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Service changes coming for developmentally disabled in Fayette

Changes are afoot for Fayette residents with developmental disabilities, according to Janet Smola, executive director of Exceptional Ops, formerly known as Special People of Fayette County.

Starting July 1, Fayette will be served through the Metro Atlanta Region instead of the West Central Region, Smola said. Persons in need of services should contact Earnestine Pittman, regional coordinator, at 100 Crescent Centre Parkway, Suite 900, Tucker, Ga., 30084-7055. She may be reached by phone at 770-414-3052 or via e-mail at epittman@dhr.state.ga.us.

Exceptional Ops meets the second Tuesday of each month on the third floor of Fayette Community Hospital’s 1279 Medical Building.

Currently there are 94 Fayette residents with developmental disabilities on a waiting list for funding of services. Medicaid waiver funding can be applied for to support work programs, recreational programs, respite care and residential supports, Smola said.

Smola encourages anyone who has been diagnosed with a developmental disability, regardless of their age, to call her if they haven’t applied for Medicaid services. Smola can be reached at 770-487-1562.

“Unless Fayette County residents with developmental disabilities apply for and get on the waiting list for services, there exists the inaccurate assumption that there are no people in Fayette County in need of services,” Smola said.

Exceptional Ops is hosting a free luau party Tuesday, June 14 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Kiwanis Park recreation center on Redwine Road that will have information available to guide residents through the Medicaid application process, Smola said. Those planning to attend should RSVP by calling Smola or e-mailing ExceptionalOps@yahoo.com.

Exceptional Ops is a nonprofit organization providing advocacy, information and support to Fayette residents with developmental disabilities. For more information, visit www.ExceptionalOps.org.