Resources and Web Links

Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of the Georgia Collaborative ASO. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.

DBHDD

Welcome to DBHDD PolicyStat – where DBHDD Policies are just two clicks away!
HOW TO USE DBHDD POLICYSTAT: No account is necessary – no log-in required. Just use the SEARCH bar to locate the policies you need!

Department of Behavior Health and Developmental Disabilities
The mission of the Department of Behavior Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is to provide  support and service to people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities
The GCDD is a federally funded, independent state agency that serves as a leading catalyst for systems change for individuals and families living with developmental disabilities. Through public policy initiatives, advocacy programs and community building, GCDD promotes and creates opportunities to enable persons with disabilities to live, work, play and worship as an integral part of society.

The Georgia Division of Developmental Disabilities
Their mission is to join with others to offer the quality supports necessary for each individual to reach his or her full potential.

Health

American Heart Association || Circulation

CDC
People with developmental disabilities can live healthy lives. Many federal and federally-funded programs help people learn to live well with a disability. They have web links for more health related information.

Georgia Lighthouse
In 2009 the Georgia Lighthouse served over 7,500 uninsured and low-income Georgians. Lighthouse services include: full eye exams, eyeglasses, eye surgeries, digital hearing aids, and vision and hearing screenings. The reach of the Lighthouse extends across the state; in 2009, services were provided in 152 out of 159 Georgia counties. To be eligible for services: Patients must be uninsured or underinsured and fall below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guideline. The majority of Lighthouse patients, 66 percent, fall below 100% of the FPG.

Go4Life
Go4Life, is an exercise and physical activity campaign from the National Institute on Aging at NIH, is designed to help you fit exercise and physical activity into your daily life. The site has a FREE Exercise DVD and sample workout form that can be utilized by anyone, including individuals with ID/DD.

Healthier Eating Out: www.fastfoodnutrition.org || www.healthydiningfinder.com

McKinley Health Center General characteristics of GERD [pdf]
Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, is a very common disorder and occurs when stomach acid refluxes
into the lower esophagus through the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)

Medication Use Safety Training (MUST) for Seniors™ is an online educational campaign and workshop designed to promote safe and appropriate medication use. This interactive program includes a ready-to-use PowerPoint presentation with presenter notes and handouts, tips for taking medications safely, feature articles, videos with experts and much more. 

My Plate
This website is an interactive food group program for a healthier lifestyle change.

New Eyes for the Needy
New Eyes for the Needy is a national organization that purchases new eyeglasses for poor children and adults in the United States and recycles donated glasses for distribution to indigent people in developing nations worldwide. There is a local organization that meets the same type of needs here in Georgia called The Lions Lighthouse Foundation.

Physical Exam Frequency
University of Tennessee Listing of medical exams by age appropriateness.

Safety

American Red Cross
Personal Emergency Preparedness Checklist for People with Disabilities.
(Note: After loggin on, you can link to your local chapters’ in Georgia by clicking: “Find Your Local Red Cross” at the top-right of the home page.)

California DD
California has developed a web site for individuals that discuss safety topics to prepare persons with the necessary skills before they enter an unsafe decision – it is called Emergency Preparedness.

FoodSafety.gov
FoodSafety.gov is the gateway to food safety information provided by government agencies.  “The federal government will enhance www.foodsafety.gov to better communicate information to the public and include an improved individual alert system allowing consumers to receive food safety information, such as notification of recalls. Agencies will also use social media to expand public communications.”

Medication Use Safety Training (MUST) for Seniors™
MUST is an online educational campaign and workshop designed to promote safe and appropriate medication use. This interactive program includes a ready-to-use PowerPoint presentation with presenter notes and handouts, tips for taking medications safely, feature articles, videos with experts and much more.

NASDDDS Emergency Response Preparedness Self-Assessment
This web site was developed by the National Association of Directors of DD Services. The NASDDDS Emergency Response Preparedness Self-Assessment Instrument is designed to assist state officials evaluate the extent to which their agency’s current plans and activities fully and appropriately address the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities during periods of emergency. This site affords providers of services also how they can be prepared to have their emergency plans in alignment with the State of Georgia’s Plan. There is also a wealth of resource items on this site to assist provider’s emergency preparedness.

National Service Inclusion Project
Emergency Preparation and People with Disabilities and other inclusion related topics.

Ready America
A great resource is Ready America this government run web site has interactive tools and videos for people (and persons with disabilities) to develop their own preparedness plans. (See also http://ready.adcouncil.org/beprepared)

Social Inclusion

Best Buddies
People with intellectual disabilities are often excluded from society because of their differences. Best Buddies is determined to end the social isolation of people with intellectual disabilities by establishing meaningful, lasting one-to-one friendships with their peers without intellectual disabilities. These friendships help increase self-esteem, confidence and the abilities of people with and without intellectual disabilities.

Communication

American Sign Language University
ASLU is a sign language resource site for ASL students and teachers. Here you will find information and resources to help you learn ASL and improve your signing.

Assistive Tech | Mission
Assistive technology (AT) is “devices and aids which can help a person with a disability perform activities that might otherwise be difficult or not be possible.”

Our mission is to provide access to information on AT devices and services as well as other community resources for people with disabilities and the general public.

This site was created by Georgia Tech’s Center for Assistive Technology and Environmental Access (CATEA), with funding from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), and Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA).

Deaf Linx – “Resources and Guides for the Deaf Community” submitted by ABBY
Deaf Linx is a resource of information on deafness, deaf culture, American Sign Language (ASL) and all other related topics. Deaf Linx firmly believes that deafness is not a disability, but a condition that produces a sub-culture that should be celebrated. Whether you are a deaf person or someone with hearing loss, looking for other individuals in your area, or you just want to learn about deaf culture or deaf society, our resources on deafness are for you.
http://www.deaflinx.com

Lifeline Program
Over twenty years ago, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created the Lifeline Program to help guarantee Universal Service in the US. The Lifeline Program provides discounted telephone service to low-income families and individuals that otherwise would find it difficult to pay for telephone service. To qualify for Lifeline Support, Families or individuals have to be either enrolled in a State social service program or qualify under the U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines. Eligibility varies by state.

The Georgia Deaf Services
The DBHDD web site for Deaf Services

Want to know how to produce your information in alternative communication formats?
http://www.access-usa.com/Welcome_1.htm;
http://www.brailleinstitute.org;
http://www.quikscribe.com; and
http://www.nbp.org; 

Leisure

Recreational Opportunities
This is the Official U.S. Web site of recreational opportunities on federal land.
http://www.recreation.gov
Want ideas on therapeutic recreational activities check out:
http://www.recreationtherapy.com/tractv.htm
Need a resource to locate leisure activities, articles, or increase your knowledge and skill sets check out:
http://www.thefreelibrary.com

Person & Staff Training

Bookboon.com
Bookboon.com offers a huge range of over 1000 free quality eBooks for university students and business professionals. Our books can be downloaded directly in PDF format, and are currently available in seven languages for everyone around the world.

GCFLearnFree.org
GCFLearnFree.org is passionate about learning. That’s why we offer all our learning opportunities at no cost whatsoever! This is all possible thanks to the support we receive from the GCF Community Foundation. There’s freedom in the chance to learn what you want, when you want, and that’s why we’re GCFLearnFree.org .

Network on Training and Development

Normal Films
This is a film organization created by a person diagnosed with Autism and his role in changing the stigmatism associated with a disability diagnosis.

VSA Arts
VSA arts of Georgia provide access to the arts for people with disabilities and those with low income. They are a statewide resource working with artists and organizations to fulfill our vision of an inclusive community that encourages everyone to enjoy and participate in the arts.

Web link for Sign Language
This site links you to a web site that has an interactive communication system for staff to instantly use American Sign Language as a communication tool.

Person Centered Planning (PCP)

Cornell University Interactive web site on PCP
Take the free on-line introduction course, free quiz and then determine if you want more education on the PCP process- great resource for direct support staff in developing their skills, language and education “tool box’.

Disability is Natural
Useful web site on Person Centered thinking and training- Kathie Snow has given us written permission to include her web site and article references

Institute for Community Inclusion
This organization took the PCP process and applied it to Job Seeking skills- If you click on the additional links this site has a wealth of knowledge for the direct support professional… Suggested audiences:

• People with disabilities & family members &
• Direct support professionals

Supported Employment Websites

Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA)
The Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) was formed on July 1, 2012, by an act of the Georgia General Assembly. GVRA has six rehabilitation programs: Business Enterprise Program (BEP), Disability Adjudication Services, Georgia Industries for the Blind, Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation (RWSIR), Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and Cave Spring Rehabilitation Center.

Office of Disability Employment
The Office of Disability Employment works to increase job opportunities for people with disabilities. It promotes access to education, training, assistive technology and other support so that people with disabilities can get and keep jobs. It helps businesses increase the number of work options for people with disabilities. The Office of Disability Employment is part of the U.S. Department of Labor.

Social Security The Red Book
The Red Book serves as a general reference source about the employment-related provisions of Social Security Disability Insurance and the Supplemental Security Income Programs for educators, advocates, rehabilitation professionals, and counselors who serve people with disabilities. This resource includes an overview of employment supports and how they help people with disabilities and a section on health care and Medicaid protections for people with disabilities who are working or want to work.

The Able Trust
Although the Able Trust is located in Florida, the website has valuable information that can be used as a resource for employment tool box skills. The Able Trust believes that when people with disabilities want to work, they should. The Trust supports individual’s non-profit vocational rehabilitation programs throughout Florida with fund-raising, grant making and public awareness of disability issues.

The EEOC
Is a wealth of knowledge concerning equal employment opportunities including information on Federal laws, discriminatory practices and employer/employees covered entities.

The Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program is an employment program for people with disabilities who are interested in going to work. The Ticket Program is part of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 – legislation designed to remove many of the barriers that previously influenced people’s decisions about going to work because of the concerns over losing health care coverage. The goal of the Ticket Program is to increase opportunities and choices for Social Security disability beneficiaries to obtain employment, vocational rehabilitation (VR), and other support services from public and private providers, employers, and other organizations.

The US Dept of Labor has “Work Incentives tax credits”
This web site is designed for anyone who wants to work with individuals with disabilities and receive a tax credit for hiring people who want to work.

Educational Opportunities

Best Colleges.com
There are many financing options and benefits available to disabled students. This is a guide to the opportunities out there. 

Library 411
Library411 has several video clips on disability etiquette and other related subjects.

Parallels in History
The history and treatment of individuals with developmental disabilities: this web link is a visual reminder as to why we as a society need to never go back to our old way of thinking concerning persons diagnosed with a developmental disability.

YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities
This organization has videos, books, films and other publications for individuals, staff and training opportunities in the field of Developmental Disabilities. They are renowned for their cutting edge philosophy in the field.

Technology

Camera Mouse
Camera Mouse was developed by researchers at Boston College and Boston University to help people with disabilities use the computer. They make it available as a free download, with no gimmicks or advertisements, because they want to help as many people as possible.

The main audience for this program is people who do not have reliable control of a hand but who can move their head. To use Camera Mouse you need a Windows 7, Vista, or XP computer and a webcam. Check out the YouTube Video.

Comprehensive Assistive Technology (AT) and Computer Services
Touch the Future, Inc. is dedicated to providing affordable computer and AT access to individuals with disabilities, disadvantaged communities, and healthy seniors. Touch the Future’s expertise and services are as affordable as they are vital to successful independence within the community.

Services Include

• Equipment Demonstration and Loan Library (try-before-you-buy) with over 1,000 AT devices
• Expert AT needs assessments and AT device training
• Skilled computer training with AT applications
• Reboot™ device and computer refurbishment
• Complete AT products store and resource expertise
• STAR Network extends reuse services to underserved southeastern communities
• LINK: Opportunities Appraisal for Autonomy at Home

http://www.touchthefuture.us

Associations, Organizations & Government Sites

Assistive Technology Solution
This web site contains free assistive technology solutions.

American Network of Community Options and Resources –ANCOR
ANCOR’s mission is to inform, educate and network service providers to safeguard, develop, grow and extend their capacity to support the choices of people with disabilities. 

Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS)
CMS has two programs, Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, that can help children and adults with disabilities get health care coverage.

Disability.Gov
Disability.gov has information about disabilities resources in the federal government. Topics include jobs, education, housing, transportation, health, income support, technology, community life, and civil rights.

Georgia Advocacy Office (GAO)
Georgia Advocacy Office, Inc. is a private non-profit corporation. Our mission is to work with and for oppressed and vulnerable individuals in Georgia who are labeled as disabled or mentally ill to secure their protection and advocacy.

Georgia Parent Mentorship Partnership (GPMP)
Georgia Parent Mentorship Partnership (GPMP) is a statewide initiative of the Georgia Department of Education. Their mission is to build effective family, school, and community partnerships that lead to greater achievement for students, especially those with disabilities.

Human Services Research Institute (HSRI)
Since 1976 Human Services Research Institute (HSRI) has provided consultation and conducted research efforts at both the state and federal levels in the following focus areas: Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities, Child and Family Services, Mental Health and Substance Use.

Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB)
MCHB promotes the health of children and mothers. It has programs in areas such as children with special health care needs, newborn hearing screening, child health and safety, and genetics. MCHB is part of the Health Resources and Services Administration.

NASDDDS- National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disability Services
The National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS) is a nonprofit organization, established in 1964, to improve and expand public services to people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

National Association for the Dual Diagnosed
NADD is a not-for-profit membership association established for professionals, care providers and families to promote understanding of and services for individuals who have developmental disabilities and mental health needs. The mission of NADD is to advance mental wellness for persons with developmental disabilities through the promotion of excellence in mental health care. NADD is recognized as the world’s leading organization in providing educational services, training materials and conferences. NADD has been influential in the development of appropriate community based policies, programs and opportunities in addressing the mental health needs of persons with mental retardation.

National Core Indicators (NCI)
National Core Indicators (NCI) is a collaborative effort between the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS) and the Human Services Research Institute (HSRI).  The purpose of the program, which began in 1997, is to support NASDDDS member agencies to gather a standard set of performance and outcome measures that can be used to track their own performance over time, to compare results across states, and to establish national benchmarks.  NCI surveys are a voluntary effort by public disabilities agencies to measure and track performance.

National Council on Disability (NCD)
NCD ensures that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as people who do not have disabilities. It promotes policies and programs that help people with disabilities live on their own, support themselves, and take part in all aspects of society. NCD makes recommendations to the President and Congress on issues that affect Americans with disabilities.

National Eye Institute (NEI)
NEI studies ways to prevent and treat eye diseases and vision problems and to improve the lives of people with these conditions.

National Gateway to Self-Determination
The site is an overview of the National Training Initiative on Self-Determination, which is funded by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD). The National Gateway to Self-Determination Web Portal, a clearinghouse on resources, training, and information on Self-Determination. This site provides a single access for self-advocates, professionals, policy-makers and the general public on the current best practices and evidence-based activities in enhancing self-determination in the lives of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, as well as any individual.

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
NICHD studies the impact that disabilities such as autism and mental retardation have on people’s lives, as well as possible causes and treatments of those disabilities.

National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Several institutes within NIH conduct and fund research about developmental disabilities. They also offer information to the public and educational programs for health professionals.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
NIMH studies mental illness and behavior problems, including such conditions as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and learning disabilities.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
NINDS studies the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of brain and nervous system disorders such as cerebral palsy and epilepsy.

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
NIDCD studies hearing loss, deafness, and problems with speech and language.

Parent to Parent of Georgia (P2PGA)
Parent to Parent of Georgia (P2PGA) provides support, information services, and training including leadership opportunities for families who have children or youth with disabilities.

Score
This web site is about retied executives who want to continue to assist organizations in improving their businesses- free mentoring opportunity.

Social Security
This is the Official Website of the U.S. Social Security Administration and the page opens directly to information on being a Representative Payee’s rules and regulations.

Tech Soup (non-profit resource) for software grant opportunities