Protection and Advocacy for Individual Rights

The goal of the Protection and Advocacy for Individual Rights (PAIR) program is to operate a system for the protection and advocacy of the legal and human rights of persons with disabilities residing in Georgia who are not eligible for the protection and advocacy services available through the Protection & Advocacy of Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PADD) or the Protection Advocacy of Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) programs or through the Client Assistance Program (CAP) which advocates with respect to problems with the Division of Rehabilitation Services.

We would like to hear your opinion on how we are doing this work.

Click here if you would like to fill out a satisfaction survey about a particular situation that you have spoken to us about.

Click here is you would like to know about our client grievance procedure.

Below is a description of our planned emphasis for 2007 - 2008. Please email (to info@thegao.org) or mail (to 150 East Ponce de Leon Avenue, Suite 430, Decatur, GA 30030) your comments, suggestions, or questions. We welcome your comments on our work throughout the year.

Priority 1. Protect individuals with disabilities in Georgia from abuse and neglect.

Objective 1. Investigate suspicious or unexplained deaths of persons with disabilities.

Objective 2. Investigate and address allegations of abuse or neglect on behalf of persons with disabilities.. 

Objective 3. Advocate for appropriate home and community-based supports and services for persons with disabilities in institutions.

Objective 4. Advocate for appropriate home and community-based supports and services for persons with disabilities at risk of institutionalization.

Priority 2. Protect individuals with disabilities in Georgia from discrimination and legal rights violations..

Objective 1. Intervene to protect persons with disabilities subject to fiduciary relationships, including guardianship and power of attorney.

Objective 2. Advocate for persons with disabilities subject to discrimination by local and state governments.  

Objective 3. Advocate for persons with disabilities subject to discrimination by the private sector in healthcare, housing, transportation, and employment.

Priority 3. Promote the integration and self-determination of persons with disabilities in the community.

Objective 1. Support persons with disabilities and families to apply for home and community-based supports and other government services.

Objective 2. Empower persons with disabilities, family members, and concerned citizens to advocate for competitive employment, educational, healthcare, and other services that are appropriate to the person's needs.

For a general description and philosophy of this program click here to see our PAIR Program brochure