Fall 2024

In late 2017, the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities’ (GCDD) late Public Policy Director Dawn Alford had an idea to support self-advocates sharing their stories with legislators. She believed that the power of constituents’ own stories was the strongest tool in legislative advocacy work for disability rights and equal access. She wanted to create a program to capture the words and images of Georgians with disabilities at school, home, and work and share this information with their state legislators. These stories would serve as a calling card and showcase the people behind the policy. This idea became what is now known as the GCDD Storytelling Project.

L'Arche Atlanta was selected to lead the project and since it began in 2018, more than 200 stories have been captured and shared via a mini-documentary, short films, creative prose, podcasts, written stories, community conversations, and photographs. The project concluded this spring after six years of collecting stories from people whose voices often go unheard.

Irene Turner, the Storytelling Project Director and Producer of the mini documentary “6,000 Waiting” said, “The Storytelling Project created a platform for Georgians with disabilities to be represented on the state level. The stories were in the hands of advocates at the state capitol and eventually in the hands of lawmakers as policy decisions around funding were being considered. The Storytelling Project was a place for Georgians with disabilities to come to speak about their lives and experiences and connect with other self-advocates from around the state. Specifically at our multi-city roadshows there was the opportunity for the community to learn and rally around disability policy in Georgia. Real representation of people with disabilities was created at the capitol and at the project's events around the state.”

Telling Our Stories

Turner and other members of the project team traversed the state meeting people who wanted to share their thoughts and stories. Here are some reflections on the project from self-advocates and family members who participated.

Jessica Cowell (Winowich)

Jessica Cowell (Winowich) is from Columbus, Georgia and was a participant in the 2021 Treasure Maps Roadshow and the Cow Tipping Press creative prose project. Jessica was appointed as a GCDD Council Member in September of this year. 

Jessica shared, “I heard about the GCDD storytelling project three years ago. The project they were doing that year was called Treasure Maps, and I was immediately interested. I was told since preschool that it was important for me to use my voice, because it is not something everyone can do. There have been times in my life when people have made it clear they would rather not hear it. For a while I forgot how important it was. I majored in theatre and history at Columbus State University. I feel more alive in a theatre than anywhere. 

“When I heard about this project it felt like a new way to use my voice. After doing some self-reflection I've realized my loved ones have always called me a storyteller. The year I did my first one, we were still having to take serious precautions due to COVID-19, so we did a good deal of the work online, but that made it more accessible for me because it didn't matter that I was not in Atlanta. We made videos separately and they were edited into a whole movie. 

“Shannon (the woman who organized the project) told me about a storytelling group in Chicago who was doing online events, and I got to meet them and was given the opportunity to be a part of their Story Lab series which was so wonderful. The next year several of us got to work together to make a book of short stories together. I also got to do a project with a close friend and Story Corps. This year we were able to facilitate discussions with people who were interested in understanding more about our lived experience. 

“Each project has been unique and interesting. They have also given us an opportunity to create something that can live beyond ourselves. I have tried to do historical research about people with developmental disabilities, but it is difficult to find many primary resources. For so long we were not meant to be seen and heard so GCDD and Shannon (Turner) giving us this opportunity has been monumental not just for me but for our community as well. I am so grateful.”

Watch Jessica’s Treasure Maps video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jA_Xr8ZQG8A)

Ben Oxley

Ben Oxley initially shared his story and images in the Telling Our Stories component of the Storytelling Project in 2019. He was then selected to be a cast member in 2020’s mini documentary, “6,000 Waiting.” Ben lives in McDonough, Georgia.  

Ben reflects, “The GCDD storytelling project positively affected my family and me. It has allowed me to have the space to share my story with others who need a different perspective on life with disabilities. My story shows them that no matter how hard the challenges they face are, they can turn their disabilities into abilities. My family appreciates the recognition they received through the project. They are the reason I am so positive and full of life.”  

Read Ben’s written story: https://story-collection.gcdd.org/ben-oxley 

Watch 6,000 Waiting at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEkIFedoUIY. 

Faith Harris

Faith Harris lives in Loganville, Georgia with her family. She participated in our 2021 Treasure Maps project. 

Her mother, LaTonya shared what the experience meant to Faith and her family.

“The Treasure Maps project gave Faith a voice to share with the world who she is and how she brings such joy to the world. They also got to see that she was more than just a person with a disability. And I think that was the biggest takeaway. That she just wasn’t a person with a DD that she was a person who was a part of the community. Everyone who has seen the video has gotten to appreciate how a person who doesn’t have an intelligible voice can still communicate so much love, joy and provide people with peace without saying a word.”

Additionally, LaTonya said the Storytelling Project gave her and Faith something that they could share with people.

“Like employers, we can share with people who are going to work with her. That is what we use it for now. Whenever we are introducing someone to Faith the first thing they get is the link to her video so they can know who Faith is. The things that she likes and how she communicates. That is the introduction to people who come into her life who may not know her. They get to see her firsthand in her element and they get to hear her story.”

Watch Faith’s Treasure Maps video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BM2gSgcXKvU

We are proud to have provided this opportunity for Georgians with developmental disabilities to share their hopes, dreams and challenges with the world. GCDD thanks all the participants, their friends and family members who shared their stories as a part of this project. GCDD would like to thank the Friends of L’Arche team for including Tim Moore, Irene Turner, Shannon Turner and countless talented producers, project managers, writers, photographers, story coaches and filmmakers who made Dawn Alford’s idea come to life. We are eternally grateful to you all.

Find the complete Storytelling Project catalog of work on GCDD’s website.

Throughout the voting cycle this year, Uniting for Change has been and will continue to be committed to educating and engaging all people with disabilities in Georgia about the importance of voting. We have created a series of voting workshops for self-advocates that will continue through October 2024.

The “Our Voice, Our Vote Part 1: The Foundation of Voting” workshop was held on July 9, 2024 and again on September 24, 2024 via Zoom. During this workshop self-advocates explained and discussed a variety of topics as it pertains to the disability community, including why voting is important, the different ways people can vote, how to find out if you are registered to vote, how to get the support you need to decide who you want to vote for, and how to get the support you need to vote.

The “Our Voice, Our Vote Part 2: Voting with Confidence” workshop was held on August 13, 2024 and again on October 15, 2024 via Zoom. This workshop was presented by self-advocates, with support from Dana Lloyd, Director of the Developmental Disabilities Program with the Georgia Advocacy Office and Stacey Ramirez from Rev Up Georgia. During this workshop, the presenters described and discussed all of the voting amendments, looked at sample ballots, and determined whether people are “vote ready.” 

All our Self-Advocacy Area Network meetings in September were in person and also focused on voting. We had allies and supporters present to help participants verify whether they were still registered to vote. These five workshops were held in various locations throughout Georgia. Uniting for Change was present at “The Gathering” speaking with attendees about voting and passing out giveaways made by Carmine Vara, a self-advocate in our Leadership Collective. 

Uniting for Change also made a video that will be shared with the Georgia Disability Vote Partnership and with other organizations so that people with disabilities have a better chance of getting the support they need to exercise their right to vote as Georgia citizens.

D'Arcy Robb, GCDD Executive Director“Honey, those are sopping wet,” I said as my daughter carried in the Halloween decorations the day before Hurricane Helene. “Go hang them in the laundry room to dry.”

A few minutes later, she called, “Mom, the floor in here is wet already.”

Oh boy. Those are words you never want to hear. It was the beginning of Hurricane Helene and the flood in our basement. 

Thankfully, my family is safe, my home is standing, and my power is on. Without it, our damage would have been so much worse. For all of that, I am incredibly lucky. And yet – I’m not going to lie to you, our basement flood has been stressful, disruptive and hard. It uncovered asbestos, so it will take some time to put things to rights.

I’m beyond grateful to my neighbors for lending me fans and dehumidifiers, my staff for stepping in when I had to step back, and my husband and daughter for navigating it all right there with me. I’m grateful to the staff at Home Depot that schooled me in the fine art of wet vacuuming and to my mom for assuring me that it’s normal to feel stunned and to every single person that made me laugh or sent a message of support.

And then I read the stories from Georgia communities like Valdosta, Sandersville, and Augusta and my heart flipped inside out. 

Hurricane Helene and now Hurricane Milton have both devastated the southeast region of the United States, including Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. Amid all these crises and devastation, the National Guard, first responders, and countless volunteers are working together in each of these states to rebuild communities and to get resources and assistance to those who are in dire need. 

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) has been very fortunate that, although some of us were affected by Hurricane Helene, all the staff is alive and well. As of this writing, there are thousands of Georgians, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are still without resources, food, and electrical power. 

Below is a list of resources that Georgians, including the disability community, who are still in need of assistance can benefit from:

The Disability and Disaster Hotline
Call 1-800-626-4959 or email

American Red Cross
The American Red Cross has opened shelters and feeding centers in areas affected by Hurricane Helene. Click here to view their disaster relief and recovery resources. 

Crisis Clean Up
Crisis Clean Up offers free services to those needing help with cleaning up hurricane-related damages. Call 844-965-1386 or visit their website to be connected with volunteer groups. 

DBHDD Office of Disaster Mental Health Services
Kalie Burke, MPH, is the Mental Health Coordinator for the GA Emergency Preparedness Coalition for Individuals with Disabilities & Older Adults. For assistance, contact her at 404-416-2829 or via her email at .

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Serious Needs Assistance
FEMA provides help for disaster-related expenses like food, water, baby formula, and other emergency supplies. Click here to access their quick reference guide. 

Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA)
GEMA offers resources on disaster recovery, including information on SNAP benefits and assistance from the Red Cross. Click here to view their response to Hurricane Helene. 

For more information and resources, visit our web page of Georgia Hurricane Helene Resources.

While I am not happy that my basement got flooded, I am happy that I could rely on my community to help me, and my family get things back in order when I needed them most! On behalf of the whole GCDD team, I hope you are safe, well, and getting the support you need after the storm.

D’Arcy Robb
Executive Director
GCDD

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD), along with the Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, the University of Georgia’s Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD), and the Georgia Disability History Alliance (GDHA), sponsored and hosted the seventh annual Georgia Disability History Symposium, entitled “Home Grown, World Class: Georgia’s Contributions to the Movement. Held October 1, 2024, at the University of Georgia (UGA), the symposium honored Georgia’s role in advancing disability rights and explored its ongoing global impact in disability awareness and advocacy and brought together disability advocates, scholars, researchers, and public officials. 

Keynote speaker Charlotte McClain-Nhlapo, Global Disability Advisor for the World Bank Group, tells her personal story of growing up in exile in South Africa, as her parents’ interracial union was illegal under apartheid. 

“I witnessed the brutality of the system that maimed and attacked young people who dared to dream alternatively and dared to dream about freedom” she said. McCLain-Nhlapo was always committed to fighting systemic injustice, and she began to focus on disability issues after sustaining a spinal cord injury. 

McCLain-Nhlapo spoke about her work in the Prime Minister Nelson Mandela’s administration, where she contributed to the development of Africa’s first ever disability national strategy. She also helped draft the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a global standard for community living rights. She noted that the U.S. has yet to ratify this convention.

Additionally, McClain-Nhlapo underscored the global significance of the Olmstead Decision, a landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling originating in Georgia. “We need to know their names,” she said of Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson, whose case challenged the unjust segregation of people with disabilities. 

She praised Georgia’s “home grown” solutions that have shaped global change and urged the audience to continue confronting the interconnected oppressions of ableism, racism, homophobia, and poverty.

Honoring Georgia’s Advocacy Legacy 

Following McClain-Nhlapo’s address, the discussions turned to generational advocacy. Tom Kohler, former coordinator of Chatham-Savannah Citizen Advocacy, presented his paper Home Grown, World Class: Georgia’s Contributions to the Movement and to the World. This paper discusses Georgia’s “gifts,” like Mark Gold, John O’Brien, and Mark Johnson, whose community-based activism reshaped societal views on disability and set new standards for inclusion.

Kohler also revisited key moments in Georgia’s history, such as Central State Hospital in Milledgeville, once the world’s largest institution for people with mental illnesses and developmental disabilities. He spoke about the injustices people with intellectual disabilities faced, including harsh capital punishment laws. 

These injustices fueled grassroots advocacy, which Kohler likened to Stewart Brand’s Whole Earth Catalog, describing it as a “cauldron of creativity by its design and an example of inclusiveness,” where “people with different agendas found commonplace to learn about one another and learn about possibility.”  

Local Voices, Global Resonance 

Derona King, former coordinator for Citizen Advocacy of Atlanta and Dekalb, facilitated a discussion with Ava Bullard and Derek Heard. Bullard, a premed student and founder of Ava’s Law, which mandates insurance coverage for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for individuals with autism, spoke about the power of persistent advocacy in achieving change. 

“We all have dreams to chase. I was fortunate to have people that fought for me and to help me learn how to advocate. I want others in the disability community to feel like they can chase their dreams too,” said Bullard.

Heard, a graphic artist and founder of Derek’s Doodles, discussed his involvement with Rev Up Georgia, a campaign encouraging individuals with disabilities to vote. Heard shared the importance of Supported Decision Making and accessible education. “Everybody wants a life that they can control, to be part of something that they can love and that will love them back,” said Heard. 

The session closed with a group discussion on the progress of allyship and strategies for supporting younger generations in advocacy. 

Afterwards, Tom Kohler returned to the stage to introduce his book, Waddie Welcome and the Beloved Community, which promotes grassroots activism and community engagement in the disability rights movement. Kohler encouraged attendees to host “kitchen table” readings as a means of spreading stories and building stronger community ties. 

Gillian Grable from IHDD then recognized 13 elders who have been pioneers in the Georgia disability rights movement. These individuals included Goldie Marks, John and Connie O'Brien, Mary Yoder, Zo Stoneman, Barbara Fischer, Rev. Calvin Peterson, Doug Hatch, Kate Gainer, Larry Frick, Eleanor Smith, Sally Carter, Jessie Coleman, and Jack Pearpoint.  

Grable acknowledged each individuals’ efforts in advocacy, policy work, or community-building, which laid the foundation for progress made today.

“They have paved the way and left a legacy, meaning our world has been made different because of their contributions,” Grable said. 

The “Honoring the Elders” session will become a recurring feature in future symposiums.  

Georgia is Still Climbing

Dana Lloyd, Program Director of the Georgia Advocacy Office, closed the symposium by drawing on Dr. Martin Luther King’s words, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." She urged the audience to actively “bend the arc,” just as Georgia’s advocates have been doing for decades. She reminded attendees that the disability rights movement is not about “special needs” but about basic human needs–belonging and community. 

“I want to be allied to people,” said Lloyd. “But I’m starting to think that there might be more power in being an accomplice.” 

She recounted the story of James Turner, a white man who used his privilege to help activist Bree Newsome remove the Confederate flag after the Charleston, South Carolina church shooting. Turner placed his hand on the flagpole to prevent authorities from tasing her, allowing Newsome to complete her act of defiance. His action demonstrated how an accomplice can support and elevate others’ activism. 

As her words echoed the symposium’s theme, Lloyd left the audience with a challenge: “We are making history right now. What do you want the story to be?” 

Georgia’s homegrown efforts have made a global impact, but the work is far from finished. Real change is driven by grassroots movements and those willing to step forward and push for justice and inclusion.

For more information, contact .

Navigating the complex world of employment is a challenge that millions around the world face at one time or another. 

For Georgians with disabilities, the task can be all the more difficult, particularly due to the presence of sheltered workshops, which are meant to serve as a means of vocational training for Georgian’s with disabilities. 

Such facilities, which are certified by the Department of Labor (DOL) under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) 14(c) program, are allowed to pay workers with disabilities wages far below the federal minimum, also known as subminimum wages. What is more distressing is that, according to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), only 5% of sheltered workshop employees ever leave their positions to work in the community.

Amy Price, Consultant for Advancing EmploymentAmy Price is a consultant with Advancing Employment, an organization, funded by the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) that provides statewide technical assistance to organizations that employ people with disabilities. Her work is dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities.

According to Price, many individuals who begin work in sheltered workshops often never leave. 

“People rarely leave sheltered workshops; they stay stuck,” Price said. “The way things change is when organizations realize that sheltered workshops shouldn’t exist and work to do something different. In Georgia, there are very few success stories of people leaving sheltered employment and receiving competitive integrated employment (CIE).”

One of the reasons for this struggle, Price said, is a lack of emphasis on employment on the state’s part. Oftentimes, individuals who leave sheltered workshops do not attain CIE and, instead, participate in day programs, which do not typically provide meaningful activities. People may also find it hard to adjust to or seek CIE after growing accustomed to being in a sheltered workshop for many years. 

Furthermore, many individuals with disabilities feel overwhelmed by the abundance of barriers present in our current systems, such as employers having preconceived notions that people with disabilities will be liabilities to their workforce.

“Barriers can look so different from person to person,” Price explained. “It may be that [people with disabilities] don’t believe they can work because they have been told they are not good enough or that they are only destined to be in a sheltered workshop or day program. Sometimes barriers can come from state agencies, employers, mobility and communications concerns, and even family members.”

Much of Price’s work with Advancing Employment focuses on breaking these systemic barriers, including providing technical assistance for workers on site, hosting webinars and Georgia’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), and working with the state legislature to pursue FLSA 14(c) reform. Price and Advancing Employment strive to help Georgians with disabilities tap into their inner strengths, allowing them to channel their talents into a vocation with meaning.

“I tell people when I do training, ‘You have one of the hardest jobs. You have to really listen deeply and find the gifts and strengths of somebody who has been devalued by our society,’” Price said. “‘You have to work with family members and work with employers, and that involves a whole different way of supporting them and helping them think differently about hiring people with disabilities.’”

According to Price, the ability to leave sheltered workshops and pursue CIE is based on the initiative of the individuals, their families, and if applicable, their providers.

“The first step is to have that conversation with your family or providers: does the person and their family see a different vision for themselves and want to seek it out for themselves? Does the provider understand that everybody can work and help to support that person?” Price said. “The Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) and Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) are the resources we have in place in Georgia to make the process easier, but again, there are so many limitations in front of people actually being able to work.”

Although it may seem daunting, it is possible to leave sheltered workshops. There have been success stories in the past, such as a man who worked at a sheltered workshop for several years before leaving to work at Home Depot, where he has remained employed for ten years. Another case is a woman who was able to transition from a sheltered workshop to working at the YMCA.

“At first, the woman’s parents needed a lot of support and assistance to understand that she was capable of carrying out the job,” said Price. “Now they are fabulous examples of advocating for their working daughter.”

Price and Advancing Employment tirelessly continue their work to improve the lives of Georgians with disabilities, and though the various systems currently in place make such work a challenge, they are constantly striving for progress and growth. For more information, visit https://www.advancingemployment.com/.

Michelle Haney has one question. 

“Can we all agree that supporting students with higher support needs is a worthwhile investment?” Haney, the executive director of Berry College’s new inclusive post secondary education program, certainly thinks so.

For many young adults with intellectual disabilities (ID), the transition from high school to adulthood can be filled with barriers that may limit their choices. 

Without a high school diploma or the required academic credits for mainstream universities, students with ID can face significant challenges. Whether it’s pursuing higher education or finding meaningful employment, opportunities can often feel out of reach. 

Thankfully, Berry College is working to change that narrative. 

For over a decade, Georgia has been home to nine Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) programs at public universities, offering students with ID opportunities for personal growth, academic advancement, and vocational training. 

This year marks a major milestone: the launch of a new IPSE program at Berry College, a private university of Georgia. The program broadens educational options statewide and signals a growing recognition of the value and potential of students with ID. 

More Than Education–A Commitment to Inclusion 

Berry College Program for Inclusive Learning, or The Berry IPSE Program, is more than just an academic program for students with ID--it’s a gateway to leadership, inclusion, and active community engagement. 

“We view IPSE students as future leaders,” said Executive Director Michelle Haney. “Our focus is on ensuring that by the time they leave, these students know what they want in life and how to advocate for themselves.” 

Leadership development is a core aspect of the curriculum, with courses designed to teach students how to express their views, contribute to team goals, and become confident self-advocates. As Haney emphasized, “We’re teaching them the skills to work collaboratively, and that will serve them well beyond their college years.” 

Berry’s Culture of Support 

Berry College’s IPSE program is a testament to the school’s deep-rooted commitment to support community engagement. The college’s commitment to service is ingrained in its motto: Not to be served, but to serve. The philosophy has drawn degree-seeking students to get involved with the IPSE program, offering mentorship and reinforcing Berry’s community-centered mindset. 

“There’s a humbleness to the student body at Berry [College],” Haney shared. “Students here want to be part of a community that takes care of one another.” 

Sara Alexander, a psychology major at Berry College, is a peer mentor and one who advocated to get an IPSE program at Berry College at the GCDD Advocacy Days in 2024. 

“As peer mentors, it’s amazing to see our students thrive, make friends, go to their classes, and learn,” said Alexander. “They become fully integrated into the [Berry College] family, and become a fantastic part of the community.”

This mindset extends to the faculty, staff, and even alumni, who have wholeheartedly embraced the program. 

When Haney first introduced the idea of faculty fellows for the IPSE program, she was unsure what reaction to expect.

“I pitched the idea at a faculty assembly meeting, thinking I might get a handful of responses. Instead, I received 25 applications from all across disciplines–Computer Science, English, Psychology, and more. The interest was overwhelming.”

Dr. Ary Suarez, a professor of agriculture science, was one of the faculty fellows who helped design the Berry IPSE program.

“These students are making friends, learning, working, and having an experience that allows them to see their own potential,” said Suarez.

Empowering IPSE Students with Real World Skills 

The Berry IPSE program goes beyond the classroom by offering hands-on job training and real-world experiences, building agency among students. Currently, three students are enrolled: Griffin, Kate, and Will, and each is contributing to campus life in meaningful ways. 

Griffin, who has a passion for computers, secured an apprenticeship with Berry Information Technology Students (BITS) entirely on his own merit.

“He went through the same process as every other student–submitting a resume and sitting for an interview,” Haney explained. “The BITS team hired him because of him, not because of the IPSE program.” Today, Griffin works in IT and is pursuing annual certifications, proving how valuable IPSE students can be when given the opportunity. 

Kate works at the Berry College Library help desk, where she assists visitors and curates book displays. Her outgoing personality makes her a natural in this forward-facing role. 

Meanwhile, Will’s love for agriculture has landed him a role in the Berry Bees program, a student-run enterprise producing and selling bee-related products. Here, Will is honing his entrepreneurial skills while contributing to Berry’s sustainability initiatives.

“He’s brought so much passion to this project, and it’s inspiring to see him grow alongside our bees,” shares Student Supervisor Lily Reddick.

Sustainable and Accessible Growth  

As Berry College’s IPSE program continues to grow, Haney is focused on making it more accessible and sustainable. “One of our biggest challenges is financial,” she admitted.

“Because Berry is a private institution, we don’t receive the legislative funding that state schools do for IPSE programs. Everything is 100% out of pocket.” 

To combat this, Haney and her team are working to secure a Comprehensive Transition Postsecondary (CTP) status for the program, which would allow students to access federal financial aid. 

“We want to do everything we can to minimize barriers for a population that has historically been excluded from opportunities.” 

A Model for Inclusive Higher Education 

Ultimately, the IPSE program at Berry College is about more than just academic and vocational training. It’s about empowering students with the tools to shape their own futures, advocate for their rights, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. 

“We’re investing in their development, so they leave with a clear purpose and the skills to pursue it,” said Haney. 

As inclusive higher education gains traction nationwide, Berry College is setting a powerful example of what’s possible when colleges commit to serving all students, regardless of ability. 

Berry’s vision? A future where IPSE programs are recognized across the board as a legitimate and valuable college experience.

And they are just getting started. 

To learn more about Berry College and the program, visit the GAIPSEC website.

Charlotte Densmore, GCDD Public Policy DirectorAs the month of October ushers in National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), organizations across the nation come together to recognize the critical contributions of workers with disabilities, promote inclusive employment practices, and raise awareness about the work that remains to be done to ensure equitable opportunities for all. The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) has long been at the forefront of advocacy for developmental disabilities (DD). One of the most significant efforts spearheaded by GCDD is the push to end the use of 14(c) certificates and the practice of paying subminimum wages to workers with disabilities in the state. This campaign is not only pivotal to disability rights within Georgia, but it also unites perfectly with the broader aims of NDEAM.

Understanding 14(c) Certificates and Subminimum Wages

The 14(c) provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), established in 1938, allows employers to pay workers with disabilities less than the federal minimum wage, based on the assumption that their productivity may be lower than that of their non-disabled peers. This policy, now over 85 years old, was intended to create more employment opportunities for people with significant disabilities. However, in practice, it has often resulted in exploitation, leaving workers with DD earning far below the poverty line for jobs that offer little opportunity for advancement.

While some argue that 14(c) certificates provide a pathway to employment for those with the most significant barriers to work, the reality is that many workers with disabilities are capable of competitive, integrated employment when given the proper support. GCDD, along with a growing coalition of advocates across the country, recognizes that subminimum wages perpetuate inequality and outdated notions of disability. As the nation focuses on advancing workplace inclusion during NDEAM, GCDD’s mission to eliminate 14(c) certificates aligns with the larger goal of creating equitable employment opportunities for all people, regardless of ability.

GCDD’s Role in the Fight Against Subminimum Wages

GCDD has long been a champion of policies that promote competitive, integrated employment (CIE) for individuals with DD. Through a combination of legislative advocacy, public awareness campaigns, and coalition-building efforts, GCDD has worked to dismantle the system of subminimum wages in Georgia and create pathways for people with disabilities to access meaningful employment at fair wages.

One of GCDD’s primary strategies has been to engage state legislators in conversations about the harmful effects of 14(c) certificates and the need for policy change. In 2024, GCDD advocated for HB 1125, a bill that sought to phase out subminimum wages in the state, a crucial step in aligning Georgia with a national trend of states moving away from this archaic practice. Although the bill did not pass that session, GCDD’s advocacy efforts laid the groundwork for future legislative action, and there are plans to reintroduce the bill in 2025.

In addition to legislative efforts, GCDD has prioritized raising awareness about the importance of employment equity for people with disabilities. Through partnerships with local organizations, community outreach programs, and media campaigns, GCDD educates both the public and policymakers about the benefits of competitive employment for individuals with DD and the negative consequences of keeping subminimum wage laws in place. These awareness campaigns are particularly powerful during NDEAM, as the nation’s attention turns toward disability employment and the need for systemic change.

Aligning with National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)

National Disability Employment Awareness Month is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of workers with disabilities while also acknowledging the persistent barriers they face in the workforce. This year’s NDEAM theme, “Access To Good Jobs for All,” highlights the importance of providing access and creating inclusive environments where individuals of all abilities can thrive. GCDD’s fight to end subminimum wages is a clear embodiment of this year’s theme, as it seeks to remove one of the most significant barriers to equitable employment for people with DD.

NDEAM serves as a powerful platform for amplifying GCDD’s message. Throughout October, GCDD leverages this national observance to draw attention to the importance of policy reform and the real-world impact that subminimum wage laws have on individuals with disabilities. By sharing stories of workers who have successfully transitioned out of sheltered workshops and into competitive employment, GCDD humanizes the issue and demonstrates that people with disabilities can contribute meaningfully to the workforce when given the chance.

Moreover, GCDD uses NDEAM as an opportunity to bring together stakeholders from across the state to discuss strategies for improving employment outcomes for people with disabilities. These discussions often include representatives from state agencies, disability advocacy groups, businesses, and educational institutions, all working together to create a more inclusive employment landscape. The momentum generated during NDEAM helps fuel GCDD’s year-round efforts to push for legislative reform and increase access to employment for individuals with DD.

National Trends and the Future of Subminimum Wage Laws

GCDD’s efforts are part of a larger national movement to end the use of 14(c) certificates and subminimum wages for workers with disabilities. Across the country, states are beginning to recognize that this outdated practice no longer aligns with modern values of equity and inclusion. States like Alaska, Maine, and Maryland have already abolished subminimum wages, and several others are in the process of doing the same.

In 2021, the Biden administration proposed eliminating 14(c) certificates as part of its American Jobs Plan, signaling federal support for ending the subminimum wage system. Although the proposal has not yet passed into law, it underscores the growing consensus that subminimum wages are no longer acceptable in a society that values the rights of all workers.

GCDD is committed to keeping Georgia at the forefront of this national movement. As part of our long-term strategy, GCDD continues to work with advocates, legislators, and business leaders to phase out subminimum wages in Georgia and ensure that all workers with disabilities are paid fairly for their labor. This work is crucial to ensuring that Georgia’s policies reflect the values of inclusion and equity that NDEAM promotes.

This October, as we celebrate NDEAM, let us recognize the vital work being done by advocates to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, have the opportunity to participate in the workforce with dignity and fairness. Ending subminimum wages is not only a matter of economic justice; it is a necessary step toward creating a truly inclusive society.

November 5, 2024, voters across the country will have an opportunity to exercise their rights and make their voices heard by voting. The 2024 election is about more than choosing leaders. It’s about shaping the future state of the United States of America, including rights for every American. Whether it be accessibility, equity, and inclusion or healthcare, education, or public services for all Americans, each vote can determine the policies that will directly impact the lives of those in this nation. 

In recent years, Georgia has emerged as a critical key swing state, with tight races in both state and national elections. Even small shifts in voter turnout can make a big difference, indicating that every vote matters. 

For voters with disabilities, this election is a chance to advocate for meaningful changes that strengthen the disability community. In 2020, 61.8% of eligible voters with disabilities cast their ballots, a notable increase from 55.9% in 2016, according to the US Election Assistance Commission. Building on this momentum will ensure an even greater turnout in 2024, so that the needs of the disability community are reflected in future policies. 

Below is a list of steps and resources to help you prepare for the polls and ensure your vote is counted. 

Plan Your Vote 

With so much at stake, it’s important to be ready for Election Day. Follow this checklist: 

1. Check your registration status. 

Confirm your voter status through Georgia’s My Voter Page on the Georgia Secretary of State’s website. The site also provides information about your polling location and voting options. 

2. Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, 2024. If you are unable to get to the polls on Election Day, early voting and absentee voting are great alternatives. Early voting will take place in Georgia from October 15 - November 1, 2024. 

3. Check your polling location. 

Do you know where your polling place is? Polling locations can change year-by-year. Be sure to check and verify your assigned location through the My Voter Page before Election Day, or use the Georgia Secretary of State’s smartphone app.

4. Secure a valid photo ID. Acceptable forms of identification include the following: 

• Georgia driver’s license, even if expired
• Any valid state or federal issued photo ID, including a free voter ID card issued by your County Registrar’s Office or by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)
• Valid US passport
• Valid employee photo ID from any branch, department, agency or entity of the US government, Georgia or any county, municipality, board, authority or other entity of this state
• Valid US military photo ID
• Valid tribal photo ID 

If you don’t have a valid ID, you can get a free Georgia ID card for voting purposes only from the Department of Drivers Services or a free Georgia Identification Card at your County Registrar’s Office. 

If you encounter challenges with getting a valid ID, the Georgia Department of Driver Services offers assistance to help you obtain the documents you need to vote.

5. Determine your mode of transportation.

Registered voters have various ways to get to the polls:

• Rideshare Services: Uber and Lyft often offer election-day discounts 
• Public transportation: MARTA allows riders with a MARTA Mobility Breeze Card to reserve rides in advance to avoid delays 
• Free rides: The Georgia Democrats Voter Protection Line (888-730-5816) has provided free rides to the polls, and the Republican Party of Georgia (404-257-5559) and the League of Women Voters (404-522-4598), and www.powerthedisabilityvotega.info and www.ridetothepolls.com are all alternatives for getting to the polls on election day.

6. Prepare for the unexpected. 

Should you face issues at the polling place, such as not appearing on the voter list or not having the right ID, you can still vote by requesting a provisional ballot. You’ll have 48 hours to resolve the issue, and your ballot will be counted once the problem is sorted. 

Visit the Elections Division of the Georgia Secretary of State's website or contact the Georgia Advocacy Office at 404-885-1234 for help.

Know Your Rights as a Voter with Disabilities

Under federal law, polling places must be accessible. If you need assistance, whether it’s help reading the ballot or entering the polling booth, you can bring someone with you. This could be a family member, friend, or caregiver.

This support person can be anyone except your employer, a representative of your employer, a representative of your union, or a poll officer or worker who is a resident of your precinct. Individuals providing support must record their name on the elector’s voter certificate. 

For voters with disabilities who do not require support by another individual, but require accommodations through assistive technology, several options are available to give voters more privacy and independence:

• For the visually impaired: Headsets and mobile apps can read choices aloud, and magnification tools can help users see the ballot clearly
• For those with limited mobility: Large controls and sip and puff devices provide easier interaction with voting machines
• Touchscreen voting units can be used comfortably while seated in a wheelchair 

Voters with disabilities have the option to move to the front of the line for the next available booth without waiting in line. 

If you encounter any barriers while voting (or if you face any challenges during the registration process), consider filing an ADA complaint or contacting your state election officials. 

The Georgia Advocacy Office can assist with disability-related concerns from now through Election Day. Call and leave a message at (404) 885-1234 or (800) 537-2329, and someone will get back to you within two business days to help you if you are having trouble at the polls. 

Do Your Research

After you’ve planned how and when you’ll vote, take time to learn about the candidates and their platforms regarding issues that matter to you. Every candidate’s stance on disability rights and other important issues could directly impact your quality of life. 

Resources like Ballotpedia and VoteSmart provide nonpartisan information on candidates and can help you cast a vote that aligns with your values and needs. You can also visit the candidate’s website for more information.

In addition to the federal races, all 56 seats in the Georgia State Senate and all 180 seats in the Georgia House of Representatives are up for election. These local officials often have a more immediate effect on daily life, particularly when it comes to accessibility.

Local leaders, like county sheriffs and judges, make decisions about critical issues, like whether community spaces are designed with accessibility in mind or whether public services adequately serve people with disabilities. 

As it relates to disability for example, a candidate committed to improving public transit could ensure that buses, trains, and stations are upgraded with ramps, elevators, and other necessary accommodations for individuals with mobility impairments. 

State lawmakers can also advocate for expanding inclusive housing options, employment opportunities for people with disabilities, and broader access to community-based supports. 

Access your account on the Georgia My Voter Page to view a sample ballot with your county and municipal information. This sample ballot is a great starting point for researching the candidates on the ballot, learning about referendums, and more.   

Get Out and Vote! 

The disability vote in Georgia can possibly determine the outcome of the 2024 elections. When people get out and vote, including the disability community, it sends a powerful message: Our voices matter. By making informed choices at the polls, voters can drive the necessary changes that can possibly make a better future, for people with disabilities, that possibly means more inclusiveness. As people prepare for Election Day, they should remember to request any accommodation they might need and become very familiar with their voting rights overall.

Understanding what to do if you encounter issues at the polls, such as requesting a provisional ballot if necessary, can help you navigate the voting process with confidence. If you run into problems on Election Day or have questions beforehand, don’t hesitate to call the Georgia Advocacy Office’s Voter Protection Hotline at (404) 885-1234 or (800) 537-2329.  

Your vote is taking part in shaping the future of Georgia, one that embraces diversity and recognizes the needs of all its residents. So, plan ahead, stay informed, and make your vote count!

Resources List 

Making Voting Plan: 

Georgia Secretary of State: www.sos.ga.gov

Elections Division of GA Secretary of State: https://sos.ga.gov/elections-division-georgia-secretary-states-office 

My Voter Page: https://mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/ 

Georgia Voter ID Requirements: https://sos.ga.gov/page/georgia-voter-identification-requirements 

Georgia Department of Driver Services Voter ID: https://dds.georgia.gov/voter 

Absentee Ballot Request: https://securemyabsenteeballot.sos.ga.gov/s/ 

TurboVote: https://turbovote.org/ 

Researching Your Candidates: 

Ballotpedia: https://ballotpedia.org/Main_Page 

VoteSmart: http://votesmart.org/ 

Vice President Kamala Harris: https://kamalaharris.com/ 

Donald J. Trump: https://www.donaldjtrump.com/ 

Accessibility Resources: 

Georgia Secretary of State: https://sos.ga.gov/page/voting-assistance-people-disabilities 

Georgia Advocacy Office: https://thegao.org/

Rev Up Georgia: 

facebook.com/RevUpGeorgia

twitter.com/RevUpGeorgia

aapd.com/advocacy/voting

ACLU Georgia: https://www.acluga.org/ 

Contact State Election Board: https://sos.ga.gov/form/contact-state-election-board

File ADA complaint: https://www.ada.gov/file-a-complaint/