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EnAble

                   of Georgia, Inc.

_____________________

Formerly Known as RRA 

 
frequently asked questions about EnAble. . . directions to EnAble. . .

From time to time, we are asked many of the same questions about

EnAble on a variety of subjects.  This page is designed to provide an opportunity for those who visit the site to check out some of these questions and answers to see if they provide you the information you'd like to know about the agency.

 

General

 

What does EnAble mean?

 

For twenty-seven years, the organization was known as Resources & Residential Alternatives, Inc. (RRA).  Over the years the name has changed four times.  As a way of redefining the organization, the name was changed to EnAble in 2007.

The name EnAble was chosen because it conveys the essence of who we are and what we do. EnAble is the opposite of disable. It speaks of our values, practices, mission, and takes us into the future as we pioneer in providing person-centered support for individuals with developmental disabilities in the State of Georgia.

 

What kind of an organization is EnAble and are

my contributions to EnAble tax deductible?

 

EnAble was founded in 1979 by a group of concerned parents seeking a place in their own community that could provide a home and support services for their adult children with developmental disabilities.  EnAble is approved by the IRS as a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt organization.  As a result, your contributions to EnAble tax deductible.

 

What type of services are provided by EnAble?

 

EnAble provides residential, vocational, recreational, respite and private home care support services to approximately one hundred adults with developmental disabilities in the Greater Atlanta area.  EnAble provides residential support services in twenty-two group homes and apartments.  Fourteen are in North Fulton and eight are in South Fulton County.  We provide vocational support services at each of EnAble's two office headquarters and Day Service facilities.  Those we serve who want to work in mainstream employment in area businesses are supported through those who serve in EnAble's Supported Employment Service Program.  EnAble was licensed to provide personal supports and a Private Home Care provider by the State of Georgia in February 2006.

 

Is EnAble an accredited agency?

 

EnAble is accredited by The Council on Quality and Leadership and received its second back-to-back Three Years With Distinction accreditation in January 2005.

 

Obtaining Services at EnAble

 

What should I do if I am seeking to obtain support services for someone with a developmental disability?

 

The first step is to contact Region 3 of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Diseases (MHDDAD) at 770-414-3052.  Tell them that you want to apply for waiver funded services.  You will be sent an application and guidelines for the waiver program.  You can expect to hear from MHDDAD about two (2) weeks after you return the completed application.  At that time, you will either be assigned a caseworker who will begin the Intake & Evaluation process or your application will be denied.  It is important for you to know that even if your family member meets the criteria for this funding, funds may not be available for some time. 

 

In Georgia, as in most states, there are long waiting lists for service.  Completion of this process puts your family member on the list.  Their web site is www.mhddad.dhr.georgia.gov.  This site will give information about many things, including the waivers and contact information. 

 

If you hope to receive services from EnAble in the future, please be sure to provide us with your contact information and the type of service you hope to receive from EnAble.  This does not obligate you to select EnAble when the time comes, but provides us with the means to inform you of developments and opportunities at EnAble and to make sure that when you receive funding approval, EnAble is able to offer you the service you are seeking.  This is especially important for EnAble Residential Services.

 

Who pays for the services provided by EnAble?
Most people that are born with a disability will receive a monthly Social Security benefit.  This goes toward room and board along with other personal expenses. The staff support is funded through a variety of state and federal programs along with donations from the community.  Families can arrange for private payment of services as well or until state funding is available for their loved ones.

 

Medical Support Services

 

How is EnAble's medical support provided for

those served by the agency?

 

EnAble employs two registered nurses who train the staff to assist those we serve with their medical needs.  Judy Hyde is the training registered nurse.  She conducts regular training classes for the staff so they now how best to support the clients with their medical needs.  Marcia Helton is the staff registered nurse.  She has a real heart for caring for the clients and supporting their medical needs in the best possible ways.  She manages the clients' medical records and facilitates communication with doctors and pharmacies to assure the safety and health of the clients.

 

Who is responsible for transporting the consumer

to medical appointments?

 

EnAble provides transportation to the clients' medical appointments.  Two trained people assist in providing this transportation and assisting clients while they are at medical appointments.  When scheduling makes this not possible, residential staff assist in transporting clients to medical appointments.

 

Do parents, guardians, or loved ones need to attend the medical appointments?

 

You are welcome to attend, but it is not mandatory.

 

How are the medical bills paid?

 

Depending on the circumstances, the bills are paid by private insurance, state and federally funded programs (Medicare and/or Medicaid), and in rare instances, personal finances.  EnAble also has a Medical Assistance Program and seeks to raise special funds each year to help clients who do not have appropriate medical coverage with their medical bills (as long as money is available). 

 

What medical/ dental requirements must be met

for participation in EnAble support services?

 

The consumers must have annual physicals and biannual dental exams.

 

Human Resources

 

What is the starting pay for the Support Associate

direct care staff position?

 

EnAble pays $9.25 an hour to start for this position in the company.

 

How long after I submit my application will I be contacted?

 

You will be contacted usually within one to two weeks after your application is submitted if there is a position that is a good match, based on your application.

If you are not selected your application will be kept on file for one year.

 

Do you have a benefits package, and if so what are the details?

 

For full-time employees EnAble offers medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, a 401-K retirement plan, vacation time, sick time, and personal time.

For all employees EnAble also offers an incentive program for going above and beyond in providing great support and teamwork, corporate discount to Bally Total Fitness, and an Employee Assistance Program.

 

What training do you need to provide support services at EnAble?


EnAble provides specialized training for everyone we hire. The qualifications vary depending on the position. Primarily, you need a caring attitude and a genuine interest in people.  You can refer to the monthly training calendar on the Services and Calendar page for more information.

 

Information about those served by EnAble

 

Who are the people EnAble serves?

 

EnAble, Inc. serves adults, age 18 and over, with developmental disabilities attributable to conditions including, but not limited to: Downs Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism and Fragile X.    Individuals we serve often have other chronic health problems such as diabetes, seizure disorder or heart disease, just as you would find in any group of adults.    We serve people throughout the entire adult life span from young adult to elderly. 

 

Do the people go out on weekends?

 

It depends on the individuals being served.  Most people engage in some sort of weekend activities but the type and frequency really depends on the individual interests of the person we are supporting. Quite often, people who live together will go out to dinner, movies, etc as a group. We continue to encourage folks to go out for personal shopping, and other more personal errands, one-on-one with a staff person.


Do the people there have families?


Most of the people we support have very loving, supportive families. Just like you and me, when people with developmental disabilities grow into adulthood, they want to venture out and live “away from the nest.” While it can be difficult (especially for the parents) it usually works out well once the adjustment period is over.  Sure, lots of people continue for many years to spend some weekends and most holidays with their parents; but the person with the disability learns to live away from home before the time when they no longer have their parents.

With that said, many of those served by EnAble do not have family members close by and see or hear from them only very occasionally.  We work very hard to establish a network of natural supports for those we serve so that friendships are developed with people in the communities where the clients live with others who are not paid to serve them.

 

 

 

 

 
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