April 2025

D'Arcy Robb, GCDD Executive DirectorEverything, everywhere, all at once. 

I have never seen the movie before, but that’s how I have been feeling. 

Winter is typically our busiest season at the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD). Public policy is a big part of our work, and during Georgia’s 40-day legislative session this year, we are all in and all over the Gold Dome. I love it, and I am so proud of our community’s advocacy work and accomplishments, but it is an intense time. 

And this year, the federal landscape is unprecedented. Under President Trump and the 119th Congress, major changes are in play that will make significant impacts on Georgians with developmental disabilities (DD) and their families. You can check out this article for the details on Medicaid, the federal Department of Education, and the Section 504 Lawsuit. We’re working hard at GCDD to stay on top of the latest developments and to keep you informed. You can also get the latest updates and information by following GCDD on our social media channels. 

GCDD is currently in the planning process for our Five-Year Strategic Plan. This is important because it will guide GCDD’s work from 2027 to 2031. To make sure our work is impactful, we need to know what our community needs. Please take our survey and share it with your family and friends.

To complete the GCDD Survey, click the link below:

GCDD Five-Year Strategic Plan Survey

Did I mention that I love my job? I do. These days seem uncertain and there is a lot going on. I think the only way to get through these times is to get through together.

The GCDD staff frequently refer to each other as ‘team’, because we are. There is no way we could handle this volume of work without collaborating and working together. And, giving each other the grace to take a breather when we need it. I believe a million percent that makes us better and happier as people, and actually allows us to do our best work. 

Our team only begins with the staff. We could not do the work we do without our powerhouse Council members. Our members review, evaluate, and select our project grantees. They steer our policy agenda, come to the Capitol to testify and assume leading roles during Advocacy Days and at press conferences. They set aside time every three months to engage in day and a half long meetings, keep up with regular and ad-hoc committee work in the interim, and jump into last minute meetings as needed. Additionally, multiple Council members have said to us, “Tell me if there’s anything I can do” – and when we identify a need, they deliver.

I am so grateful for our Council members, their passion and their leadership. And from now on, these monthly “Letters from Leadership” will be shared between the members and me. 

But our community’s leaders and our team extend well beyond our members. Our full power is in the community – you. 

I think one of the most important things we do well as an agency is to stay heavily engaged with the members of our community, giving you information and opportunities for action and involvement. Thank you so much for participating in projects, coming down to the capitol, jumping on advocacy alerts, attending our events, and giving us feedback.

If you are reading this and thinking, “But I don’t do all those things” – you definitely don’t have to do everything. I believe you know where you can contribute and play your part alongside GCDD in our work during this season of your life. It could be calling your Congressperson when you see an advocacy alert. It could be participating in one of GCDD’s projects, or teaching a group of friends what resources are available in your community, or befriending your local legislator. The list of possibilities is endless, but it’s all needed and valuable, and it all builds into impact.

I hope you find the information in this issue of Making a Difference valuable, that it motivates you to act.

D’Arcy Robb
Executive Director
GCDD

Competitive integrated employment (CIE), defined in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, is a term often used when talking about equal employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). But what does CIE actually look like?

CIE means jobs where people with and without disabilities work together, earn fair wages, and have equal opportunities to advance. CIE recognizes that people with disabilities bring value to the workforce. 

IPSE Programs: A Building Block for CIE

What systems are built to support CIE in Georgia? Inclusive Post-secondary Education (IPSE) programs are one way. These programs, which are housed in select Georgia universities and colleges, equip students with intellectual disabilities (ID) with the skills for independent living and employment, while also offering IPSE students the full college experience alongside their peers and students who do not have disabilities. There are currently ten IPSE programs in Georgia, including the University of Georgia’s (UGA) Destination Dawgs, Georgia State University’s Inclusive Digital Expression and Literacy (IDEAL) program, and the Georgia Institute of Technology’s (Georgia Tech) Expanding Career, Education, and Leadership Opportunities (EXCEL) program.

Marnie Harris is using her education and passion to create a more inclusive and accessible world. Harris, who is the Director of Business and Marketing Strategy at Pavilion Development Company, helped to develop the EXCEL program at Georgia Tech while she was studying to be a biomedical engineer. Through her current position, she is helping to create employment opportunities in hospitality for people with I/DD. 

“When developing EXCEL, we weren’t just trying to postpone a cliff,” said Harris, referring to the school-to-couch pipeline. “The curriculum needed to center around meaningful employment outcomes, just like any other college degree.”

But IPSE alone isn’t enough; the workforce still presents barriers for people with I/DD. Even with an IPSE certificate, career opportunities can be challenging to find for people with I/DD. That’s why Harris shifted to focus on the other half of the answer: the business community. 

“There are lots of nonprofits that fill needs,” Harris said, “But the business community is an opportunity. You can still be outcome-driven without treating people like charity.”

Bridging Education to Employment Opportunities

The Shepherd Hotel in Clemson, SC is a shining example of building the bridge from education to employment. Williams helped shape the hotel’s business strategy, built with I/DD inclusion at the foundation. The Shepherd employs people with I/DD in customer-facing roles across all departments. Its goal is for every patron to have a positive interaction with one of those staff members.    

Shepherd Manager in Development Ansley Minor sees the impact daily. “Guests return again and again because of the connections they make here,” she said. “People walk away changed.” 

“Hospitality is an easy sell,” Harris added. “People want to feel something. When a guest feels impacted when they leave, they go back and tell their friends. That’s how you retain customers.” 

The Shepherd hires, trains, promotes, and holds their employees with I/DD to the same high standards as everyone else. 

Helping People with I/DD to Fulfil their Dreams

Ross Hicks, a Shepherd Employee from Alpharetta, GA, said, “We can do anything that anyone else can do. It just might take us a little longer, so patience is important.” 

Hicks continued, “People with DD make workplaces better. We will learn from working there, and people will learn from us.” Hicks is also a student at ClemsonLIFE.

Through a partnership with the ClemsonLIFE IPSE program, The Shepherd offers internship opportunities that often lead to full-time jobs for people with I/DD. These internships aren’t just resume-builders; they’re how students build networks, gain references, and land jobs. They create a launchpad for long-term career opportunities. 

In the fall, Hicks will start ClemsonLIFE’s two-year Hospitality Certificate Program to further prepare him for a career in the hotel industry. 

“It’s always been my dream to work in a hotel, and this program will help me fulfill my dreams,” said Hicks. “Hopefully I can be a hotel manager one day.”

This example of education-to-employment practiced at ClemsonLIFE demonstrates that CIE is possible. 

“I feel successful at The Shepherd Hotel, and I am treated as an equal. I feel like I belong,” said Hicks. 

IPSE programs help students build practical skills. “They’re important for credentials,” Harris explained. “And yet so many jobs are found through networking and relationships.” 

Until those networks include people with I/DD, equity in the workplace will not happen. 

“We’re now seeing a lot of IPSE programs flip to different internships every semester, to expand the people that students meet,” said Harris. 

Expanding Opportunities and the Future of CIE

What is Harris’ plan moving forward? She would like to have a Shepherd Hotel on every IPSE campus in Georgia. Additionally, she explained that IPSE and hospitality are the perfect match. She feels IPSE students will be able to graduate with hands-on experience, professional connections, and a clear path to employment. 

“We would love to expand to a Georgia college,” said Harris, “especially with strong IPSE programs already in place in Atlanta and Athens. Hotel employees can work and live in the same place where they had their first independent living experience.” 

Harris’ vision for the future is a business world that finds creative ways to harness the value of people with I/DD. When that happens, everyone wins – individuals, businesses, and the broader economy. 

For more information about competitive integrated employment in Georgia visit Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency - Supported Employment.

For more information about Georgia IPSE programs visit GAIPSEC.

D'Arcy Robb, GCDD Executive DirectorIf I can give you one piece of advocacy advice for 2025, it’s get to know your Congressperson. 

As I write these words, a flurry of activity is going on in Washington, DC. President Trump and the 119th Congress have the potential to make major changes to our society and life for Georgians with disabilities and their families. Some of the most important areas of potential change are Medicaid and the federal Department of Education. 

Medicaid

Medicaid is often referred to as “the lifeline” for people with disabilities. Not only does Medicaid provide medical care, it also provides critical services and supports that allow Georgians with disabilities to live in their homes and communities instead of institutions. That includes funding for Katie Beckett, the NOW/COMP waiver, and the ICWP waiver. 

According to Erin Prangley of the National Association on Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), "In Georgia, 3 out of 10 people with disabilities are on Medicaid, and the federal government pays 66% of the cost of traditional Medicaid.

If enacted, these cuts could result in reduced funding for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), forcing more individuals into costly institutional settings."

As of mid-March, the federal House has released a budget blueprint. The Medicaid part of the budget falls under the House Energy and Commerce Committee. That committee has been charged with cutting $880 billion from this budget area over the next 10 years. 

The messages we are hearing from Congress are that the intention is not to cut Medicaid benefits or to hurt people with developmental disabilities. But at the time of this writing, the details of any cuts are still unclear. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, it’s not possible to cut $880 billion from this area of the budget without making cuts to Medicaid. Be sure to follow GCDD’s social media for ongoing updates. 

Here’s where you come in. Your member of Congress needs to hear from you ASAP about why Medicaid is important in your life and the lives of people you care about. The best way to do this is with an in-person visit, and the second-best way is a phone call. You don’t need to hop on a plane to see your members – they all spend time at home and have local staff to meet with you. If your Representative supports Medicaid cuts, don’t be afraid to ask them for the math – how do they suggest cutting $880 billion in this budget area without hurting people on Medicaid?

Federal Department of Education (DOE)

Another big issue to raise with your Congressional Representative is the importance of the work done by the federal Department of Education for students with disabilities. The federal DOE regulates the implementation of IDEA, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Its Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces civil rights laws in schools, which protect all students, including students with disabilities, from discrimination. 

On March 11, 2025, 1,300 people at the Department of Education (DOE) lost their jobs. On Thursday, March 20, 2025, the White House released an Executive Order that called for the dismantling of the Department of Education. 

People are guessing that some of the DOE’s work might be given to other parts of the federal government. The Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, said that IDEA (the special education law) could be moved to the Department of Health and Human Services.

“Education is primarily managed by states, and federal oversight ensures that students with disabilities receive appropriate support and accommodations,” said Prangley. “Historically, states have struggled to provide sufficient support for disabled students, and with this order, it brings up serious concerns about their ability to meet the needs of these children without strong federal oversight.”

When you reach out to your Congressperson, make sure they know how you feel about IDEA and the importance of civil rights protections for students with disabilities. Ask them what they are doing now, and what they will commit to doing, to make sure that all students receive a free and appropriate public education. 

Section 504 Lawsuit

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal civil rights law that protects people with disabilities of all ages from discrimination in programs and activities that receive federal funding. Section 504 ensures equal access, accommodations, and opportunities for full participation in public schools, hospitals, public housing, and transportation systems. 

In the fall of 2024, Georgia’s Attorney General signed onto a lawsuit called Texas v. Becerra (https://bit.ly/504GALawsuit). The idea for the lawsuit began over language about gender dysphoria, but the actual lawsuit is much broader than that. Count 3 of the lawsuit argues that Section 504 is unconstitutional. It also disputes the Olmstead case, which upheld the right of people with mental disabilities to live outside institutions. 

Attorney General Chris Carr and other state Attorneys General have created a status report to the Judge that they do not want to end Section 504. However, as of mid-March, the lawsuit's language has not been changed, and it still argues that Section 504 is unconstitutional. For this to change, the lawsuit must be amended or withdrawn. 

You can reach out to the Attorney General’s office to share your thoughts about the Section 504 Lawsuit at (404) 458-3600 or email .

Charlie Miller, GCDD Legislative Advocacy DirectorThe legislative session officially ended on Friday, April 4, 2025 at 10:30 p.m. It wrapped up earlier than usual and without much fanfare, but Georgia's disability community made great strides in advancing strong public policy for the entire state.

Georgia has one of the shortest legislative sessions in the country — just 40 working days. That means any bill hoping to become law must be introduced, debated, and voted on within that tight window, and there are many steps between a bill’s introduction and the governor’s signature.

In this article, we’ll review some of the key legislative wins for people with disabilities and the hard-fought advocacy behind them, highlighting how community voices, persistence, and strategic partnerships made a real difference.

Listening to the Community

Each year before the session begins, the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) sends out a survey asking about public policy priorities. This feedback helps guide our advocacy efforts and ensures we’re focusing on what matters most to our community. It is a grassroots way to make sure that our work is people-centered and community-driven. It reminds us that the most effective policies are built not just in committee rooms, but also from lived experience.

This year, we not only fought for our set priorities — we also stayed ready to respond quickly when new issues affecting our community came up. That flexibility is a key part of our advocacy approach: not only being proactive, but also prepared to be reactive when needed. Whether it's standing up for dignity in the workplace or defending essential safeguards, we show up where our community needs us most.

Ending Subminimum Wage for People with Disabilities

Did you know that in Georgia, it's still legal to pay people with disabilities less than minimum wage? Some workers are paid as little as $0.22 an hour for their labor. This practice is permitted under the federal 14(c) certificate program, a law that dates back to the 1930s. It was originally designed to help returning war veterans re-enter the job market, but over time it has been misused and has perpetuated a system that undervalues the contributions of people with disabilities.

Currently, only eight community rehabilitation providers in Georgia still use this outdated model. These organizations receive special certification to legally pay people below minimum wage, often while labeling it as “training.” But the reality is that these individuals are doing real work without fair pay, and that’s unacceptable.

In 2023, our advocates introduced this issue to Representative Sharon Cooper who showed immediate interest. Although that bill didn’t cross the finish line in time last year, we weren’t discouraged. This year, the community came back stronger. Senator Billy Hickman reintroduced the issue as Senate Bill 55, known as the Dignity in Pay Act. Thanks to persistent advocacy, community engagement, and legislative champions, the bill passed with overwhelming support — only six lawmakers voted against it across both the House and Senate.

We at GCDD see this as a major victory for disability rights in Georgia. The passage of this bill sends a strong message: work has value, and people with disabilities deserve the same dignity and respect as anyone else. The end of subminimum wage in Georgia is not just symbolic — it’s a concrete step toward economic justice and true inclusion.

8,000 and Counting: Georgia’s Waiver Waitlist

One of the cornerstones of true community inclusion is being able to access support and services outside of institutional settings. In Georgia, this is made possible through the NOW (New Options Waiver) and COMP (Comprehensive Supports Waiver) programs. These Medicaid waivers provide critical funding that helps people with disabilities live, work, and thrive in their communities.

With these waivers, individuals can hire personal care attendants, access day services, and receive job coaching and employment support — all of which are essential to daily living. However, access is limited. Right now, just under 8,000 Georgians are on the waitlist for these services.

Every year, we join others in the disability community to advocate for more waivers. We share stories, meet with lawmakers, and emphasize the urgency and return on investment of providing these supports. This year, through the state’s budget process, we were able to secure 150 new waivers, totaling just over $3.4 million in funding. While this is a step in the right direction, it barely scratches the surface of the need.

A growing waitlist means more families living in uncertainty, more individuals unable to live independently, and more missed opportunities for community inclusion. We are hopeful that in the coming years, continued advocacy and stronger funding commitments will lead to real reductions in the waiver waitlist. GCDD will be working hard on this goal in the months to come.

Intellectual and Developmental Disability Commission

The idea behind Georgia’s Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Commission is simple but powerful: support the whole person, not just one aspect of their life. Disability affects every area of a person’s experience — education, housing, health care, employment, transportation, and more. Solutions must be just as comprehensive.

Through discussions with the General Assembly, we supported an idea to expand the existing Behavioral Health Reform and Innovation Commission to include representation from the disability community. This idea became part of the successful Senate Bill 233. This step may seem small, but it’s an important signal that disability issues must be included in broader health and policy conversations.

Our hope is that this will lead to a more coordinated, long-term strategy for meeting the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Rather than patching together services here and there, we can work toward a unified roadmap that supports every stage of life.

Hard-Fought Advocacy

Not every bill we engage with is easy to explain or instantly popular. Some are complex, sensitive, and require careful education. But they’re no less important.

One such bill was House Bill 123, sponsored by Representative Bill Werkheiser and championed by Faith Leaders Against the Death Penalty. This bill changes how capital punishment cases are handled in Georgia when a defendant has an intellectual disability. Under this legislation, someone accused of a capital crime can ask the judge — before the trial begins — to determine whether they have an intellectual disability. If the judge agrees, the death penalty cannot be pursued in that case.

This bill also includes clear procedures for how evidence is shared, how hearings are conducted, and how juries are instructed. It ensures fairness and due process, while protecting individuals who should never face the death penalty due to their intellectual disability. GCDD’s Council took a favorable position on this idea, and we worked alongside community partners to advocate on the issue. After many years of effort, House Bill 123 has officially passed the General Assembly and is on its way to the Governor’s desk.

Another piece of legislation that required fast action was House Bill 36, which proposed expanding the list of professionals authorized to participate in the guardianship process. Specifically, it would have added Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) to the list of those who can evaluate individuals for potential guardianship.

While these professionals play important roles in mental health care, determining whether someone needs a legal guardian is an incredibly serious matter. It is GCDD’s stance that LMFT’s and LPC’s do not have the specialized knowledge base and training to make these life-altering decisions. Guardianship decisions can take away a person’s rights and independence, so the process must be approached with great care.

After back-and-forth conversations with the bill’s sponsor and supporters and powerful testimony from Uniting for Change and a GCDD Council member, LMFTs were removed from the bill. LPCs remain in the bill, which did pass, but advocates made meaningful progress educating lawmakers about issues around guardianship. This gives us a strong foundation to build on next year.

What’s Next?

Now that the legislative session is over and lawmakers, advocates, and lobbyists have returned to their home districts, this is the perfect time to connect with your elected officials. Let them know that disability issues matter — and that you care about how they vote.

You can send an email, make a phone call, or even invite them to coffee. Better yet, invite them to visit a local disability service provider or advocacy group in your area. Show them the real people behind the policies.

Our advocacy doesn’t end when the session does. In fact, it’s just getting started. Let’s keep building relationships, growing our movement, and pushing for a Georgia where everyone has the opportunity to live a full and inclusive life.
Together, we can keep the momentum going.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) continues to seek public input for its 2027-2031 Five-Year Strategic Plan project. Information gathered from stakeholders across the state will help GCDD form a strategic plan to create systems change for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. The final plan will guide projects that help the Council influence public policy at both state and federal levels, support capacity building through technical assistance and grants, facilitate discussions on creating change, and promote public awareness of the needs of the disability community. 

To ensure the plan reflects the needs and priorities of the community, GCDD is collecting information from Georgians through an online survey. Individuals with I/DD, their families, caregivers, and community advocates are encouraged to take the survey. Once you have completed the survey, please share it with others.

The survey, available in both English and Spanish, includes multiple-choice questions and opportunities for more in-depth responses, taking approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. To complete the survey, click one of the following links below:

• English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/G8WYS8J
• Spanish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GH3C2LY

By engaging with the community and incorporating their feedback, GCDD’s goal is to ensure that individuals with I/DD are interdependent, included in their communities, and self-determined in their lives. For more information, visit our website.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is excited to announce the upcoming ”Embracing Possibility: Georgia’s Disability Justice Journey” exhibit at the Tubman African American Museum in Macon, Georgia. The opening celebration will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at the museum, located at 310 Cherry Street, Macon, GA 31201.

Waddie Welcome and the Beloved Community Quilt by Beth MountThe exhibit, which will run from May 2025 through June 2026, aims to redefine how people with disabilities are perceived in society by showcasing their courage, creativity, and historic contributions. It highlights the rich history of disability justice in Georgia and beyond, inviting visitors to explore the strength and potential of individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID), their families, and communities. Each experience reveals a unique source of power, encourages creative and courageous action, and leaves visitors transformed by a new understanding of what's possible.

“Embracing Possibility” is made possible through the collaboration of GCDD, Derek’s Doodles, Inclusion Press, the Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD) at the University of Georgia, the Georgia Advocacy Office (GAO), Crimminz & Associates, the Center for Leadership in Disability (CLD) at Georgia State University, the Southern Poverty Law Center of Georgia, Sangha Unity Network, Walton Options, Wesley Glen Ministries, Dr. Beth Mount, and many other disability advocates throughout the state of Georgia.

Founded in 1981, the Tubman Museum strives to explore, celebrate, and share the rich art and history of African Americans. It serves as a center of social and civic engagement and a source of experiences that enrich cultural understanding and inspire positive change.

Harriet Tubman, known for her bravery and leadership using the Underground Railroad in the fight against slavery, also lived with a disability. She sustained a traumatic brain injury in her youth, resulting in lifelong seizures and narcoleptic episodes. Tubman's resilience in the face of barriers embodies the spirit of the disability rights movement and emphasizes the strength and capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

The Harriet Tubman Museum honors Tubman's legacy of fighting for freedom for enslaved people and women’s rights, despite barriers. Hosting the exhibit at this museum underscores the historical and symbolic connection between Tubman's legacy and the disability justice movement. It is a fitting venue for the exhibit on Georgia's Disability Justice History due to Tubman's own experiences with disability and her enduring legacy as a symbol of resilience and empowerment. This connection enhances the exhibit's impact and allows visitors to appreciate the contributions of individuals with disabilities.

For more information about the May 18th opening celebration, visit www.gcdd.org or connect with GCDD on our social media channels.

Zoe-Rebekah Bostic from Grovetown, GA Speaks about Her Goals and How She is Engaged in Her Community

My name is Zoe-Rebekah Bostic, and I am an Autism Champion. I am more than my disability. I am a student, daughter, sister, content creator, cheerleader, soon-to-be published author, and a dedicated member of my community. I want to remind readers that you can do it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re not good enough. People with disabilities matter, we have a voice in this world, and we have the power to make a difference.

I am still in high school and will graduate in May 2027 and I'm really excited about it. After high school, I plan on attending one of Georgia’s Inclusive Post Secondary Education (IPSE) programs. I want to explore other IPSE programs before making my final decision. So far, I’ve visited the University of Georgia’s (UGA) Destination Dawgs IPSE Program and three other IPSE programs to learn more about their programs to see if they’re a good fit for me. My mom and I plan to visit more colleges to find the best option for me. My goal is to be a teacher. I hope to become a Special Education teacher, just like my favorite teacher, Mrs. Hinds.

I am demonstrating independence and self-advocacy in my life today. I make my own decisions about what’s best for me, such as choosing where I want to go to college and what I want to study. I also choose what type of activities I want to participate in. I also talk to other students about supported decision-making and the importance of using their voices. I also volunteer and participate in school activities to show others that they can achieve their goals while also working to make the world a more inclusive place. 

Additionally, I am an active member of my community. I volunteer with Lasagna Love, where I make lasagna for families each month. I also serve as an usher and participate in the Women’s Ministry at my church. At school, I’m involved in the Buddy Club and Student Council as a youth advocate. As a content creator, I share my personal story to inspire others and show them that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.

My goals and dreams include learning how to drive so I can drive independently to school. I also plan to go to college to become a teacher, get married, and have children. I hope to live next door to my mom so she can help watch my children when I go to work, and we can still spend time together because we’re best friends.

Hobbies and awards I have recently been recognized for include learning how to sew. I also have a passion for drawing and dancing and enjoy cheerleading, bowling, and solving my Rubik’s Cube. I am part of a competitive cheer squad, and we are national champions. I am also a cheerleader for my school football team and a Special Olympics athlete. In my spare time, I compete in pageants to inspire others who are like me. I am proud to have been named 4-H Volunteer of the Year for two years in a row. I love helping others and advocating for a world where all abilities are celebrated and making the world more inclusive.

In addition to my family, the people who support me in my community include my Cheerleading “Squad,” which includes my school supporters, IEP team, teachers, tutor, and therapists – my private speech and occupational therapist. They help me work toward my academic and independent living goals. I have an incredible team of medical doctors who support me and ensure I receive the best medical care. I cannot forget about my dentist and her team. They are the best and they keep my teeth pearly white. I also have an amazing team at my local YMCA who support my physical goals and are teaching me how to swim. My church family plays a big role in my spiritual growth, and my cheer sisters help me learn teamwork.

Follow me on Instagram to see what I am up to at @zoetheautismdiva.

Find out what's happening during April! Here are some events that may be of interest to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

My Tech for All Technology Training – Cooking Tips and Recipes Online

April 3, 2025 from 10:00am - 11:30am

Cooking apps are a tool for improving eating habits. They provide access to recipes, meal planning, and personalized help. Learn how cooking apps can help you eat better with easy recipes, personalized advice, step-by-step help, tracking your portions, and trying new things. 

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlc-uuqTgpHtQkLN0MZ7YcwECfhaO9J5gI#/registration 

Find more upcoming webinars: https://mytechforall.com/georgia/  

Uniting for Change: Community Strong

April 7, 21, & 28, 2025 from 4:00pm – 5:00pm

Community Strong, led by self-advocates for self-advocates, is a weekly Zoom gathering about having fun and spending time with each other!

Register here: https://www.uniting4change.org/event-details/community-strong-2025-04-07-16-00 

Find more upcoming gatherings here: https://www.uniting4change.org/calendar

FOCUS of Georgia: Sip and Share Virtual Meet-up

April 11, 2025 from 8:00pm to 9:00pm

Support Groups, also called Share Groups, are the backbone of FOCUS, the first program ever offered. Share Groups meet monthly (September to May) in several different locations around metro Atlanta so parents can meet other parents and share tips, fears, and joys. Parent volunteers facilitate the groups, keeping them positive, constructive, and uplifting. This is a virtual share group and conducted through Zoom. 

To attend, you must be a parent/caregiver of a child/young adult with a physical and/or developmental disability, including rare genetic syndromes, cerebral palsy, autism, and Down syndrome. Learn more at https://focus-ga.org/event/sip-share-group-3/2025-04-11/.

On the day the Share Group meets, login using this Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82248779045?pwd=eTRDdSsxZEhLR3k3dERzb1FUdkI1Zz09#success 

Uniting for Change: Statewide Area Network Meeting 

April 22, 2025, 10:00am – 12:00 pm via Zoom

Read the announcement: https://conta.cc/4kWw7hP

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/U59H9zsER9eDeu4Lw0vwkw

Parent 2 Parent: Wills and Trusts

April 29, 2025, 6:30pm – 7:30pm via Zoom

Planning for the future of your child with a disability can feel overwhelming. Join this meeting to learn how to protect benefits, ensure financial security, and create a plan.

To register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fAegCeNyTi-YDfrI-73WQw#/registration 

Questions? Contact Sitara Nayak at or 800-229-2038.