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.
Resources
Aphasia
Lists resources, materials, and Support Group information to help people with aphasia and their families.
Attorneys
Law Office of Kathleen Flynn
(404) 479-4431
An experienced social security disability law firm that cares. There are no fees unless you win! We will file a new application for you. We handle application and appeals through U.S. District Court of SSI claims for adults and children, SSDI for adults; Child’s insurance benefits; and Widows or Widowers benefits. We have won thousands of cases for both adults and children.
E. Marcus Davis, Attorney at Law
918 Ponce de Leon Ave., NE
Atlanta, GA 30306
(404) 688-2000
Fighting with dedication, integrity and enthusiasm for the rights of brain-injured clients since 1976.
Brain Injury Rehabilitation Hospitals
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite
1001 Johnson Ferry Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30342-1605
(404) 785-5252
Craig Hospital
Colorado
(303) 789-8344
Craig Hospital in Denver, Colorado is a long term acute care and rehabilitation hospital that exclusively specializes in the neurorehabilitation and research of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Memorial Hermann
Houston, TX
(713) 797-5942
Memorial Hermann is the largest not-for-profit healthcare system in Texas and serves the greater Houston community through 12 hospitals, a vast network of affiliated physicians and numerous specialty programs and services. Memorial Hermann performs more brain and neurosurgeries than anyone else in Houston and some 50,000 heart procedures each year.
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
Chicago
(800) 354-REHAB
The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) is dedicated to providing the highest-quality patient care through integrated research, scientific discovery, and education for the purpose of maximizing the recovery of the individuals in our care.
Shepherd Center
Atlanta, GA
(404) 352-2020
Shepherd Center is one of the top rehabilitation hospitals in the nation, specializing in medical treatment, research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injury or brain injury.
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Boston
(617) 573-7000
Founded in 1971 as the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Hospital, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital is one of the largest rehabilitation facilities in the U.S., providing comprehensive rehabilitation treatment.
Driving Education and Recertification
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
1001 Johnson Ferry Road NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30342-1605
(404) 785-3300 (Day Rehabilitation)
A comprehensive, pediatric Driver Rehabilitation Program for ages 15-21. Consists of both a clinical and a behind-the-wheel evaluation performed by a trained certified driver rehab specialist.
Dekalb Medical Center
(404) 501-5140
Beth Anderson
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.
North Fulton Regional Hospital
(770) 751-2500 or (770) 751-2650
Beth Gibson
Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute
(706) 655-5256
A comprehensive rehabilitation center dedicated to service, technological advancement, program diversity, research opportunities, continuing education and future development on behalf of persons with disabilities.
Shepherd Center
2020 Peachtree Road, NW
Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 352-2020
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.
Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation
One Siskin Plaza
Chattanooga, TN 37403
(423) 634-1389
Employment
disABILITY LINK
Jessica Long, Employment Specialist
1901 Montreal Road Suite 102
Tucker, GA 30084
(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.
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: T Cook
Georgia Association of Training, Employment and Supports (GATES) is a statewide association representing community rehabilitation providers (CRPs) that serve people with disabilities and other barriers to employment.
Georgia Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities
Lee Miller, Pres./CEO
P.O. Box 1090
Fortson, GA 31808
(706) 324-2150
Fax: (706) 324-4549
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
Provides assistance for employment, vocational counseling, training, funding, and services to assist persons with disabilities to return to work.
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.
Side by Side Brain Injury Clubhouse
1001 Main St.
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
(770) 469-9355
Provides people with a brain injury disability a place to belong and participate, develop meaningful relationships, find rewarding work, return for ongoing support.
Financial Assistance
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.
Georgia Brain & Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission
2 Peachtree St. NW
Suite 26-426
Atlanta, GA 30303
(888) 233-5760
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.)
Guide to Managing Finances After a Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries often leave patients with behavioral and cognitive impairments that can make managing finances difficult. To make matters worse, they could end up facing nearly $150,000 in related medical expenses. To help these individuals, this is a free resource that lists interactive tools for scheduling and budgeting personal finances, while educating families on how they can help during the recovery period.
Medicaid
(800) 282-4536 (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.
Medicare
(800) 669-8387 (Call to find your local office)
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 two years after date of injury).
Social Security Administration
(800) 772-1213 (Call to find your local office)
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.
Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS)
(877) 275-8271
The Taxpayer Advocate Service is Your Voice at the IRS. The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is an independent organization within the IRS. They help taxpayers who are experiencing economic harm, such as not being able to provide necessities like housing, transportation, or food; taxpayers who are seeking help in resolving problems with the IRS.
The Partnership for Prescription Assistance
(888) 4PPA-NOW
Helps qualifying patients without prescription drug coverage get the medicines they need through the program that is right for them. Many will get their medications free or nearly free.
General Services, Aid, and Assistance
Brain Injury Peer Visitor Association®
20714 Behrens Pass Lane
Cypress, TX 77433
(770) 330-8416
Fax: (770) 754-9097
A Peer Visitor Program that is led and staffed by volunteers. We offer Hope, Support, Empathy, Education, and Information for hospitalized and rehabilitating brain injury survivors and their families, 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?
We visit survivors of all types of brain injury, including stroke.
Atlanta Legal Aid
Senior Citizens Hotline: (404) 657-9915
Toll Free: (888) 257-9519
Provides free or low cost legal assistance for persons unable to afford an attorney. Many limitations apply.
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
Brain Injury Association (BIA) National Office
8201 Greensboro Drive
Suite 611
McLean, VA 22102
(703) 761-0750
Family Helpline: (800) 444-6443
The mission of the national Brain Injury Association is to create a better future through brain injury prevention, research, education, and advocacy.
Brain Injury Association of Georgia (BIAG)
1441 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30322
(404) 712-5504
(800) 444-6443
Fax: (404) 712-0463
The Brain Injury Association of Georgia is a non-profit organization serving individuals with brain injuries and their families, friends, and service providers.
Brain Trauma Foundation (BTF)
523 East 72nd St.
New York, NY 10020
(212) 772-0608
Fax: (212) 772-0357
The Brain Trauma Foundation’s mission is to translate neuroscience into effective solutions. Their efforts also focus on public education aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of the symptoms of a concussion.
disABILITY LINK
1901 Montreal Road
Tucker, GA 30084
(404) 687-8890
email: DisABILITY LINK
disABILITY LINK is a grassroots organization with goals, decisions and control of services led by people with disabilities. It is designed to increase independence, access and equal rights for everyone through the empowerment of people with disabilities. disABILITY LINK is committed to promoting the rights of all people with disabilities.
Friends of Disabled Adults and Children
4900 Lewis Road
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
(770) 491-9014
With a strong network of volunteers and partners, FODAC provides refurbished equipment and services for disabled adults and children to improve their overall quality of life.
Georgia Advocacy Office (GAO)
150 East Ponce De Leon Ave.
Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 373-0018
(800) 537-2329
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.
Georgia Brain & Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission
2 Peachtree Street NW
Suite 26-426
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 651-5112
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.
Georgia Department of Community Health
(877) GA-PEACH
The Georgia Department of Community Health provides healthcare benefits, develops health policies and administers healthcare programs for Georgia citizens. Peach Care provides affordable healthcare for children under 19.
Georgia Department Of Human Resources
2 Peachtree Street NW
Suite 29-250
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 651-6314
State of Georgia agency responsible for Community Mental Health, Department of Family and Children’s Services, TBI Waiver Program, and Food Stamps.
The Georgia RSVP Clinic is a free outpatient rehabilitation clinic for uninsured ad underinsured people with brain, stroke, and spinal cord injuries. See their website for more information on eligibility and what services they provide.
Georgia’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC)
(800) 676-2433
Atlanta Regional Commission
(404) 463-4545
A coordinated system of partnering organizations that are dedicated to:
- Providing accurate information about publicly and privately financed long-term support and services
- Offering a consumer-oriented approach to learning about the availability of services in the home and community
- Supporting individuals and family members who are aging or living with a disability
Georgia’s Assistive Technology Act Program (Tools for Life)
(800) 497-8665
Email: info@gatfl.org
This is a program funded by a grant from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (part of the Department of Education). 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.
Tools for Life provides:
- Lending libraries — Provides hands-on experience with equipment
- Assistive technology demonstrations & trainings — Allows you to see how equipment works and to receive in depth training so you can make the right equipment choice
- Helps you find a way to purchase equipment
- Assists in locating funding sources for Assistive Technology devices and services
- Has an Online Equipment Exchange Program
- Credit-Able provides low-interest loans
- Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Agency (MARTA)
2424 Piedmont Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30324-3311
(404) 848-4711
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.
An educational website for patients, caregivers, and professionals that covers many aspects of brain injury and spinal cord injury. Areas of the website include: Affect and Emotion, Behavior Issues, Cognitive Issues, Family Issues, Bowel Care, Bladder Care, Support and Resources, and much more.
National Association of State Head Injury Administrators (NASHIA)
4330 East West Highway
Suite 301
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 656-3500
Fax: (301) 656-3530
NASHIA assists the state government in promoting partnerships and building systems to meet the needs of individuals with brain injury and their families.
National Center for Injury Prevention and Control
Mailstop K65
4770 Buford Highway NE
Atlanta, GA 30341-3724
(800) 232-4636
email: CDC Info
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.
Social Security Administration
Federal agency that provides financial services for Social Security retirement, disability, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Call (800) 772-1213 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.
Social Security Disability Resource Center (SSDRC)
An informational website that provides answers to questions about how to apply for social security disability, appeal a claim in the event of a denial, navigate the federal system, and how to avoid common mistakes made by applicants. SSDRC covers a lot of ground on a wide range of issues. The site’s author is a former disability examiner for the Social Security Administration.
The Commonwealth Fund
(212) 606-3800
The mission of The Commonwealth Fund is to promote a high-performing health care system that achieves better access, improved quality, and greater efficiency, particularly for society’s most vulnerable, including low-income people, the uninsured, minority Americans, young children, and elderly adults.
Home Care
Google “Home Care in Georgia“ or look in your Yellow Pages for Home Care.
Housing & Home Modifications
Center for Universal Design
(800) 647-6777
The nation’s leading authority on accessible design offers useful publications for download.
Georgia Tech’s Center for Assistive Technology and Environmental Access (CATEA)
(800) 726-9119
Well-organized site featuring news, user-generated content and handy “quick reference guides” on pertinent topics.
Housing & Mortgages for People with Disabilities
This guide has been created to help individuals living with disabilities, and their family members, in the process of buying a home of their own. Here you can learn more about the five important steps in buying a home and about financial assistance programs that are available for people living with disabilities, who want to buy a home.
Infinitec
(708) 444-8460
The home modification section of this user-friendly site features helpful product references.
National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification
(213) 740-1364
Includes an information-rich “Frequently Asked Questions” page and a state-by-state resource directory.
Shepherd Center’s Web-Based Learning Connections
More resources and advice on how to get started with your own home modifications can be found on Shepherd Center’s Learning Connections website.
In-home Life Skills Therapy
Mike Abercrombie
(470) 513-0285
email: caber3824@gmail.com
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!
Incontinence
For many people who have a brain injury or disability, dealing with incontinence is a daily difficulty. Many don’t know that Medicaid may cover the products they need to help regain a sense of normalcy. Aeroflow has published a guide to Medicaid that shows people how to qualify in all 50 states. It covers the kinds of documentation they may need, the types of products that may be covered, and under what circumstances Medicaid will cover them. There’s also an interactive map that connects to each state’s specific coverage details and qualification requirements.
Medical Equipment
Note: Look under Medical Equipment in your telephone directory. There are many medical supply stores. Ask your local pharmacist.
Friends of Disabled Adults and Children, Inc. (FODAC)
4900 Lewis Road
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
(770) 491-9014
Email: Mike Maijala
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).
Wheelchair gloves and other accessories for active manual wheelchair users.
Nursing and Convalescent Homes
A.G. Rhodes Health & Rehab
350 Boulevard SE
Atlanta, GA 30312
(404) 688-6731
Nursing and convalescent homes. Provides sub-acute care.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Home
760 Pollard Blvd., SW
Atlanta, GA. 30315
(404) 688-9515
Nursing and convalescent homes, hospice services.
Sadie G Mays Health and Rehabilitation Center
1821 West Anderson Ave. NW
Atlanta, GA 30314
(404) 794-2477
Nursing and convalescent homes, retirement apartments and hotels, rehabilitation services.
Shaw Executive Services, Inc.
130 Twelve Oaks Cir NW
Atlanta, GA 30327
(404) 355-1171
Nursing home management.
Shepherd Center
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 350-7301
Nursing and convalescent homes.
Seniors and Falls
The Complete Guide to Home Modifications to Prevent Seniors From Falling
Learn how to modify your house in order to prevent falls.
Fall Prevention & Mobility: Practical Safety and Organization Strategies for Seniors
Strategies are given to prevent falls.
Senior Fall Prevention A Roadmap for Navigating Resources and Benefits
Gives resources for and benefits of preventing falls.
Transportation for the Disabled
A King’s Touch Transportation Incorporated
(770) 969-0201
P.O. Box 491478
Atlanta, GA
A to Z Transport
(770) 399-6750 Office
(404) 271-6848
Contact: Ivan Bloch
Air Serv Corporation
(404) 233-0097
3399 Peachtree Rd. NE, #1800
Atlanta, GA
Air Serv provides innovative and dependable solutions to the aviation industry. Their 8,000 team members support the world’s leading airlines and freight companies at airports throughout the United States and United Kingdom.
Atlanta Transportation Systems
(404) 525-6226
230 Peachtree St. NW #530
Atlanta, GA
Family Care Transport
(770) 936-0204
2597 Valley Stream Dr.
Atlanta, GA
Family Care Transport, Inc. is a family-owned non-emergency transportation and translation company dedicated to providing superior service throughout Georgia.
Friends of Disabled Adults and Children
(770) 465-8065
900 Lewis Road
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
FODAC is a statewide and national provider of home health care equipment — mobility aids and daily living devices for people with disabilities and the newly injured.
Global Trans Services
(770) 465-8065
4470 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd. #310
Atlanta, GA
Global Trans Services is the nation’s premier provider of prearranged, non-emergency medical transportation for the Workers Compensation, Liability, and Med-Mal industries, as well as public/private entities. In addition to standard ambulatory transportation, they handle wheelchair lift and stretcher transportation in designated areas nationwide.
H & H Transportation Inc.
(404) 314-9837
Atlanta, GA
To request an application or obtain information about MARTA Mobility, call the MARTA Mobility Eligibility Department at (404) 848-5389; Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. A MARTA Mobility Service Agent will explain the service and/or mail an application.
Individuals with a hearing impairment may use Georgia Relay Service at 711 or TTY 1-800-255-0135.
The Application Process:
The Application consists of two parts:
- Individuals who believe they are eligible must complete Part A of the eligibility application.
- Part B of the application must be completed by a licensed rehabilitation or medical professional affiliated with an accredited service center working with disabilities.
Individuals may forward the completed application in the following ways:
Via Mail:
MARTA Mobility
2424 Piedmont Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30324-3330
In Person:
MARTA Reduced Fare Office
2424 Piedmont Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30324-3330
Via Fax:
404-848-6900
Upon receipt of a completed application, MARTA Mobility must make an eligibility determination within 21 calendar days of receipt. An application is complete when the applicant’s Part A is matched with the Health Care Professional’s Part B. Customers will be sent a letter of eligibility determination in writing, or alternative formats if requested.
Customers will receive presumptive eligibility to ride MARTA Mobility if the completed application is not processed within 21 calendar days.
If an applicant’s disability prevents him or her from completing the application, the application will be completed by a Mobility Service Agent over the phone and mailed to the applicant for review. After the applicant has reviewed and verified the information, he or she must provide signed authorization for a Health Care Professional to release information.
MARTA reserves the right to conduct in person interviews and to perform functional assessments prior to making all final eligibility determinations.
If approved, the letter of eligibility determination will include instruction regarding how to obtain a MARTA Mobility Breeze card, MARTA Mobility Customer Guide, and Orientation, which explains how to ride MARTA Mobility.
Med Trans Atlanta
(404) 963-4915
1119 Holly St. NW
Atlanta, GA
Med Trans Atlanta is a non-emergency and ambulance transportation company serving metro Atlanta and surrounding counties. They use state-of-the-art transportation vehicles and highly trained staff to make the trip comfortable and convenient for their clients, including those who are gurney- or wheelchair-bound.
Vehicle Modifications
Friends of Disabled Adults and Children
4900 Lewis Road
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
(770) 491-9014
FODAC is a statewide and national provider of home health care equipment — mobility aids and daily living devices for people with disabilities and the newly injured.