Georgia, What’s Happening in Your Town?
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:
- What’s going well in your community?
- 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.