Special Connections - Georgia

07/31/2026

Our commitment to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities remains strong.

In 2025, we made important strides in crisis care and community-based services by:
✅Opening of the Crisis Services Diagnostic Center (CSDC) in Macon, which is already helping reduce unnecessary hospital stays and emergency department boarding. The CSDC has been able to stabilize 12 patients within only six months of operating.
✅ Developing two more Crisis Residential Alternatives (CRA) transitional settings in Macon, and Community Service Boards are replicating CRA services in all six regions.
✅Preparing for a complete overhaul of the NOW/COMP waiver assessment tool and planning list, which will enable the Department to better respond to the urgent needs of individuals on the planning list and better forecast future funding needs.
✅Developing a new waiver that will better meet the needs of individuals and families as a part of the IDD Workgroup's recommendations

We can't wait to continue to build on these achievements in 2026!

07/31/2026

Some quick Atlanta Buddy Walk 2026 math!

💙 34 teams
📆68 days to go!
⏳12 hours left for early 🐥 discount of $10 off your registration.

Woohoo, let's do this! 🔗 in comments!

07/31/2026

When people with and without Down syndrome turn 18 and become legal adults, many want some level of support when making major life choices. That support might come in a variety of forms such as advice from family or close friends or online research of reputable sources.

There are processes that formally define what type of support a person wants or needs. Guardianship is one option but not the only option. The resource linked below shares information about alternatives to guardianship including supported decision-making, power of attorney, and personal representative. Options vary by state. We suggest reaching out to your local Down syndrome organization or local branch of The Arc to learn more about options in your state.

🔗 https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/alternatives-to-guardianship/

07/29/2026

07/29/2026

07/22/2026

Zachary is learning how to bus tables.

07/22/2026

Zachary is now attending The Halo Group Day Program here in Perry Ga and seems to really like it . He has participated working in their Garden, picking vegetables, going to the store to help pick up fertilizer. Today he is at the Fairgrounds working in the restaurant.

05/05/2026