program for Children (GAPP) - 
• Independent Care Waiver Program (ICWP)
• GA's Community Care Services Program

Katie Beckett and MedicaidMany children (under the age of 18) will not qualify for medicaid, however the refusal letter is necessary for Katie Beckett services.  When an individual with a developmental disability turns 18, it's important to apply for medicaid services even if the child is covered under other health insurance. 

• How to Apply for Medicaid 
• Parent Summit 2021 Video:  Katie Beckett (Presented by Attorney, DJ Jeyaram)
• Link to the Applications and forms for Katie Beckett
• Katie Beckett and Medicaid Informational Materials (Parent to Parent of GA)

Day Programs and Supported Employment ProvidersMany of these services are funded through the NOW/COMP Waiver and can be used in conjunction with the individual that chooses and is able to work part-time.  Day Programs provide enhancements in independence, social and healthy living as an adult.

• PRISM
• LEAP
• Just People
• Goodwill Industries of NG 
• PIER Foundation
• Creative Enterprise
• InCommunity (Formally EnAble)
• Annandale Village
• Our Neighbor, Inc (check out their facebook page)
• Randy and Friends
• New Directions of Georgia
• Stacey's Place (includes Respite)
• PPF Integrated Day Program
• Champions Place (Independent/Residential Living for Individuals with Physical Disabilities)
• Great Prospects
• RING
• Stinson and Associates - This company contracts with GVRA
• The Next Stop Day Program - they also offer an online component for those with limited transportation
• Thrive Community

Leisure and RecreationBe sure to get on the distribution lists for these sites so that you receive the latest announcements for registration and future opportunities.

• Special Olympics of Forsyth County
• Special Olympics Georgia               
• Miracle League
• Therapeutic Recreation
• Summer Camps for Special Needs in GA 

Transition Planning

• Guardianship and Estate Planning
  • Parent Summit 2021 Video:  Guardianship (presented by Attorney, DJ Jeyaram)
  • GCDD Guide When Thinking About Guardianship
  • Guardianship and Special Needs Resource Videos (Nadler Biernath LLC)
  • Thinking About Guardianship (Protection and Advocacy, KY)
  • Age of Majority: Parent's Guide
  • Stop Look and Listen-Planning for Independence (Collaboration with SC ARC and others)
• Healthcare and Transition
  • Healthcare and Age of Majority (parentcenterhub.org)
  • Healthcare Transition Readiness-Youth to Adulthood (Got Transition)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • SSI Fact Sheet
  • SSI Red Book - (ssa.gov)
  • Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool
  • SSI and Student Earned Income Exclusion
  • SSI - Child and Adult Starter Kit (ssa.gov)
  • Rental Agreement for SSI (sample)
  • Reporting your Earnings to Social Security
  • Ticket To Work - Benefits Navigating Supports (Walton Options - includes Forsyth County Residences, No Cost Guidance)
  • Benefits Navigation Supports and Guidance (Bobby Dodd Services)
• Financial Planning 
  • An Overview of ABLE Accounts (Video by ARC)
  • An Overview of Special Needs Trusts (Video by ARC)
• Life Skills
  • Life Skills Inventory and Independent Living Skills Assessment Tool (Washington State Division of Children and Family Services)
• Post-Secondary Inclusion
  • 20 Powerful Strategies to Prepare for the Inclusive College (Revised 11/2023 GAIPEC)
  • Think College (Website focused on Post-Secondary Inclusion throughout the US)
  • GAIPSEC (Website focused on Post-Secondary Inclusion in GA)
  • IPSE Grant Process (GA Futures)
• Career Planning (See also Day Programs for their Supported Employment Services)
  • Job Readiness and Career Planning
• Transportation
  • Ride Share
  • Access Transportation