October 2025

Every election presents an opportunity for people to shape the future of their communities. Voting allows people to lend their voices to improving their city, state, or country. Derek Heard, an Albany native with autism, is developing a voter education campaign. The campaign uplifts the voices of individuals with disabilities and encourages them to exercise their right to vote. Using his two passions – art and activism – he is creating a documentary, Doodling for Democracy. The documentary shares his experience navigating the voting system as a person with a disability. It shows how his mentors and allies supported him.

“[Doodling for Democracy] is about teaching young people why voting is important,” said Heard. “It’s also about how allies teach me how to vote and make choices.”

While in high school, Derek was offered a job stacking clothes hangers. He declined the job offer. He explained that he already had a dream job as a graphic artist. With the help of his mentors, he learned that he was fully capable of pursuing his dreams. He learned that he should not limit himself due to his disability. 

Now, Derek is the proud owner of two businesses. Derek’s Doodles is his graphic design business. Must Be Heard Productions is his production company that is working on Doodling for Democracy. The film follows Derek’s journey into politics. That journey began when he was chosen to serve on a disability council organized by Stacey Abrams during her campaign for Georgia’s governor’s office.

“Before Derek got on [Abrams’] council, he already understood voting and its importance,” said Teresa Heard, Derek’s mother. “During his time on the council, I watched him gain a deeper sense of what it means to be political. I never saw Derek so energized. He wanted to go to rallies and get involved in any way he could.”

Derek has since channeled this energy into his activism, advocacy, and mentorship. He has worked with various voter advocacy groups to encourage further political engagement from people with disabilities. One of those groups is REV UP Georgia, a non-partisan voter advocacy coalition of Georgians with disabilities and their allies. On July 26, 2025, Derek received the opportunity to meet and march alongside several civil rights figures, including Henry Lewis, brother of John Lewis, and other original Freedom Fighters. They walked together across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. The march commemorated the 60th anniversary of the 1965 Voting Rights March and the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“Imagine if people closed the bridge and stopped believing in Selma,” explained Derek. “Those would be dark times. It is important to remember history and to continue using our voices.”

Another project Derek is working on is a voter guide in collaboration with John Lewis High School in Springfield, Virginia. The guide is meant to inform and inspire potential voters to make informed choices in elections. Especially voters with disabilities.

“I swear, I will help young people to have rights and make choices if it’s the last thing I do,” said Derek. “Young people are not wimps. They are strong and powerful allies in the fight for rights for everyone.”

Funding for services, resources, and care for individuals with disabilities is currently in jeopardy. Derek and his mother argue that it is essential to stay informed and engaged in the political climate during this time.

“There are a lot of prevalent narratives that focus on things that people with disabilities can’t do,” said his mother. “I tell people all the time, ‘I will challenge my son’s resume against a lot of people out there.’”

Through advocacy, mentorship, and entrepreneurship, Derek serves as a shining example of the potential of the disability community. Guided by strong mentors and his own determination, he continues to grow. He also helps other people with disabilities grow. He works to protect disability rights and help others find their voice to reach their full potential.

“Follow your dreams,” encourages Derek. “Don’t listen to what other people think or say; you must follow your heart.”

For more information about “Doodling for Democracy,” visit https://seedandspark.com/fund/doodling-for-democracy#story.

 Note: All illustrations in this article were created by Derek Heard. To see more, go to https://www.dereksdoodles.com/.

The National Business Association says that small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They create two out of every three new jobs in the country. They also make up almost half of all the money and goods that America produces each year. Many organizations support small businesses through funding, connections, and mentorship. But until 2016, none of these groups chose to include business owners who have disabilities.

Synergies Work was launched in 2016 to close the opportunity and wealth gaps between the disability and business communities. Founder and CEO Aarti Sahgal wanted to create a welcoming place where people with disabilities could get the help they need to use their skills and turn them into real opportunities “Everyone has a gift, whether of the head, hand, or heart,” said Sahgal.

Synergies Work has grown into a national organization. According to its website, it is the largest startup hub for disability-led businesses in the U.S. It has helped over 300 entrepreneurs with disabilities use their unique talents to build successful businesses to support themselves. Their businesses grow and give customers more choices, create new jobs, and help the economy. “Innovation is rooted in the disability community,” said Sahgal. Many everyday inventions that we use all the time, like touchscreens and voice-to-text, were first made to help people with disabilities. “When we take care of the margins, the center lifts automatically.”

Dan Parker, The Blind Machinist, courtesy of Synergies WorkOne way Synergies supports entrepreneurs with disabilities is through its Igniting Ideas Accelerator. This 12-week program helps business owners turn their ideas into strong businesses. It uses group classes, personal coaching, and support from other entrepreneurs. Synergies is partnering with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities for the Fall 2025 Cohort. Applications are open and you can apply on the Synergies website.

Many business owners with disabilities are leading the way in new inventions, but their success is not often spotlighted. Synergies Work’s annual EDDIE (Entrepreneurs Dedicated to Diverse and Inclusive Excellence) Awards honors innovative business founders with disabilities and raises awareness of disability-led businesses.

This year’s EDDIE’s, held on September 25th, honored:

• Techpreneur and Entrepreneur of the Year: Rebecca Rosenberg, Founder of ReBoKeh Vision Technologies ($10,000 award)
• Creativity: Alexandra Adlawan, Founder of Amazing Artists LLC
• Social Impact: Russell Lehmann, Founder of Russell Lehmann
• Community Champion: Fernando Olivarez
• Newcomer: Marissa Ditkowsky, Founder of National Disabled Legal Professionals Association

Ashton Gilbert, UnBoxed Recycling, courtesy of Synergies WorkIn addition, the EDDIE Awards presented a Lifetime Achievement Award for the first time. Andrew Young was recognized for his lifetime of civil rights leadership and for paving the way for current entrepreneurs with disabilities. He has always championed the strength and talent of the disability community: “Disability forces you to become more creative and insightful.”

At the EDDIE Awards, Keynote Speaker Maria Town, President & CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities, highlighted how supports like Medicaid are strongly linked to economic success. She explained how Medicaid policies force people with disabilities to limit themselves. “If we succeed, we risk losing the benefits that help us live…The risk of success is often greater than the risk of failure.”

Getting funding is one of the biggest barriers for entrepreneurs. And for entrepreneurs with disabilities, the barrier is even higher. To help solve this problem, Synergies launched the Synergies SEED Fund, the nation’s first Community Development Financial Institution dedicated to disability-led businesses. The SEED Fund gives money to help businesses grow. They can lend anywhere from $1,000 to $30,000, which helps business owners get the money they need to succeed.

Paola Blanco, Pixels n Paper, courtesy of Synergies WorkCommunity is another cornerstone of Synergies. Business owners know that knowing the right people can help them succeed. But for people with disabilities, it's often harder to meet those people. Synergies Work's Community Hub is a website that helps business owners connect with mentors, investors, other business owners, and coaches who can help them.

Paola Blanco, Founder of Pixels n Paper and now Program Manager for the Synergies SEED Fund, said it best. “I found a community, I found a support system.” With that support, Blanco was able to step away from her business to welcome her newborn son. This is something every entrepreneur, regardless of ability, should be able to do. “That was something I could do because I felt confident in my career.”

Happy Fall! The season of cool breezes, cozy sweaters, and pumpkin spice lattes is here.

I’m excited to introduce myself as the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities’ (GCDD) new Chief Program Officer. In this role, I’ll be working closely with the GCDD staff and council members to guide the agency’s work and help shape our next five-year plan.

The five-year plan is our roadmap. It lays out what the council members want to see happen with and for Georgians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) over the next five years. Every project GCDD does is reflective of this plan.

We are fortunate to partner with incredible organizations that bring this vision to life. Our partners include Sangha Unity Network, who are making powerful strides in self-advocacy. Lipson Advocacy is pushing for accountability in education through the Georgia Coalition for Equity in Education (GCEE). Georgia Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Consortium (GAIPSEC) is expanding opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities (ID) to attend college after high school. These are just a few examples of the great work the agency is doing. As Chief Program Officer, I will be making sure our projects stay true to the five-year plan and truly impact the lives of people with I/DD across Georgia.

I feel grateful to join such a talented staff team and Council Members who volunteer and are so deeply committed. Being in a room with this group is inspiring – the passion and determination are contagious. Together, I know we will keep building momentum.

The best is yet to come.

Rena Harris, GCDD Chief Program Officer

During the summer, President Trump provided a plan on how the government should spend (appropriate) its money. Congress is reviewing the plan to decide if it agrees with it or wants to make changes. These changes are called markups.

Cathy Harmon-Christian, Public Policy DirectorThere are 12 appropriations subcommittees and committees in Congress. They are debating and marking up appropriation (funding) bills for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 budget. The funding bills that are most important to the disability community come from the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education committees. These committees are in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Federal Appropriations Bill: Senate

On July 31, 2025, the Senate Committee on Appropriations passed out of committee the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriation Act for Fiscal Year 2026. This act (bill) passed by a vote of 26-3. The bill funds the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) at $116.6 billion. That is a $446 million increase in discretionary funds. Discretionary funds are money that the government can choose how to spend. For more information, you can read the Senate’s appropriation bill text and report language.

Now the bill goes through these steps:

1. The Senate votes on the bill.
2. The House and Senate work out any disagreements they have about the bill.
3. The President decides whether to sign or reject the bill.

You can follow the progress of all appropriation bills in both the Senate and House by viewing Congress’ Appropriations Status Table.

Federal Appropriations Bill: House

After Congress came back from its August break, a group of House members met to review and make changes to a spending bill that covers jobs, health, education, and related programs for 2026. That bill is called the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies bill. The subcommittee passed the bill with a vote of 11-7.

The bill then went to the full House Appropriations Committee for discussion. On September 9, 2025, the markup of the bill was voted on and passed out of the Committee by a vote of 35-28. The legislation funds $108.6 billion for the Department of Health and Human Services. That amount is a decrease of $6.8 billion.

Like the Senate bill, the House bill will now go through these steps:

1. The House votes on the bill.
2. The House and Senate work out any disagreements they have about the bill.
3. The President decides whether to sign or reject the bill.

Funding to keep the government open runs out on September 30, 2025. To avoid a government shutdown, Congress will do one of the following:

• Approve a new government funding package for FY26, or
• Pass a continuing resolution (CR) that keeps the government operating on current funding levels for a specified time.

The timeline is very tight, and there may not be enough time to pass a full spending bill before the deadline.

Key Takeaways for Georgia’s Developmental Disability Community

Both the Senate and House rejected the President’s proposal to eliminate funding for the University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs). They also rejected the President’s proposal to make major changes to HHS departments and agencies. Both are positive signs.

Additionally:

• From Senate report:
  • $43.1 million to UCEDDs (same as FY 2025)
  • $56.3 million to Autism and Other Developmental Disorders (same as FY 2025)
  • $38.2 to Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities programs (LENDs) (increase of 1 million)
  • $1.7 billion to Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) – this is where Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Centers (IDDRCs) are housed (increase of $20 million)
  • $45 million to DD Protection and Advocacy(P&As) (same as FY 2025)
  • $81 million to State DD Councils (same as FY 2025)
  • $13.8 million to Transition Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID) (same as FY 2025)
• From House bill:
  • $43.1 million to UCEDDs (same as FY 2025)
  • $57 million to Autism and Other Developmental Disorders
  • $38.2 to LENDs
  • $1.76 billion Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) (where IDDRCs are housed) (same as FY 2025)
  • $45 million to DD Protection and Advocacy (same as FY 2025)
  • $81 million to DD State Councils (same as FY 2025)
  • $13.8 million to TPSID (same as FY 2025)

Originally, the President’s Budget proposed $228 million for the Center for Independent Living (CIL). This would give CIL $100 million more. But this extra money was to come from funding cuts to UCEDDS, Protection & Advocacy Systems (P&As), Limb Loss Resource Center, Paralysis Resource Center, and the Voting Access for People with Disabilities program. The CIL was expected to assume the duties of those programs if they were eliminated. However, both the Senate and House Appropriations Committees chose to continue with these programs and fund them at the following levels:

• From Senate report:
  • $128 million for Center for Independent Living (same as FY 2025)
  • $4 million for the Limb Loss Resource Center (same as FY 2025)
  • $10.7 million for the Paralysis Resource Center (same as FY 2025)
  • $10 million for Voting Access for People with Disabilities (same as FY 2025)
  • $12 million for the Developmental Disabilities Projects of National Significance (same as FY 2025)
  • $119 million for Voting National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research NIDILRR (same as FY 2025)
• From House report:
  • $128 million for Center for Independent Living (same as FY 2025)
  • $4 million for the Limb Loss Resource Center (same as FY 2025)
  • $10.7 million for the Paralysis Resource Center (same as FY 2025)
  • $10 million for Voting Access for People with Disabilities (same as FY 2025)
  • $12 million for the Developmental Disabilities Projects of National Significance (same as FY 2025)
  • $100 million for Voting NIDILRR (cut of $19 million)

Reach out to your representatives to educate them about the importance of these programs!

Department of Labor Released Proposed Changes to Two Rules that Could Impact People with Disabilities

During September, the Department of Labor (DOL) asked people to give their opinions on two big changes they want to make.

DOL wants to go back to rules from 1975 about paying workers who help people with disabilities in their homes. This rule is called the Fair Labor Standards Act to Domestic Service. GCDD does not support this change. GCDD wants to keep the newer rules from 2013 that make sure these home care workers get paid at least $7.25 per hour. GCDD also believes they should receive extra pay when they work more than 40 hours a week.

The DOL also wants to get rid of a goal that says companies working with the federal government should try to hire seven people with disabilities for every 100 people they hire without disabilities. This goal started in 2014 because people with disabilities have a much harder time finding jobs than other people. The goal was made to help fix this problem by making sure companies working for the federal government hire more people with disabilities. GCDD does not support this proposed change.

While the comment periods have been closed, the ruling has not been finalized. GCDD will provide updates as it learns more.

In September, the disability rights community mourned the loss of Shelly Simmons. Simmons was a pioneer for Georgia’s disability movement and served as the Executive Director of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia. She passed away on August 29. 

Simmons grew up in Englewood, California, and was diagnosed at 13 years old with Muscular Dystrophy. She was passionate about sports and earned a degree in Sports Communication from California State University. Her goal was to become a sports broadcaster.

As her Muscular Dystrophy progressed, Simmons shifted her focus away from a career in sports to a career in advocacy.  She left her job in television production and went to work at the Disability Resource Center in Long Beach, California. In this role, she learned about important disability resources and services. This information helped her in her job and her own life. She excelled in making an impact and helping the lives of others through her advocacy. 

One of her first experiences with advocacy happened in her 20s. She advocated to get a power wheelchair instead of the manual one given to her for accessibility. In an interview, she shared that her transition from being able-bodied to having a disability was challenging, but her wheelchair gave her freedom and independence. 

She had big aspirations and was looking for a change in her life, so she decided to move to Georgia and began working at Disability Link. She realized Georgia lacked the resources and accessibility that she had in California. Her focus became building and improving Georgia’s policies to benefit the lives of Georgians with disabilities.

“I knew Shelly beyond SILC,” said Ester DuRante, Advocate/Outreach Coordinator with Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) of Georgia. “She was vital to SILC and Centers for Independent Living (CILS), and she saw something she brought from California and used her experience and circumstances to navigate and improve what was going on in Georgia.”

DuRante worked with Shelly at SILC and had a close friendship with her. Shelly encouraged her team on a professional level to reflect on their own experiences and then consider what a person with a disability might experience. She challenged them to identify what changes SILC could make to better help people with disabilities.

“Shelly was more than her work with SILC. She was a human with a disability fighting to be seen, heard, and valued with her own light,” DuRante said. “She was a beautiful person who did not limit herself.”

Countless members of California’s and Georgia’s disability communities were impacted by her dedication to helping people with disabilities live independently. Her leadership transformed Georgia's independent living services. Her unwavering commitment to the independent living movement created lasting change that will benefit Georgians with disabilities for years to come. 

Shelly will be remembered for her hard work and commitment to the disability movement in Georgia. The following comments were made by people in Georgia’s disability community whose lives Shelly Simmons impacted.

“Shelly was a tremendous advocate and a fundamentally good human being. She was deeply thoughtful and caring, always intentional with her words and contributions. At the same time, Shelly was a fierce advocate who never stopped working for what she believed in. I think kindness and committed advocacy are the best ways we can carry on her legacy.” - D’Arcy Robb Executive Director for GCDD 

“Although Shelly often spoke with a soft voice, her passion for advocacy was undeniable. She loved to share this passion with emerging leaders with disabilities and their nondisabled allies, bestowing her wisdom and fueling their drive for change. For many cohorts of the Georgia Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (GaLEND) trainees and fellows, Shelly’s voice was among the first they heard—grounding them in both the history of disability advocacy and the work still ahead to create a more inclusive world. The Center for Leadership in Disability joins our colleagues in Georgia and across the nation in carrying on Shelly's passion for uplifting young leaders of the future and for helping our movement flourish.” - Mark Crenshaw, The Center for Leadership and Disability (CLD) at Georgia State University (GSU)

“Shelly Simmons was a kind, respected, and passionate leader who, among other contributions, supported ensuring Centers for Independent Living (CIL) coverage with Information and Referral (I&R) services across Georgia. While sometimes perceived as passive, those who knew her recognized her quiet strength and unwavering dedication to advancing independent living. She encouraged others to step into leadership and was always open to ideas and collaboration. Her commitment and vision made a lasting impact on the disability community.” - Kim Gibson, DSW, LMSW, Executive Director, disABILITY LINK

“Shelly did so much to build the independent living network and expand services in Georgia for people with disabilities.  She was a person who put effort in building relationships and collaborations through kindness, curiosity, and conversation.  She carried forth the vision when she assumed the Executive Director role of the SILC and was able to support the centers in assuring that we at least had statewide information and referral coverage.  She was an advocate, ally, and friend to our centers.” - Tiffany Clifford, Executive Director for Walton Options

Find out what's happening this month! Here are some events that may be of interest to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. To submit an event for GCDD’s Calendar of Events, send an email to .

Atlanta Buddy Walk - Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta 

The Atlanta Buddy Walk is one of the most meaningful days of the year for the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta. It’s more than just a walk—it’s a celebration of our families, our stories, and the incredible individuals with Down syndrome and a chance for our community to come together, lift each other up, and be seen, heard, and celebrated. This year’s theme is “Redefine Possible.” 

When: October 4, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Where: Kennesaw State University, Marietta, GA

For more information: https://www.dsaatl.org/eventcalendar

Institute on Human Development and Disability: Georgia Disability History Symposium

Annually, the event brings together disability advocates, scholars, researchers, archivists, public officials, and organizations to highlight Georgia’s significant contributions to the disability rights movement and explore important topics in disability rights history. This year’s symposium will celebrate 50 years of the landmark Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IDEA, originally passed in 1975, transformed education by guaranteeing free, appropriate public education for children with disabilities.

The event will include a full day of presentations around inclusive education and transitioning into adulthood, including a presentation by this year’s keynote speaker, Emmy award-winning documentarians Dan and Samuel Habib, directors of “The Ride Ahead” and “My Disability Roadmap.” The symposium will bring together both emerging and established Georgians who have made important impacts around the state.

When: October 15, 2025, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Where: Richard B. Russell Library, 300 S. Hull St. Athens, GA

For more information: https://www.fcs.uga.edu/ihdd/2025-disability-symposium.

Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities: Fall Council Meeting 

The members of the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) meet quarterly to learn what is happening in Georgia and around the nation for people with developmental disabilities and their families. During these meetings, members spend time discussing best/promising practices, hearing from projects funded by GCDD, and conducting business to be an effective and efficient organization. The public is invited to attend and make public comments.

When: October 23 & 24, 2025

• Thursday the 23rd, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Friday the 24th, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Where: Tubman African American Museum in Macon

For more information: https://gcdd.org/about/gcdd-meetings

Advancing Employment at the University of Georgia: National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) 

This year’s theme is “Work is Great for Everyone.” In celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), Advancing Employment will host a virtual webinar every Thursday at 2:00 p.m. in the month of October leading up to the NDEAM event in Macon. The goal is to help people with disabilities get work. 

When: October 28, 2025,  9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Where: Tubman African American Museum in Macon 

RSVP for the October 28th event

For more information: https://www.advancingemployment.com/projects-6.

Georgia Association of People Supporting Employment First (GA APSE): Georgia APSE Conference

Join us this October for the Georgia APSE Conference 2025—a powerful two-day event dedicated to advancing competitive, integrated employment for people with disabilities.

APSE is the only national organization dedicated solely to advancing inclusive, competitive employment opportunities for people with disabilities. At Georgia APSE, we are committed to the Employment First philosophy—believing that real work for real pay should be the expectation for all.

When: October 28 & 29, 2025

Where: Tubman African American Museum, Macon

For more information: https://georgiaapse.org/