enAble FAQs
Here is a list of common questions we are asked. This page is designed to provide an opportunity to learn more about the agency.
Click to:
General Information
Obtaining Services at enAble
Medical Support Services
Human Resources
Information About Those Served by enAble
General Information
Q) What does enAble mean?
A) For twenty-seven years, our organization was known as RRA. As a way of more clearly defining our serves, 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 means to make able, provide with means and provide with power. It speaks of our values, practices, mission, and takes us into the future as we pioneer ways to provide person-centered support for individuals with developmental disabilities in the State of Georgia.
Q) What kind of an organization is enAble and are my contributions to enAble tax deductible?
A) 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 designated by the IRS as a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt organization. As a result, your contributions to enAble may be tax deductible.
With proposed changes to tax laws pending, we suggest that you check with your professional tax advisor.
Q) What types of services are provided by enAble?
Day and Vocational Services
Community Access Services are geared toward preparing and assisting individuals to become part of their broader community. Educational classes and individual supports are designed to teach skills in home management, communication, socialization, advocacy, rights, self preservation, and community living. Supports are also provided to help participate in leisure activities of interest. Community inclusion activities vary from participating in volunteer work, attending a local seniors’ center to maintaining health and fitness at a local gym.
Prevocational Services are geared toward preparing individuals to join the work force. Supports consist of teaching skills needed to find and maintain employment.
Community Residential Alternative Services
enAble offers residential services within group homes located in typical neighborhoods. These homes consist of no more than five people living together who have similar interests and/or support needs. Trained professionals provide 24-hour support to coach and mentor in all areas of daily living activities such as personal grooming and outward appearance; health and safety; communication and socialization; and home management skills such as meal preparation. Individuals also receive supervision and transportation to access and be included in the life of their community. This may include attending religious services, taking a community class, volunteering, attending community sponsored events and dining out.
Community Living Supports
Community Living Supports is our service provided to those either living at home with their family or in the community in their own home. In either case, the goal is to support people to live as independently as possible by providing coaching and assistance in the areas requested by the person and/or family. Areas of training might include, but are not limited to, meal preparation, bill paying, grocery shopping, personal hygiene, and using public transportation. As with all or our services, we support people to become part of their community. We recognize that community inclusion and access is especially important for those living independently.
More Information - or to Apply for Services:
For Services located in North Fulton County, Lynita Henderson, Director of Support Services, 770-664-4347 ext. 118, lhenderson@enablega.org
For Services located in South Fulton County, Jimilah Williamson-Snead, Director of Residential and Community Living Supports,
404-684-5991 ext 31, jsnead@enablega.org
Q) Is enAble an accredited agency?
A) enAble has received a Three-Year Accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities international.
Obtaining Services at enAble
Q) What should I do to obtain support services for someone with a developmental disability?
A) The first step is to contact Region 3 of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BDHDD) 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, 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 dbhdd.georgia.gov. This site will give information about many things, including the waivers and contact information.
Q) Who pays for the services provided by enAble?
A) Most people that are born with a disability will receive a monthly Social Security benefit. This goes toward rent and living expenses along with other personal expenses. Our staff support costs are funded through a variety of state and federal programs along with donations from the community.
Medical Support Services
Q) How is enAble's medical support provided for those served by the agency?
A) enAble employs two registered nurses who are responsible for staff training and healthcare case management. Regular training classes are provided for the staff so they know how best to support the medical needs of those we serve.
Q) Who is responsible for transporting people to medical appointments?
A) Medical support associates and direct support associates usually provide transportation and assist people while they are at medical appointments. This services is provided for those receiving residential services and as requested for those receiving community living services.
Q) Do parents, guardians, or loved ones need to attend the medical appointments?
A) You are welcome to attend, but it is not mandatory.
Q) How are the medical bills paid?
A) 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 seeks to raise special funds each year to help people who do not have sufficient resources to cover their medical expenses. This is called our Medical Assistance Program and can be accessed on a case-by-case basis when funds are available..
Q) What medical/ dental requirements must be met for participation in enAble support services?
A) Persons served must have annual physicals and biannual dental exams.
Human Resources
Q) What is the starting pay for the Support Associate direct care staff position?
A) enAble pays $9.25 an hour to start for this position in the company. This entry hourly rate may vary given a particular service area such as Day Services.
Q) How long after I submit my application will I be contacted?
A) 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 qualifications. If you are not selected your application will be kept on file for one year.
Q) Do you have a benefits package, and if so what are the details?
A) For full-time employees enAble offers medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, a 401-K retirement plan, vacation time and paid time off. For all employees enAble also offers a recognition program for going above and beyond in providing great support and teamwork. There is also an Employee Assistance Program available to all employees.
Q) What qualifications and training do I need to provide support services at enAble?
A) Professional or personal experience in the field is preferred. In working in the human service field, a caring attitude and genuine interest in the welfare of people are characteristics desired of potential employees. The qualifications vary depending on the position. enAble provides specialized training and on-going training once someone is hired.
Information about those served by enAble
Q) Who are the people enAble serves?
A) enAble serves adults, age 18 and over, with developmental disabilities attributable to conditions including, but not limited to: Downs syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism and intellectual disability. Individuals we serve often have other 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.
Q) Do people served by enAble have opportunities to connect with the community?
A) Yes. People receiving services are encouraged to access and actively experience inclusive recreational and leisure opportunities in the community and have meaningful relationships with other community members with or without disabilities. The frequency and type of involvement in the community are based on the individual interest of each person.
Q) How does enAble facilitate natural supports for people it serves?
A) enAble facilitates support-building in a variety of different ways as there is no single method for doing so. It involved knowing the individual, communications with the individual as well as supporters, educating the community, and sheer determination of the support team. The person’s family and family history are also considered. Just like anyone as they grow into adulthood, people with disabilities want to venture out and live on their own. This can sometimes be challenging for family members because of unknown factors, however support and collaboration with all involved ensures a successful transition.
