You are not alone!

Information & Resource Our Information & Resource program gives survivors and their families the opportunity to discuss their specific needs and situation with someone who is familiar with the challenges they face.  The I&R support and promote advocacy by responding to their challenges and representing their concerns through legislative efforts and active support of programs created for your needs. We encourage individuals with brain injuries, their loved ones and the professionals to call our toll free Brain Injury Information Center (BIIC) Help Line 1-800-444-6433 to get answers to questions, provide information or to receive a packet about brain injury Jane Jackson, BIAG’s Information & Resource Facilitator, will respond to your specific needs by: Providing you materials on Traumatic Brain Injury; Referring you to others who can help; Supplying related information via email or mail; Put you in contact with support groups in your area; Connect you with BIAG’s Peer Visitor Program; Provide you with information about upcoming events, programs and happenings; and Provide information about services, membership, and other programs, which fit your specific needs. For more information, please contact Jane Jackson, Information & Resource Facilitator, at the BIIC HelpLine 1-800-444-6443 or (404) 712-5504 (leave a detailed message if you get voice mail). You can also contact Jane via e-mail: info@braininjurygeorgia.org

NOTE: The Brain Injury Association of Georgia and the Brain Injury Peer Visitor Program does not endorse any of the following resources. This list is provided for your use and assistance. There are other valuable resources that we may have missed. Please also do research on your own, according to your exact needs, situation, and location.   Index: Georgia Resources Special Media Event: View a video interview. Hear an animated, funny, yet informative 10 minute TV Show on brain injury (you tube)   Brain Injury and Disability Employment Financial Assistance Driving Education and Re-certification Medical Equipment Home Modifications Other Valuable Resources and Links Key Local and National Links Brain Injury Links Legal Links Medical Links Prevention Resources State Government Resources Support Group Links BRAIN INJURY AND DISABILITY • Brain Injury Association of Georgia 1441 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322 Phone: 404-712-5504/800-444-6443 Fax: 404-712-0463 www.braininjurygeorgia.org  Provides comprehensive services for persons and family members, with brain injuries. Web site, information and referral services, statewide support group listings, helpline referral and support services. • Georgia Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission 2 Peachtree Street, NW, Suite 26-426, Atlanta, GA 30303; 404-651-5112; www.bsitf.state.ga.us Provides funding for persons with Traumatic Brain Injury (brain injury due to external trauma only, illness not eligible) and spinal cord injury. Funding available for treatment, equipment, modifications, services not covered by insurance. Funding is a last resort option. Contact immediately, application processing may take several months. • Georgia Department of Labor, Rehabilitation Services 148 Andrew Young Intl. Blvd. NE, Suite 510, Atlanta, GA 30303-1751 404-232-3910/TTY 404-232-3911 www.vocrehabga.org Provides assistance for employment, vocational counseling, training, funding and services to assist persons with disabilities to return to work. • Brain Injury Association (BIA) National Office 8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 611, McLean, VA, 22102, (703) 761-0750 Family Helpline: 800-444-6443 www.biausa.org The mission of the national Brain Injury Association is to create a better future through brain injury prevention, research, education and advocacy. • National Association of State Head Injury Administrators 4330 East West Highway, Suite 301, Bethesda, MD 20814 (301) 656-3500; FAX (301) 656-3530 www.nashia.org NASHIA assists the state government in promoting partnerships and building systems to meet the needs of individuals with brain injury and their families. • Georgia Department Of Human Resources 2 Peachtree Street, NW, Suite 29-250, Atlanta, GA; 404-651-6314 www.dhr.georgia.gov State of Georgia agency responsible for Community Mental Health, Department Of Family And Children’s Services, TBI Waiver Program and Food Stamps • Social Security Administration Call the toll free number for your local office. 800-772-1213 www.socialsecurity.gov Federal agency that provides financial services for social security retirement, disability and supplemental security income (SSI). CALL THEM IMMEDIATELY AND INQUIRE ABOUT DISABILTITY, MEDICARE, MEDICAID, AND SSI FUNDING. Often this is a lengthy process. Assistance from a lawyer (specializing in Social Security may be necessary). • Atlanta Legal Aid www.atlantalegalaid.org Provides free or low cost legal assistance for persons unable to afford an attorney. Many limitations apply. Your Local Legal Aid Offices: Atlanta: 151 Springs Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303 404-524-5811 Cobb: 30 South Park Square, Marietta, GA 30090 770-528-2565 Dekalb: 246 Sycamore St., Decatur, GA 30030 404-377-0701 Senior Citizens Hotline: 404-657-9915 Toll free 1/888-257-9519 South Fulton: 1514 E. Cleveland Avenue, Suite 100, East Point, GA 30344 404-669-0233 Gwinnett: 180 Camden Hill Rd. Suite A, Lawrenceville, GA 30045 678-376-4545 • Georgia Advocacy Office 150 East Ponce De Leon Ave, Decatur, GA; 404-373-0018 800-537-2329 www.thegao.org Advocates and attorneys working with and for oppressed and vulnerable individuals in Georgia, who are labeled as disabled or mentally ill to secure their protection and advocacy. • Georgia Department of Community Health www.dch.georgia.gov ; Peach Care 1-877-GA-PEACH, www.peachcare.org The Georgia Department of Community Health provides healthcare benefits, develops health policies and administers healthcare programs for Georgia citizens; and Peach Care provides affordable healthcare for children under 19. • The Commonwealth Foundation www.cmwf.org 212-606-3800 The Commonwealth Fund is a private foundation that promotes high performing healthcare systems for the young, old, minorities, and uninsured citizens of America. • Disability Link 755 Commerce Dr. Suite 45, Decatur, GA 30030; 404-687-8890 greenpogue@aol.com Disability rights, advocacy training and support services. Focus is self-determination in employment and community living. • Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Agency (MARTA) 2424 Piedmont Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30324-3311; 404-848-4711 www.itsmarta.com MARTA provides transportation services for the disabled through the Para transit program. Must be able to ride a handicapped accessible van, charge is $ 3.50 one way, must apply in advance. If you can ride the public train or bus then call 404-848-5112 for half cards for the disabled (currently $.85). Trains are 100% handicapped accessible • National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Mailstop K65, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Atlanta, GA 30341-3724; 1-800-232-4636 www.cdc.gov/ncipc cdcinfo@cdc.gov CDC website provides good information on traumatic brain injury. Assists the US government, protects the health and safety of all Americans and provides human services, especially for people who are least able to help themselves. • Brain Trauma Foundation 523 East 72nd St, New York, NY 10020 (212)-772-0608 Fax: 212-772-0357 www.braintrauma.org Nonprofit organization supporting persons with traumatic brain injury, educates healthcare professionals and medical organizations on brain damage and injury. • Friends of Disabled Adults and Children 4900 Lewis Road, Stone Mountain, GA 30083; 770-491-9014 www.fodac.org Provides durable medical equipment (donated) for the disabled, vehicle modification and building home ramps. • Handicapped Driver Services 1310 Kennestone Circle, Marietta, GA 30066; 770-422-9674 www.hdsvans.com Sells durable medical equipment (new), vehicle modifications, rental and sales of vans for the disabled. Return to Index EMPLOYMENT • Shepherd Center’s Benefits Navigator (Social Security Disability Planning) 2020 Peachtree Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30309 Sally Atwell 404-350-7589 sally_atwell@shepherd.org Curtis Rodgers 404-350-7598 curtis_Rodgers@shepherd.org Toll Free 1-866-772-2726 Provides information to assist people between the ages of 14 and 65 who are eligible for Social Security benefits based on a disability. They provide information to help the disabled in making informed decisions when they work and have Social Security benefits at the same time. (They cannot help anyone apply for Social Security nor help with appeals.) • Protection & Advocacy for Beneficiaries Social Security (PABSS) Service Areas – all Georgia Counties 404-885-1234 Toll Free 800-537-2329 Assists individuals with disabilities who receive Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income benefits in obtaining information and advice about receiving vocational rehabilitation and employment services. • Georgia Association of Training, Employment and Supports (GATES) Tripp Cook, Director 44 Broad St., NW, Suite 503 Atlanta, GA 30303 404-523-6674; Fax 404-521-1714 www.georgiagates.org  tcook@georgiagates.org • Georgia Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities Lee Miller, Pres./CEO PO Box 1090 Fortson, GA 31808 706-324-2150; Fax 706-324-4549 • Disability Link (for Employment) Jessica Long, Employment Specialist 755 Commerce Drive #415 Decatur, GA 30030 400-687-8298 (Ask for Jessica) Provides a training workshop on “Getting A Job and Being Disabled”. The participants learn such things as: how to determine what types of jobs they can do; how to write resumes; how to interview for a job; learn about having a disability and working; learn their disability rights as an employee, etc. • Briggs & Associates 2300 Holcomb Bridge Rd. Suite 103 PMB 366 Roswell, GA 30076 770-993-4559 Fax 770-552-7051 www.briggsassociates.org Assists disabled individuals obtain appropriate employment. Provide “job coaches” to assist each individual. Note: This association charges for their assistance. • Side by Side Clubhouse 755 Commerce Drive, Suite B Decatur, Georgia 30030 404-378-1139 www.sidebysideclubhouse.org Provides people with a brain injury disability a place to: belong and participate; develop meaningful relationships; find rewarding work; return for ongoing support. Return to Index FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE • Brain & Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission 2 Peachtree St., NW, Suite 26-426, Atlanta, GA 30303 888-233-5760 www.bsitf.state.ga.us Provides funding for services and items that will improve the quality of life, increase independence, and allow inclusion in the community for individuals with traumatic brain (must be TRAUMATIC, not tumors, brain bleeds, etc.) and spinal cord injuries. (Priority given to those in at-risk situations). • Georgia Partnership for Caring PO Box 450987, Atlanta, GA 31145-0987 678-578-2920 800-982-7468 www.gacares.org • Credit-Able/Getting Ahead Association Georgia Department of Labor/VR Tools for Life Program 1700 Century Circle, B-4, Atlanta, GA 30345 800-497-8665 Provides guaranteed loans for assistive technology, home and vehicle modifications to Georgians with disabilities, their families, caregivers, and/or employers. • Medicaid 800-282-4536 Call to find your local office www.dch.state.ga.us Provides medical assistance (hospitals, doctors, and pharmacists) to people who can’t afford to pay for some or all of their medical bills. • Medicare 800-669-8387 (Call to find your local office) www.medicare.org Provides health insurance (hospital and doctor’s services) to people ages 65 years and older, and some disabled people under 65 years of age (eligibility begins 2 years after date of injury). • Social Security Administration 800-772-1213 (Call to find the office in your area) www.ssa.gov Provides cash benefits to people who have worked and have become disabled. This entitlement program ensures that citizens with disabilities receive benefits from this program. Return to Index DRIVING EDUCATION & RECERTIFICATION • Warm Springs 706-655-5256 www.rooseveltrehab.org They have a driver’s education program for the disabled. • Shepherd Center 2020 Peachtree Road, NW Atlanta, GA 30309 404-352-2020 www.shepherd.org  (Click on PATIENT CARE/ then click on ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY/ then read about Adaptive Driving School, Dependent Passenger Evaluations, Van driving evaluations, Car driving evaluations, etc. • Emory Rehab 1441 Clifton Road, NE Atlanta, GA 30322 404-712-7593 www.esch.org Has a driving program geared toward the brain injured person, and involves verbal instructions, paper testing, as well as on the road (expressway and residential) experience. • Freedom and Mobility Phone: 770-514-9957 Fax: 770-874-1703 www.freedomandmobility.com  email: info@freedomandmobility.com Provides driving evaluations (car, van, equipment needed, passenger) and driving training. The evaluation and the training services are geared to the needs of the individual. They have a fleet of vehicles with a wide range of adaptations to accommodate most any physical disability. • Nathan’s Driving School, Inc. 5105 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suite 105, Chamblee,GA 30341 Phone:770-454-9100 Fax: 770-234-9596 Email: questions@nathansdrivingschool.net Nathan’s does driving evaluations only for the disabled. The evaluator will pick you up at your home or wherever you wish. He/she uses their vehicle with dual controls. This evaluation takes about 1 hour and they will send a written report to your doctor at your request. Return to Index MEDICAL EQUIPMENT Note: Look under Medical Equipment in your telephone directory. There are many Medical Supply stores. Ask your local pharmacist. • Friends of Disabled Adults and Children, Inc. (FODAC) 4900 Lewis Road, Stone Mountain, GA 30083 Phone: 770-491-9014 www.fodac.org Mike Maijala: mmaijala@fodac.org A non-profit organization that exists to provide medical equipment to disabled people in the metro Atlanta area who could not otherwise afford it (they cannot ship items). • Northern Tool and Equipment Co. Look in your telephone directory for your nearest location. One source for a PORTABLE RAMP. • Home Depot Look in your telephone directory for your nearest location. One source for a SHOWER CHAIR. One source for rails and other adaptive hardware. Return to Index HOME MODIFICATIONS • National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification 213-740-1364 www.homemods.org Includes an information-rich “Frequently Asked Questions” page and a state-by-state resource directory. • Center for Universal Design 800-647-6777 www.ncsu.edu/www/ncsu/design/sod5/cud The nation’s leading authority on accessible design offers useful publications for download. • Georgia Tech’s Center for Assistive Technology and Environmental Access 800-726-9119 www.catea.org Well-organized site featuring news, user-generated content and handy “quick reference guides” on pertinent topics. • Infinitec 708-444-8460 www.infinitec.org/live/homemodifications/basics.htm The home modification section of this user-friendly site features helpful product references. • Shepherd Center’s Learning Website www.myvitalconnections.org More resources and advice on how to get started with your own home modifications can be found on Shepherd Center’s Learning Connections website Return to Index OTHER BRAIN INJURY RESOURCES ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB   Key Local and National Links:   Brain Injury Association of America www.biausa.org Georgia’s Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission www.bsitf.state.ga.us Brain Injury Resource Foundation www.birf.info Georgia Advocacy Office www.thegao.org Centers for Disease Control www.cdc.gov Defense & Veterans’ Brain Injury Center www.dvbic.org Social Security Administration www.ssa.gov National Association of State Head Injury Administrators www.nashia.org   Return to Index   BRAIN INJURY LINKS   American Academy of Neurology http://www.aan.com Review of neurological conditions and neurology related links.   American Association of Neuroscience Nurses http://www.aann.org Organizational information and links to other neurological sites.   Brain Injury Association of America http://www.biausa.org/ Provides education, advocacy and support for those affected by brain injury.   Brain & Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission http://www.ciclt.net/bsitf/ The Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission enhances the lives of Georgians with traumatic brain and sponal cord injuries by administering the central registry, distributing resources through the trust fund, and advocating for improvements in statewide services.   Brain Injury Research Foundation http://www.birf.info/ Where people affected by brain injury find answers to questions, resources, and a caring community.   Centers for Disease Control (CDC) http://www.cdc.gov   Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center http://www.dvbic.org/ The mission of the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) is to serve active duty military, their dependents and veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) through state-of-the-art medical care, innovative clinical research initiatives and educational programs.   Cerebral Palsy Directory http://www.ecerebralpalsy.com  Compendium of Cerebral Palsy related resources.   Georgia Advocacy Office http://www.thegao.org/  The Georgia Advocacy Office (GAO) works to secure protection and advocacy for individuals with labels of disability or mental illness, especially with regard to protecting people from abuse, neglect and discrimination.   Global Brain Stem '97 http://www.anatomy.wisc.edu/bs/text/bs/bs.htm University of Wisconsin Medical School's online textbook.   Hydrocephalus Association http://www.hydroassoc.org/ Organizational information and newsletter articles.   Institute of Neurotoxicology and Neurological Disorders http://www.innd.org Consumer health resources for neurological disorders.   Journal of Neuroscience Online http://www.neuroscience.org Searchable database with full text on abstracts.   Malignant Brain Tumors and Neuro-oncology Resources http://neurosurgery.mgh.harvard.edu/nonc-hp.htm Massachusetts General Hospital Harvard Medical School site with information and links to other neurological resource sites.   Medical Matrix - Neurology http://www.medmatrix.org/ Neurological news, articles, abstracts, diseases, patient education and more.   Ntl. Assoc. of State Head Injury Administrators http://www.nashia.org/ Assisting state government in promoting partnerships and building systems to meet the needs of individuals with brain injury and their families.   The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke http://www.ninds.nih.gov A searchable site with information on selected neurological disorders.   Neurosciences on the Internet http://www.neuroguide.com/ Searchable database and links to resources.   Neuro Trauma Law Nexus http://www.neurolaw.com/ Resource for understanding the legal system's involvement in brain and spinal cord injury cases.   The North American Brain Injury Society http://www.nabis.org/ NABIS is a society comprised of professional members involved in the care or issues surrounding brain injury. The principal mission of the organization is moving brain injury science into practice. Whether it is in the area of clinical care, research, policy or litigation, the organization stands behind the premise that advances in science and practices based on application of the scientific evidence will ultimately provide the best outcomes for those with brain injuries and the community as a whole.   Society for Neuroscience http://www.sfn.org/ Publications of the Neuroscience Society.   The Virtual Hospital: The Human Brain http://vh.radiology.uiowa.edu/Providers/Textbooks/BrainAnatomy/7BrainAnatomy.html Online textbook with images of dissections of the real brain.   Whole Brain Atlas http://www.med.harvard.edu/AANLIB/home.html Searchable site with images of various medical conditions and a neuro-imaging primer.   Return to Index   LEGAL LINKS   American Law Sources Online http://www.lawsource.com/also/   Cornell Law School's Legal Information Institute http://www.law.cornell.edu/   Emory Law Library Electronic Reference Desk http://www.law.emory.edu/LAW/refdesk/toc.html   FindLaw http://www.findlaw.com/   LawGuru.com Legal Research Tool http://www.lawguru.com/search/lawsearch.html   The 'Lectric Law Library Reference Room http://www.lectlaw.com/ref.html   The Georgia Constitution http://www.law.emory.edu/GEORGIA/gaconst.html   The United States Constitution http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/constitution.overview.html   Return to Index   MEDICAL LINKS   Child Neurology Associates, P.C. http://www.childneuro.org/   Children's Healthcare of Atlanta http://www.choa.org/   Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine http://prospero.bme-mri.jhu.edu/   MedWeb @ Emory University http://www.medweb.emory.edu/MedWeb/   MedWebplus http://www.medwebplus.com/   Medscape http://www.medscape.com/   Rehabilitation at Emory http://www.emoryhealthcare.org/departments/rehab/   The Shepherd Center http://www.shepherd.org/   The National Library of Medicine http://www.nnlm.nlm.nih.gov/nnlm/online/   Return to Index   PREVENTION   Help Keep Kids Safe http://www.HelpKeepKidsSafe.org/ A great site, sponsored by Montlick & Associates, P.C.   Return to Index   STATE GOVERNMENT RESOURCES   http://www.gov.state.ga.us The virtual home of Georgia's Governor's Office   http://www.legis.state.ga.us The Georgia General Assembly   http://www.dhr.georgia.gov The Georgia Department of Human Resources   http://www.dch.georgia.gov The Georgia Department of Community Health   Return to Index   SUPPORT GROUP LINKS   Georgia Brain Injury Support Groups Click Here   Brain Injury Association, Inc. http://www.biausa.org   Mothers Against Drunk Driving http://www.madd.org   Muscular Dystrophy http://www.mdausa.org   National Spinal Cord Injury Association http://www.spinalcord.org   National Victims Center http://www.nvc.org   Return to Index   home | about | contact | news | calendar | education  corporate sponsors | resources | professional directory | advocacy trust fund | peer visitors | make a donation | camp | support newsletter | our valued donors | membership Brain Injury Association of Georgia (BIAG) National Brain Injury Information Center (NBIIC) HelpLine 1-800-444-6443 1441 Clifton Road Atlanta, GA 30322 404-712-5504 Fax: 404-712-0463 Email: info@braininjurygeorgia.org