• How to Choose the Right Caregiver for a Person with a Disability

    Virtual

    This webinar training will provide participants with valuable insights and practical strategies for selecting and employing a caregiver for a person living with a disability. The training will cover various aspects related to the caregiver selection process and employment, including assessing the needs and preferences of the person with disabilities, identifying important qualities and skills in a caregiver, conducting effective interviews and screenings, and understanding the legal and ethical considerations. Participants will also gain knowledge on training, supervising, and providing ongoing support to caregivers.

    Learning Goals:

    -Understand the importance of selecting the right caregiver for a person living with a disability
    -Learn how to assess the needs and preferences of the person with a disability
    -Identify the key qualities and skills to look for in a caregiver
    -Explore effective strategies for interviewing and screening potential caregivers
    -Understand the legal and ethical considerations in employing a caregiver
    -Gain knowledge on best practices for training and supervising caregivers

  • The Caregivers’ Toolbox—Behavioral Strategies for Thriving Relationships

    Virtual

    This webinar will equip you with essential tools to enhance communication and planning, building stronger relationships with those you care for. The session will focus on:

    Effective communication techniques.
    The importance of planning.
    Practical de-escalation techniques to manage stress and diffuse tension in challenging situations.
    You will leave with actionable strategies to create positive experiences.

  • Silent Disco Carnival Extravaganza

    MJCCA 5342 Tilly Mill rd, Dunwoody, GA, United States

    Move to your own beat with your closest friends at this unique dance experience that celebrates diversity, inclusion and the joy of community. Silent disco headphones allow each participant to choose their own music as they dance the night away, without sensory overload, and enjoy the magic of a carnival. Ages 18+.

  • I/DD Commission Advocacy Day

    Paul D. Coverdell Legislative Office Building 18 Capitol Sq SW, Atlanta, GA, United States

    Advocacy Days give members of Georgia’s intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) community the chance to connect directly with state leaders. They are a great opportunity for both new advocates and seasoned ones to have a real impact on our state’s policies for people with I/DD.

    I/DD Commission: Georgia’s system of support for adults with I/DD is outdated. A Senate study committee met in 2022 to determine the need for Medicaid services that keep people with disabilities in their home and communities. This committee recommended that the legislature funds 2,400 new NOW/COMP waivers and that it creates an I/DD commission.

    The goal of the commission is to develop new solutions for ending the NOW/COMP waitlist, employment, housing, and other important issues for the disability community so that adults with I/DD can live, work, and thrive in our communities.

  • The Biggest Social Security Changes You Need to Know About

    Virtual

    During this session, we will review 2025 COLA adjustments and what that means for Social Security beneficiaries who are working, as well as a review of other changes including calculation of in-kind support and maintenance, overpayments, and the current process for applying for Social Security benefits.

  • How to Build a Sustainable Financial Plan for People with Disabilities

    This webinar training is designed to provide participants with an understanding of financial planning for a person with special needs. By attending this training, participants will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively budget and manage the financial resources of individuals with special needs, ensuring their long-term financial well-being, while protecting essential public benefits such as Medicaid and Social Security Income (SSI).

    Free
  • Leading Change

    Engage in robust panel discussions on topics that matter. Participant-directed families were surveyed and selected the topics they wanted to discuss.

    Housing
    Best Practices
    Planning for the Future
    Self-Determination

    All sessions are geared toward PD families, professionals, and supporters of families utilizing the GA NOW/COMP/ICWP.

    The First Annual Participant-Directed Advocates of Georgia Statewide Conference

    Empowering Families. Supporting Choice. Building Community.

    When: Tuesday, August 26, 2025
    Breakfast for Newcomers: 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
    Conference: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

    Where: The Carter Center in the Cecil B. Chapel or Virtual Link

    Free
  • Preparing for the Transition from Pediatric to Adult Health Care

    As children with disabilities grow, moving from pediatric to adult healthcare can be challenging and requires a lot of planning. This session is designed to support parents and caregivers of medically fragile children and adults with developmental delays in navigating this critical transition. In 2003, Blessing Udo, PhD, RN, became a mother to twin girls. One of them was medically fragile. Her journey through months in the NICU, multiple hospital stays, and the emotional toll of caring for a fragile child led her to create a pediatric home care agency built on compassion and quality. Now, she brings her experience and insight to help other families navigate the road ahead.

    What you’ll learn:

    When and how to start planning for the transition
    How to involve your child and build independence
    What changes to expect in care models and providers
    Building a strong, coordinated care team

    f
  • Recurring

    A Step-by-Step Masterclass: How to Apply for SSI and Get Approved

    This masterclass will include a detailed review of the application process for Supplemental Security Income. We will review all the steps necessary for a successful application, including a review of the criteria to establish a medical determination of disability. We will also cover all the steps you need to take to prepare to file, including a means-testing review to ensure financial eligibility, followed by a review of the Social Security Blue Book to identify criteria for a medical determination of disability. We will walk through the Adult Disability Report to provide a framework of the required information and then review how to complete the SSI application online. We will guide you through the next steps following application submission.

    Free
  • Recurring

    A Step-by-Step Masterclass: How to Apply for SSI and Get Approved

    This masterclass will include a detailed review of the application process for Supplemental Security Income. We will review all the steps necessary for a successful application, including a review of the criteria to establish a medical determination of disability. We will also cover all the steps you need to take to prepare to file, including a means-testing review to ensure financial eligibility, followed by a review of the Social Security Blue Book to identify criteria for a medical determination of disability. We will walk through the Adult Disability Report to provide a framework of the required information and then review how to complete the SSI application online. We will guide you through the next steps following application submission.

    Free
  • How to Keep Your Benefits Safe When Working

    Understanding how working affects SSI and SSDI is important. This session will explore the differences between these two programs and explain the work incentives and protections built into each, so you can make informed choices without risking your benefits.

    We’ll walk you through key rules and safety nets that let you work while keeping the support you need.

    In this session, we’ll cover:

    • The difference between Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
    • How you can work and keep benefits, depending on which program you’re in
    • What the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit means for your income
    • How Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWEs) can help reduce countable income
    • A breakdown of the work incentive phases for SSDI, including the Trial Work Period
    • Steps to take if you’re thinking about working or returning to work

    Free