Summer 2024

D'Arcy Robb, GCDD Executive Director

 What were you doing in 1999? I graduated from high school. Interestingly, Georgia self-advocates Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson were making history. 

You may or may not know their stories. Lois and Elaine both had disabilities. They spent years cycling in and out of Georgia’s state hospitals and institutions. Clinical care teams working for the state of Georgia agreed that Lois and Elaine should be served in the community rather than in institutions. However, supports were unavailable in the community then, and Lois and Elaine remained in state hospitals. Hoping for a better life for themselves, the two women connected with attorney Sue Jamieson of Atlanta Legal Aid. 

Sue filed a case on behalf of Lois and Elaine and argued that it was discrimination to unjustifiably isolate people in institutions when they could live in the community. The courts of the American legal system agreed with her. 

In April 1999, Olmstead v. LC was argued in front of the United States Supreme Court, and in June of that year, the Supreme Court announced its watershed decision. In Olmstead, the Court found that individuals have the right to live in the community rather than in institutions if, in the words of the Court opinion, "the State's treatment professionals have determined that community placement is appropriate, the transfer from institutional care to a less restrictive setting is not opposed by the affected individual, and the placement can be reasonably accommodated, taking into account the resources available to the State and the needs of others with mental disabilities."

And with that, two self-advocates from Georgia launched a new era for people with disabilities in this country. 

I am in awe of what it took for Lois and Elaine to challenge the system. Imagine cycling in and out of hospitals, being stuck in an institution for years, and told you should be out in the community, but there’s nothing there for you. Can you imagine having the spirit and the downright audacity to beat all that?  

That spirit is alive and persevering in our community today because of a determined community continuously fighting for their voices to be heard. This June, I had the honor of attending the Olmstead 25th anniversary celebration at the White House and heard from a powerful roster of disability self-advocates. You can see the live stream here: https://www.youtube.com/live/EYsDx5ogzLc

At the event, panelists, whose experiences were not necessarily the same as Lois’ and Elaine’s, each shared their own experiences and challenges as individuals living with a disability, including experiencing discrimination and living with the stigma of low expectations. 

Emmanuel Jenkins of the Delaware Developmental Disability Council talked about a list one of his teachers gave his mother when he was in 8th grade. “The list of what I could not do was long, and the list of expectations was short.” Thankfully, he did not limit his life or disabilities to the list of “could not dos.” He has accomplished many things, including many things on that list.

I know many people with disabilities or their family members who have been given such a list—a no list. Another self-advocate, Kevin Nunez, who spoke at the 25th Olmstead Anniversary celebration, shared that he, too, was given a list of what he could not do because of his disability, but he was determined to live his life freely and defy the odds. Kevin’s advice: “Never give up and don’t listen to the no’s.” 

Don’t listen to the no’s. If Lois and Elaine had listened, the Olmstead decision would not exist today. 

As a parent, advocate, and executive director of the National Association of Council on Developmental Disabilities, Jill Jacobs reminded us to find our people. 

Find people who understand your situation and see the value in ‘yes’ instead of ‘no’. And for parents of kids with disabilities, be sure those people include adults with disabilities. Adults with disabilities who have no fear of challenging the ‘no’ in pursuing their dreams are valuable to this community and significant in demonstrating this community’s advocacy. 

In this way, the traditions and spirit of Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson continue to live on. 

June 22, 1999, marks a pivotal moment in the history of disability rights in the United States—the Supreme Court's landmark Olmstead Decision was made into law.

Two Georgian self-advocates Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson, who lived with developmental and psychiatric disabilities, argued that it was discrimination to unjustifiably isolate people in institutions when they could live in the community.  This ruling has significantly influenced the lives of individuals with disabilities, aiming to ensure their right to live in community settings rather than being unnecessarily institutionalized.

Twenty-five years later, the disability community throughout the United States continues to advocate for equality, equity, and inclusion. Considering what the next 25 years can bring, it is important to examine the progress, ongoing challenges, and future direction for community living for individuals with disabilities. 

The Olmstead Decision: A Brief Overview

Olmstead v. L.C and E.W., began when Curtis and Wilson reached out to Sue Jamieson at Atlanta Legal Aid in Atlanta, Georgia, to hear their stories. 

“They were cycling in and out of state hospitals quite frequently, or they were stuck in state hospitals and they would be released, but to very inappropriate placements that did not do a good job of giving them the services that they needed,” said Susan Goico, Director of the Disability Integration Project at Atlanta Legal Aid.

Goico’s former boss and mentor, Jamieson, met Curtis and Wilson when they were in the state hospital. “And their request was very simple. It was, ‘Get me out of here,’” recalls Goico. “They wanted to live in the community.”

So, Jamieson and some other attorneys at Atlanta Legal Aid filed a lawsuit in federal court based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA is a law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. 

Within the ADA is a regulation called “the integration mandate.” This is “the part of the law that says that people with disabilities have to receive their services in the most integrated setting, appropriate to their needs,” added Goico. “If you don't need to be in an institution and you can receive your services in the community, then you must receive your services there.”

Based on the mandate, Jameison filed the lawsuit in federal court and won. She then won again when it was appealed. 

The case then went to the United States Supreme Court, which affirmed that people with disabilities have a right to services within the community. Additionally, the Supreme Court upheld that the unjustified segregation of individuals with disabilities constitutes discrimination under the ADA.  

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who passed away in 2020, wrote the majority opinion and sided with Curtis and Wilson, changing the law of the land.

The court recognized that people with disabilities have the right to receive state-funded support and services in the community, provided such placements are appropriate, not opposed to by the affected individuals, and can be reasonably accommodated considering available resources and the needs of others receiving state-supported disability services.

“We know that even people with very high support needs can live in the community. It's just a matter of connecting those services to the person and giving the person the choice,” added Goico. “What does the person need, and what does the person want? And those services can be built around a person of their choice.” 

“And it's often something that we as lawyers have to grapple with and convince the state of Georgia that our client can live in the community. We know other people with similar support needs living in the community. It takes effort and coordination, certainly, but it can be done.”

Where are we now?

Since the Olmstead decision, there have been notable strides in promoting community integration for individuals with disabilities. Key areas of progress include the following:

• Increased Community-Based Services: Many states have expanded their community-based services and supports, allowing more individuals to live in their communities rather than in institutional settings. Programs such as Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) have been instrumental in this transformation.
• Legislative and Policy Reforms: Various legislative measures have been introduced to support the principles of the Olmstead decision. For example, the Money Follows the Person (MFP) program helps Medicaid beneficiaries transition from institutions to community-based settings.
• Advocacy and Awareness: Disability rights advocates have played a crucial role in raising awareness and pushing for reforms that align with the Olmstead mandate. Public and private initiatives have focused on educating stakeholders about the importance of community integration.

“Olmstead applies to where someone is living, right?” asks Goico. It's an institution versus the community. But it also applies to things like employment services. So, you have to think about what is the most integrated setting for employment.”

Additionally, Goico said that sheltered workshops, where people with disabilities work separately and are exempted from labor standards, would be an Olmstead violation. She continues to cite that segregated school settings, even in certain cases of special education, could be a violation of Olmstead – certainly a school system that segregates children with disabilities from children without disabilities. 

“We have certainly spent more money in our state than we used to on community-based services, but there is a long way to go,” adds Goico. 

Despite the significant progress, several challenges persist in fully realizing the goals of the Olmstead decision:

• Funding and Resource Allocation: Adequate funding for community-based services remains a critical issue. Many states struggle with budget constraints, which can limit the availability and quality of necessary services.
• Variability Across States: The level of compliance with the Olmstead decision varies widely among states. While some have made substantial progress, others lag, leaving many individuals without the support they need to live independently.
• Systemic Barriers: Institutional bias and resistance to change can hinder efforts to transition individuals to community settings. Ongoing issues related to affordable housing, employment opportunities, and access to healthcare exist.

The State of Olmstead

In Georgia alone, Goico acknowledges the progress after Olmstead. “I think we've come a long way,” she reflects. Georgia no longer has large institutions like Central State Hospital in Milledgeville. “People would remain there all their lives and never have a chance to live in the community.”

Goico added, “Closing some of those institutions was a positive step. And I wonder sometimes [what would happen] if all of the money spent on those institutions was fully absorbed into the community service system.”

Georgia has a 7,300+ person waiting list for the NOW/COMP Waivers, with an average wait of nine years for services and supports. 

“The NOW/COMP Waivers support daily activities and give individuals the option to live at home or in a group environment, whichever better suits their needs,” said Ashleigh Caseman, Deputy Director, Office of Medicaid Coordination and Health System Innovation, Division of Strategy Technology and Performance at the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD). “Not only do these programs expand opportunities for individuals with disabilities, but they also aim to alleviate caregivers. It ensures that the caregivers’ loved ones will get the time and attention needed to live more independently – especially as the caregiver ages.”

To support these activities, an important role in the life of a person with developmental disabilities (DD) is their Direct Support Professional (DSP). However, the disability community lacks significant resources for DSPs, such as adequate pay. 

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a rising DSP crisis, not just in Georgia but throughout the United States, where individuals with DD were not able to get support for everyday activities. The low pay rate for DSPs in Georgia has caused high staff turnover and inconsistency for families and individuals with disabilities. 

After the pandemic, the crisis worsened. And the waitlist to receive services in Georgia continued to grow.

Some Relief on The Way

Last year, the Georgia General Assembly added 500 more waiver slots to the NOW/COMP program. Building upon this investment, the legislature recently approved funding to add 100 more slots to these programs.

While slots are being added to the waitlist, they are insufficient to meet the need. There are simply not enough direct support professionals to provide the services available on the waiver. 

But help is on the way. In 2023, DBHDD began reviewing payment rates and policies for services provided through the NOW/COMP Waivers rate study. Burns & Associates, a division of Health Management Associates (HMA-Burns), assisted with this rate study and has developed initial recommendations.

Through a rate study, additional funds will be allocated to DBHDD to support providers with higher DSP wages. The study aimed to understand the current provider rates for staffing support in the DD community and the cost of providing a service. 

The NOW/COMP waivers provide various services, such as employment, residential support, and vehicle modifications. 

In May 2024, Governor Brian Kemp signed House Bill 916, Georgia's Fiscal Year 2025 budget, into law. This budget includes $105 million to begin implementing the rate increases for intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) and behavioral health (BH) services based on the latest rate studies. This marks a historic investment in the health and well-being of Georgia’s most vulnerable citizens that DBHDD serves, including people with I/DD. 

“The good news is that as more people get access to services, these rates will apply to them as well,” says D’Arcy Robb, executive director of GCDD. “As more people get waivers, it's going to help them too, like a snowball effect. We've got good momentum and have been building on it in the last few years with significant waiver increases.”

The General Assembly allocated 500 waivers last year and 517 the year before. “That was the most [waiver slots] we'd had in about a decade,” added Robb. “At the same time, we have got to keep the momentum going. While the rate study is good news, there are still thousands of Georgians on the waiting list struggling to get by. And an unknown number of people who qualify for services but are not yet on the list. Plus, babies are being born with developmental disabilities all the time, and children are growing up with DD who are not yet on the list. They will all need support to thrive.” In 2024, the General Assembly increased capacity by 100 slots and conducted the rate study.

It had been over a decade since the rates were comprehensively reviewed. While DBHDD conducted sporadic reviews in 2017, and there has been a 3% or 1% waiver increase through the General Assembly, there has not been a comprehensive rate review. 

According to The State of the States in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities report, Georgia’s investment in I/DD services has historically shown lower fiscal effort than other states in the region and only 56% of the national average. Fiscal effort is spending on services per $1,000 in personal income.

With the comprehensive rate review, approximately a $100 million state portion is annualized in addition to the DBHDD base budget. This will provide additional funding to providers to provide better-quality care to the people DBHDD serves. 

According to a source at DBHDD, the additional funding and the rates will allow the agency to increase metrics that ensure quality care staff who get paid more funding will be able to provide more quality services – with a direct impact on all of the beneficiaries in the NOW/COMP waivers by way of who their network of available providers are.

This could increase access, quality, options, and choice for the disability community, especially in rural areas of Georgia. The hope is that, with the new rates, providers can draw in new individuals to join as DSPs as a career choice or a job with higher wages. 

The long-term vision for DBHDD behind this rate study is that individuals with DD can participate more in their communities because providers will have more funding to build and support a staff that will ultimately benefit the disability community. 

Once approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), this rate study will support Olmstead's foundational promise—that people can live and thrive in the community of their choice with adequate services and support. To learn more about the rate study and its most recent updates, visit DBHDD’s website. 

While the rate study is a huge step forward for tackling the DSP rates, DBHDD is working on different projects and ways to address the workforce crisis. 

The Wait for Waivers

Many people with DD receive services from waiver programs. These are programs that the CMS allows states to “waive” certain Medicaid requirements and pay for home- and community-based services as an alternative to institutions, such as nursing homes or hospitals for people with DD. Essentially, waivers provide people with DD a choice. 

“I think when it comes to the state's investment in Georgians with developmental disabilities and their families, we just really keep pushing the message. Look, we made progress on the waitlist. We made real progress in the rate study,” added Robb. “I think there's a lot of just consistent education and excitement that needs to go on because one of the messages that we try to make sure our lawmakers and our elected leaders are aware of, number one, it's really hard to qualify for a NOW/COMP Waiver.”

The qualifications for a NOW/COMP Waivers are:

• You must already be eligible for Medicaid
• Have a diagnosis of an intellectual disability prior to age 18 and/or a closely related developmental disability, such as severe forms of cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or autism prior to age 22; 
• Have significant deficits in adaptive functioning in specific areas; and 
• Require the level of care provided in an intermediate-care facility for people with intellectual disabilities.

Additionally, individuals will need proof of citizenship, social security, and Medicaid, as well as relevant psychological reports and/or documents from schools or intermediate care facilities. 

“I've been fighting to get my son services,” said Tais Keyser, who is a mother of two sons on the autism spectrum. “This has been going on for five years, trying to get the waiver [for Isaiah].” Keyser’s oldest son Isaiah, now 22, didn’t receive the proper diagnosis, which limited his access to services and supports when he was in school, limiting his growth and potential. 

“So it was, for a parent, terrifying because you are asking questions, but you don't know what to do, where to go, where to seek help,” said Keyser. “It was tough because I didn't have a background in disability. I worked in mortgages. So, going from mortgages to disability was a drastic change. When I became a stay-at-home parent, I had to work with my oldest son, and then I'm like, oh gosh, there are some serious issues here.”

When she became a stay-at-home parent and began working with Isaiah, then 11 years old, he was behind on many basic education fundamentals. “He could barely spell his name, doesn't understand, truly understands time, could not do basic math, and they're pushing him into sixth grade,” she said while being told he was meeting milestones.

Without a proper diagnosis and documentation, Keyser started to move the needle on trying to get her son services and supports. She sued the school district to get her son the right services and won. Isaiah has dual diagnoses, and Keyser learned about the NOW/COMP Waivers through her research. 

While they are on the waitlist, Keyser has been fighting to get her son's services. Initially, Isaiah was denied services because of the dual diagnosis of mental health and intellectual disabilities. 

“I started getting very vocal,” said Keyser, who is a part of the Georgia LEND program. This one-year interdisciplinary training experience prepares tomorrow’s leaders to provide coordinated, culturally competent, and family-centered care to children and their families. 

“I just showed up at the Capitol. I heard there was an [GCDD] Advocacy Day, and I had no idea what I was doing here, but I was just going to see what was happening. And then I decided to talk to people and started connecting with GCDD and Rita Young through Unlock Georgia.”

Keyser has applied for services multiple times and has been denied. She has also sued DBHDD to get services in place after proper documentation was provided for her son while on the waitlist. 

“We're still waiting to have the waiver, and I'm still fighting,” said Keyser. “I'm still pushing, and I'm not just going to settle down and say, ‘Okay, now that I'm on the list, it's fine’. No, it's not fine. You're supposed to have the waiver the day after you turn 22. My son is 22. I do have some services in place for him, and I don't want to lose those services. And I would've been better had I not had to fight in court and spent five figures fighting these individuals. We would've had more cushion to apply towards services for Isaiah and his middle brother.”

Making Progress

In Georgia, the state of Olmstead decision, there’s progress when it comes to the disability community. 

“I think that we've come a long way,” says Goico, referenced earlier in the article. “We don't have some of the big institutions that we used to have in Georgia, where we know people lived in Central State Hospital in Milledgeville and never had a chance to live in the community. So, after the decision, the closure of some of those institutions was a positive step. And, I wonder, sometimes if all of the money that was spent on those institutions were fully absorbed into the community service system, what could our state look like? I think that's something important to think about.”

Goico also heralded the state’s peer support network. 

According to Goico, Georgia is a real model for peer support. “We've knocked that out of the park,” she said. “We have such a strong peer support network, which I think we should be very proud of. I also found that peers have lived experience in the system, and the type of support they can provide to others is invaluable. We see that with the mental health system. Assertive Community Treatment teams are supposed to have peer specialists. And to me, that's one of the most important roles on the ACT team itself. What my clients especially find valuable is interacting with peers and receiving support from them. So, if you've heard of the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network, they do a lot of wonderful training for peers around the state. And again, we're a real leader in that area, and it's something to be very proud of.”

Robb also reflects on the progress made over 25 years. “We're seeing more and more stories of people with hope and able to live lives of their choosing in the community,” she shares. 

“I go back to Lois Curtis and Elaine [Wilson]. Lois and Elaine were both women significantly impacted by their disabilities who had spent years cycling in and out of state hospitals. It would've been easy for Lois and Elaine to accept what the world told them: this is your life. You go out on your own, and essentially, when you stumble, when something flares for you, you have to go back to the hospital. They didn't accept that. What's amazing to me is that somehow they had the resilience and the spirit within after being treated that way, who would have the guts to go to an attorney and say, ‘This isn't right. Get me out of here. If I have some support in the community, I can do it,” said Robb.  

Of the two, Curtis became more known in the community as an artist and advocate.

Because of the Olmstead decision, states began to invest in home and community-based services. And then, for every person who gets to be in a real home and in the community and shares their gifts, works, volunteers, and makes friends, you have the positive spread of the “oh, that’s possible.” 

Robb reflects on a self-advocate who worked in a sheltered workshop but now works in the community, is married, and has three kids. “I'm thinking about one of the advocates, Bruce, we've worked with to end 14c. He was in a sheltered workshop situation, so he was earning less than minimum wage, and he's worked a job in the community, a competitive job, for years.”

“When we invest in our community, we get a return on the investment,” said Robb. “We get a stronger Georgia, and we get citizens with disabilities and their families, who are robust parts of our communities and our economy. That's what we're missing when we underinvest in this community.”

The Voice of Advocates

Olmstead stands behind the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the landmark disability rights movement that became law in 1990. This year, it celebrates its 34th anniversary on July 26th. Through advocates and the power of advocacy, the ADA set the tone for inclusion and equity for people with disabilities to be included in everyday life. 

And the Olmstead decision allowed the community to learn what it looks like when people with disabilities can have a choice.

“There's such an opportunity for people with disabilities to be independent in their lives,” said Charlie Miller, GCDD Public Policy Director. “Once they are in their communities, they are going to go to the grocery store, they are going to see a movie, they're going to the mall… they're going to invest in their communities. And that's one of the promises that I believe that the Olmstead decision gives us.” 

Advocates have been working with GCDD in Georgia to raise awareness of waivers and the need for higher wages for DSPs. Through its signature advocacy event, GCDD’s Advocacy Days, the agency and advocates throughout Georgia have educated and informed lawmakers each year during the legislative session on various topics focused on disability, including the need for more waivers and wage increases. 

“There are so many great things we're doing within advocacy in Georgia, specifically at GCDD,” adds Miller. “We're making big strides to ensure legislators understand it's not just a disability issue. It is an everybody issue because the more opportunity we have to get people with disabilities out in the communities, the better it can be for the state and a community.” 

Through advocacy, successes like the rate study have been possible. 

“We give a nod to the families because they helped make this move,” said a source at DBHDD.  “Advocates, families, providers, GCDD and DBHDD, we all banded together to make this happen. State advocates, stakeholders, families, and providers coming together had everything to do with this getting moved forward. There's never been this level of investment in these waivers on rates and wages ever since the inception of the waivers.”

This advocacy and investment is important to make community living a reality for people with DD in the state. 

“We as an advocacy community have to keep shining a light on the people and educate them about Olmstead or understanding that they have a right under the ADA,” said Goico. “We have to shine a light, and we have to keep beating the drum that this is a civil right for people with disabilities. And [advocates] have to stand up and say, ‘I have a right to these services in the community, and I'm not going to accept less.’”

Advocacy takes many different forms. It doesn't always involve showing up at the capitol and talking to legislators about a certain bill. 

“Advocacy can start in your community,” adds Miller. “It can start as just saying if they're going to church. If they're going to church asking, ‘Hey, do we have a special service where it is designated for people with disabilities? Is there an opportunity to where there is a respite in our church for families with disabilities to be involved?’” 

Miller further explained that it can be a lot simpler than that. “Seeing other people with disabilities there, just say hello to them,” he said. “The moment you start a friendship, it can grow into anything you want. I think that families, neighbors, and community members all have an opportunity to play a part and make sure the future is as accessible as possible, but also to make sure other people with disabilities have an opportunity to be in our community.”

The Next 25 Years 

If there were a crystal ball to look into the future, there would be a vision of an ideal world with Olmstead and the ADA at the helm. The disability community, you can say, works with the ambition of what a normal life in the community could look like with the right supports and services. 

“I hope when we get to Olmstead’s 50th anniversary, we have taken the pity out of the experience of disability,” reflects Robb. “I hope that having a disability will no longer be looked on by so many people as a limiting thing and a bad thing that it will just be looked upon as this is a part of your life.”

When asked the same question, Miller got teary-eyed and reflected on his childhood. “I dream of a day where a young person with a disability doesn't feel like he's not included. That has to be the most powerful thing.”

He shared a story about a game of tug-of-war in fifth grade on Field Day. In the game, he got thrown out of his wheelchair and dragged to the ground. His physical therapist and the occupational therapist, naturally, got scared and felt that they were never going to live this down. As they approached Charlie, they saw him laughing on the ground, covered in dirt. 

“I was having such a good time because I was included,” said Miller. “I didn't feel like I was the referee. I was included in my own community.”

Bonus content! Listen to our PinPoint podcast!

Learn more about the impact of the Olmstead Decision. Listen to our podcast, 25 years since Olmstead: Has it made a difference?

https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/0qJNf3YFeOxzHPw7KwVpZ6

PinPoint focuses on the stories of Georgians with developmental disabilities and how policy, community, and societal issues can impact their everyday lives. The podcast is produced by the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities and is a part of its quarterly magazine, Making a Difference.

Tracy Rackensperger, a faculty member of the University of Georgia (UGA) Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD)In the life of a person with disabilities, few skills are as essential to success as the ability to advocate. One must learn to ask for basic needs and standards of care; in some cases, they must advocate for larger causes. Tracy Rackensperger, a faculty member of the University of Georgia (UGA) Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD), is an exemplary advocate for individuals with disabilities. 

Within IHDD, Rackensperger serves as the resource and outreach manager for the Advancing Employment program, a technical assistance center for best practices in employment support, particularly concerning employees with disabilities. 

Since 1965, IHDD has been a Georgia University Center for Excellence in Disability Research, Education, and Service (UCEDD). Advancing Employment, managed by IHDD, dedicates much of its time and resources to addressing issues facing the Georgia disability community in the workforce. 

For example, some Georgians with disabilities work in environments in which they make subminimum wages.

“For decades, it has been legal to pay people with disabilities less than minimum wage,” explained Rackensperger. “Through the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) 14(c) program, the Department of Labor (DOL) certifies employers to pay individuals with disabilities wages below the federal minimum, also known as subminimum wages.”

Initially, the provisions established by the FLSA 14(c) program were enacted to incentivize employers to hire veterans with disabilities. However, these certificates are only held by community rehabilitation programs (CRPs), which operate sheltered workshops. Most workers in sheltered workshops earn less than $3.50 an hour, but some make as low as 22 cents per hour. Because of this, Rackensperger is committed to advocating for a shift from sheltered workshops in favor of competitive integrated employment (CIE).

“Within sheltered workshops, people with disabilities get paid pennies for their work,” said Rackensperger. “CIE is important because it offers people with disabilities the opportunity to make a fair wage that can sustain them.”

Although there have been efforts to promote and sustain subminimum wage employment, decades of research, including multiple reports from the Government Accountability Office, have shown that sheltered workshops offer ineffective vocational training, regulations are poorly enforced, and people rarely transition from subminimum wage employment to a competitive job in the community.

“In the State of Georgia, there are currently eight organizations that hold 14(c) certificates. Collectively, these organizations pay a total of 245 individuals with disabilities less than the federal minimum wage,” Rackensperger said. “It is essential that we continue to encourage the move from sheltered workshops that engage in these practices to jobs that offer competitive pay and better working conditions.”

So far, the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) and Advancing Employment have helped to transfer two CRPs out of using 14(c) certificates and are working on transferring a third. This work has further been aided by a federal Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment (SWTCIE) grant, which Governor Brian Kemp applied for. This grant aims to bolster the work of Rackensperger and Advancing Employment as they assist CRPs in creating supported employment programs.

“Georgia is not the only place where people are moving to CIE,” Rackensperger explained. “Virginia, Tennessee, and South Carolina have passed legislative bills to ban [CRPs] or at least prevent the provision of new 14(c) certificates for CRPs.”

One of the concerns from supporters of the existing sheltered workshop structure is that people will lose benefits or friends in the process of transitioning to CIE, which would prove to be challenging for workers with disabilities.

“People voice these concerns, but they must understand that employees do not lose their benefits when the transition has sufficient planning, and no one is forcing workers not to see their friends,” Rackensperger said. “There is also no negative impact on social services for people with disabilities.”

Rackensperger and Advancing Employment's work has had a variety of success stories for workers with disabilities in Georgia. They offer valuable transitional opportunities to careers with better vocational training and support.

“We have a person who works at Home Depot and a person who works at the YMCA, for example,” Rackensperger said. “These people have moved to work that pays them a fair wage and offers opportunities to grow as both people and workers.”

With the efforts of Rackensperger and Advancing Employment, there is hope for the future of Georgia workers with disabilities, both in terms of receiving fair payment and growing within a position that understands and supports them as people.

For more information on Advancing Employment, visit  https://www.advancingemployment.com/.

There are many aspects to consider when it comes to being a champion for the disability community, whether it is providing care and support, offering a social network, or strengthening the voices of people with disabilities. 

Elite Squad Inc., founded in June 2023 by Dorinda Peterson and Amy Hines, is an advocacy and social connection group in metro Atlanta dedicated to changing societal perspectives on how people interact and engage with people with disabilities. The group accomplishes its mission by hosting and leading various social events for people of all backgrounds to meet, learn various life skills, and have a great time.

“Our mission is to change the perspective on how people interact, engage, and view individuals with disabilities because once we change our perspective, it will allow us to be more inclusive, with meaningful jobs, employment, and lifestyles,” said Peterson. “Our members know that it is great to have fun, but when you are in the real world, you must take care of business, too. If you want to be taken seriously, you must take yourself seriously. You deserve to have the life that you choose.”

The Elite Squad encourages individuals with disabilities to be engaged in society and make their voices heard, whether by getting married, pursuing a life that brings them happiness, or doing their civic duty of voting and participating in legislation to advocate for laws that benefit the disability community.

“Elite Squad is rewriting the narrative that people with disabilities do not have the tools or abilities to express themselves,” added Jalen Lovemore, the program manager and social media manager of Elite Squad.

Peterson and Hines founded the Elite Squad after they met and worked at a program for individuals with disabilities. While there, they noticed that people’s voices were not heard and self-advocacy was not a focus. Here, the pair came together and identified areas in which advocacy could be taught, encouraged, and practiced in their own program, DnA Skills 4 Life, a lifestyle skills center for individuals with disabilities. From there, the pair expanded their efforts into a social networking group, and thus, the Elite Squad was established.

“The general mindset among the people with disabilities in the program [we met in] was complacency rather than growth,” noted Peterson. “Many of the individuals in the program were ages 35 to 85, but they were still coloring and often treated like children. We wanted to show these people that they could have the lives that they deserve.”

Elite Squad hosts various events, including its annual gala, dances, parties, campouts, and voting engagement events. Within these events, the group integrates education opportunities that allow people with disabilities to learn about advocacy, leadership, and other important skills they can utilize in their everyday lives.

“One important aspect of Elite Squad is that the individuals also give back to their communities,” Hines stated. “That is a critical part of advocacy: being able to speak for the needs of others and not just for themselves.”

For more information about Elite Squad, email , visit www.elitesquadinc.org or visit them on social media at the following:

• Facebook: Elite Squad INC 
• Instagram: @elitesquadinc
• TikTok: @elite.squad25

Mark Friedman, Ph. D., and Ruther-Marie Beckwith, Ph. D., of Blue Fire Inc., a grantee of the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD), have recently done extensive research through the Georgia Technology White Paper with two objectives: to identify the barriers to technology access for people in the intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) community and to make concrete recommendations to support Georgians with I/DD in rural and underserved areas.

Through this study, the Georgia Technology White Paper aims to bring to light ways to bridge the technology gap between people with disabilities and the general population. GCDD funded this study to understand how people with I/DD use technology. Friedman and Beckwith collected data on how people with I/DD integrate technology into their daily lives and identified significant accessibility issues. COVID-19 had a substantial negative impact on people with I/DD, as technology became the sole means of maintaining contact with loved ones and health professionals, leading to increased isolation for them. Notably, the I/DD community was ahead of the curve with video conferencing, so when COVID-19 hit, this community adapted quickly. This prior familiarity allowed many individuals to transition smoothly to the sudden reliance on digital communication. Despite this advantage, people with I/DD are still at great risk of being further left behind as technology growth quickens.

Research Methods Used

Blue Fire, Inc. employed a multitiered approach to gather comprehensive information from Georgia's diverse I/DD community. Their methods included conducting online surveys, focus groups, interviews, and a thorough review of the current literature on technology use among people with disabilities. 

Online surveys enabled Friedman and Beckwith to collect responses from a large sample size, addressing questions such as, “How do you use technology?,” “What problems do you have with technology?,” and “What help do you need?”

The study revealed that, in the general population, 80% use technology for telehealth and 74% for making purchases. In contrast, among individuals with I/DD, these percentages are notably lower at 12% and 27%, respectively. 

People with I/DD primarily use the web for passive activities, such as watching videos and listening to music. Many use technology to combat isolation, with conversational AI helping to reduce feelings of loneliness. Before AI became widespread, technology was often confusing and complicated for many users. 

However, advancements have made technology increasingly user-friendly and accessible.

As part of the Georgia Technology White Paper research, Blue Fire, Inc. conducted 88 in-depth interviews with people with I/DD, experts, family members, teachers, and professionals, including state technology directors. These interviews allowed Friedman and Beckwith to gather a wide range of perspectives on technology access within the I/DD community and to record valuable input on the most effective ways to provide support. 

A focus group facilitator and self-advocate Sandra Wilcox has learned to use technology to be proactive with her work schedule. She says she “use[s] technology every day…to remind [her] of when her meetings are.” 

Focus group participants discussed their preferred ways of using technology, such as playing games, listening to music, connecting with friends, and attending virtual religious gatherings. 

Through these focus groups, the agency learned that the primary barriers to technology use were limited access to devices and the internet, lack of support and training, and the high costs associated with technology.

In the focus groups, Rick, a participant, uses his Alexa Echo to ask about the weather, listen to music, and ask questions. Rick said, “I live alone and am lonely, so I like hearing Alexa talk to me’.” 

A review of current literature helped identify the most effective strategies for bridging the technology gap.

The agency found that 16 states have implemented successful programs to enable people with I/DD to use technology and achieve greater independence. These states’ Medicaid waiver programs allocate significantly higher funding for technology. They also implement training to make technology more accessible and host conferences for community members to learn and engage. 

Recommendations and Considerations

When starting this project, Friedman and Beckwith were committed to providing specific recommendations to bridge the technology access gap. Their first recommendation is for GCDD to establish an Enabling Technology Taskforce to develop a strategic plan. 

This task force should include people with I/DD and relevant stakeholders. The White Paper Advisory Committee (PAC) could help lay the groundwork for this effort. 

Another recommendation is for the council to collaborate with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) to draft policies on technology access for the I/DD community. An annual service plan meeting could include discussing technology usage, showcasing innovations, and fostering collaboration. 

Additionally, it was recommended that GCDD fund a project to help people with I/DD achieve equal access to technology. This program should include people with I/DD in leading roles, such as trainers, planners, and managers, and it should ensure that they are compensated for their work. 

The Georgia Technology study presented upcoming challenges and opportunities for GCDD to have a significant impact. 

Expanding broadband internet is crucial for Georgia to become a Technology First state, where technology is prioritized in support options. However, it remains expensive, and rural areas have decreased connectivity. 

According to the Georgia Technology White Paper, AI is emerging as a useful tool for individuals with I/DD, yet it often “lacks disability representation and includes negative portrayals of people with disabilities and other marginalized groups.

Modern enabling technology, such as smart devices, support the I/DD community to live as independently as possible, but the relatively low funding for I/DD services hinders widespread adoption. 

According to a Advancing Technology Access for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, by Shea Tanis, PhD at the University of Colorado, broadband coverage is expanding thanks to a $1.3 billion federal government grant. Access to the Internet is essential for Georgia's Technology First State initiative, “where technology is considered first in support options, promoting meaningful participation, social inclusion, self-determination, and quality of life.

Georgia’s Medicaid Waivers program has also been approved to cover assistive technology for people with I/DD for up to $2,000 annually. Blue Fire, Inc. recommends that GCDD prioritize promoting policies for broadband expansion and data collection, allocating grants to promote enabling technology, and ensuring the inclusion of people with I/DD in all tech-related discussions. Technology is expanding rapidly, and its changes are often unpredictable. 

Looking into the Future

Addressing technology access is crucial, not just for inclusion, but to tackle the direct support professional (DSP) staffing crisis. Georgia’s two Medicaid waiver programs, the New Options Waiver Program (NOW) and Comprehensive Support Waiver Program (COMP), overlook a key solution: offering remote support services. 

What remote supports does provide, through technology, is a call center where people can be on their own and have support through a phone, computer, iPad, or all sorts of devices that can be helpful for people who have some significant disabilities. 

Sensors can alert the call center if somebody gets up in the morning or throughout the night. A bed sensor could even alert if someone has fallen out of bed. 

Imagine a system where sensors and video tools can trigger alerts if assistance is needed, freeing DSPs to focus on those requiring in-person support.

This innovative approach would allow individuals with I/DD to maintain safety and independence without a staff member being physically present at all times. It could also impact Georgia's Direct Support Professional crisis. Remote support can help ensure that people have the right levels of support, and those who need more in-person care would have more access to DSPs. 

Individuals with I/DD can take a powerful step towards greater independence by claiming the $2,000 assistive technology benefit currently included in both Georgia Medicaid waiver programs. 

A surge in demand for assistive technology could send a powerful signal, illuminating the critical gap in accessible technology solutions for the I/DD community and compelling lawmakers to address it urgently. 

Friedman suggests another effective way to bridge the technology gap: help someone you know with an I/DD in learning the basics. Technology companies respond to market demand. When more people with I/DD have access to smartphones and other basic devices, the industry will be more likely to develop solutions tailored to their specific needs.

The Georgia Technology White Paper concludes that technology is not a luxury for people with I/DD; it’s necessary for inclusion and independence. 

The findings highlight both existing challenges and promising opportunities. Expanding broadband access, funding enabling technologies, and including individuals with I/DD in technology discussions are necessary for a more equitable future. 

According to IBM’s 1991 Training Manual, technology makes things easier for people without disabilities. For people with disabilities, technology makes things possible.”

By prioritizing equitable access to technology, Georgia can unlock the potential for individuals with I/DD to lead fulfilling and independent lives. This collaborative effort, driven by the voices of the I/DD community, can pave the way for a more inclusive and empowered future for all Georgians.

“I know none of you. I know none of you,” Caroline chants under her breath before she realizes she’s already on a “hot mic.” It’s an endearing moment belying the slightest amount of the jitters, inwardly suppressed, while outwardly portraying loads of charisma, or “rizz” as her generation likes to call it. Caroline is preparing to be a celebrity for the next hour, maybe for the rest of her life.

Caroline O’Brien is an 18-year-old woman in Savannah, Georgia, who has arthrogryposis caused by a tear in her mother’s uterus, which led to leakage of amniotic fluid while she was developing. 

She uses a motorized wheelchair and a mouth stylus to utilize her cell phone. Because of how fluidly Caroline uses technology for her needs, she’s become a constant mentor to others at work for their own technology needs. Yet technology is not where her professional dreams lie.

Caroline is preparing to clock in at the Islands Family YMCA, where she answers phones at the front desk on a more normal day, greets clients, offers building tours, etc. However, on this mild January afternoon, a chaotic throng gathers in the lobby. 

It seems word has spread that Caroline is having a profile written about her, and everyone wants to be a part of it. While other teens and tweens stream past, scanning their membership cards at the desk, half the YMCA staff is here, as well as representatives of Parent Mentors and the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA), waiting expectantly.

The crowd in the lobby waiting to take photos with Caroline in various tableaus might remind you of a high school graduation. Certainly, that was a recent occasion for Caroline. [We’ll get back to that in a second.] The image it more accurately invokes, though, is adoring fans hovering around a stage door, waiting to steal a glimpse, bring flowers, even ask for an autograph.

That energy is something Caroline had better well prepare for.

This summer, Caroline will be quitting her job at the YMCA to attend acting school at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles. She chose the school because she wanted to be in a place that was as accessible and disability-friendly as possible. 

Sadly, she doesn’t always find that to be the case either in school settings nor in communities in Georgia. Although she’d prefer to make the move completely independently, she knows that will not be possible right away. Her mom is going to move with her for the first year to help her get set up in a new living situation, apply for services where she’ll be living, and then she’ll hopefully be able to hire new direct support professionals (DSPS, or caregivers) to help make things flow from there.

What’s so amazing about this huge transition is that Caroline was in danger of experiencing what so many people with disabilities encounter–the phenomenon known as The School to Couch Pipeline.

For many people with disabilities, the end of high school is a precarious time. While structures like Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), transportation support, and training are supposed to be guaranteed through the public school system, if a person’s family has not been planning for several years before graduation, their services can fall off a cliff. 

Family members can be very busy with their overwhelming jobs. They might not have resources or a solid network or simply not understand that their high schooler’s services won’t continue. A young person is at risk of graduating from high school, where they’ve lived a busy, engaged life, only to come home to sit and stare at the four walls indefinitely.

Caroline entered high school in 2019, meaning nearly her entire experience was overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Her parents are busy, engaged professionals who did not understand how many years some applications and waitlists can take. 

No one at school or at home was looking out for the fact that her services were about to fall off a cliff when she graduated. Now, Caroline and her family are scrambling to catch up on mountains of paperwork and get her qualified for Medicare and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance). Caroline talks about this surreal place she finds herself in, though, where she has to work just enough to qualify for some services but not save too much money so that she disqualifies herself for others. 

As Shavarne White, a GVRA Supervisor, lays it out, it’s a classic case of “Catch-22” because “even people who have income, sometimes it's not enough income to live off of. You can work for twenty years and get a disability check that's not big enough for your mortgage or your rent or you have kids. So it is a delicate balance.” 

She goes on to explain that “people who have disabilities don't want to lose their benefits because they could feel good enough to work part time or full time now and then have a setback in six months, and it takes so long to get those benefits back.”

Caroline does not share those same reservations. When the others aren’t around, her eyes sparkle as she talks about all she loves about the opportunities unfolding before her. Currently, there’s an increase of representation of people with disabilities in pop culture. 

She points to Ali Stroker winning the 2019 Tony for her role as Ado Annie in Oklahoma! as a watershed moment. Caroline invokes another term coined by her generation: main character energy, which is the idea that she won’t be the sidekick or subplot in somebody else’s story. Caroline, referring to yet another one of her favorite musicals, Hamilton, is “not throwing away her shot,” she’s here to be the main character in her own (s)hero’s journey.

As we leave, Therese Nelson, a co-worker at the YMCA's front desk, is left behind while Caroline is whisked away for her many interviews and photo shoots. Therese and Caroline usually work side-by-side, helping each other with their tasks. Caroline explains new technology to Therese; Therese picks up Caroline’s stylus when she drops it on the floor. Does Therese feel bad that she got left behind at the front desk? “She’s a celebrity today. She didn’t need me.”

Look out. A local celebrity today; perhaps much more–coming to a stage or screen soon.

Established in 2016 at the Center for Leadership in Disability within Georgia State University’s (GSU) School of Public Health, the Inclusive Digital Expression and Literacy (IDEAL) program was founded to provide students with intellectual disabilities (ID) the same academic, social, and career opportunities as their peers. 

Nestled in Atlanta's vibrant media hub, IDEAL at GSU focuses on giving students a well-rounded experience. It emphasizes academic enrichment, community engagement, and career development in creative media. 

“Creative media industries are full of neurodivergent and creative thinkers, but people with intellectual disabilities are desperately underrepresented in all areas of the field,” said Project Manager Spenser Norris. “That’s why we created IDEAL.”

By immersing students in campus life and providing a robust support system of peer mentors, faculty, and staff, IDEAL enables students with ID to have the whole college experience. They join clubs, play sports, and participate in various campus events while on the college path to identify their long-term goals. 

Building Independence and Life Skills 

Parents of children with ID often worry about their future. Will they ever have the skills to be independent? What will their quality of life look like 20 years down the line? What will happen to them when their parents or guardians are no longer around? 

Vivianna Fernandez is mother to Cameron Kindree, an adult with Down syndrome. “Having a child with Down syndrome, I was told all the things he would be unable to do,” she recalls. “When he first started at Georgia State, I was worried about dropping him off.”

She would drop him off, wait at a nearby coffee shop, and pick him up after classes.  

However, with the program’s support, Cameron successfully learned how to operate the Uber app fully independently, and now he gets to school and goes to work independently. 

Along with self-determination skills, IDEAL has helped Cameron work toward his true passion for acting and break into the theater world. He is now a paid employee at Shakespeare Tavern in Midtown Atlanta. 

“He’s proved them wrong,” said Vivianna Fernandez proudly. “He’s proved them all wrong.”

Terrae Ward, mother to Hassan Davis, a young man with autism, emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals with ID to express their creativity. She notes how IDEAL has helped her son channel his love for trains, particularly Thomas the Tank Engine, into videography. 

“Put away your ideas about ‘your kid can’t.’ IDEAL will create an environment specifically for them,” said Ward. 

IDEAL tailors each student’s learning environment to ensure that students like Davis can take measurable steps toward independence and employment readiness. Davis is a summer intern at a marketing firm, and his tasks include scripting, storyboarding, and filming a documentary on MARTA train conductors. 

A Rite of Passage, Redefined   

College is designed to help young adults step out of their comfort zones and figure out who they want to be. IDEAL students benefit from a comprehensive college experience that includes developing life skills and independence. 

Myles Mason, a public speaking professor at GSU, witnessed a real transformation in his student, Quindarian Boykin. Once a quiet student, he began to show his personality, gain his voice, and deliver a persuasive speech about being a college student with an ID. IDEAL’s peer mentorship program plays a crucial role in these transformations, offering students a safe place to express themselves and navigate academic and social challenges. 

Aspiring filmmaker Justin Gold benefits from IDEAL’s tailored academic support structure. Professors help him navigate his path to becoming a blockbuster director and take manageable steps to achieve some of his dreams. 

“​​I want to have that big blockbuster everyone goes to one day,” said Gold, a junior in the program. “I learn from really smart teachers who are helping me figure out how to become a movie director and more independent in how I can do that and achieve some of my dreams.”

Lessons to be Learned

IDEAL knows that the path to independence and employment is not always easy. Peer mentors like Chaukari Hoskins-Arroyo are important in guiding IDEAL students through social situations and teaching them to recognize social cues. Another peer mentor, Isaac Bare, emphasizes the importance of understanding and empathizing with the students he supports. 

“Having someone your age to share experiences with makes a big difference. We learn together and from each other,” said Bare. 

College students come from all different walks of life, and many don’t know anyone when they first enter university. Bare finds it rewarding to see students succeed in gaining self-confidence and making new friends, knowing he has contributed to their personal growth. 

Allowing students to learn from their mistakes and try again is fundamental to the IDEAL program. Project Manager Joshua Cohen states, “This is the first time many of our students are exploring what independence means, being held accountable, and how all of that together is building a path to meaningful employment.” Parents of IDEAL students can let go of some of their stress, knowing that IDEAL mentors, faculty, and staff are there to help their students when they struggle. 

Turning Passions into Careers

Less than 20% of adults with ID are employed. At IDEAL, 75% of students who complete the program are employed or continuing their education. IDEAL alumni make an average of $15 per hour, well above the minimum wage.

IDEAL empowers students to translate their creative passions into tangible careers. 

Davis combines his love of trains with videography, while Gold receives support to navigate his video production journey. Boykin initially aimed to become a professional musician but found new aspirations through IDEAL. He discovered a talent for public speaking and now aspires to advocate for others with ID. 

Isaiah Branford’s involvement with Album 88, GSU’s college radio station, led to his dream job at Criminal Records, a renowned music store in the music hub of Little Five Points. Isaiah has a talent for memorizing different aspects of music, including instruments, record dates, and even artists’ birthdays, making him an excellent customer service representative. IDEAL has helped him get to where he is today by taking classes in film and music. 

Eric Levin, the owner of Criminal Records, says, “It’s been an honor and a treat working with Isaiah. It was a no-brainer hiring him. Isaiah has proved to be one of the friendliest and most attentive employees Criminal Records has ever taken on.”

At Shakespeare Tavern, Cameron Kindree uses the life skills he gained from IDEAL to go after his dreams of acting and singing. Laura Cole, Director of the Atlanta Shakespeare Company at Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse, has helped him hone his acting skills and learn more about the industry through costume design and administrative work. 

“Cameron has been a paid employee with Shakespeare Tavern in the costume department for a year,” reflects Cole. “He’s bright, wants to help, and wants to learn. His work ethic is beyond measure.”

He has worked on several student productions, including designing costumes for the play McBee, or “The Scottish Play,” as people in the industry call it. Through numerous rounds of costume design, he conveyed the story of a stabbing in a play. Cameron is very interested in learning about the process of directing and continues developing his storytelling and creative design skills. 

Giving Students the Future They Deserve 

By fostering independence, creativity, and a sense of community, IDEAL rewrites the narrative of the college experience. Here, students are empowered to navigate the vibrant world of creative media, a field rich with creative possibilities yet often lacking support structures for those with intellectual disabilities. 

IDEAL creates a supportive community to which students can return for lifelong support. Peer mentors, meaningful connections with faculty and staff, and a robust college experience boost self-confidence that extends beyond employment. IDEAL is more than just a college program; it catalyzes a fulfilling life. 

“Everyone at IDEAL is invested in making sure that our students get a fair shot at discovering who they are and use their talents to build a meaningful life that includes friendships, a career, and independence,” says Norris. “It’s a real honor to see the transformation of our students, from their first day to the day they graduate, to become confident, discover their passion, and discover who they are meant to be. And, we are all better for it.”

Hello Advocates!

How in the world are you doing?

We have officially celebrated our nation’s 248th birthday. The hamburgers are cooked, and fireworks have gone off, and now it is time to get ready to do one of the most important things a country can do, go and vote for the people that you want to see represent you and your communities! 

The upcoming election is set for November 5th, 2024. In this election, we will not only be voting on who will be the next president of the United States, as well as our federal representatives but also our state and local officials will also be determined. 

In this article, we will go over who is on the ballot, how to be prepared to vote, and how we can ensure candidates are listening to the disability community in Georgia. We will start with the highest office and work our way down. This will not break down each district, but it will give you a good idea of what is coming up and how to find this information. 

The United States will hold the next presidential election on November 5th, 2024. The election winner will officially take office on January 20th, 2025. 

The two presidential candidates are currently President Joe Biden (Democrat) and former President Donald Trump (Republican). It is important to ensure you look not only at who is running for office but also at what policies they prioritize and follow and what they want to do for our country. By visiting each candidate’s campaign website, you can see if their priorities focus on disability. 

Speaking of federal elections, we must also watch out for the U.S. House of Representatives candidates. Currently, all 14 Federal House districts are up for election. This is a great time to look to see who represents your district. We also need to take a close look at some of our legislative districts that have changed due to redistricting. 

This is where the state legislator draws new congressional and state legislative district boundaries. This happens every 12 years, and the United States Census is one way they determine the legislative districts. 

This will not affect all Georgians, as some state and federal districts have stayed the same. If you do not know your district, you can find out by visiting the following link: https://ballotpedia.org/Sample_Ballot_Lookup.

Getting to Know What District You Are in and How It Affects Your Community

Leaving the federal officials and focusing more on our state and local officials, Georgia has 236 state Senate and House members, and they are all currently campaigning for your vote! Georgia citizens can greatly impact state services and supports, especially those needed in the disability community. 

Your state legislators determine Georgia’s 3.5-billion-dollar budget, which affects things like roads and infrastructure, education, and funding for state agencies that provide services for people with disabilities, including the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) and the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA). 

All these services are important to the disability community, and we must work together to ensure the Georgia General Assembly prioritizes what we advocate for. When reaching out to your state representatives, you should also consider reaching out to anyone else who is running for that position. 

Georgia is unique in that some races are more competitive than others. Candidates running for office should be abreast of all issues, big or small, affecting their constituents and be very knowledgeable about those topics to understand how to address them.

We must remember that state legislators only work part-time, so they may not know how important disability issues are. You have a great opportunity to be a leader by advocating for disability issues and sharing that with leaders in your community by getting to know your state representatives! Remember that candidates may not know how the state of Georgia supports people with disabilities. 

We can show them firsthand the important issues to us and how having well-funded disability services can benefit all Georgians.  

How to vote and where 

Since the 2020 election, the world has paid special attention to Georgia voters. Georgians could vote using an absentee ballot and putting it into a drop box if they could not vote in person or by mail. After the 2020 election, the Georgia General Assembly changed how Georgians accessed drop boxes. 

The new state law was updated, where voters now only have access to a drop box in their election site in their county, which is now only accessible Monday through Friday during business hours. Because of this, it has put another burden on making sure things are as accessible as possible, especially for individuals with disabilities.

Important Dates

The following are some very important dates that we must remember to make sure our vote counts!

October 7, 2024, is the last day to register to vote in Georgia. This also includes the fact that if you are registering via post-mail, the postmark needs to be 29 days before Election Day.

To request an absentee ballot, you need to submit that by October 25, 2024. You can do that by Following this guide from the Georiga.GOV website at https://georgia.gov/vote-absentee-ballot/. 

The last day to return the absentee ballot is November 5, 2024. You can track your ballot and verify it was accepted by logging into Georgia’s My Voter Page at https://mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/. Look for the Absentee Ballot Request Information section to learn the status.

Early in-person Voting Begins Monday, October 14, 2024 until Friday, November 1, 2024. 

Election day is Tuesday, November 5th, 2024.

We are still in the early stages of the election session. This is a great time to look over who is running for office in your district so that you can be prepared to make an informed decision when going to the polls. If you need more support or have basic voting questions, visit www.gcdd.org or contact 404-657-2126.

Uniting for Change self-advocates will continue their work during the summer months this year. Many will work hard to advocate for voting rights for the disability community in Georgia. 

Uniting for Change will also be represented throughout Georgia by getting involved with the 2024 Caravan for Disability Justice and Freedom. The Caravan kicked off its national campaign in April. It will continue through October 2024 to travel across the country in a red, white, and blue flag-wrapped caravan, stopping in cities and communities along the way, including Georgia cities, to raise awareness about issues facing the nation’s disability community. For more information about the Caravan: https://thedisabilitycaravan.com/join-the-caravan

Self-advocates will also facilitate Zoom workshops on topics like supported decision making and voting throughout the summer months and participate in the Statewide Area Network Meeting on supported employment in June. Visit the Uniting for Change website’s calendar for all our upcoming workshops and other learning opportunities: https://www.uniting4change.org/calendar

Leadership Collective Member John McCarty says his advocacy efforts will continue to include letters to Georgia legislators, voting rights advocacy, and work around supported decision making.

Tamika Woods is a member of the Middle Georgia Area Leadership Collective and she, along with other self-advocates in the area, will be hosting the "See Me Hear Me Advocacy Group" community meeting on July 24, 2024. The topic will be "Supported vs. Informed Decision Making." The meeting will be at 10:00 am at 175 Emery Highway, Ocmulgee Room, Macon, GA 31217. The group is discussing partnering with Waves Autism Center to offer advocacy support and education.

Woods will also be participating in direct care staff interviews and developing a training program for them to understand supports and expectations from the point of view of the person supported, along with helping to plan and implement Peer Mentor training for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The training will be developed over the summer and begin in the fall. She is a busy lady!

Derek Heard, our resident graphic artist, is also busy promoting his business, Derek Doodles, and presenting across the country about topics he is passionate about - voting and self-advocacy! Visit Derek’s website to learn more about his work: https://www.dereksdoodles.com/

Of course, there will be some fun thrown in, as many self-advocates have saved their money and will be taking vacations or cruises with friends and/or families. 

We wish everyone a fabulous summer, and remember to always RISE UP and SPEAK OUT!