by Martha Haythorn My name is Martha Haythorn and I am 18. I just finished my senior year at Decatur High School. When I was seven years old, I went with my parents to speak with our senators. And, I have been advocating for people with disabilities ever since. In April, I went to the...

By Jennifer Bosk Among the many challenges parents and caregivers of children with disabilities experience is being understood by communities and the public. Add not speaking or limited understanding of the English language and the problem is compounded. Lola Hernández (left) and Brenda Liz...

Across the country, the movement to employ people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) is gaining momentum. For the movement to be successful, bridging different players in the field and bringing them to achieve a common goal is key. Through the University of Georgia’s...

Kelsey Gray moved from St. Louis, MO to Acworth, GA with her mom, dad and 12-year-old sister in November 2015. Kelsey is a 14-year-old student at Awtrey Middle School, where she is in a class with three other students with significant disabilities. Kelsey is happy at school, where she takes...

by Alison Barkoff, Director of Advocacy, Center for Public Representation I’m excited to be back with another installment of What’s Happening in Washington? There’s so much going on with federal policy it’s hard to keep up! When people hear “federal policy,” they usually think about Congress...

With a little over 12,000 citizens, Clarkston, GA is an extremely diverse city active in community engagement. Every year in April, the town celebrates that diversity with the annual Clarkston Culture Fest (CCF), which “highlights the best of what Clarkston has to offer.” Supported by Al-Tamyoz...

by Adrianne Murchison Deborah Hibben had a task at the start of every school year when her daughter Hannah was growing up. She had a conversation with teachers to share what Hannah, who is diagnosed with Down syndrome, responds to, as well as her personality and needs. I would give teachers a...

By Adrianne Murchison Anticipation and butterflies around the first day of school are not exclusive to students. Parents can be anxious about how the day will unfold, as well. Before the first day back, parents of children with developmental disabilities have already been tenacious researchers...

Do you or a loved one receive care through one of the following Georgia Medicaid waivers: NOW or COMP, ICWP, CCSP, or SOURCE? If you answered yes, you should register today for an Electronic Visitor Verification public forum. The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) will be hosting...