Advocacy

ACT -- Advocating Change Together
ACT is a twenty-four-year-old self-advocacy disability rights organization that distributes tools and materials that help individuals promote self-advocacy in their lives and work. Look for the Self-Advocacy Declaration of Independence and other helpful information at their web site, or call for a catalog at 1-800-641-0059. Mail: ACT Self-Advocacy Resource Network, Advocating Change Together, 1821 University Avenue, Suite 306 S., St. Paul, MN 55104.

ADA Compliance and Technical Assistance Resource Directory
The National Arts and Disability Center [NADC] would like to inform you about our new State Resource Directories on ADA Compliance and Technical Assistance. Each state has its own directory that contains listings of organizations and agencies that provide technical assistance regarding the ADA and the Arts. Included in these listings are disability agencies and organizations for creating an access advisory committee for conducting outreach to the disability community.

The NADC is a resource, training and information center dedicated to
promoting the full inclusion of artists and audiences with disabilities into the arts community. You can visit our web site at http://nadc.ucla.edu. For additional information, contact Beth Stoffmacher, Technical Assistance Coordinator, National Arts and Disability Center, Phone: (310) 825-5054 Email: bstoffmacher@mednet.ucla.edu

ADAPT
It's hard to imagine a group of people who know better how to move mountains. If Rosa Parks had used a wheel chair, chances are she would have belonged to ADAPT.

Advocacy & Consulting Services - IEPadvocate4you
Proud parent of two special needs children. Former CHADD and LDA Coordinator & graduate of the GA Advocacy Office's 1st PLSP (Parent Leadership Support Project) special education legal training course.
Carol Sadler, Special Education Consultant/Advocate
1105 Rock Pointe Look
Woodstock, GA 30188
(770) 442-8357 (770) 442-8357 (fax - call first)
Email: CarolSadler@bellsouth.net
Web: http://www.IEPadvocate4you.com

Advocate-Our children, Our future
Advocate for children w/special needs. Assisting parents in eligibility and IEP meetings, conferences, and basic training - "Advocacy 101".
Shannon L. Garrett
2691 Chandler Grove Ct.
Buford, GA 30519
(770) 271-7703
Email: bookitti@bellsouth.net

Arc--National
There is often a huge difference between the positions of the national Arc and the Arc state chapters. Formerly known as the "Association for Retarded Citizens," national Arc has taken giant steps forward on behalf of all people with disabilities. Find out what your state chapter could be/should be doing.

Read The Arc's Justice Advocacy Guide: An Advocate's Guide on Assisting Victims and Suspects/Defendants with Intellectual Disabilities by Leigh Ann Davis at http://www.thearc.org/AAdvocacyGuide.pdf

Interesting article on Colorado's criminal justice advocacy program on the last page of this newsletter. http://thearcofco.org/documents/FebNewsletter1-6.pdf

Autism National Committee
There are a lot of ways to "see." The perspective that many people have of folks who experience autism is that they need to be fixed or changed to fit society. The Autism National Committee sees the person first.

Becky L. Milton
Helping parents of children with disabilitieswith attending IEP meetings and assisting with special education issue\`s. Rates are $30.00 per hour. Also, court appointed special Advocate.
Special Education Consultant/Advocate
PO Box 172
Newington, GA 30446
(912) 857-3945
Email: therose@planters.net
Web: http://www.BirthofanADHDChild.com

Donna Champion, Outreach Coordinator
Advocacy for Georgians with disabilities on issues of abuse, neglect, rights violations.
Georgia Advocacy Office, Inc.
One Decatur Town Center
150 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Suite 430
Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 885-1234 (V/TTY); (770) 414-2948
Email: info@thegao.org
Web: http://thegao.org/

Down Syndrome Congress
The NDSC began in 1972 as an advocacy organization dedicated to creating opportunities and assuring the rights of all people with Down syndrome. Throughout its 30 year history, it has always been a family member organization and today retains strong grassroots ties. From humble beginnings as an all-volunteer organization, the NDSC has established a strong national and international voice on behalf of people with Down syndrome and their families.

First Steps Consulting
First Steps provides information on local resources and advocacy training to parents, school personnel, and private providers for all of Georgia and Tennessee.
Atlanta, Georgia
(404) 353-5333
Email: sgdatty@bellsouth.net

GA-Advocates Network
An exciting new list service designed to set up a State wide network of special needs Advocates in GA to disseminate information to each other and to discuss advocacy matters. We welcome parent advocates, professional advocates, non-profit agency advocates, and state department advocates.

GA-ParentNetwork
We are an online list service and website for parents and caregivers of children / adults with disabilities. We offer an extensive website and lots of resources!
Julia Bowen
3650 Carmel Road
Chamblee, GA 30341
(770) 457-0743
Email: beammeupbaby@earthlink.net
Email: GA-ParentNetwork-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Georgia Advocacy Office
Provides protection and advocacy for citizens with disabilities.

Governor's Council of Developmental Disabilities for Georgia
878 Peachtree Street, NE
Suite 260
Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 894-5790
2 Peachtree Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Suite 3-210
Atlanta, GA 30303-3142
(404) 657-2126

Grants for Individuals Who Experience Disabilities
Maintained by the Michigan State University Libraries Social Sciences Division, this site contains information about numerous foundations and grant sources geared to individuals who experience disabilities. Check it out!

Jonathan A. Zimring, Esq.
Ellen Johnson, Esq.
Jill Bender, Non-Attorney Advocate
A full service firm representing children, families and individuals with disability-related issues. The primary practice is special education. We offer the assistance of trained advocates under attorney supervision to assist in all levels of educational planning.
Zimring & Smith, LLC
114 New Street, Suite K1
Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 879-7359; (404) 607-1600; (404) 607-1355 (fax)
Email: firm@zlawyers.com

Not Dead Yet
If you're reading this, you're not dead yet. But are you a part of one of America's most forceful advocacy groups? Check out this important web site.

Open Doors Educational Consulting and Advocacy
Ed consulting and advocacy for parents and students from K-college. I represent students from SST to IEP management to endure that all students are served to the letter of the law. Also referral to theraputic programs.
13090 Magnolia Crescent Dr.
Roswell, GA 30075
(770) 853-4486
Email: opendoorsconslt@aol.com

Partners In Policymaking
Partners in Policymaking is an innovative leadership and advocacy training opportunity designed to involve and empower people with developmental disabilities, parents of young children with disabilities and other family members. It requires a serious commitment of each individual who participates both during the course of the training as well as after graduation.

People First
One of the first and most enduring self-advocacy groups, People First has been instrumental nationally in closing institutions. Check out the Tennessee chapter's site for information about their successful effort to close the TN institution.

PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY AGENCY
Georgia Advocacy Office, Inc.
999 Peachtree Street, N.E., Suite 870
Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 885-1234
(800) 537-2329

Self-Advocacy.Com
A good source of publications for self-advocates and change agents.

Mayer Shevin Consulting
Mayer Shevin is a good friend. A teacher for me. A teacher for many. For years, he has led the fight to help people who communicate differently to be heard. Mayer listens deeply. Visit his helpful site for great resources, great links, and information about his consultation services.

Medasi Educational Services
We provide advocacy services for students with disabilities that are in public schools. We also help parents with transitional planning for students graduating or leaving the school system.
Meka Hunt
3522 Devon Chase Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30349
(678) 437-3672; (404) 761-2741; (404) 761-2741 (fax)
Email: lamikcot@yahoo.com
Web: http://www.aahnet.org

Parent to Parent of Georgia, Inc.
3805 Presidential Parkway, Suite 207
Atlanta, GA 30340
(770) 451-5484
Email: info@parenttoparentofga.org
Web: http://www.parenttoparentofga.org/

PIAGET Network- Professional Independent Advocates Guiding Educational Transitions
P.I.A.G.E.T Network is educators and advocates available to evaluate, attend meetings, make recommendations, prepare letters and explain Special Education Laws pertaining to your child's needs.
Contact: Mandy Abel Hillinger
4075 Springlake Circle
Buford GA 30519
678-576-7947
Email: MandyHillinger@Piagetnetwork.com
Web: http://www.piagetnetwork.com

Speaking for Ourselves
A great self-advocacy group based in Pennsylvania. Speaking for Ourselves is now offering training for other self-advocacy groups on important topics such as organizing and self-determination.

TASH
While other advocacy groups were sitting on the fence about important issues such as the need to abolish institutions and aversive treatment, TASH took action. I am a proud member. Get involved today! (See also Virginia TASH).

Torin Togut
140 Hanarry Drive
Lawrenceville, Georgia 30045
(678) 372-1829
Email: tandt@mindspring.com

University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
Institute on Human Development and Disability
Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service
The University of Georgia
850 College Station Road
Athens, GA 30602-4806
(706) 542-3457
Email: info@uap.uga.edu
Web: http://www.uap.uga.edu

Unlock the Waiting Lists
The campaign is a targeted effort by a coalition of Georgia disability and aging organizations to educate the public and change public policy. The mission is to reduce and/or eliminate waiting lists for thousands of people with disabilities, the frail elderly, and their families who need home and community-based services.
NEW! Action Alert-
WE MUST SEND A STRONG MESSAGE: Ask the Governor to continue his commitment to people with disabilities waiting for help in Georgia by funding 2,000 new MRWP services in the FY08 budget. Simply, go to: http://www.unlockthewaitinglists.com/actionalert.html
to make a difference today!

The e-AADDvocate
Newsletter of the Atlanta Alliance on Developmental Disabilities
July 2006 Issue
August 2006 Issue
September 2006 Issue
October 2006 Issue