Study aims to address needs, preferences of citizens with developmental disabilities

News, Police & Government

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – Laura Brackin, Ph.D presented the results of a study aimed at assessing the needs and preferences of county residents with developmental disabilities and providing for their needs and preferences during Tuesday’s Board of Commissioners work session.

Brackin’s company, Brackin and Associates, LLC, provides training and consulting services to help clients ensure compliance with federal regulations for home and community-based services (HCBS).

“Brackin said the goal of the study was to “identify the number of people with developmental disabilities who live in Forsyth County, their current housing situation and their future housing needs.”

The study revealed a total of 3,641 people with developmental disabilities living in the county. Approximately 557 are under age 5. 1,673 range in age from 5 through 17. 1,169 are between ages 18 and 64 and 232 are over the age of 65. Brackin added that 881 are in the Forsyth County School System.

Part of the study involved a survey sent to adults with disabilities or a family member.

Results of the survey show:

  • 96 percent of Forsyth County residents with disabilities live with a parent or caregiver, compared to the national average of 75 percent;
  • 21 percent indicated their caregiver was over the age of 60;
  • Affordable, accessible and available housing in Forsyth County is extremely limited.

“In terms of parents or family members (of a developmentally disabled person) the two most important things are safety and quality of life,” Brackin said. “Safety is not just about the location of housing, but also about the person providing care for their loved one. Quality of life involves living in Forsyth County, living close to friends and having access to recreation.”

In terms of recommendations, Larkin said she would like to meet with a small group of representatives to go over the full report in more detail.

“In general, the broad recommendation we have to make is a variety of housing is needed,” she added. “It’s not one size fits all. Increase affordable housing options and increase the number of rental assistance vouchers that are needed. Even though some of those things are not under the full control of counties, a county does have control over working with some of the state agencies to make sure the county’s needs are being met which is what our recommendation would be.”

Commissioner Cindy Mills said she would like to see an action plan. “It would be helpful if we could see a first step. We don’t have unlimited resources. In fact, our resources are very limited right now. With an action plan going forward, we could see how most communities get started.”

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