Disability advocate to speak at City Hall Sept. 22.

Joseph Sarra to discuss process of qualifying for Medicaid.

MILTON, Ga., Sept. 14, 2011 - The Milton Disability Awareness Committee (MDAC) will present a disability advocate who focuses on home and community-based services for children with special health care needs and developmental disabilities at MDAC's monthly Community Link Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.

This open forum will take place in City Council Chambers at Milton's City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 107E. Everyone is invited, and there is no RSVP required.

Joseph Sarra, director of family support services for Atlanta-based Childkind, will discuss the various issues facing families struggling to understand Medicaid. He will also explain Childkind's services, which include family support (Medicaid waiver services, equipment, supplies); placement (skilled family foster care, connection to needed community resources); and transition support (insuring that parents are fully equipped to provide their children a safe, stable and loving home).

"Fifteen percent of Georgians are Medicaid recipients," said Kennard Woods, MDAC vice-chairman. "However, not all Medicaid programs - particularly those for children with disabilities - have income- or asset-eligibility criteria. So there are opportunities for help regardless of your income."

Information like this is often a surprise for families trying to navigate their way through the system, said Woods.

"For anyone related to children with special health needs or developmental disabilities, Childkind addresses real-life questions and can assist with the arcane process of qualifying for Medicaid," he said.

For more information on this program, contact MDAC at mdac@cityofmiltonga.us. For more information on Sarra and Childkind, visit the group's Web site, www.childkind.org.