Participant Directed Advocates of Georgia

Participant Directed Advocates of Georgia (PDAG)

Participant-Directed Advocates of Georgia (PDAG) is a nonprofit organization that supports families and individuals with disabilities who self-direct services in Georgia for the NOW/COMP and ICWP waivers.

PDAG aims to develop processes, resources, and education to help self-directed families effectively manage the self-direction model.

The organization also focuses on creating processes, systems, standards, and training to implement self-directed services successfully.

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What are Participant-Directed Services?

Participant-Directed Services (sometimes called Self-Directed Services or Consumer Directed) are a way for people to have more say and control over the care and support they receive—especially through programs like home and community-based waivers in Georgia like the New Options Waiver (NOW), the Comprehensive Waiver (COMP) or Independent Care Waiver Program (ICWP). Instead of having an agency make all the decisions, you get to decide who helps you, what kind of help you get, and when you get it.

Here’s how it works:

You’re in charge: You choose the services you want and the people who provide them. That could be someone you trust—like a friend or even a family member (depending on the program rules).
You manage your budget: Some programs give you a budget, and you decide how to use it. That means you can spend more on things that matter most to you.
You can hire your direct support staff: You are the employer—you hire, train, and manage your support staff. It gives you the power to build a team that fits your life.
Help is available: You’re not alone in this! Georgia offers support from Fiscal Intermediaries, who can assist with paperwork and tax matters, and Support Coordinators, who will help you develop goals and understand your budget. Participant-Directed Advocates of Georgia can also provide information and training to support individuals.
More flexibility, more independence: These services are all about giving you the freedom to live life on your terms, with support that fits your unique needs.

Why people like it:

It gives more freedom and independence
You can choose people you trust to help
Services are personalized to your goals and lifestyle

A few things to keep in mind:

It does take some planning and responsibility.
But you can get help with the parts that feel overwhelming; that's why Participant-Directed Advocates of Georgia is here.

Mon	09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Tue	09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Wed	09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Thu	09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Fri	09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Sat	Closed
Sun	Closed

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