Get the support you need when you need it.
If you are a caregiver of an individual aged 3 and up with a developmental and/or intellectual disability, we are here to help you access a full range of community-based services designed to support you and your loved one. We provide assistance when you need it most.
We help connect you with resources and offer hands-on support during times of crisis.
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Kenneth >> She is just incredible. She’s dear to me, and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her.
Gail >> I remember when she was a baby—uh, the doctors told my husband and me that she may never walk, talk, or do anything. But with that big smile that she had, we just knew that her future was much brighter than that.
Kenneth >> And she lets nothing get in her way.
Gail >> She’s had maybe six or seven surgeries, but she didn’t—she was able to stay on level and graduate with honors. So we are very, very proud of her.
Gabby >> The motivation was to get out of there. I just wanted to hang out with my friends. I didn’t really like too many classes.
Gail >> There were situations where she far exceeded things that I kind of wonder—if I were in her situation, could I do it?
Bobby Dodd has been a very great resource for us because, as parents, you try to do everything you can. You try to be independent in doing that. But with special needs, the cost is just sometimes beyond what we can provide.
Anna >> Resource coordination for Gabby is very important because she has so many interests and wants to be very much included in the community. But also important is providing her with supports to maximize her independent living skills.
Gabby >> The elevator improvement helped me by giving me my independence. When I need anything, so I can come and get it myself. But prior to that, my parents would have had to come and get me.
Anna >> Being able to do environmental modifications and services like that go a long way in helping to make sure that she can be as independent as possible in her own home.
Gail >> I want to give a shout-out to BDI. Thank you for being there when we most needed you, and thank you for coming through when we most needed you.
What is Family Support?
You can access Family Support Services provided by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) to assist you in your role as caregivers.
Our dedicated Family Support coordinators will work with you and determine which programs are applicable to your family.
Programs include:
- Dental Care
- Medical Care
- Vision Care
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Specialized Medical Supplies
- Specialized Nutritional Supplements
- Incontinence Supplies
- Arts, Social and Cultural Activities
- Sports, Fitness and Aquatics
- Physical Therapy
What is Intensive Family Support?
If you or your family member is on the DBHDD Planning List and is being transitioned into waiver services or have been assessed to be in the “highest of need,” you can access Intensive Family Support.
Programs include:
- For individuals with high acuity of need: Nursing Services (RN and/or LPN)
- For individuals with safety concerns: Respite Services (in-home or out-of-home) & Direct Care Services (In-home Activities of Daily Living/ADLs Support)
- For individual with urgent health concerns: Specialized Medical Supplies, Incontinent Supplies, Durable Medical Equipment, Assistive Technology Solutions, Nutrition Services & Transportation Services
See If You Qualify for Family Support Services
BDI provides Family Support through a state contract with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD). In order to be eligible for services, individuals must be:
- Three years of age or older
- Diagnosed with an intellectual/developmental disability
- Able to provide supporting documentation of intellectual/developmental disability diagnosis
- A Resident of Clayton, DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett or Rockdale County
Services have a set amount of funding and need to be approved before they can be used. The availability of services depends on how much funding is available and the rules set by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD). Family Support Services are provided as a last resort for funding and cannot offer services that are already covered by other funding sources.
For all inquiries regarding services, please call 678-365-0071 or send an email to empowers@bobbydodd.org.
Become a Family Support Vendor with BDI
Are you passionate about supporting individuals with disabilities and their families? Do you have the qualifications to make a meaningful impact?
As a Family Support Vendor, you will be authorized to provide essential services to individuals and families in need. You’ll be featured on BDI’s approved vendor list, which is shared directly with families, giving you the opportunity to connect with those who could benefit most from your expertise.