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Babies, as we all know, do not come with instruction manuals. Parents walk out of the hospital relying on intuition, instinct and advice from folks who have been there, done that. If that child is later diagnosed with a disease or disorder or incurs a life-changing injury, the challenge of parenting can become even more daunting. It takes more than a call to Grandma to ask what she did for a fever or teething. Predictable developmental stages no longer apply. Parents of children with special needs must turn to other experts and seek assistance from other sources. Fortunately, the CSRA is filled with agencies and individuals devoted to providing services to children with special needs and their parents.
Agencies Focusing on Special Needs’ Populations
Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and
Developmental Disabilities
Office of Legislative Affairs & Constituent Services,
2 Peachtree Street, 22nd Floor, Atlanta.
404-657-5964.
DBHDDConstituentServices@dhr.state.ga.us.
Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Division
of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and
Addictive Resources
706-792-7733.
http://bhdd.georgia.gov.
The agency provides support to people with mental
retardation and other developmental disabilities. Services
include in-home personal care, respite care, work
programs and state-funded hospitals.
SC Association for the Deaf
437 Church Street, West Columbia, S.C.
803-794-3175; TTY: 803-794-7059.
www.scadservices.org.
Promotes equal treatment toward deaf and hard-of-hearing citizens in education, employment, legislation, healthcare and other fields pertaining to the deaf and hard-of-hearing citizens of South Carolina. Compiles and updates contact information to help you connect with the many agencies and groups offering assistance and services for the deaf and hard of hearing.
Easter Seals East Georgia
706-667-9695.
www.eastersealseastgeorgia.org.
Easter Seals offers programs for adults and children. Work programs help disabled teenagers transition from school into the workplace. There are also work-related programs for disabled adults. The Champions for Children program provides financial assistance to families of special needs and medically fragile children who do not meet the eligibility requirements for the TEFRA/Katie Beckett Medicaid program.
Center for Disability Resources
University of South Carolina School of Medicine
8301 Farrow Road, Columbia, S.C.
803-935-5231.
www.uscm.med.sc.edu/cdrhome.
Programs support families and their children with developmental delays, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, autism and other diagnoses through assistive technology programs, education, supported community living programs, supported employment and more.
Spina Bifida Association of Georgia
5072 Bristol Industrial Way, Suite F, Buford, Ga.
770-939-1044 or sbag@spinabifidaga.org.
www.spinabifidaga.org.
Provides information and education for parents, plus raises awareness of this birth defect and promotes prevention.
Serenity Behavioral Health System
3421 Mike Padgett Hwy., Augusta.
706-792-7741.
www.serenitybhg.com.
Provides a range of services for people with mental retardation, developmental disabilities and mental health issues.
National Federation of the Blind of Georgia and South Carolina
315 West Ponce De Leon Ave. Suite 1020, Decatur, Ga. 404-371-1000.
www.nfbga.org.
119 S. Kilbourne Road., Columbia, S.C. 803-254-3777.
www.nfbsc.net.
The organization provides public education, information, referral services, literature and publications about blindness, adaptive equipment for the blind, advocacy services and job opportunities for the blind, plus support for blind persons and their families.
Tri-Development of Aiken County
1016 Vaucluse Road, Aiken, S.C.
803-642-8800.
www.aikentdc.org.
A United Way-funded agency providing services for children and adults with autism, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, mental retardation and related disorders.
Learning Disabilities Association of Georgia
2566 Shallowford Rd., Atlanta.
404-303-7774 or ldaga@bellsouth.net.
www.ldag.org.
One of 50 volunteer state organizations which comprise the Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA). For over 30 years their mission has been to enhance the quality of life for individuals of all ages with Learning Disabilities (LD) and/or Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD). Members are served by a state office and volunteers who provide resources and sponsor events.
United Cerebral Palsy Georgia
770-676-2000.
www.ucpga.org.
Headquartered in Atlanta, the organization offers services in the Augusta area. Some of its statewide services include information and referral, employment services and residential services.
United Cerebral Palsy South Carolina
803-926-8878.
www.ucpsc.org.
In South Carolina, UCP offers adult day services, family support and residential services.
The Georgia Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
404-420-5990.
www.jdrfgeorgia.org.
This organization has the Family Network, which provides support, encouragement and programming for families of children with diabetes.
Babies and Toddlers
Babies Can’t Wait in Georgia
(Statewide interagency service delivery systems)
Georgia Department of Human Resources - Division of Public Health East Central Georgia Public Health District.
706-667-4280.
www.ecphd.dhr.state.ga.us.
For infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities, from birth to age 3.
Baby Net in South Carolina (Statewide interagency service delivery systems)
Department of Health and Environmental Control Region 5, serving Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun and Orangeburg Counties.
1550 Carolina Ave., Orangeburg, S.C.
803-533-7211.
www.scfirststeps.org.
For infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities, from birth to age three.
Medical, Therapy and Treatment Programs
Georgia Health Sciences Health System Pediatric Rehabilitative Services
Children’s Medical Center, 2nd Floor.
706-721- 5437.
www.mcghealth.org/pediatric-rehabilitative-services/
Patients up to age 21 receive comprehensive audiology, speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy services from a team of skilled professionals in a facility designed and equipped for children.
Pediatric Therapy of Aiken
6140 Woodside Executive Court, Aiken.
803-642-0700 or info@apluspta.com.
www.apluspta.com.
Skilled professionals provide speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy service to children infancy to 17 years.
Behavioral Discoveries, Inc.
Amy Bachman-Cliett, MA, BCBA
235B Pin Ct., Martinez.
706-955-7581
amybcba@yahoo.com.
www.behavioraldiscoveries.com.
Amy Bachman-Cliett has 10 years of experience providing applied behavior analysis, in-home supports, one-on-one sessions, parent training and school consultation.
Ducktails Pediatric Therapy & Wellness
103 Maple Dr., Augusta.
706-364-5262.
www.ducktailspediatric.com.
Ducktails provides physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and athletic development for children from infancy through 21 years of age. Services address, but are not limited to, neuromuscular development and abnormal tone, developmental delay, balance and posture, sensory integration, ADHD, handwriting and fine motor skill, and speech language and auditory processing.
Therapeutic Interventions of Georgia
2315-C Central Avenue, Augusta.
706-364-6172 or info@tiofga.com.
www.tiofga.com.
Offers occupational therapy, feeding therapy, physical thrapy and speech-language therapy to pediatric patients. Facilities feature private speech therapy rooms, an outdoor playground and OT and PT gyms.
Neuro-Developmental Treatment Programs, Inc.
817 Crawford Ave., Augusta.
706-736-1255 or ndtprograms@gmail.com.
Treats children with neurological and developmental disabilities.
Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician
Georgia Health Sciences Children’s Medical Center
Caroline DiBattisto, MD, MSCR, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Georgia Health Sciences University.
1120 15th Street, BG-2108, Augusta.
706-721-2456.
Specializes in developmental-behavioral pediatrics, general pediatrics and adolescent medicine.
Augusta Developmental Specialists
1303 D’Antignac St., Suite 21000, Augusta.
706-396-0600.
Specializes in helping people with healthcare and developmental needs. The group provides developmental assessment, care coordination between therapists and school staff, a wheelchair clinic and more. Led by Karen Carter, M.Ed., M.D., the group includes a licensed massage therapist and recreational therapist. The clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
CSRA Therapy Services, Inc.
2485 Hwy 88, Hephzibah.
706-592-5565.
Providing occupational and speech-language therapy services for children with special needs in the CSRA.
PSA Healthcare, Inc.
444 Park West Drive, Grovetown.
706-868-6543.
www.psahealthcare.com
Offers private-duty nursing and a day treatment center for medically fragile children with on-site pediatric nurses, speech, physical and occupational therapy.
Kinder Kids
958 Millbrook Ave., Suite 8, Aiken.
803-226-0525.
www.kinderkidscsra.com
Provides comprehensive services and family support to medically fragile, developmentally delayed, physically challenged and behaviorally disordered children by providing services that evoke maximum potential and foster the development of intellectual and social competence.
Sensational Kids! Pediatric Rehabilitation Center
3624 Old Petersberg Rd., Martinez.
706-364-3470.
www.sensationalkids.net.
A full-service therapy practice offering a unique blend of services for children and families with special needs that specializes in evaluation and intervention for infants and children (Birth to 13 years) who have various developmental challenges. They are sensitive to the challenges of the family’s ability to cope as well.
Therapy Solutions, LLC
P.O. Box 6862, Aiken.
803-634-3029 or uscslp@bellsouth.net.
www.therapysolutionsllc.net.
A private company offering pediatric speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and early intervention services. An early intervention team provides support and services in the home, daycare or clinic setting.
Hitchcock Healthcare
690 Medical Park Dr., Aiken.
803-648-8344.
www.hitchcockhealthcare.org.
A provider for adults and children, offering a full range of quality services including, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.
Blue Ribbon Riders
987 Reynolds Farm Rd., Grovetown.
706-854-0644.
Equine-assisted activity and hippotherapy program for ages 3 and up. A Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH International) premier accredited center. Hippotherapy uses the movement of the horse as a treatment strategy to address impairments, functional limitations and disabilities in patients with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction. Contact Claudia Morin.
STAR Riding
Aiken.
Contact Kerri Creamer, 803- 652-3231 or freckles06@earthlink.net.
www.starriding.org.
STAR is an equine facilitated therapeutic facility. An affiliate of PATH Int’l (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International, formerly known as NARHA—North American Riding for the Handicapped Association)—STAR adheres to PATH’s strict safety standards and is fully insured.
Georgia Health Sciences University ADHD Treatment Program
706-721-6597.
This eight-week program for children ages 6 to 14, who have been diagnosed with ADHD, and their families, provides training to children and their parents regarding fundamental social skills and behavioral management strategies.
Lighthouse Care Center
3100 Perimeter Pkwy., Augusta.
706-651-0005.
www.lighthousecarecenters.com.
Offers a serene residential setting for adolescent patients to recover from psychological issues and/or substance abuse. In addition to clinical care, a number of recreational opportunities and an accredited on-campus school are also available. These services aide our patients in recovery by keeping their minds and bodies active and providing an opportunity for social interaction.
Evaluation and Treatment for Children with Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome—Georgia Health Sciences University
706-721-6597.
Directed by a psychiatrist who specializes in autism, the social skills program offers outpatient or inpatient psychiatric assessment of autism, group therapy focusing on behavior modification and socialization skills and medical management of autism and Asperger’s Syndrome.
Speech Pathology and Audiology
Bright Start
720 Gracern Rd., Suite 450, Columbia, S.C.
803-929-1112 (24 hours a day).
brightstart@sc.rr.com.
www.brightstartsc.com.
With a location in Aiken, Bright Start is a private provider of speech therapy and autism services to children, teenagers and adults with special needs and developmental delays. Families of special needs children from infancy to age 6 benefit from the early intervention services offered. Service coordination assistance aids families in navigating the complex service delivery system.
University Hospital Speech and Hearing Center
1430 Harper St., Suite C3, Augusta.
706-774-8666.
Audiology Department: 706-774-3594.
4321 University Parkway, Suite 102, Evans.
706-854-2630.
www.universityhealth.org.
University Hospital’s Speech and Hearing Center provides evaluation and treatment services for children with speech, language, feeding, swallowing and hearing disorders. The speech pathologists and audiologists strive to improve their patients’ ability to communicate and function as independently as possible.
Snyder Speech Therapy Services
229 Hillbrook Dr, Augusta.
706-860-9385.
Provides speech therapy services for clients of all ages, infants through adults.
Communication Station, LLC
550 Blackburn Drive, Martinez.
706-364-1486 or speechyleigh@yahoo.com.
Specializes in speech therapy for patients from infancy to 21 years.
Pediatric Audiology Program
Children’s Medical Center—Georgia Health Sciences Health System
1447 Harper St., 4th floor, Augusta.
706-721- 5437.
Identifies hearing loss in children and provides effective rehabilitation services.
Education
Georgia PINES
(Parent Infant Network for Educational Services)
800-522-8652; 404-298-4882.
www.gapines.info.
Information/assistance to families of vision/hearing impaired, multi-handicapped, sensory impaired children, under age 4. Parent advisors make home visits to teach families how to help their child.
Georgia Learning Resources System, (GLRS)
800-282-7552.
www.aadd.org.
Statewide network of 17 resource centers offering free services to parents and educators of students with disabilities.
American Sign Language—Teen Class
Georgia Health Sciences Medical Center, Family Resource Library.
706-721-6929.
This course is developed for teenagers, ages 13-17, to learn site signs in American Sign Language. Students learn the alphabet in ASL and the production of numbers used in sign language.
American Sign Language
Trinity Hospital of Augusta, 2260 Wrightsboro Rd.
706-481-7604.
www.trinityofaugusta.com.
Sign language classes for children, adult beginners and adult intermediates are offered periodically throughout the year. Call for information or check the Web site.
Augusta Christian School of Talent Development
313 Baston Rd., Martinez.
706-863-2905, extension 130.
www.augustachristian.org.
The school is designed for students with a specific learning disability and/or those with attention deficit disorder. Classes are available in grades 1-12, depending on availability, offering low teacher-student ratios and individualized instruction. The curriculum is designed for students with special learning needs while incorporating a standard curriculum.
College Board Services for Students with Disabilities
609-771-7137.
www.collegeboard.com/ssd/student/index.html.
The College Board works to provide appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities when taking the SAT, AP tests and PSAT/NMSQT.
South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind
355 Cedar Springs Rd., Spartanburg, S.C.
888-447-2732.
www.scsdb.org.
An academic institution providing high-quality education programs, both day and residential, for students ages 2½ to 21 who are deaf, blind or multi-sensory disabled.
Georgia Academy for the Blind
2895 Vinevill Ave, Macon, Ga.
478-751-6083.
www.gabmacon.org.
Campus and outreach programs are designed to meet the educational needs of students who are blind, visually impaired or have multiple sensory disabilities.
Georgia Virtual School
www.gavirtualschool.org.
Georgia Virtual School is a program of the Georgia Department of Education Office of Technology Services. It is SACS accredited and offers middle school and high school level courses across the state. Parents and teachers partner in the on-line education of the individual child.
Georgia Learning Resources System
706-826-1128.
www.glrs.org.
The system is a network of 17 centers throughout the state providing training and resources to educators and parents of students with disabilities.
Kumon Math and Reading Center
500 Fury’s Ferry Rd., Unit 502-5, Martinez.
706-993-2232.
4497-8 Columbia Rd., Martinez.
706-305-3379 or reenathomas@ikumon.com.
www.kumon.com.
The center strives to help each student perform at his/her full potential by using techniques that improve speed and accuracy to master the basics in reading and math. Students meet with a highly trained Kumon Instructor during the week and continue with home assignments daily to fill in any learning gaps that may be hindering them. Preschool through high school.
M.A.E.S. Education Center
4116 Evans to Locks Rd., Evans.
706-860-8585 or info@maeseducationcenter.com.
Offers tutoring, high school success classes, home-school classes, college counseling and skills-building in reading comprehension. Monday-Thursday, 12:30 p.m.-7 p.m.
Oxford Learning Center
4536 Washington Rd., Suite 4, Eagle Point Shopping Center, Evans.
706-650-2225.
www.oxfordlearning.com.
Students preschool through adult receive help with study skills, homework, reading, writing, math, spelling, grammar and more.
Partners in Achievement
3990 Columbia Rd., Martinez.
706-650-1877.
www.pialearningcenters.com.
PIA offers programs for children ages 6 and up with attention problems and/or learning disabilities.
CSRA EOA, Inc. Head Start
1261 Greene St., Augusta.
706-722-0493.
www.csraeoaheadstart.org.
Provides professional, comprehensive, quality services to preschool children, families, staff and communities in Bulloch, Burke, Columbia, Emanuel, Jefferson, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, Richmond Screven and Warren Counties. The Disabilities service insures that children with disabilities receive the full range of developmental services in an inclusive environment. This includes children with physical disabilities, health conditions, vision, hearing, speech or learning impairments. Special services such as screenings, evaluations, speech or physical therapy and transportation also may be provided.
Information and Referral
Parent to Parent of Georgia
706-802-5309.
www.parenttoparentofga.org.
The organization has a comprehensive Web site with a database for families of special needs children to find out anything from adaptive clothing to insurance.
United Way of the CSRA
706-826-1495.
www.uwcsra.org.
The 211 system provides a link to information and referral on a variety of services in the community. The phone number 211 works on most land lines, but not from all cell phones.
Charity Locator—Combined Federal Campaign of the CSRA
www.cfcofthecsra.org/locator.php.
A comprehensive list of local, state and national agencies and organizations that provide a vast array of assistance.
The DRM Regional Resources Directory
www.disabilityresources.org/GEORGIA.html.
Disability Resources, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization established to promote and improve awareness, availability and accessibility of information that can help people with disabilities live, learn, love, work and play independently.
Georgia Council of the Blind
850 Gaines School Road, Athens, Ga.
706-208-7132; 888-519-3988.
www.georgiacouncilpftheblind.org.
Works to improve education and rehabilitation and broaden vocational opportunities.
South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs
3440 Hardin Street Ext., Columbia, S.C.
803-898-9600.
www.ddsn.sc.gov.
Plans, develops, funds and oversees programs for people with severe, lifelong disabilities in regard to intellect, autism, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury.
SC Access
800-868-9095.
www.scaccess.org.
A guide to resources and services for people with disabilities and their caregivers.
Georgia Disability Resources; South Carolina Disability Resources
www.christopherreeve.org.
An extensive list of organizations serving people with special needs in Georgia and South Carolina. For the Georgia list, type “Georgia Disability Resources” into the search box. For South Carolina resources, type “South Carolina Disability Resources” into the search box.
South Carolina Developmental Disabilities Council
1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 450, Columbia, S.C.
803-734-0465; TTY: 803-734-1147.
www.scddc.state.sc.us.
Advocates for people with developmental disabilities and provides leadership in planning, funding and implementing initiatives.
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
www.cff.org.
An on-line source for information about diagnosis, research, treatment, clinical trials and more.
Support Groups
SC/GA Transverse Myelitis Support Group
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/CSRATMSupportGroup/
The goals of the SC/GA Transverse Myelitis Support Group are to provide fellowship and support through sharing our common experiences, to provide educational information and to open the doors of communication between patients and our local medical community. Joing the group on-line.
Juvenile Diabetes Support Group
Gretchen Daly: 706-955-8232 or gvandaly@yahoo.com.
Stephanie Fuller: 706-541-0146 or s.j.fuller@comcast.net.
The group meets at Panera Bread on Robert C. Daniel Parkway the last Saturday of every month at 10 a.m. for coffee.
“A-Team”—Autism Spectrum Disorder Support and Resource Group
Georgia Health Sciences Children’s Medical Center,
Family Resource Library, Room 1801, first floor.
706-721-5160.
ddrakele@georgiahealth.edu.
This free meeting offers education and support for families and friends of children with autism spectrum disorders, including autism, Asperger’s and PDD NOS. Parent, educators, community support representatives, caregivers, medical representatives and anyone affected by autism spectrum disorders is invited to attend. Meets the first Tuesday of each month, 6 to 7 p.m.
CSRA Therapy Services Autism Support Group
2485 Hwy 88, Hephzibah.
706-592-5565 or TSteppe@yahoo.com.
Provide support, discussion, information and fellowship to parents of children on the autism spectrum.
The CSRA EOS
706-868-1874.
www.csra-eos.blogspot.com.
Support group for families and individuals with Eosinophilic Disorders. For more information contact Melinda Garrett.
The Autism Exchange
Tanna Blankenship, 706-860-2724, or Christy Clutter, 740-815-2846.
theautismxchnge@gmail.com.
Meets the third Saturday of each month at various venues. Plans community-based activities for the children in addition to providing support for parents.
Georgia Health Sciences Health System ALS Support Group
Georgia Health Sciences Ambulatory Care Center, 1447 Harper St., 4th Floor, Room BP 4306.
888-636-9940.
www.alsaga.org.
Meets the second Thursday of each month from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The meetings provide opportunities for individuals to share their personal experiences and learn more about strategies for preserving the independence and quality of life for ALS patients and their loved ones. Meetings are free and open to all patients, family members and friends. Lunch is provided.
Brain Injury Support Group
Walton West Transitional Center, 2501 Center West Pkwy., Augusta.
706-533-3904.
Meets the second Thursday of every month, 6-7:30p.m. Brain injury survivors, caregivers and family members are invited to attend.
Spinal Cord Injury Support Group
Walton Outpatient Therapy Center, 13th St. and Independence Dr., Augusta.
706-823-8504.
Meets the second Thursday of every month, 5-6 p.m. Spinal cord injured individuals, family members, caregivers, as well as interested community members are invited to attend this free monthly meeting.
Georgia Health Sciences Health System Blood Cancer/Stem Cell Support Group
Georgia Health Sciences Cancer Center, 1411 Laney Walker Blvd., First-Floor, Community Room.
Annie Blount, 706-721-9134 or 721-1634.
www.georgiahealth.org.
This group provides educational and emotional support to patients, families, friends and caregivers. Meets the third Thursday of the month from 5:30-7 p.m.
Common Bond Parent Support Group
706-729-0012.
For Augusta-area parents of children of all ages and diagnoses with challenging disabilities but remarkable perseverance and resilience. Dates and locations of meetings vary. Call for information.
Recreation and Leisure
Steps of Grace: Ballet for Special Needs
476 Flowing Wells Rd., C-1, Martinez.
912-531-2719 or mallorylanier@hotmail.com.
Classes meet for an hour once a week at Pulse Dance Center and are taught by Mallory Lanier, a pediatric occupational therapist with over 10 years of experience teaching ballet. Adult volunteers experienced in working with children with special needs are an integral part of the class. Students receive one-on-one assistance should they need it.
Tri My Best Triathlon
706-736-1255.
An annual event held on the second Sunday in May for children and young adults with disabilities. Participants run/walk, swim and bike.
Monkey Joe’s
368 Furys Ferry Rd., Martinez.
706-922-5867.
www.monkeyjoes.com.
Inflatable play center, wall to wall inflatable slides, jumps, obstacle courses, walk-in play and birthday parties, for ages 12 and younger. Special Needs Night is held the first Sunday of each month, 6-7 p.m., after general store hours to ensure a calm environment for special needs children and their parents.
RECing Crew
Pamela Stickler, 803-426-1284 or therecingcrew@comcast.net.
www.therecingcrew.com.
Based in North Augusta, the RECing Crew is a non-profit organization providing leisure and recreation opportunities for all ages and disabilities. Fees vary but are nominal.
Cruisers: A social group for teens and adults that meets monthly for dances or field trips.
Alley Cats: A weekly bowling league for teens and adults that meets Tuesdays, September-May, at Northside Lanes in North Augusta.
T-RecS: An adaptive basketball, cheerleading and baseball program for ages 6 and up. Games are played on Saturdays in the spring and fall. Check Web site for exact dates. Riverview Park in North Augusta.
ARTS-Ability Studio: Spend one hour on a visual art project and one hour in music. Morning and afternoon two-hour sessions meet one Saturday each month. Limited to 20 participants.
Jazzercise: Enjoy Jazzercise and line dancing every third Wednesday, 4:40 p.m., at Grace United Methodist Church in North Augusta.
Georgia-Carolina Council Boy Scouts of America
706-733-5277.
www.gacacouncil.org.
Scouting programs are available for special needs children.
Canterbury Trails
5581 Wrightsboro Rd., Grovetown.
706-556-1287.
www.canterburytrails.org.
Horseback riding lessons for special needs children, as well as hayrides and horse rides in the show ring. They work closely with the CSRA’s special education departments.
Camp To Be Independent
706-826-5809.
alsalley@wrh.org.
Camp TBI offers a safe overnight summer camp environment for children and young adults, ages 8-21, with traumatic brain injury. Camp TBI staff provide one-on-one care which increases the campers’ level of independence in the areas of personal hygiene, following a schedule, making friends appropriately and just having fun. Campers enjoy horseback riding, a ropes course, group games, sporting activities, swimming, fishing and arts and crafts along with social activities such as dances, karaoke and talent nights.
Champions Made from Adversity
706-364-2422.
www.cmfa.us.
Provides recreation and leisure activities such as water skiing, archery, bowling, cycling and golf, to people with physical disabilities.
The Family Y, Wilson Branch
3570 Wheeler Road, Augusta.
706-922-9622.
www.thefamilyy.org.
Financial assistance is available for all Family Y programs.
Adapted Aquatics Special Populations Individual
One-on-one half-hour classes for all physically and developmentally challenged individuals of all ages. Specially trained staff use swimming and aquatic fitness skills to improve participants’ independence and quality of life. Sessions are by appointment only. Taught in the Wilson Family Y’s indoor pool. Claudia Collins, Aquatics Director, 706-922-9664.
Family Y BlazeSports Team
Swim team for all ages of physically challenged swimmers to train for competition. (Part of the BlazeSports Clubs of America training future Paralympians.) Children practice Saturday, 7:30-8:30 a.m. Contact Claudia Collins, 706-922-9664.
Miracle League Baseball
Provides a barrier-free field for children and adults with disabilities. A special, rubberized surface and flat bases allows safe play for those in wheelchairs or who use other assistive devices such as crutches or walkers. Registration is open for ages 4 and up. Fall season runs September-October and spring season runs March-May. Teams practice and play at the Sports Complex Uptown Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, 1 Freedom Way, Augusta. Contact JD McCauley, 706-922-9597.
Kathryn M. York Adapted Aquatics Center (Katie’s Pool)
Dedicated to improving the quality of life of individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities. Shallow and deep water therapy pool with a wheelchair ramp at the shallow end. Includes adapted changing rooms with a lift system to accommodate disabled individuals and a state-of-the-art sanitation system.Contact Claudia, 706-922-9655.
Talent Showcase—Exceptional Children of the CSRA
706-364-6172.
An annual fundraiser for The Foundation for Therapeutic Options, a local non-profit organization that provides therapy services to children in the CSRA. It is an opportunity for children to be recognized for their abilities instead of their disabilities.
Military Families
Exception Family Member Program
Fort Gordon.
Contact Pam Rachal, 706-791-4872.
www.gordon.army.mil/acs/EFMP/index.htm.
This program, designed to aid active-duty service, provides information and coordination of services as well as respite care for any family member who has a chronic medical problem or special education need, regardless of age, that limits ability to function on a daily basis and/or requires ongoing counseling, training, education, therapy or treatment.
Assistance with Issues Receiving Social Security Disability Benefits
Gerald Powell
Augusta.
706-796-6856.
Gerald Powell is semi-retired and offers assistance/advice on a volunteer basis to children and adults who are trying to establish or are having problems receiving social security disability benefits.
Family Counseling and Psychiatric Resources
Center for Care & Counseling
4400 Wheeler Rd., Augusta.
706-305-3137.
www.csraccc.org.
A faith-sensitive counseling service that helps individuals and families draw on their own strengths and values to begin their healing process. Offers a wide range of counseling services to families, couples, individuals, adolescents and children.
Family Counseling Center of the CSRA
3711 Executive Center Dr., Suite 201, Martinez.
706-868-5011.
www.fcccsra.com.
The mission of the Family Counseling Center of the CSRA is to strengthen individuals and families to achieve their own goals and to network with other agencies and institutions to improve family life.
Family Forward
3711 Executive Center Dr., #101, Martinez.
706-210-8855.
Specializing in children ages 3 to early adulthood. Dara Delancy, Ph.D., and Amy Holsten, Ph.D.
Georgia Family Crisis Solutions
4145 Columbia Rd., Martinez.
706-869-7373.
www.gfcs.info.
Provides to all children and adults, experiencing the crisis of life events, the most current, correct information concerning therapy in a manner that is nurturing, non-threatening and non-judgmental. Georgia Family Crisis Solutions strives to be the model for accountability in all areas of business, especially concerning children.
Mind-Body Health Services
1105 Furys Lane, Suite A, Martinez.
706-364-5228.
www.mindbodyhealthservices.com.
The providers at Mind-Body Health Services take into account the whole person in helping him or her find the solution to deal with what is causing discomfort. Connie Stapleton, Ph.D., and Daniel Wright, LCSW.
Transitional Family Services
3643 Walton Way Ext., Bldg. 4, Augusta.
706-364-1404.
www.tfsga.com.
Offers a range of family preservation services. Approved by the state to offer CORE Services, Comprehensive Child and Family Assessments (CCFA), Core service (C&A and Adult) and Intensive Family Intervention Services (IFI) through Medicaid, as well as provide therapy and counseling services and parent aide services through Homestead Family Preservation.
Transportation
ADA Paratransit Van Service
1535 Fenwick St., Augusta.
706-821-1819.
www.augusta.gov.
Curb-to-curb van service available to qualifying individuals with permanent or temporary disabilities.
Georgia Department of Revenue Motor
Vehicle Division
Disabled Parking Permit
1200 Tradeport Blvd., Atlanta, Ga.
404-968-3800.
www.motor.etax.dor.ga.gov.
Application for a disabled parking permit is on the Web site. Type “disabled” into the search box.
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Disabled Parking Permit
www.scdmvonline.com.
Click on the forms and manuals link on the left side of the screen, then scroll down to the link for the disabled placard application.
Adaptive Driving Solutions
3027 Riverwatch Pkwy., Augusta.
706-751-4003.
www.accessiblevans.com.
Specializes in wheelchair van rentals and sales. They also modify vehicles to make them accessible.
Assistive Technology
Augusta Ear, Nose and Throat
720 Saint Sebastian Way, Suite 201, Augusta.
340 North Belair Rd., Evans.
706-868-5676.
www.augustaent.com.
Highly trained audiologists evaluate hearing and fit patients with appropriate hearing aids.
South Carolina Assistive Technology Program
8301 Farrow Rd., Columbia, S.C.
800-915-4522.
www.sc.edu/scatp/.
Works to provide assistive technology to people with disabilities.
Augusta Orthotics and Prosthetics
2068 Wrightsboro Rd., Augusta.
706-733-8878.
www.augustaprosthetics.com.
Customizes orthotic and prosthetic solutions to meet each individual’s needs, from custom-made braces to artificial limbs.
Midlands Prosthetics and Orthotics
1018 Druid Park Ave., Augusta.
706-737-7371 or Midlandsprosthet@bellsouth.net.
www.midlandsprosthetics.com.
Produces upper and lower extremity prosthetics using state-of-the-art components and orthotics.
New Life Prosthetics and Orthotics
4810 Technology Dr., Suite 4, Martinez.
706-922-6576 or info@newlifeprosthetics.com.
www.newlifeprosthetics.com.
Orthotic and prosthetic devices to accommodate a range of needs.
Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics
630 13th St., Augusta.
706-722-2763.
Creates prosthetic and orthotic devices to suit the needs of each client.
Walton Options STAR Network
948 Walton Way, Augusta.
706-724-6262.
www.waltonoptions.org/star.
Collects, cleans and repairs used assistive technology and matches it to recipients with special needs. Additional assistive technology services are also available.
Tools for Life
512 Means St., Suite 215, Atlanta, Ga.
404-894-0541.
www.gatfl.org.
Aids people with disabilities in accessing assistive technology.
Transition Services
South Carolina Commission for the Blind
1430 Confederate Ave., Columbia, S.C.
800-922-2222 or publicinfo@sccb.sc.gov.
www.sccb.state.sc.us.
Provides vocational rehabilitation services, independent living services and prevention services to people who are blind or visually impaired.
Walton Options
948 Walton Way, Augusta, 706-724-6262.
325 Georgia Ave, North Augusta, 803-279-9611.
www.waltonoptions.org.
The mission of Walton Options is to empower people of all ages and all types of disabilities to reach their highest level of independence. The caring, trained staff work with clients to develop individualized plans and goals. Services include, but are not limited to, peer support groups, assistance with money management, assistance with nutrition and assistance with home modification and accessibility issues.
South Carolina Statewide Independent Living Council
136 Stonemark Lane, Suite 100, Columbia, S.C.
800-994-4322.
scindependentlivingcouncil@gmail.com.
Promotes independent living for adults with severe disabilities and their inclusion in mainstream society.
Center for Financial Independence and Innovation
316 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Suite 600, Decatur, Ga.
404-541-9005.
www.cfii.org.
The agency’s goal is to make independence affordable by improving the financial self-sufficiency of Georgians with disabilities.
Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia
315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Suite 600, Decatur, Ga.
770-270-6860.
www.silcga.org.
An advocacy organization that provides resources and answers to questions regarding independent living.
Serenity Behavioral Health System-GA TASC Center
818 White Oak Rd., Thomson, Ga.
706-595-4027.
www.serenitybhs.com.
Provides supported vocational opportunities for people with disabilities.
Augusta Training Shop
1704 Jenkins St., Augusta.
706-738-1358.
www.augustatrainingshop.com.
The Augusta Training Shop is a non-profit work center that employs mentally and physically challenged adults. They learn to repair, strip and refinish furniture, re-cane chairs and polish metals with the goal of performing purposeful work independently.
Georgia Department of Labor Vocational Rehabilitation Program
1220-H West Wheeler Pkwy., Augusta.
706-650-5600.
www.vocrehabga.org.
Promotes independence of people with disabilities by aiding with employment, accessibility and living accommodations.
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