Additional Resources
Information & services for the disability community are widely available beyond Walton Options. Through our services and projects, we have found a variety of disability resources available that are as diverse as our community is.
Are you looking for a support group for a specific disability? Do you want more information on additional resource organizations? Check out our list of additional resources to find more assistance. If you are a part of a group that supports or works with those in the disabled community and would like to have your group listed, please Contact Us with all your information so we can add it to our resources.
National & Regional
ADA National Network
http://adata.org/
Birth Injury Justice Center
855-865-8712
https://www.childbirthinjuries.com/birth-injury/
The Birth Injury Justice Center was founded in 2003 by a team of legal professionals to educate and empower victims and families affected by birth injuries. Their team is devoted to providing you with the best resources and legal information for all types of birth injuries.
Braille Services Braille Works International, Inc.
813 654-4050.
www.brailleworks.com
Provides Braille, large print materials, audiocassettes, and diskettes.
ILRU Directory of Centers for Independent Living and Associations
http://www.ilru.org/projects/cil-net/cil-center-and-association-directory
National Council on Independent Living (NCIL)
http://www.ncil.org/
Meals on Wheels America
http://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/
Meals on Wheels America is the oldest and largest national organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based senior nutrition programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. This network exists in virtually every community in America and, along with more than two million volunteers, delivers nutritious meals, friendly visits, and safety checks that enable America’s seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity. By providing funding, leadership, research, education, and advocacy support, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. 
We are proud to be 2024 Meals on Wheels America Members, our collaboration on projects assists seniors with disabilities and those transitioning from nursing homes to acquire assistance in nutrition and home modifications.
NFB Newsline
www.nfbga.org
A service of the National Federation of the Blind of Georgia, with NFB Newsline blind and print-disabled Georgians, can access over 250 newspapers and magazines by phone. With a wide variety of publications providing timely information concerning our communities, cities, nation, and the world, blind and print-disabled citizens can stay connected to the social and political life of Georgia and the world, and continue to be informed, participating, contributing members of society.
Southeast ADA Network
http://www.adasoutheast.org/
Georgia
Augusta Housing Authority (Richmond County)
P.O. Box 3246
Augusta, GA 30914
Phone: 706-724-5466
www.augustapha.org
City of Augusta – Compliance Office
535 Telfair St.
Suite 710
Augusta, GA 30901
Phone: (706) 826-4789
Fax: (706) 823-4395
http://www.augustaga.gov/2293/Compliance
Augusta, Georgia wants all of our citizens to participate in the programs, services, and activities offered by the government. Therefore, it is our policy to create an inclusive organizational environment as outlined in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). As a government entity, we are committed to empowering persons with disabilities to participate in the social and economic life of the community by eliminating physical and attitudinal barriers. If you have any concerns about the city or it’s programs, the Compliance office is the best place to express your accessibility concerns.
CSRA Area Agency on Aging
https://csrarc.ga.gov/area-agency-aging
GACHI
http://www.gcdhh.org
Georgia Libraries for Accessible Statewide Services (GLASS)
http://georgialibraries.org/glass/
A unit of the Library of Congress, GLASS administers a free library program of braille and recorded materials that are circulated to eligible borrowers by postage-free mail. For a Library of Congress Talking Book application you can call 1-800-248-6701 or visit them at One Margaret Mitchell Square, 4th Floor in Atlanta. You can also contact them at glass@georgialibraries.org
Georgia Radio Reading Service
www.garrs.net
Georgia Radio Reading Service (GaRRS) is another way for Georgians with visual impairment or other print disabilities to access information. GaRRS is a non-profit closed-circuit radio station whose 200 volunteer readers broadcast 150 different radio shows each month including cover-to-cover readings of magazines, newspapers, and books, population-specific programming (Seniors, Veterans, and Hispanic/Latino News), public service announcements, and information regarding community-support programs and activities.
Georgia Rental Assistance Program
georgiarentalassistance.ga.gov
(833) 827-7368
The Georgia Rental Assistance Program is a federally funded program that provides relief to individuals, families, and landlords whose finances have been negatively impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds will be used to bring past due utilities and rent current for households with rental arrears.
Click here for more information on the Georgia Rental Assistance Program
Georgia STABLE Accounts
http://www.georgiastable.com/
1-800-439-1653
The Georgia STABLE Accounts Program is administered by the Georgia Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Program Corporation, established through legislation signed in 2016. The Georgia ABLE Act is modeled after the federal ABLE Act of 2014. A STABLE account has many features of a regular bank account and acts as an investment account, similar to a 529 college savings account or a 401(k) retirement account but is designed for persons with disabilities. Georgia STABLE significantly expands opportunities for persons with disabilities to live independently by allowing certain individuals to save and invest money without losing eligibility for other public benefits programs such as Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance. Contributions and earnings in STABLE accounts are not subject to federal or state income tax if spent on qualifying expenses, such as education, health care, housing and transportation. Contributions to STABLE accounts are made with after-tax dollars. Questions about eligibility? The Georgia STABLE Accounts website offers a quick Eligibility Quiz at https://www.georgiastable.com/eligibility/.
Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency
https://gvra.georgia.gov/
Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia (GA SILC)
http://www.silcga.org/
Tools for Life (TFL)
https://gatfl.gatech.edu/index.php
South Carolina
Aiken County Help Line 2-1-1
http://aikenhelpline211.org/site/index.php
211 (phone) or 1-866-892-11
The Aiken County Help Line works to empower and connect all citizens to appropriate resources based on needs. The helpline is open 24/7 to provide supportive information and referrals or interventions. Simply dial 2-1-1. All calls are free and confidential. Examples of needs include: Need for Food, Shelter/Housing, Clothing, Transportation, Child Care, Utility Payment Assistance, County Services, and Information; Health Care; Employment; Local Summer Camp Listings for children; Day Care; Elderly or Disability Services; Crisis Intervention for Domestic, Child or Elder Abuse; Alcohol & Drug Addiction; Suicide Prevention; Supportive Listening and Community-Wide Information During Times of Disaster. They also have an online database, SC 2-1-1, that is searchable for resource finding in your local community.
CSRA Dream Catchers
http://csradreamcatchers.weebly.com/
NAMI Connections Support Group
803-508-7871 – Cindy Smith, Certified Peer Support Specialist & NAMI Connections Facilitator
NAMI Connections is a FREE recovery support group for adults (18+) diagnosed with mental illness. NAMI Connections provides respect, understanding, encouragement, and hope. Participants have the opportunity to share the challenges of coping with mental illness as well as the successes associated with recovery. Information shared is confidential.
Where: ABMHC, 1135 Gregg Hwy, Aiken, SC 29801, 803-641-7700
When: 3rd Tuesday of each month, 6:00 – 7:00 PM
NAMI Family Support Group
803-508-7871 – Cindy Smith, Certified Peer Support Specialist & NAMI Family Support Facilitator
NAMI Family Support Group is a peer-led support group for family members, caregivers, and loved ones of individuals with mental illness. Gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar circumstances. NAMI’s Support Groups are unique because they follow a structured model, ensure everyone has an opportunity to be heard and to get what they need. This support group is FREE to participants, designed for adult loved ones (18+) of individuals living with mental illness that meets monthly and is confidential.
Where: Aiken Barnwell MHC, 1135 Gregg Hwy, Aiken, SC 29801, 803-641-7700
Senior Mobility
https://seniorsmobility.org/
This page is a complete resource for free assistive devices (wheelchairs, scooters, and more) and independent living resources in the state of South Carolina.
The South Carolina Commission for the Blind
http://www.sccb.state.sc.us/
Cataracts are among the leading causes of vision loss worldwide; they are usually treatable. Has an ophthalmologist diagnosed you or a loved one with cataracts? Do you need cataract surgery but can’t afford the cost? If you’re a SC resident and U.S. citizen not covered by Medicare, Medicaid or other insurance; and have cataracts in both eyes, we at the SC Commission for the Blind may be able to help. Give us a call at 888.335.5951 or find us online
South Carolina STABLE Accounts
https://palmettoable.com/
1-800-439-1653
The South Carolina STABLE Accounts Program is administered by the State Treasurer’s Office. A STABLE account has many features of a regular bank account and acts as an investment account, similar to a 529 college savings account or a 401(k) retirement account but is designed for persons with disabilities. South Carolina STABLE significantly expands opportunities for persons with disabilities to live independently by allowing certain individuals to save and invest money without losing eligibility for other public benefits programs such as Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance. Contributions and earnings in STABLE accounts are not subject to federal or state income tax if spent on qualifying expenses, such as education, health care, housing and transportation. Contributions to STABLE accounts are made with after-tax dollars. For more details about eligibility, visit https://palmettoable.com/faqs.
South Carolina Statewide Independent Living Council (SC SILC)
http://scsilc.com/
South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation
https://scvrd.net/
Visitable Homes: A Quick Info guide
By making just a few simple, inexpensive design adjustments, more homes can be welcoming to people with disabilities or their families. This Infoguide offers guidance on making your home visitable.
http://scsilc.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Visitable-Homes.pdf
General Resources
MoneyGeek – Resources and Funding Strategies for Making Homes Accessible
https://www.moneygeek.com/mortgage/resources/home-modification-for-disability/
This article offers a variety of different options when looking at making a home more accessible. It also has links to different resources for guidance and assistance.
Resource Guide for Parents of Students with Disabilities
https://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/resources/parents-students-disabilities/
This article highlights various points for Parents of students with disabilities might want to consider as they look at their children’s educational future.
Senior P.R.E.P (Planning Resources for Emergency Preparedness): Emergency Shelters
SENIOR P.R.E.P. is a program designed to raise awareness of the importance of individual emergency preparedness for South Carolina’s senior population. It is sponsored by the Lieutenant Governor’s Office on Aging (LGOA), in partnership with Walgreens and the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD). https://aging.sc.gov/programs-initiatives/senior-prep
If you are interested in specific resources, please contact Walton Options on 706-724-6262 to speak with an Information and Referral Specialist. Or complete the Self-Referral Form online by clicking here.