The Georgia Advocacy Office (GAO) supports people with disabilities to obtain the assistive technology (AT) and services they need to live, learn, and work. GAO offers information, advocacy, and legal support to people facing obstacles in accessing assistive technology. We support access to devices like communication tools, mobility aids, environmental controls, and workplace / school accommodations. Whether navigating Medicaid or private insurance denials, advocating for essential AT in vocational plans, or addressing delivery delays and equipment failures, GAO strives to ensure that people with disabilities can obtain and utilize AT to enhance independence and participation in daily life.
In addition to individual advocacy, GAO participates in systemic efforts to improve access to assistive technology throughout Georgia. This includes training people with disabilities and families on their AT rights, collaborating with state agencies and providers to expand AT availability and funding, and monitoring systemic barriers that disproportionately affect underserved communities. GAO also identifies trends in rights violations or service gaps and pursues policy changes to ensure that AT services are equitable and person-centered. Through this multifaceted approach, GAO helps dismantle the technological and systemic barriers that hinder people with disabilities from fully accessing education, employment, and community life.