Georgia Rehabilitation Institute

Funding Independence

Grant Application

Georgia Rehabilitation Institute, Inc. (GRI) founded in 1986 brought medical rehabilitation services through Walton Rehabilitation Hospital to the Augusta community.

In this capacity, many quality of life voids identified on behalf of persons with disabilities once discharged from inpatient and outpatient settings became apparent. Access to accessible housing, transportation, and return to gainful employment were often barriers for people in returning to a life of independence. Over GRI’s 35-year history, a vision emerged to ensure that persons with disabilities have the same supports, resources, and life opportunities as persons without disabilities in the Augusta area.

GRI began addressing accessible supported housing for individuals with traumatic brain injuries through the building of Walton West (1985) and Harrison Heights (1998). More housing followed (1996-2013) funded by a partnership with HUD, adding 15 accessible residential settings in Richmond, Columbia, McDuffie, and Aiken counties.

In 1994, Walton Options for Independent Living, a Federally funded Center for Independent Living serving East-Central Georgia and both the Low Country and Western counties of South Carolina was independently founded.

Understanding the importance of quality of life, Walton Foundation for Independence founded in 1998, now offers adaptive sports, camps for children with disabilities and their families, and leisure programs creating more inclusive lifestyles for people with disabilities.

In 2013, Walton Rehabilitation Hospital sold and in 2017 Walton Foundation for Independence became an independent organization.

As GRI continues to evolve in meeting its mission, GRI will now serve as a funder in collaboration and through partnerships with other non-profits and local government(s) serving people with disabilities in the Augusta area.