Georgians with disabilities benefit from largest funding increase in Georgia history

People with developmental disabilities are benefiting from the largest funding increase in Georgia history – moving Georgia’s ranking from 44 – 30 in terms of community based services (2007 United Cerebral Palsy Report). Since 2005, close to 4,000 new Medicaid waivers amounting to over $100 million is being given to individuals with disabilities including cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and autism. By 2008, the state will provide services to 3,000 additional people with developmental disabilities.

“Georgia is making unprecedented efforts to support people with developmental disabilities,” said Gwen Skinner, Director for the State Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Diseases. “Individuals and their families have told us that they want to have a life in the community, to include employment and housing. We’re helping them to do that.” One example is Project Search, the first program of its kind in the State of Georgia, which matches the talents of people with disabilities to career paths that can lead to independence and new opportunities. Project Search currently works with two Atlanta area hospitals, North Fulton and Crawford Long. Routine work that would otherwise occupy nurses is now handed to Project Search participants.

In 2005, the state legislature approved 925 new Medicaid waivers for people with developmental disabilities; an unprecedented 1,500 in 2006, and another 1,500 in 2007; 340 of these waivers were earmarked just for children.

As a result of the new waivers, and consumer-driven services, Georgians with developmental disabilities and their families will have greater control and choice.

The new Medicaid waivers, which until recently were the most outdated waivers in the country, result from collaboration among advocates, consumers, families and public policy makers.

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