Georgia is a state where sports fans can cheer on their favorite teams including the World Champion Atlanta Braves, the National Championship Georgia Bulldogs, the Falcons, or Hawks, or drive a few hours from Atlanta east to Augusta for the Masters Golf Tournament.
If you love to fish, you’re going to love Georgia’s rivers and lakes including Lakes Lanier, Oconee, and Sinclair which sits just south of Oconee, but there’s a dam with rapids, so you can’t lock through for access.
Music lovers can visit the birthplace of the incredible music maker Ray Charles who was born in Albany. You will also be jazzed about the annual Savannah Music Festival which begins at the end of March and lasts two fun weeks in one of the most beautiful, old port cities on the coast.
Art enthusiasts can visit the High Museum of Art in Atlanta or the Telfair Museum in Savannah. The state is also home to several beautiful parks and recreation areas, such as Stone Mountain Park and the Chattahoochee National Forest. Stone Mountain Park is 3,200 acres of beauty and activities surrounding a 1,686 ft tall quartz dome. Vacation spots like Tybee Island, Jekyll Island, and St. Simons Island offer stunning beaches and more great outdoor activities.
Georgia is also the birthplace of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., the 39th US president Jimmy Carter, and American novelist, short story writer and essayist Flannery O’Connor. Visitors can explore famous landmarks like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site in Atlanta, the Wormsloe Historic Site in Savannah, and President Roosevelt’s Little White House in Warm Springs among many others.
Accessibility Vehicles
Accessibility vehicles are an integral part of independence for persons with disabilities. There are dealerships that specialize in accessibility vehicles like trucks, suvs, and vans. The specialists at these dealerships will help you to determine which vehicle is perfect for you based on your unique needs. The modifications on these vehicles can be quite impressive and could include lifts, ramps, kneeling systems, side or rear entry, gull wing doors, or slide-out sides.
These dealerships often service these vehicles as well, providing you with a complete service experience all in one place. Since they specialize in these vehicles, they are able to handle everything including vehicle sales, rentals, repairs, and maintenance.
Accessible Transportation Services
Should you require accessible transportation to and from medical appointments or other errands without renting or buying a vehicle, Georgia offers a variety of services like the Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) program which is available to qualifying individuals. The program covers various transportation modes, including wheelchair-accessible vans, buses, and taxis. There may also be additional programs available through local government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private transportation companies. Doing an internet search by typing “accessibility transportation services in ______________” and filling in your city, you should be able to find available transportation options close to home.
Accessible Home Remodeling
Making a home safer and more comfortable for someone with a disability can significantly improve their quality of life. It’s essential to find a reputable and experienced contractor to do the work. Ask some questions including their years of experience, previous clients’ references, estimated project cost, estimated time to complete, payment schedule, and insurance coverage.
Additionally, Georgia provides several assistance programs for eligible individuals who require accessible home remodeling. These programs include the Georgia Department of Community Affairs – Home Modification and Ramp Program, which offers funding for low-income homeowners to make their homes more accessible. Modifications may include adding wheelchair ramps, widening doorways, and installing grab bars.
The Veterans Affairs Home Improvement and Structural Alterations (HISA) Program provides financial assistance to veterans with service-connected disabilities to modify their homes to accommodate their disabilities.
Lastly, the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities – NOW/COMP Waiver offers funding for home modifications for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Home Health Care
Home health care services include things like skilled nursing care, therapy services, personal care services, and hospice care. Skilled nursing care can help manage medical conditions and chronic illnesses, such as wound care, medication management, and monitoring vital signs. Therapy services can include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, which can help individuals regain or improve their mobility, independence, and communication skills. Personal care services can include assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting. Hospice care typically provides end-of-life care for individuals with terminal illnesses, but some can also provide respite care for up to 5 days to give caregivers a break from daily responsibilities.
The Georgia Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver provides funding for eligible individuals to receive home and community-based services. This program offers several services, including personal care, skilled nursing, and therapy services, among others. The program is designed to help individuals with disabilities live independently in the community rather than in an institution.
Georgia’s Independent Care Waiver Program (ICWP) provides funding for individuals with significant disabilities to live independently in the community. This program offers personal care, respite care, and transportation services. The program is designed to help individuals with disabilities maintain their independence and avoid institutionalization.
The Georgia Aging and Disability Resource Connection provides information and assistance to older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their caregivers to connect them to home health care services and other community resources. This program can help individuals and their families navigate the complex healthcare system and access the resources they need to maintain their independence and quality of life.
Medical Equipment & Supplies
Medical equipment and supplies are essential for quality of life for a disabled person. In Georgia, there are many companies that provide medical equipment and supplies such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines, hospital beds, and Hoyer lifts, among other things.
In addition to for-profit companies, there are also non-profit organizations that provide medical equipment and supplies at little to no cost to individuals who are unable to afford them. These organizations accept donations of new or gently used medical equipment and distribute them to those in need.
An example of non-profit organizations that provide medical equipment and supplies in Georgia include Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC). FODAC provides refurbished medical equipment and assistive technology to people with disabilities and their families at little to no cost. They accept donations of gently used medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, and hospital beds, as well as monetary donations to support their mission. FODAC serves the entire state of Georgia and has a large inventory of medical equipment available for individuals to choose from.
St. Mary’sAuxiliary Thrift Store in Athens also offers free or discounted durable medical equipment.
Also check out Georgia Tech’s Tools for Life Assistive Technology Program to find services, demonstrations, guides, and links to funding all designed to help persons with disabilities live, learn, work, and play with freedom and independence.
Hospitals, Clinics & Providers
Hospitals
Georgia has a diverse healthcare landscape with several renowned hospitals and medical centers throughout the state. In Atlanta, Emory University Hospital, Emory University Hospital Midtown, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston, Grady Memorial Hospital, and Shepherd Center are some of the largest and most well-known hospitals. Emory University Hospital is nationally recognized for its cardiology and transplant programs, while Shepherd Center is a world-renowned rehabilitation hospital specializing in spinal cord and brain injuries.
Augusta is home to the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, which houses several hospitals and the Augusta University Medical Center, which is known for its cancer and neurology programs. Also in Augusta is The Joseph M. Still Burn Center at Doctors Hospital which is the largest burn center in the country. In Albany, Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital is the largest hospital and serves as a regional medical center. In Athens, St. Mary’s Health Care System and Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center are the two largest hospitals, with Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center specializing in cardiology and oncology. In Valdosta, South Georgia Medical Center is the largest hospital, providing a range of medical services to the local community.
Clinics
Georgia has many Clinics and Rehab Centers throughout the state that provide essential medical services to individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses. These facilities offer a variety of services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, mental health services, and more.
In addition, the Atlanta VA Medical Center provides comprehensive medical services to veterans throughout Georgia, including outpatient rehabilitation programs for physical and mental health conditions. The center offers services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and prosthetics and orthotics.
Other clinics and rehab centers in Georgia include the Rehabilitation Institute of Atlanta, which provides physical and occupational therapy services for children and
adults with disabilities, and the Georgia Speech and Hearing Clinic, which offers speech and hearing evaluations and therapy services.
Providers
Doctors and therapists are available over a wide range of specialties, have years of training, and are certified to provide you with the best possible care. Therapists may work in a clinic or hospital setting while some may make home visits. Check with your insurance provider to see if therapy will be covered and how many treatments you will receive. You may need to ask for a referral to see a specialist that you want to see and you may choose to ask your doctor for a referral to find a therapist.
Entertainment & Adventure
Georgia offers fantastic entertainment and adventure options for visitors and residents alike. From scenic lakes and parks to historic landmarks and cultural festivals, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Georgia also has a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, camping in state parks, and visiting the coastline. The state’s parks offer a variety of options for outdoor enthusiasts, from trails and campsites to fishing and boating. Ten of Georgia’s State Parks have All-Terrain Georgia Action Track Chairs that can be reserved and provide a stable ride over rough terrain for wheelchair users. Many of the parks are accessible including, but not limited to Cloudland Canyon, Amicalola Falls, and Vogel. Providence Canyon has an overlook that is accessible, but the hike into and out of the canyon is not wheelchair accessible. For more information go to Georgia State Parks.
Some of the most popular lakes in Georgia include Lake Lanier, Lake Allatoona, and Lake Oconee, which offer recreational activities such as fishing, boating, swimming, and camping. Georgia also has several parks that are perfect for camping, hiking, and RVing, including the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, the Stone Mountain Park, and the Jekyll Island State Park along the coast.
In addition to natural beauty, Georgia has several landmarks that offer visitors a glimpse into the state’s rich history, including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site, and the Ocmulgee National Monument. which is a prehistoric American Indian Site dating to around 900 BC, and the National Civil War Naval Museum in Columbus. The city of Savannah is also a must-visit destination. The city is home to several well-preserved forts that played important roles in the region’s military history. Visitors can explore Fort McAllister, which defended the Ogeechee River during the Civil War, and Fort Pulaski, which was used by Union soldiers during the same conflict. Fort Jackson, which was used during the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, is also located near Savannah. These forts offer a unique glimpse into the state’s rich military history and are a great destination for families and history enthusiasts alike.
Georgia’s entertainment and adventure offerings go beyond its natural beauty and historical landmarks. The state is also home to several talented country music artists who are making waves in the industry. Some of the current country music artists from Georgia include Luke Bryan from Leesburg, Lauren Alaina from Rossville, Thomas Rhett from Valdosta, Cole Swindell from Glennville, and Drew Parker from Covington. These artists have made a significant impact on the country music scene with their chart-topping hits and high-energy performances. Georgia’s rich music scene goes beyond just country music, with Atlanta being a hub for various genres. The city has produced several famous musicians, including Ray Charles, Outkast, and Ludacris.
For more places to see and things to do, take a look at our Georgia Entertainment & Adventure page!
Veterans
Georgia has several VA hospitals and regional offices throughout the state, including the Atlanta VA Medical Center, the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center in Dublin, and the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta. These hospitals offer a range of services for veterans, including primary care, mental health care, and specialty services.
In addition to VA hospitals, Georgia offers several state benefits for veterans, such as property tax exemptions and education and training opportunities. Veterans may also be eligible for federal benefits, such as disability compensation and pension, vocational rehabilitation and employment services, and home loan guarantee programs.
To learn more about benefits and resources available for veterans in Georgia, you can visit the Georgia Department of Veterans Service website or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.
You can also contact your local VA hospital or regional office for more information.
Resources & Information
For those seeking more information and resources regarding mobility and independence in Georgia, there are several options available. The Georgia Department of Human Services and the Georgia Department of Community Health are great places to start when looking for assistance with healthcare and medical equipment needs. Additionally, the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency offers services to individuals with disabilities to help them achieve employment and independence. Our Georgia Resources page includes links to more groups, foundations, government entities, and charitable organizations who can help with housing, food, transportation, medical resources, assistance with utility bills, and more.
We strive to keep our site updated with the latest information, but if you have any suggestions for updates or additions, please contact us at info@mobilityindependence.com.