GCDD e-news - June 2024
A Digital Newsletter from the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities • June 2024
The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities newsletter keeps you up-to-date on the latest news, from what’s happening with public policy in Georgia to updates on current issues affecting Georgians with developmental disabilities to upcoming events.
In This Issue:
- Message from GCDD Executive Director
- Public Policy for the People - Summer Advocacy
- Congratulations, IPSE Graduates!
- G is for Georgia - Georgians Share Their Stories!
- GCDD Welcomes its First IPSE Fellow
- Calendar Spotlight
Message from GCDD Executive Director: R & R
I’m writing this under a tent — not a camping tent in the woods. It is one of those big, open-sided tents by a pool. The morning chirps of the birds mix with the sound of splashing and coaches’ voices. Welcome to my working mom life, summer style. The day starts with me and my laptop at my daughter’s summer swim practice. Once I’m back in my home office, I aim to shut this laptop down by 5:30 p.m.
My workday is usually not like this. In almost two years of being the Executive Director of the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD), I have been extremely busy. I’m glued to my office chair or speed walking to my next destination on a typical day in this role. There’s always another meeting to attend or a meeting to schedule. Additionally, there may be sticky situations that I have to think through, countless calls that I must make, or numerous emails that I read and respond to. My rare quiet moments are spent diving into dense documents or planning GCDD’s future work.
It's been an intense couple of years. Now, it’s time to slow down a bit, to breathe, reset, and refocus.
We all know there is so much to be done to get to a Georgia in which all people with developmental disabilities (DD) are fully included in their communities and live life on their own terms. But the way to get there is not for each of us to push 110% all day, every day. Maybe I’m talking to you here. I’m definitely talking to me.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying don’t work hard. But when you give yourself so thoroughly to anything, you risk burnout. You miss so much of what is beautiful in life. Worse, you risk not appreciating the people you feel lucky to be sharing life with.
This is one of my favorite things about being in the disability community. We get it. We value doing what you love. We value people, and we know how to do community.
How are you planning to live that out this summer?
I will fall into the stories in good books, relaxing in my backyard hammock. I will take walks, help out at swim meets and enjoy lazy summer days with my family. I will head to New Hampshire, where my awesome 101-year-old grandmother lives, and spend time with our extended family by a lake.
I hope you enjoy our summer newsletter. Most importantly, I hope you can rest, relax, and do what brings you joy this summer.
D’Arcy Robb
Executive Director, GCDD
Public Policy for the People: Summer Advocacy
GCDD Celebrates SB 384 Bill Signing
by Charlotte Densmore, GCDD Public Policy Director
Governor Brian Kemp signed Senate Bill 384 into law on May 2, 2024, marking a significant milestone for workforce development in Georgia and for Georgia’s disability community. This legislation, Georgia as a Model Employer (GAME), represents a monumental step towards fostering a more inclusive and equitable workforce within our state government.
What is SB 384?
SB 384 is a groundbreaking law that aims to make Georgia a Model Employer for individuals with disabilities by encouraging state agencies to consider the best ways to recruit, hire, advance, and retain a broad range of qualified individuals with disabilities at all job levels. The law ensures compliance by requiring employers to submit annual reports to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator on four areas:
- The percentage of jobs that were filled by people with disabilities;
- Anything that might prevent someone with disabilities from working at their office and a plan to address these barriers;
- A description of ADA training that the human resources employees receive each year;
- An evaluation of whether there are enough resources to exit the building in case of an emergency safely.
The law also ensures that the ADA Coordinator will provide support to these state agencies by performing three tasks:
- Providing technical assistance and training for human resources professionals about how to hire and retain employees with disabilities;
- Helping Georgia state employers with any accommodation plans that their employees with disabilities might need;
- Developing forms for reporting the percentage of jobs, barriers to employment, ADA training, and emergency preparedness.
The overarching goal of Georgia as a Model Employer is for state agencies to think more strategically about people with disabilities as a workforce and, in doing so, to set the standard for how other businesses in Georgia should hire and work to retain employees with disabilities. This policy underscores the state's commitment to embracing diversity, enhancing workplace accessibility, and providing equal employment opportunities for all citizens, particularly those with developmental disabilities.
Why Georgia as a Model Employer?
This bill was signed into law alongside other workforce development bills. Workforce development bills’ help qualify people for available jobs and to help companies hire these qualified people.
There are 148,560 working-age Georgians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), but only 19,300 are employed. Of Georgians with I/DD, 54% want a job but cannot get one. Additionally, a quarter of the state workforce will be eligible for retirement in the next five years.
There will be many job openings in the next five years, and with 54% of people with disabilities wanting jobs, GAME just makes sense!
Adopting a "Model Employer" framework offers numerous benefits:
- Inclusive Work Environment: By promoting a culture of inclusion, state agencies can better reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. This creates a more welcoming and supportive work environment for all employees.
- Enhanced Productivity and Innovation: Diverse teams bring varied perspectives and ideas, fostering innovation and improving problem-solving capabilities. Employees with disabilities often bring unique skills and talents that can enhance overall productivity.
- Improved Employee Retention and Satisfaction: Inclusive policies lead to higher employee morale and job satisfaction, which in turn can reduce turnover rates. Employees who feel valued and supported are likelier to stay with their employer long-term.
- Positive Public Image: By becoming a model employer, Georgia sets a positive example for private sector companies, encouraging them to adopt similar inclusive practices. This can improve the state's reputation and attract top talent.
Implementation Plans
The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is collaborating with the ADA Coordinator's Office to ensure the effective implementation of SB 384. Our joint efforts will focus on developing comprehensive strategies and providing necessary resources to state agencies. The goal is to have all measures in place before the policy goes into effect at the end of next year.
GCDD is excited about SB 384's positive impact on our state and is committed to its successful implementation. The support from Georgia’s disability community and your advocacy are crucial in helping us achieve our mission. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable Georgia. Let's work together to make Georgia a model employer for individuals with disabilities!
For more information about SB 384 and GCDD’s implementation plans, visit www.gcdd.org or contact 404-657-2126.
Congratulations, IPSE Graduates!
Way to go, Grads! The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is excited to announce this year’s graduating class from Georgia's Inclusive Post Secondary Education (IPSE) schools!
These students have worked hard at colleges across Georgia, taking full advantage of their college experiences. Join us as we celebrate their achievements and wish them success on their next adventures!
We are excited to recognize some of our graduates across the state and wish every graduate success!
Albany Technical College: Congratulations to our tech-tacular graduates!
The Leveraging Education for Advancement Program (LEAP) at Albany Technical College in Albany, GA, provides inclusive postsecondary education to students with intellectual disabilities. It’s the only IPSE program at a technical college. In addition to taking classes for credit, students can participate in career development workshops, social community integration, job shadowing, and internships.
LEAP is pleased to recognize these recent graduates:
- Angela Salas – Way to go, Angela!
- Kyah Johnson – Congratulations, Kyah!
- Isabela Greene – Awesome work, Isabela!
Angela, Kyah, and Isabela took full advantage of the LEAP program and fully immersed themselves in college life. We’re so excited to see where life takes them next!
Three of LEAP’s graduates have gone on to be employed.
- Miracle Jordan works 20-30 hours weekly as a certified nurse assistant at a Senior Nursing home. She has taken advantage of and is utilizing the skills she learned in college!
- Tatyana Solomon is now working as a teacher’s assistant at Albany Tech for 20 hours a week. Great job!
- Keyanna Riggins is implementing skills from college in her role at Chuck E. Cheese, where she works 24 to 30 hours a week.
Georgia State University: With the IDEAL toolkit and the right mindset, these graduates are set for success!
The Inclusive Digital Expression and Literacy Program (IDEAL) at Georgia State University supports students with intellectual disabilities in pursuing their passions in creative media, art, film, theater, and music. IDEAL helps students build a digital portfolio to be ready for employment in the creative field upon graduation.
Congratulations to the following graduates from the IDEAL program!
- Hassan Davis is set to begin his internship with 23 East Group and is excited to enhance his film and creative production skills.
- Rahul Sivakumar has been engaged in athletic clubs throughout his time at GSU, and he plans to pursue studies in environmental science.
- Dominic Oliveras is a floor manager at work and plans to continue with his film and television interests through classes at the Georgia Film Academy.
Georgia Southern University: These EAGLES are soaring to new heights!
EAGLE Academy at Georgia Southern, based in Statesboro, GA, is an inclusive two-year postsecondary education program that teaches career skills and independence and empowers students to achieve Equal Access to Gainful Learning and Employment. Students live on campus for this two year program and are prepared for adult life following graduation.
Congratulations to the four graduates of EAGLE Academy!
- Ephraim Nelms: We’re so proud of all your hard work, Ephraim!
- Dale Paulk: Can’t wait to see where life will take you next!
- Alex Paulk: We know you’ll be successful in whatever path you choose!
- Brian Krietzer: There’s no limit to what you can do, Brian!
And GCDD sends a big congratulations to all the graduates across the nine IPSE schools in Georgia! We are proud of you all!
G is for Georgia - Georgians Share Their Stories!
The Georgia Council for Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) launched its virtual road tour and campaign, “G is for Georgia!” earlier this year. We are so excited to have the chance to meet with the disability community and share our work in advocacy for people with DD across the state.
Throughout the campaign, we have asked you to share your stories and tell us about yourselves. Below are a couple of the stories from our friends across the state!
Meet Ben Oxley, a proud advocate for all people with disabilities in Georgia. Ben’s first-hand experience advocating for policy change makes him an invaluable asset in the fight for accessible transportation in McDonough. You’ll often find Ben at GCDD Advocacy Days at the capitol, where he speaks with lawmakers as a representative of the DD community.
When he’s not pushing for policy change, Ben enjoys getting outside on local hiking trails, attending concerts around Georgia, and, believe it or not, skydiving!
Miyah Sundermeyer, from Tucker, is an avid researcher, vlogger, and advocate for people on the autism spectrum (ASD). Miyah is passionate about including people with autism in research and academic roles. Her philosophy is that rather than excluding persons with ASD, “we should embrace their unique skill sets and creative capabilities.”
Like Ben, Miyah wants to raise awareness of limited public transit's impact on the disability community. Her advocacy efforts reach a broad audience through her involvement with the Association of University Centers on Disabilities and the Accessibility Advisory Community at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport.
Miyah has some exciting goals: to give a TED talk, publish a book, become a professor at a university, and grow her vlog following.
Ready to share your story? Click on this easy-to-use Google Form to share your story with G for Georgia! You might even be featured in the newsletter!
To learn more about the campaign, visit the GCDD website.
GCDD Welcomes its First IPSE Fellow
The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is proud to welcome its first Georgia Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) Summer Fellow!
This is a paid opportunity for a current or graduated IPSE student. Jordan Winfrey was GCDD’s top candidate for the IPSE fellowship!
After a statewide search and interviews, GCDD selected one candidate with the relevant knowledge and ideal experience for the fellowship. We look forward to working with him!
Jordan earned an Academic, Social, & Career Enrichment Certificate from Kennesaw State University (KSU) and a Customer Service Certificate. His most recent employment was as an on-campus student assistant for the Wellstar College of Health and Human Services’s Office of the Dean at KSU.
Other past employers include The Home Depot and The Museum of History and Holocaust Education at KSU. Additionally, he has served as an assistant tennis coach in the metro Atlanta area. Jordan has volunteered with food pantries, church groups, and the Special Olympics. He has also been a member of the KSU Club Tennis Team.
Jordan is a third-year Academy for Inclusive Learning and Social Growth (AISLG) student at KSU. He will use his experience with virtual work tools and software in this new position. Jordan’s direct experience and interest in IPSE make him an excellent fit for this fellowship. He will assist the IPSE Director, Starr Bruner, with the contract renewal process with each of the 10 IPSE programs around the state.
Jordan will be with GCDD in this virtual opportunity throughout the summer until mid-August. During this time, he may also coordinate storytelling or data collection efforts between the IPSE colleges and GCDD.
Please join us in welcoming Jordan to the GCDD team!
Calendar of Events
The Disability Caravan for Freedom and Justice coming soon to a city near you!
See cities below for details:
Macon – June 6th
The Caravan will visit Disability Connections in Macon, GA on June 6th from 10:30am to 4:00pm. To participate in activities, register and sign up here: https://disabilityconnections.tv/posts/56954732?utm_source=manual
Metro Atlanta – June 10th
The Caravan will stop at Disability Link in Tucker, GA on June 10th from 10:00am to 2:00pm. No registration is required. Activities include guest speakers, history highlights about the Olmstead decision, door prizes, and free food. Disability Link is located at 1901 Montreal Rd, Ste. 102, Tucker, Ga, 30084.
Athens – June 14th
The Caravan will visit the Athens-Clark County Library in Athens, GA on June 14th from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. Activities include guest speakers, voter registration, games, door prizes, and free food. The Athens-Clark County Library is located at 2025 Baxter Street, Athens GA.
For more information about the Disability Caravan route and city visits in Georgia, visit https://thedisabilitycaravan.com/georgia-south-carolina/.
Uniting for Change: Community Strong Virtual Meeting
COMMUNITY STRONG, led by self-advocates for self-advocates, is a weekly Zoom gathering about having fun and spending time with each other!
When: June 3, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. & June 10, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST
Uniting for Change: Statewide Area Network Meeting
Join us in June for our Statewide Area Network Meeting on Zoom!
When: June 4, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EST
FOCUS of Georgia
Check out their calendar of events
Parent2Parent: Where do we go from here? Preparing for Transition from High School
Learn the keys to a successful transition, the role of the school in transition planning, and things to consider when planning your child’s transition to adulthood.
When: Wednesday, June 5, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. EST
Parent2Parent: Peace, Love, Harmony…and the IFSP/IEP?
Learn how to use effective communication skills to develop a partnership with your child's IEP/IFSP team. Get tips for preparing for school meetings and how to be an effective member of the team.
When: Thursday, June 27, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. EST
Where: Bridge Health; in-person training only
Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta: Parent Webinar Supported Decision-Making: What do you know? What do you need to know?
When: Tuesday, June 11, 2024 from 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. EST
Click here for more information
Tuesdays with Tootle
Tuesdays With Tootle strives to ensure that our discussions resonate deeply with their impact on people with disabilities. Stancil Tootle, an unwavering advocate for disability rights and community inclusion, facilitates vibrant discussions that tackle pressing current events and their specific relevance for individuals facing disabilities.
Join us in this in-depth dialogue that aims to educate, empower, and cultivate connections within our community. Get ready to engage and learn during our upcoming enlightening Zoom gathering, supported by RevUP Georgia.
When: Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. EST
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Mark Your Calendars for GCDD's July Council Meeting
When: July 11-12, 2024