How to schedule a Georgia DDS appointment
To schedule an appointment with Georgia's Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDS), you contact the regional office that serves your county. DDS does not have a single statewide phone line or online booking system — each of the 10 regional offices manages its own scheduling. You will need to call the office directly, provide your name and the person's name if you are calling on behalf of someone else, and tell them what you need the appointment for (intake, service planning, renewal, or a specific issue).
The regional office will ask for basic information: your address, phone number, and whether you are currently receiving DDS services. If you are a new person seeking services, they will schedule an intake appointment, which is usually the first step. If you are already receiving services, they may schedule you with your existing caseworker or assign you to a new one depending on availability and your needs.
Wait times vary by region and season. Some offices can schedule you within two weeks; others may have a longer queue, especially in spring and fall when many people renew their plans. Ask the scheduler how long the typical wait is and whether there is a cancellation list you can join if you need an earlier date.
Key Takeaways
- You must call your regional DDS office directly — there is no central booking system, and the office number depends on which county you live in.
- Have your address, phone number, and the name of the person receiving or seeking services ready before you call.
- New applicants will be scheduled for an intake appointment, which is the first meeting to discuss needs and may be able to access for services.
- Bring a photo ID, proof of residence, and any medical or school records related to the person's disability to your appointment.
- If you cannot make your appointment, call the office at least 24 hours ahead to reschedule, or you may lose your slot.
Finding your regional DDS office and phone number
Georgia DDS is divided into 10 regions, each covering multiple counties. To find your office, you need to know which county you live in, then match it to the correct region on the DDS website or by calling 404-657-5337, the main DDS line in Atlanta. The main line can tell you your regional office number and may be able to transfer you directly.
The 10 regions are: Atlanta Metro, Augusta, Macon, Savannah, Columbus, Valdosta, Gainesville, Rome, Dalton, and Waycross. If you are unsure which region covers your county, the main DDS line or your county's social services office can tell you in one call. Once you have the regional number, save it — you will use it for future appointments, questions about your services, and plan updates.
Some regional offices have websites with additional contact information and office hours. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but call ahead to confirm, as some offices close for lunch or have limited hours on certain days.
What to bring to your DDS appointment
Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. If you are explore for services for someone else, bring your ID and proof that you are authorized to act on their behalf — this might be a power of attorney, guardianship papers, or a letter from a parent or legal guardian.
Bring any medical records, psychological evaluations, school records, or prior diagnoses related to the person's disability. DDS will ask about the person's medical history, current medications, and any services they are already receiving (such as special education, Medicaid, or SSI). Having these documents on hand speeds up the intake process and gives the caseworker a clearer picture of the person's needs.
If the person has a current service plan from another state or program, bring a copy. If they have been hospitalized or received recent therapy or testing, bring those records too. The more complete your paperwork, the faster DDS can move toward determining what services may be available.
What happens during your first DDS appointment
At an intake appointment, the caseworker will ask detailed questions about the person's developmental history, current functioning, living situation, family support, and goals. They will review medical and school records, ask about any behaviors or support needs, and explain what DDS services are and how they work. This appointment usually lasts 45 minutes to an hour and a half.
The caseworker will not make a final decision about services during the first visit. Instead, they will gather information and may order additional assessments or request records from doctors, schools, or other providers. You will be told what happens next — whether DDS needs more information, whether you will be scheduled for a formal evaluation, or whether you will move to service planning.
At the end of the appointment, you should receive a summary of what was discussed and what the next steps are. Ask for this in writing if possible, and ask when you should expect to hear back. If you do not hear from DDS within the timeframe they gave you, call your caseworker or the regional office to follow up.
Preparing for a service planning or renewal appointment
If you are already receiving DDS services, your appointments are usually for service planning (creating or updating your plan) or renewal (checking in on how services are working). Before this appointment, think about what is working well, what is not working, and what new needs or goals the person has. Write these down so you do not forget them during the meeting.
Bring any new medical information, school progress reports, or changes in the person's situation — a new job, a move, a change in family support, or new behaviors or health issues. Tell your caseworker about any problems with current services: if a provider is not showing up, if services are not meeting the person's needs, or if the person has outgrown a service.
Service planning appointments are a conversation between you and the caseworker about what the person needs and what DDS can provide. Come ready to discuss goals for the next year and to listen to what services are available in your area. If you disagree with the plan or feel a service is missing, say so — you can ask for a different service, request a second opinion, or file a complaint if you believe DDS is not meeting the person's needs.
If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment
Call your regional DDS office as soon as you know you cannot make your appointment. Most offices ask for at least 24 hours' notice. If you cancel without notice or miss the appointment without calling, you may be moved to the back of the scheduling queue and have to wait longer for the next available slot.
If you have a legitimate emergency — illness, transportation failure, a family crisis — call and explain. Many offices will reschedule you quickly if you have a good reason and call promptly. If you are having ongoing trouble getting to appointments, tell your caseworker; some regions offer appointments by phone or video, or can work with you on timing.
If you repeatedly miss appointments without calling, DDS may close your case or delay services. If this is happening because of transportation, childcare, work conflicts, or another barrier, talk to your caseworker about solutions before it becomes a problem.
What to do if you have questions before your appointment
Call your regional office or your caseworker directly. If you have a caseworker already, their number should be on any paperwork DDS sent you. If you do not have a caseworker yet or cannot reach yours, call the regional office and ask to speak with someone about your upcoming appointment or your questions.
Common questions before an appointment include: What documents should I bring? Will my child be tested? How long will the appointment take? Will I learn about my child is may be able to access for services at this appointment? What services does DDS provide? All of these are reasonable to ask, and the office should answer them before you come in.
If you are nervous about the appointment or unsure what to expect, say so. The caseworker's job is to gather information and explain options, not to judge you or your family. Being honest and asking questions is the best way to make sure the appointment is useful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the phone number for my DDS regional office?
Call the main Georgia DDS line at 404-657-5337 and tell them your county. They will give you your regional office number and may transfer you directly. You can also search online for "Georgia DDS [your county]" to find the regional office website, which usually lists the phone number and hours.
Can I do my DDS appointment by phone or video instead of in person?
Some regional offices offer phone or video appointments, especially for follow-up visits or when transportation is a barrier. Ask when you call to schedule. If the office does not normally offer remote appointments, explain your situation — illness, transportation, childcare — and ask if an exception can be made.
What if I miss my appointment and did not call to cancel?
Call your regional office as soon as possible and explain what happened. You will likely be rescheduled, but you may move down the waiting list. If you have a pattern of missing appointments, DDS may close your case or delay services, so call ahead if you know you cannot make it.
Do I need a diagnosis before my first DDS appointment?
No. You can request an intake appointment even if the person has not been formally diagnosed. DDS will gather information and may refer you for testing or evaluation. Bring any medical or school records you have, and the caseworker will explain what information they need to move forward.
How long does it take to get services after my first appointment?
It varies. If DDS has all the information they need, you might move to service planning within a few weeks. If they need more records or testing, it can take two to three months or longer. Ask your caseworker for a timeline at the end of your first appointment and follow up if you do not hear back as expected.