Georgia receives federal grant to provide high tech training to seniors + disabled

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) plans to offer an array of services to help reduce social isolation for older adults and people with disabilities that have been amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thanks to a $1.7 million federal CARES Act grant, the state will provide a range of new services that incorporate assistive technology, telehealth and virtual social opportunities.

“This grant gives us the opportunity to help older and disabled Georgians stay connected virtually by providing training for services like Zoom and Skype, and access to tablets, internet and data plans,” said Abby Cox, director of the Division of Aging Services. “We want to ensure people have the tools — and the knowledge – to maintain vital relationships with family or friends in a way that also keeps them safe.”

The CARES Act has made special COVID-19 funding available to each state’s lead agency for the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC). The ADRC provides information and assistance to older adults and people with disabilities through a statewide network of trained specialists. The funding will be distributed by mid-June.

The size of each award is based on a state’s population and demographics. Georgia’s grant will be administered by the DHS Division of Aging Services, which manages the ADRC in collaboration with 12 Area Agencies on Aging, nine Centers for Independent Living and the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.

 About the Georgia Division of Aging Services

The Division of Aging Services is the division within the Department of Human Services charged with assisting and protecting Georgia’s older individuals, at-risk adults, persons with disabilities, their families and caregivers to achieve safe, healthy, independent and self-reliant lives.

DHS works in partnership with local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) to deliver services. AAAs are part of a nationwide network of state and local programs designed to help older people plan and care for their lifelong needs.

To find resources, visit georgiaADRC.com or call 866-552-4464, toll-free, to be connected to the Area Agency on Aging in your region. To learn more information about services available