November-December 2025

Jacquelyn Daniel, founder of ConnectAbility in Dahlonega is the 2025 Spirit of Kim Unsung Hero Award Winner! This award celebrates individuals who demonstrate selfless service to Georgia's intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) community. The winner shows the same giving spirit as GCDD's late Office Manager Kim Person. Kim worked for the Council for 19 years and passed away suddenly in July 2023.

The award recognizes individuals who make an impact, often behind the scenes, to advance GCDD's mission of promoting social and policy changes for people with developmental disabilities and their families. Recipients demonstrate the qualities Kim Person herself embodied: selflessness, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to service.

Daniel joins 2024 winner Sheryl Arno from the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta in this honor. This year's selection was very competitive. The selection committee received 27 nominees representing all regions of Georgia. The large number of nominations showed the dedication and compassion within Georgia’s disability community.

Daniel's journey began in 2001 when she arrived at the University of North Georgia as a college student. When she asked how to get involved with the I/DD community in the area, she was told nothing like that existed in north Georgia and that she should start something herself. So, she did.

The first ConnectAbility "Sidekicks" event drew just one family. Nearly 25 years later, that same family continues to attend monthly gatherings alongside hundreds of others. Participants have found friendship, connection, and belonging through Daniel's vision. ConnectAbility started as a simple effort to create social connections. It has blossomed into an organization whose mission—"Creating communities where people of all abilities are valued, included and empowered"—has impacted thousands of Georgians.

Daniel recognized a critical gap in services. The number of resources for I/DD support drops off significantly north of Atlanta. This leaves many families underserved. ConnectAbility has filled that void in remarkable ways. One free pool party for families of children and adults with disabilities drew people from 18 different zip codes. This shows the desperate need for inclusive community spaces in the region.

But Daniel's impact extends far beyond events. Her advocacy has changed the fabric of Lumpkin County and the surrounding areas. Operating under the philosophy that "creating a better community for people with disabilities creates a better community for everyone," she has helped Dahlonega become a model of accessibility. The town now boasts multiple adaptive and inclusive playgrounds, an accessible kayak launch, improved sidewalks, businesses that actively hire and employ people of all abilities, and a renewed culture of inclusion.

ConnectAbility's programming has evolved to meet diverse needs. Race for a Reason provides an inclusive running program with adaptive race chairs. The Thousand Words Photography Project gives a photo voice to those who may find communication challenging. The Community Connections Leadership Team's "intern" program offers people with I/DD opportunities to develop professional skills and work experience.

Most recently, ConnectAbility has begun the renovation of a historic building to serve as its new headquarters. It will house inclusive work opportunities and kick off their goal of creating "a place to call home" for people of all abilities.

Kim Bell serves as the Director of Community Connections at ConnectAbility. She nominated Daniel for the award. Bell said Daniel's life work shows the same kindness and caring that Kim Person showed when she was alive. She has given so much of herself to the organization over the past 25 years and does not often get attention. She just continues to help people with developmental disabilities and their families live better lives.

In Georgia, a training program is helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities become leaders in their communities. My Voice. My Participation. My Board. is a program that started in 2014, and has trained 85 Georgians to serve on boards and advisory councils across the state.

2016 Cohort with Presenter and Disability Rights Champion Liz WeintraubThe program was created to solve a problem. State agencies and nonprofit organizations were making decisions about people with disabilities, but people with disabilities weren't part of those conversations. When the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) tried to form an advisory council, they realized they needed self-advocates at the table. That's when a rep from DBHDD reached out to the Center for Leadership in Disability to create a solution.

"The My Voice. My Participation. My Board. program is built on the idea of 'nothing about us without us,'" explains Molly Tucker, the current program director at Georgia State University's Center for Leadership in Disability. "We believe that instead of making decisions for people with disabilities, organizations should make decisions with people with disabilities."

The program teaches important skills over three full days of training. On the first day, participants learn about their personal strengths, self-advocacy, and leadership. They take a special test called the Values in Action Character Strength Assessment that helps them understand what they're good at. They also learn about the Disability Civil Rights Movement and how to talk with elected officials.

Day two focuses on communication skills. Participants practice public speaking, learn how to give elevator speeches, and understand body language. They also learn about networking, being professional, and how to handle disagreements in a positive way.

On the final day, participants learn everything they need to know about serving on boards. This includes understanding board responsibilities, Robert's Rules of Order, and common terms used in meetings. They practice participating in professional meetings. This makes them confident and ready to jump into conversations.

The program gives participants more than just knowledge. Participants make valuable connections that last long after the program ends. Past presenters remain available as resources when participants go on to join boards. For example, self-advocate and disability rights champion Liz Weintraub has presented to many cohorts, sharing her expertise with emerging leaders. Throughout the program, participants gain important skills from people with disabilities who are already leading in this space.

Over the past 11 years, the program has changed to meet people's needs. It started as three weekends at hotels across Georgia. During the pandemic, it moved online with weekly meetings for three months. Now it's back to in-person training, but shorter—just three days instead of six.

The results have been impressive. Program alumni now serve on many important boards and councils throughout Georgia. Some serve on the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities. Others work with organizations like People First of Georgia, the Hartsfield-Jackson ADA Committee, and Autistic Self-Advocacy Atlanta. One graduate has even served on the board of the National Down Syndrome Congress. This is an important position that requires nomination and approval at the national level.

Tucker says the biggest challenge facing graduates is finding boards to join. Many board positions are filled through word of mouth and networking, not public announcements. Some organizations still don't understand why having people with lived experience on their boards is important. Because of this, the program now offers training to organizations about being inclusive and accessible. They want to create more opportunities for their graduates to use their new skills.

For self-advocates who might feel nervous about joining a board, Tucker says, "Ask questions! If something seems interesting to you, connect with someone at the organization and learn more. Ask what will be expected of you and why they want you to join."

The My Voice. My Participation. My Board. program proves that when people with disabilities are given training and support, they become powerful leaders who can change their communities for the better.

Learn more about My Voice. My Participation, My Board on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MVMPMB/

“Without our traditions, our lives would be as shaky as a fiddler on the roof.”

Those are the famous words of Tevye, the main character in Fiddler on the Roof. Without giving any spoilers, I can tell you the story is about a loving family living in very uncertain times. Tevye and his family are trying to honor traditions, support their community and keep a sense of humor at a time of great change. At the end of the year when it feels like the world has been moving at the speed of light, we at GCDD feel like it’s a wonderful time to honor our own traditions and embrace our joy.

This is NOT the most natural stance for me to take. One of the great things about me is, I’m driven. One of the worst things about me is, I’m driven. When there is meaningful work to do, my instinct is to jump on it and get it done. But that crowds out a lot of beauty and meaning in the world. And there is so much of both, especially at the closing of the year.

I invite you to take a moment, take a breath and pause. What traditions give your life meaning at this time of year?

Cabbage is one for me. Simple, cooked green cabbage. My grandma Ginny would make it every December 31st. She would toss a quarter in the pot as it cooked, and whoever found the quarter in their cabbage was bound to have a lucky year.

Another tradition is the bear calendar. Does anyone else out there still have their ”DecemBear” calendar? It’s a colorful door hanging the size of a small quilt. My grandma Ann made one for me when I was about six years old. Every year, I couldn’t wait till the end of November, when we could get DecemBear out of the attic and move him from spot to spot in his house as he searched for the meaning of Christmas. (I will give you the spoiler on this one: he finds it on December 24th, surrounded by family in his living room.) DecemBear was meaningful to me because he only came out once a year. This gave me a way to appreciate each day as we moved through one of my favorite seasons of the year. DecemBear also makes me feel like I am going through the season with my extended family, even though they live far away.

I hope you connect with the people and traditions that are meaningful to you, as we close out 2025. I hope you find inspiration from some of the folks profiled in this issue, sharing what brings them joy. And whether or not you find a quarter in your cabbage, I hope 2026 is your best year yet.

D’Arcy Robb
GCDD Executive Director

Originally written: October 25, 2025

Hello advocates – how in the world are you!

My name is Charlie Miller, and I’m the Legislative Advocacy Director. I’m excited to bring you another edition of Public Policy for the People!

In this issue, we’ll take a look at the latest developments in the federal government shutdown, where the Georgia Developmental Disabilities Network currently stands, and what’s happening at the U.S. Department of Education. We’ll also gear up for another Georgia state legislative session under the Gold Dome. So get ready as we travel from Washington, D.C. to the Georgia State Capitol on our continued journey of advocacy.

The Latest on the Federal Shutdown and Federal Updates

Each year, Congress works to pass a federal budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which runs from October 1 through September 30. Earlier this year, when the President submitted the proposed budget to Congress, it included devastating cuts to Georgia’s Developmental Disabilities Network, including the University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs), Protection and Advocacy (P&A) agencies, and State Councils on Developmental Disabilities across the country.

These cuts would have eliminated vital partners such as the Center for Leadership in Disability at Georgia State University and the Institute on Human Development and Disability at the University of Georgia. Georgia’s disability community came together and advocated. As a result, funding was restored in the budget before the shutdown began.

However, the situation remains uncertain. The House and Senate have not yet reached an agreement on a final budget or passed a continuing resolution to keep the government open. As a result, the shutdown has created confusion and instability across many federal programs.

In the meantime, the Administration has begun making unilateral funding decisions, including major changes to the U.S. Department of Education. At one point, nearly 95% of the staff at the Department’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) faced layoffs. This caused tremendous concern in our community, as OSEP plays a critical role in ensuring that states provide proper support and oversight for individuals with disabilities.

A federal judge has since paused those layoffs, but the threat is not over. Georgia’s disability advocates should continue to contact their members of Congress and share how vital these programs are to their communities.

Join our advocacy efforts here: Special Education Advocacy Campaign. Your voice truly matters.

From the United States to the Peach State

Now that we’ve covered what’s happening at the federal level, let’s bring it back home to Georgia.

Our team has been traveling across the state, from Dahlonega and Rome down to Vidalia and Savannah, listening to advocates, meeting with legislators, and making sure our leaders understand the needs and priorities of the disability community.

As we prepare for the upcoming Georgia General Assembly session, we’re excited to announce the dates for our annual Legislative Advocacy Days.

The Georgia legislative session begins the second week of January and usually runs through late March, sometimes into early April. During that time, legislators gather under the Gold Dome to debate and decide key issues, including funding the state budget, such as NOW and COMP waivers, and passing new laws that affect everyday Georgians.

Save the Dates: 2026 Legislative Advocacy Days

Join us at the Georgia State Capitol to make your voice heard!

• January 28, 2026
• February 4, 2026
• March 4, 2026

Dates are tentative and may change depending on the legislative calendar.

These Advocacy Days are an incredible opportunity for individuals with disabilities, families, and allies to meet directly with lawmakers, share stories, and advocate for policies that create a more inclusive Georgia.

We hope to see you there, and remember, you don’t have to wait for Advocacy Days to make an impact. Reach out to your legislators anytime to remind them how important the disability community is to you and to our state.

Final Thoughts

Whether supporting funding in Washington or disability focused legislation, Georgians' collective efforts make a difference. Thank you for your continued engagement in the democratic process.

Stay tuned for more updates in Public Policy for the People, and keep up the great work in your communities. Together, we are building a stronger and more inclusive future.

UnlockGA is a group of people and organizations working together to make Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) easier to get for people with disabilities and their families. The group looks for problems in the system and pushes for changes that help people who need these services live better lives.

HCBS, or Home and Community-Based Services, are personalized services provided in a person's home or community instead of an institution.

UnlockGA recently completed its strategic plan on ways to advance and protect HCBS in Georgia. The group worked with its members from across the state to help identify the priorities for 2026. Caitlin Bailey, project lead for UnlockGA, and Pat Nobbie, an UnlockGA member and former deputy director of the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, said they gathered information by:

• Collecting stories from individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families,
• Building a group of leaders and advocates to protect and advance HCBS in Georgia, and
• Working with agencies across Georgia to share resources and partner in advocacy.

“To meet these goals, we have been reaching out to the organizations, individuals, and providers in the community to reconnect them to the UnlockGA effort,” said Bailey and Nobbie. “This fall, we are recruiting and hiring UnlockGA Ambassadors. These will be people with I/DD who represent the six regions in Georgia and can connect people in their regions with the work of UnlockGA.”

Reducing the Waiting Lists for Services

The work of UnlockGA continues the advocacy work that Unlock started before.. One of the biggest goals for UnlockGA and similar advocacy groups is to reduce the NOW/COMP waivers waiting list. This has been an issue for a long time, and more work is still needed.

“The waiting list currently numbers around 8,000 individuals, and the Unlock movement has been working on reducing these numbers for over 20 years,” said Bailey and Nobbie. “You could say that UnlockGA is Unlock 3.0. The number of people needing waiver services and supports is substantial, so the effort to bring attention to the issue is critical.”

UnlockGA works to get additional funding for the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities to make sure people with disabilities can get the services and supports they need.

This includes making sure that people who get waiver services have good options and can choose the supports that work best for them. Support choices should follow the HCBS Settings Rule. This rule says people should be able to live, work, and take part in their communities just like everyone else in these areas:

• Community integration
• Making your own choices
• Privacy and respect
• Freedom of choice
• Person-centered planning
• Access to community life
• Access to food and visitors

Building the Direct Support Professionals Workforce

Another priority for UnlockGA is to make sure there are enough Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). DPSs care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Right now, there aren’t enough DSPs. This is because many leave their jobs due to low pay, long hours, and tough working conditions. Bailey and Nobbie found that increasing pay and improving working conditions can help keep DSPs in their jobs and reduce the waiting list for NOW and COMP waivers.

"We need to help more people get off the waiting list and get the services they need. But to do that, we need enough workers to help them," Bailey and Nobbie explained. "These two things work together. That's why UnlockGA works with people with disabilities, families, and service providers to ask for more funding. Without enough workers, people cannot safely get the help they need in their communities."

UnlockGA is connecting with organizations that support DSPs and other caregivers. These organizations include the Domestic Workers Alliance, Caring Across Generations, and the Georgia DSP Council. Each of these organizations has a representative who serves as a member of UnlockGA.

Even though Medicaid funding is at risk, UnlockGA will keep working to help Georgians with I/DD get the services they need. The group is creating easy-to-understand infographics to explain the changes and what people can do to keep their benefits. UnlockGA believes that by working together and supporting one another, communities can create positive change for people with I/DD.

Learn more about UnlockGA: https://unlockgeorgia.org/

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities supports UnlockGA through its HCBS Stronger Together Coalition initiative with the National Leadership Consortium. The project aims to build on the success of the Unlock Coalition by using a collective impact approach to expand and strengthen home and community-based services (HCBS) in Georgia.

When the University of Georgia (UGA) launched Destination Dawgs in January 2017, the vision was clear: create a fully inclusive program where students with intellectual disabilities could learn, grow, and thrive alongside their peers. What began as an idea from a 2014 exploratory grant has since become a nationally recognized program that places students at the heart of campus life.

Unlike some programs that offer separate classes, Destination Dawgs was built to be fully integrated. Staff explained that this was a very intentional choice: “Destination Dawgs is unique in that we do not offer any segregated or specialized classes that are just for IPSE [Inclusive Post Secondary-Education] students. We were intentional about not reinforcing beliefs that students with intellectual disabilities should be in separate classes.” Instead, students enroll in regular UGA courses, join clubs, cheer on the Bulldogs at game days in Athens, and take part in internships that help them prepare for meaningful careers. From the start, UGA students themselves supported this vision, even passing a Student Government resolution in 2015 to welcome peers with intellectual disabilities into the Bulldawg Nation.

More Than a Program; It’s a Community

Since those early days, the growth has been striking. Today, Destination Dawgs students are leaders in student organizations, active in Greek Life, and visible across many parts of the campus community. The program has also created hundreds of opportunities for degree-seeking students to serve as peer mentors, tutors, and advocates through the Disability Studies Certificate program. “Destination Dawgs provides a vibrant hub for interdisciplinary collaboration across campus,” one staff member explained. The program strengthens not only its own students but also the larger UGA community, giving students confidence and direction.Ben Harrison, Destination Dawgs Student

Ben Harrison, a Destination Dawgs student, shared, “I decided to join Destination Dawgs because I wanted to be able to have the university experience plus widen my educational background to something more than high school level.” For Ben, the transition into UGA life was a big step. “When I first started in 2022, it was quite an adjustment,” he said. “For nine years, I was in specialized schools for being on the Autism Spectrum. Once I started attending classes here, it was a new, exciting milestone to interact with all the different individuals that are in the Bulldawg Nation.”

Gaining Skills, Building Futures

Career preparation is a central focus of Destination Dawgs. Students take part in internships across campus, whether in academic departments, athletics, or student services, that match their personal goals. Ben, for example, shared that his favorite classes have been Global Issues and International Relations. “Those classes have better enhanced my communication and team-building skills,” he explained. He is also proud of speaking on behalf of Destination Dawgs to different groups on campus. “Getting to share my story as someone on the Autism Spectrum is what I hope motivates and encourages others to attend university.”

The program’s emphasis on independence is equally important. Students can live on campus, build study habits, manage their time, and learn to advocate for themselves. Peer mentors play a key role, offering both academic support and friendship. Ben shared, “Mentors and teachers have helped me to better communicate and take genuine interest in what we as a community can contribute…it’s not just about what the program can do for me, it’s about what I can give back in return.”

Looking Ahead

The vision for Destination Dawgs goes beyond college. The program aims to prepare students for a fulfilling adult life after graduation. Ben hopes to remain part of UGA after completing the program. “What I hope to do after the program is work here at the University of Georgia campus as a student worker and mentor the cohorts that will be coming in after I am no longer a student,” he said. “I want to be that light when the path seems uncertain, and they need to feel motivated to keep going.”

For staff, the future means opening doors for more students to become part of Destination Dawgs and making sure their growth continues even after graduation. The team is committed to making the program stronger with national standards, student leadership staying focused on student goals. The team is committed to strengthening the program through accreditation, expanding peer mentorship, and always centering the goals and dreams of students. Destination Dawgs is about more than classes or internships; it is about belonging, leadership, and believing in yourself.

With each new cohort, the Bulldawg Nation grows stronger. This is not just because Destination Dawgs students are included, but because they are helping lead the way.

Want to know more? Visit Destination Dawgs on UGA’s website or the GAIPSEC website.

Joy is powerful. It helps us stay strong, connected, and hopeful. As the holiday season approaches, we’re celebrating the moments that brought smiles and strength this year. We asked several self-advocates from Uniting for Change to share what has brought them joy in their lives in 2025. For each person we asked:

• What brings you joy?
• What is something you are grateful for or that has brought you joy this year?
• What are some good surprises that happened to you this year? 

Susan Berch, Atlanta, GA

Joy

What brings me joy is spending time with my dog Gabby, my family, and friends; attending Jewish events with my synagogue, Congregation Bet Haverim & Friendship Circle; traveling; attending the Uniting for Change Retreat once a year; sunshine; and attending Broadway shows at City Springs Theater.

Gratitude

I am extremely grateful that I am able to walk without assistance after an accident I had in Greece in 2024.

Good Surprise

I received a Champion of Inclusion award at the Tasting Experience from my job at Jewish Family & Career Services on May 1, 2025. I was very honored to have received this prestigious award. Michelle, Katie, Sunil, Julie, and Gillian attended this event. I was also asked to speak at the National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) in Macon, GA on October 28, 2025. 

Kristian Sherman, Albany, GA

Joy

What brings me joy is helping in the community.

Gratitude

When I received the Dottie Adams Ambassador of Light Award.

Good Surprise

Being told that I am a keynote speaker at my church charity.

LJ Young, Atlanta, GA

Joy

What brings me joy is spending time with my girlfriend and advocating for people with disabilities.

Gratitude

Being able to move out of the group home and into an apartment with my girlfriend. Also, being able to go to more advocacy conferences and meet more people.

Good Surprise

The best thing to happen this year is being accepted into Participant Direct.

Fonda Davis, Dawson, GA

Joy

Being around my church, friends, and family.

Gratitude

I’m grateful for being here with family and friends who are special to me.

Good Surprise

When my nephew came home for the Fourth of July. That made me like a very supportive auntie.

Sheila Jeffrey, Atlanta, GA

Joy

Advocating for people with disabilities brings me joy. Also, being able to work has brought me joy over the year because I’ve been able to volunteer and help in different meetings and groups.

Gratitude

Being very independent and able to say what I want and get what I need when I ask.

Good Surprise

In the last year, my man was able to move out of his group home into my home, so we now live together.

As we look back on the year, we know that you and others are making communities better every day for people with developmental or intellectual disabilities (I/DD). So, GCDD decided to find out what’s working across Georgia in your town.

We used a survey to ask two questions:

1. What’s going well in your community?
2. How has it made the town better for people with I/DD and the local community?

In this article, read some of the stories that have been shared from across the state. And it’s not too late to share yours!

If you’d like to share your community’s story, complete this online form.  

Susannah Hooton
Self-advocate, Oakwood

I am a student at the University of North Georgia (UNG) in Gainesville and the founder and president of a UNG campus club called Accessibility Advocacy Group (AAG). Recently, AAG members planned, created, and opened a new sensory room. The room provides a calm, quiet, inclusive space for all students, especially students with disabilities or sensory sensitivities, to use on campus.

Brandy Locchetta
Faculty member at the University of West Georgia, Carrollton

Recently, through a generous donation from a community donor, the University of West Georgia's Department of Special Education launched The Inclusive Den. The Inclusive Den is a social gathering and peer group for young adults with and without disabilities in the West Georgia community. Each month, we engage in social outings as a group of 20 young adults (about 60% of whom have disabilities). So far, we've done Gilmore Girls trivia at Local Ties, and in October, we will be grabbing dinner at Chick-fil-A and then watching a movie.

The goal of The Inclusive Den is to provide young adults with disabilities opportunities to engage socially with their community in meaningful and fun ways. This program is different from many others because our priority is to engage in social events and outings that are for all young adults and not being "special" or "segregated" events.

We've had such a great time out in our community interacting with our neighbors and friends. The West Georgia community has been excited to welcome our big, energetic group of young people. We've shared smiles, laughs, and competitive stare-downs as we've made memories together. We are excited to continue sharing spaces and places with our neighbors and friends. Most importantly, these young adults with disabilities are having fun and making special memories. Without this program, they wouldn't get to do these activities with friends.

Too often, after aging out of the school system, these young people are left without opportunities to engage in the community and often become isolated and withdrawn. The Inclusive Den's mission is to remove the barriers that young adults with disabilities often experience and to promote social engagement. This is not just for young adults with disabilities, but also for our entire community.

Hailee Miller
Self-advocate, Norcross

This year, Just People is celebrating 30 years of serving adults with developmental disabilities across Metro Atlanta! Over the years, we’ve grown into a thriving community of more than 300 members who live, work, and play with independence and confidence.

Just People has helped make our community more inclusive, connected, and compassionate. We’ve shown what true community integration looks like by providing opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities to live independently, work locally, and participate in social and recreational activities.

Our members are not only supported — they’re active contributors to the places they live and work. Employers and neighbors see firsthand the value of inclusion and diversity, and how friendships naturally form through shared experiences.

Susan J Berch
Self-advocate, Atlanta

One thing I am very grateful for is that my synagogue, Congregation Bet Haverim, had a ramp installed at its building entrance this year. The ramp makes it much easier for members like myself and others who have issues walking up steps.

Laura Owens
Self-advocate, Athens

What I love about my community is that people notice when they don't see you at a place you are usually seen on certain days. Knowing that I have so many friends who care about me, no matter who I am, means a lot to me.

Corinne Smith
Parent of a son with I/DD, Hoschton

ESP Athens Miracle League had its first “Under The Lights” game, where the athletes were cheered on by the UGA baseball team! ESP Athens is an amazing resource in our community, celebrating people with all abilities and creating lasting memories for our families. We are grateful for ESP and all the amazing experiences it gives to our boys!

Wayne Stokes
Professional who works with people with I/DD, Atlanta

The Alumni Association of my high school, Southwest Atlanta High School, sponsors the AAA Readers Program for students in the Mays High School cluster. This includes Peyton Forest Elementary and West Manor Elementary Schools. I have participated as a reading volunteer at these schools to introduce students to new authors and great stories. We have also developed reading pen pals with other students across the country and around the world. I'm having the opportunity to guide young children on a reading journey through the stories we are reading and developing reading projects.