Winter 2024

Families of adults with developmental disabilities (DD) often find themselves as primary caregivers because they do not want the relative to be institutionalized and alternative options are not always readily available.

Individuals with DD who have been referred to a nursing home or other institutional level of care, may be eligible for home and community-based services (HCBS) through Georgia’s Medicaid program that would allow them to live at home. According to literature provided by the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH), “Home and Community Services A Guide to Medicaid Waiver Programs in Georgia,” many of these services are called waiver programs, because the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) allows states to “waive” certain Medicaid requirements and pay for HCBS as an alternative to living in a nursing home or other type of healthcare facility or institution.

The pamphlet goes on to explain that “although different waiver programs offer different services, they have some things in common. Each program is designed to help people who qualify for institutional care to remain in the community or return to the community from nursing homes, hospitals or other long-term institutions.”

But qualifying for these benefits doesn’t always ensure that the person with the disability will receive them in a timely manner. Sometimes people may meet the criteria to receive Medicaid services under a waiver program but will be placed on a waiting list to actually receive a waiver. Funding for Georgia's New Option Waiver Program (NOW) and Comprehensive Supports Waiver Program (COMP) is limited and only a certain number of people can receive services based on available funds. This means there are nearly always people on the waiting lists for the HCBS waivers.

The state’s literature goes on to state that “a person may be selected from the waiting list to receive services based on the severity of need, the availability of informal/family support, the length of time on the waiting list, and a person’s continued eligibility for the level of care provided in a nursing home or ICF-ID/DD [intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual or other developmental disabilities]."

Data Points to Racial Disparities

A report released in October of 2023 by New Disabled South, a nonprofit that says it is “building a coalition of disability justice activists, advocates and organizations in the South,” used data provided by the state of Georgia to indicate that there is racial bias in approving funds to individuals on the waitlist. In New Disabled South’s report, “Uncovering Disparities in Georgia’s HCBS Waiver Waitlist,” the introduction to the executive summary points out that “troubling disparities have emerged in the distribution and utilization of [HCBS] waivers, with stark disparities in access and availability based on race.“

According to New Disabled South’s research, “75% of people on these waiting lists in this country reside in the South, and coupled with a nationwide shortage of care workers due to poverty wages, there is a critical care crisis facing the disability community, particularly those with I/DD [intellectual or other developmental disabilities].”

Currently, there are more than 7,100 people in the state of Georgia on the waiting list for NOW and COMP HCBS waivers. As New Disabled South advocated around this issue with state legislators in 2023, the organization learned through anecdotes and personal stories that many people impacted by this waiting list had been on it for as long as 10 to 20 years. Many of those accounts were from people of color.

According to a letter sent by New Disabled South’s CEO Dom Kelley to Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and other state officials, the organization’s analysis found that white people are “significantly overrepresented” on NOW and COMP waiver waiting lists, while Black and Latinx people are “grossly underrepresented.”

The disparities were particularly notable when comparing the racial breakdown of Georgia’s overall population with the demographic makeup of those on the waitlist for HCBS waivers. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, about 60% of Georgia’s population is white, 32% is Black or African American, and about 10% is Hispanic or Latino.

But according to data provided by the Georgia Department of Community Health and cited by New Disabled South, nearly 90% of those on the waiting list for NOW and COMP waivers in Georgia are white, while Black or African American people represent only about 7% and Latinx people represent just over 1% of those on the waiting list.

“We assert that these disparities point to deep systemic racism and ableism in the way Georgia determines who gets access to support and who doesn’t,” Kelley wrote in the letter, which was dated April 17, 2023.

At the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD), we are always driven by our overarching values, and specifically by our public policy agenda. As we gear up to head into another legislative session in 2024, I want to take time to reflect on the wins in 2023 before we call on our advocates and community to continue the work in 2024. 

In 2023, we were excited to have a big win with waivers. This is important for the ultimate goal of getting to the root of the problem which is to end the waiver waiting list. We also had a big win for Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) programs as they are now qualified for scholarships in the form of IPSE grants. This means more access for families and students with disabilities for a college education after high school. 

However, our work is not done. So in a sense, 2024 will be “Part 2” of the work done last year.  

 Looking to 2024

Our Advocacy Days will reflect our 2024 public policy agenda – waivers and DSP wages, employment, and support for IPSE grant scholarships. With employment, we anticipate one or two pieces of legislation that advocates will be very excited about. 

Prior to Advocacy Days, we will offer online training sessions for advocates so they know what we're going to talk about and what to expect. Check out the Public Policy for The People article to learn more. 

Waivers & Wages

In 2024, we will continue to focus on increasing the number of waivers because if a person needs a waiver, they should not have to fight for it. 

We will keep up the momentum of increasing DSP wages by further sharing data provided in the rate study. And we will continue our focus on employment along with bringing attention to the issues that go along with making it a reality, such as access to housing, behavioral health services, and inclusive post-secondary education. 

As a part of advancing employment, we have an interest in focusing on Georgia becoming a State as Model Employer (SAME) for people with developmental disabilities (DD). A related part of that is working to make sure that both budget and service capacity is there to support students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in inclusive post-secondary education. In addition, we are thrilled that Representative Sharon Cooper has stepped forward to take on the elimination of the 14(c) Subminimum Wage Program. This will help us as we advocate with other legislators to understand why we no longer need or want subminimum wages for people with DD. 

We are hitting the road! Virtually, that is! 

Many Georgians associate GCDD with serving Metro Atlanta. But we are not just a metro Atlanta organization. We represent all of Georgia. And we want to make sure Georgians with DD across the state know that GCDD is a go-to resource for education, advocacy, and information when it comes to what impacts people with DD.

How are we going to do that? We’re going on a road tour…virtually! We are excited to launch our new campaign, “G is for Georgia,” where we will highlight the DD community and GCDD’s work throughout the state in a fun, interactive way. 

I hope it makes you engage, learn about how GCDD supports the DD community, and share your stories with us. 

“G is for Georgia” will help us to connect, listen, inform and educate the community – and learn from you as well! We want to be in this loop of engagement with community members in terms of what are you hearing? What's going on? What's going well for you? What's not going well? How would you want to shape our work? Tell us! 

My hope is for people to understand how much we are tied to the community and constantly trying to get feedback, and making choices based on that feedback so we can put out resources and ways to be engaged.

It’s with your input and stories, we build a better advocacy effort to serve all of Georgia. 

Building Momentum

Let’s be real – there is so much need for services and supports! For example, last year a bill sponsored by Senator Sally Harrell, would have created an I/DD Commission. But it failed to move forward. We know many, many folks in our community were incredibly disappointed when that happened. But hope is still alive. All bills introduced last session are still up for consideration, and you never, ever know what will happen during the session. 

On that note, when your boots are on the ground during the legislative session, you know that the session moves so fast that you have to accept that some things just aren't going to happen and focus on the ones that can. 

But I think the flip side to that is knowing that you have to look at the long road and know that things can and will happen. Even things you never considered. You have to build momentum!

There are so many examples in front of us.

The need for more waivers was already an issue before the COVID relief budget passed a few years ago. From that, we gained 513 waivers, then another 500 waivers. That's a huge win and it demonstrates to the legislature that this is truly a need that needs to be met.

Then came the stall in the DSP rate increase, which is an integral part of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) rate study. Conversations continue and an increase in DSP wages will be addressed again this legislative year. 

And while the I/DD Commission was not created, the DBHDD created a work group doing some of the same work, and I am very grateful to have a seat in that work group. 

The democratic process is real and can’t be ignored. You have to believe you can win everything you're going to go after, but even when you don’t, all hope is not lost. It’s a building block for something bigger.

Advocacy Advice

When it comes to advocating for change, don't do it alone. Building teamwork builds capacity. And building capacity builds momentum. 

During 2024, your involvement is critical to help keep last year’s momentum rolling to ensure that changes happen to improve the lives of Georgians with DD. Whether you are sending an email to a legislator, sharing information among your community, or grabbing a megaphone and coming down to the capitol to testify, we need your voice at the table! 

See you at the Gold Dome! 

D’Arcy Robb
Executive Director
GCDD

Hello! My name is Charlotte Densmore.

I joined the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) as the Public Policy Director in August 2023. My involvement in disability advocacy originated from my work as a mentor with the EXCEL (Expanding Career, Education, and Leadership Opportunities) program at the Georgia Institute of Technology. It almost seems serendipitous that I can now combine my personal and academic experiences in my work at GCDD.

The upcoming legislative session provides a unique opportunity to advance inclusivity, empower communities, and foster independence for individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) in Georgia. In this article, I will outline the three key policy areas that the council has decided to focus its advocacy on for the 2024 Georgia General Assembly:

• Increasing Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers and Direct Support Professional (DSP) wages;
• Improving employment opportunities;
• 'Truing up' scholarships for inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE).

Waivers and Wages

Access to HCBS is fundamental to ensuring individuals with DD can live fulfilling lives in their communities. The demand for HCBS waivers remains high, with over 7,000 individuals on the waitlist, and the upcoming legislative session presents an opportunity to address this need. GCDD is advocating for funding 2,400 additional waivers to ensure that all individuals who require HCBS receive the support they deserve.

Equally crucial is the fair compensation of DSPs who play a pivotal role in the lives of individuals with DD. DSPs provide essential care, fostering independence and community integration. Yet, low wages persist as a significant challenge, leading to high turnover rates and impacting the quality of care. Funding the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) rate study will increase wages for DSPs, recognizing their invaluable contributions to the well-being of individuals with DD.

Employment

Creating inclusive employment opportunities is key to empowering individuals with DD. The next legislative session presents an opportune moment to address two critical aspects of employment policy: ending subminimum wage practices and implementing ‘State as a Model Employer.’

The practice of paying individuals with disabilities wages below the established minimum has been legal for decades. This policy traces back to the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, a landmark legislation that set forth standards for minimum wage rates and overtime pay. Within this act, a special exemption (called the 14c certificate) was made that allowed employers to pay less than the minimum wage to workers with disabilities. While this was once considered a progressive policy, aiming to facilitate the employment of veterans with disabilities in a manufacturing-oriented economy, 14c certificates are increasingly viewed as inequitable.

In Georgia, there are roughly 300 14c certificate holders, meaning that about 300 individuals with disabilities are making less than minimum wage ($7.25) for their work. Continuing to pay individuals subminimum wages perpetuates inequality and hinders progress towards an inclusive workforce. GCDD advocates for policies that eliminate subminimum wage practices and ensure that individuals with DD receive fair compensation for their work. This not only aligns with the principles of equality outlined in the Developmental Disabilities Act (2000) but also contributes to building a workforce that values diversity and inclusivity.

Furthermore, the state must lead by example in promoting inclusive employment practices. State as Model Employer (SAME) is a policy that would require state agencies to set goals for the recruitment and retention of people with disabilities. By enacting policies that position Georgia as a model employer, the government itself would encourage other employers to follow suit. This involves creating a supportive and accessible work environment, offering reasonable accommodations, and actively recruiting individuals with DD. In doing so, Georgia could foster a culture that values the diverse talents and abilities of all citizens.

Truing Up Scholarships for Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE)

Postsecondary education is a gateway to independence, self-discovery, and enhanced employment opportunities. Inclusive college programs across the state offer students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) a variety of experiences and opportunities for growth as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives. Last session, the General Assembly passed landmark legislation that helped alleviate the financial burden on IPSE students in Georgia by providing scholarship funding for the standard tuition of these programs.

This legislation also provided for ‘program fees’ to be covered, which vary by IPSE program and can be a high barrier to entry, depending on the cost. (Note: Program fees are not the same as student fees. IPSE students will still be required to pay additional fees to use university facilities, e.g., the gym or student center.) The upcoming legislative session provides an ideal platform to ensure that the scholarships are truly effective by covering both tuition and program fees.

Truing up scholarships involves not only increasing financial support by covering standard tuition and program fees, but also ensuring that academic institutions are equipped to provide the necessary accommodations and support services. GCDD advocates for policies that promote the inclusion of individuals with I/DD in higher education, creating an environment that fosters growth, socialization, and skill development.

We are looking forward to joining our legislators, fellow advocates, and friends in the community under the Gold Dome during the upcoming legislative session. The 2024 session offers a crucial moment to shape policies that will define the future for individuals with DD in Georgia. By prioritizing HCBS waivers, advocating for fair DSP wages, reforming employment practices, and truing up scholarships for inclusive postsecondary education, Georgia can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.

Many Georgians associate the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) with serving or working only with the disability community in Metro Atlanta. To make sure that people with developmental disabilities (DD) and their families meet the Council and learn that it serves the entire state of Georgia, GCDD is launching its virtual road tour and campaign, “G is for Georgia!”

This new campaign will highlight the DD community and GCDD’s work throughout the state of Georgia in a fun, interactive way. The goal of the campaign will be to introduce the Council to Georgians with DD across the state and educate and inform them that GCDD is a go-to resource for education, advocacy and information when it comes to what impacts people with DD.

Kicking off on January 11, 2024, “G is for Georgia” will help the Council to connect, listen, inform and educate the community – and learn from individuals as well! The campaign will run for one year.

“We want to be in this loop of engagement with community members in terms of what are you hearing? What's going on? What's going well for you? What's not going well? How would you want to shape our work? Tell us!,” writes D’Arcy Robb, executive director of GCDD, in the Viewpoint article of this edition of Making a Difference magazine.

“My hope is for people to understand how much we are tied to the community and constantly trying to get feedback, and making choices based on that feedback so we can put out resources and ways to be engaged,” she added.

What You Can Expect

Again, the campaign will begin January 11, 2024 on all of GCDD’s social media channels - you can find us on Facebook and Instagram!

Leading the tour will be the official tour guide Justin Gold, a student at Georgia State University’s IDEAL program, who will introduce our audience and share with them everything they can expect on the road.

Every Thursday, join us on our social media channels where we will be in a city near you! Visiting over 40 cities in the state, the campaign will introduce you to Council members, projects, partners, and individuals with DD who have been integral in advancing and advocating for policy for people with DD in Georgia.

And you can be a part of the campaign too!

How You Can Participate

“G is for Georgia” is a way for not only GCDD to connect to the community, but also for us to hear from you. Throughout our road trip, we want to encourage the disability community across the state to share their story and what matters to them.

Share your story through an easy-to-use Google Form so we can hear from and meet you through our road trip. And bring your friends! You may even be featured in our campaign!

It’s with your input and stories that we can build a better advocacy effort to serve all of Georgia.

How You Can Stay Engaged

There are many ways you can stay connected and engaged with GCDD before we even get to your city. Stay up to date on all DD news by signing up for our mailing list and get all the news you need to know in your email inbox.

Since its inception in 1971, the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD), formerly known as the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, has been a powerful advocate for more than 1.7 million Georgians with developmental disabilities (DD) and their families.

Our success is driven by the 27-member, Governor-appointed Council and the statewide DD community that have been integral in driving projects, partnerships and policy for Georgia’s DD community. 

And to continue our work and impact, GCDD has launched a membership campaign to recruit new applicants interested in serving on the statewide Council that advocates on behalf of and funds initiatives to improve the lives of Georgians with DD. 

The Council seeks to fill nine spots on the Council and applicants should fit into one or more of these categories:

1. Individual with a developmental disability
2. Family member of an individual with a developmental disability
3. Representative of an agency/organization related to developmental disabilities

While applications are accepted year-round, the Council has immediate openings and is encouraging the DD community to get involved. 

Your Council. Your Voice.

Being on the Council means that individuals with DD and their families bring their own voice and the voice of their community to advocate for and decide upon projects, policy and programs that directly impact the DD community across Georgia. 

And, the Council understands issues that matter for the DD community vary across what region someone lives in, the communities they participate in, their ethnic backgrounds and more.  Having voices from different backgrounds allows the Council to develop engaging and impactful partnerships and policy education around these issues. 

What is the Council?

GCDD is one of 55 entities of its type in the United States and territories that report to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Administration for Community Living. It is authorized under Public Law 106-402, the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act Amendments of 2000.

Its activities are governed by a 27-member board, appointed by the Governor. The Council is made up of at least 60 percent individuals with DD and family members. Other members include policymakers who represent various agencies and organizations having a vested interest in persons with DD.

What does the Council do?

The Council is driven by its Five-Year Strategic Plan, which is developed with input from people with DD, their families and other key stakeholders from around the state. The plan is developed after the Council hosts listening sessions, distributes surveys and more to really understand what matters to the DD community across the state.  

After we listen to the community, the Council develops its goals and objectives that it works on for the next five years. To meet these goals, the Council then distributes funding to various organizations and groups across the state that help drive these goals forward through projects, events and even research. 

Apply for the Council

Applying for appointment to the 27-member Council is a true form of advocacy. If you are appointed to the Council, all members are responsible for attending four quarterly meetings, held virtually or in-person. Members are reimbursed for lodging, meals and mileage to attend meetings. 

Applicants should have first-hand knowledge about DD in Georgia as well as experience in serving on committees, boards or organizations.

To apply, please complete this application and email it to . GCDD accepts applications year-round, but we strongly encourage advocates to submit applications by March 15, 2024 to be considered for the upcoming application cycle and review.

If you have any questions regarding applying to the Council or completing this application, please email us at . 

Applications are available in English and Spanish at https://gcdd.org/blogs/3736-gcdd-council-member-application.html and can be submitted online; emailed to with “Council Member Application” in the subject line; or mailed to the GCDD offices at:

Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities
Sloppy Floyd Building, West Tower
200 Piedmont Avenue SE
Suite 426, 4th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30334
Atención: D'Arcy Robb

As the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) gets ready to advocate at the 2024 Legislative Session, we wanted to share the expertise of the people with developmental disabilities across Georgia on what they have and what they need to live independent lives. As we work to advocate for Medicaid waivers, higher wages for Direct Support Professionals, employment, and more inclusive education opportunities, it’s important to learn how access to these resources has supported and will support more people with developmental disabilities across Georgia.

Hear from them, in their own words:

Susan Berch

Billy Cannon

Jason Cook

Thomas Fewell

Rodney Dispaine

Rebecca Fearnow

Whitney Granville

Nandi Isaac

John McCarty

Tamika Woods

With the expansion of telehealth and similar methods of virtual care, many people, particularly people with disabilities, may have questions about the efficacy and availability of telehealth. A study at the Morehouse School of Medicine’s (MSM) National Center of Primary Care (NCPC) strived to answer these questions. 

Led by Megan Douglas, principal investigator and director of research and policy of the NCPC; Mitchell Blount, co-project lead and associate project director of research of the NCPC; and Rasheera Dopson, research assistant, the team received a one-year grant from the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) to study the adoption and use of telehealth by people with disabilities in Georgia. The goal was to understand whether and to what extent telehealth has improved access to quality health care services.

“This study was done in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, as we received the grant in 2019. As we know, telehealth was on the rise during this time, but there were not a lot of studies or insights around how people with disabilities were accessing telehealth,” Blount said. “We wanted to make sure that we were helping to assess that impact and make sure that we are able to help support access to care for all people with disabilities in Georgia.”

The team employed a multi-method approach, which consisted of surveys, focus groups, key informant interviews, and a descriptive analysis of policy interventions. According to Blount, the surveys and focus groups focused on people with disabilities, their family members, and direct support professionals.

“We wanted to see how individuals with disabilities were accessing, or not able to access, telehealth and other virtual services, get feedback on what makes a good tool for them, and also gain some provider perspective on barriers and facilitators to actually supporting people with disabilities in accessing care,” said Blount.

In total, 100 individuals participated in the study’s survey, and 16 individuals participated across six focus groups. The study found that it was difficult to reach people with disabilities who lived in suburban or rural areas due to technological limitations. The group also found that deaf populations often struggled with similar problems.

“Our study’s deaf population often reported barriers where providers would claim to have the necessary technology available, and when they arrived at their appointments, they did not have it,” Blount said. “About 30% of the study’s deaf population reported encountering such a barrier.” 

Another conclusion highlighted by the study was that individuals with physical disabilities are not the only ones who encounter barriers to accessing care. Moreover, the study concluded that the need for equitable telehealth access for people with disabilities is ongoing and must be addressed.

"Policy and practice changes, including permanent expansion of telehealth and broadband access, access to needed support staff in-and-out of the practice setting, and supports to increase digital literacy and updates in technology, are needed to ensure equitable access to telehealth and virtual services by people with disabilities in Georgia,” Douglas stated.

Although the study has ended, the team at MSM’s NCPC continues to support people with disabilities through their research and initiatives. Their latest endeavor has been to engage and empower people with disabilities to participate in research.

“We have set up an advisory council that is largely composed of people with disabilities,” Blount explained. “Our goal with the council is to assess their needs and potential barriers. We developed this cohort who guided the development of a curriculum to help support people with disabilities and researchers and to serve as a framework for research institutions for future research.”

A Transformative Conversation Around Equity, Disability and Support 

Presented by Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD), Equitable Dinners, L’Arche Atlanta and Out of Hand Theatre on February 6 and 27, 2024, the two gatherings will bring together dinner and discussion about the value of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in the lives of Georgians with developmental disabilities (DD) and their families and is the latest iteration of the GCDD Storytelling Project. 

Guests will be able to take part in this event in-person at the Georgia Public Broadcasting studios in Atlanta Georgia on the evening of Tuesday, February 6th or virtually via Zoom on Tuesday, February 27th.

The Storytelling Project was created six years ago in partnership between GCDD and L’Arche Atlanta to increase public awareness and motivate Georgia legislators to act now for this remarkably underserved community. By providing living portraits of individuals struggling to receive a life-altering benefit, the project’s goal was to expand cross-sector allies and garner voices of support outside of the developmental disabilities community. Since its inception, more than 170 stories have been shared via mini- documentary film, short films, creative prose, podcasts, written stories, and photographs. 

This will be the first event produced by the Storytelling Project team to partner with Georgia- based Equitable Dinners. Equitable Dinners, which began in Decatur, Georgia to create meaningful conversations and change around educational racial disparity issues, combine art and dialogue and bring people of diverse backgrounds together in a facilitated conversation about complex issues. The February 7th dinner will be the first time that disability equity and supports will be an event topic. 

Dinners are designed to help participants engage in conversation with depth, honesty, and mutual respect and guests include community residents, leaders, and additional stakeholders. Previous events were kicked off with a one person play that gave life to the issue being discussed. Both February events will begin with the screening of three short films centered around disability, community, and support in Georgia and will then break out into small group conversations.

Storytelling Project Lead Storyteller Shannon Turner stated:

“This year is a natural progression of the last few years of the Storytelling Project. With the documentary film, 6000 Waiting, and the two Treasure Maps years, we experimented with new ways to get the stories of Georgians with disabilities in front of broader audiences, as well as how we could gather safely during the pandemic. Now, we’re combining all we’ve learned in an exciting new platform thanks to our partnership with Equitable Dinners. 

My greatest hope for A Seat at the Table, both the in-person gathering in Atlanta and the virtual, statewide event, is that they will be opportunities to use these three unique stories we’ve filmed as a launchpad into intentional conversations that will both connect us to each other more deeply and lead us to transformative action where we desperately need it.” 

Navigating the world of employment after school is often daunting, and for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), this is particularly true. An inclusive post-secondary education (IPSE) program at Georgia Institute of Technology is striving to provide students with a foundational education that equips them with the necessary skills to succeed in their academic, professional, and personal lives.

The EXCEL program at Georgia Tech was founded in 2015. Its primary goal: “Expanding Career, Education, and Leadership Opportunities for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.”

The idea [of EXCEL] is to create an educational experience and opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities that might not otherwise be able to get into a degree-seeking program,” said Ken Surdin, founding director of EXCEL. “So, these programs are certificate programs that provide inclusive opportunities for education and experiencing what any other adult of their age would experience when they go to college.”

The EXCEL program at Georgia Tech is a four-year program. During the first two years, students work to complete the first certificate in Academic Enrichment, Social Fluency, and Career Exploration. The second two years, the students work to obtain a certificate in Social Growth, Leadership, and Career Development. The program crafts a tailor-made, inclusive and traditional college experience for students with disabilities that allows them to live on campus, join clubs, do internships, take classes, and build various skills to include on a resume.

“To me, college is just like any kind of school you've been in as a kid, like elementary, middle school, high school,” said Zahmari Johnson, a student in EXCEL, who works in the campus recreation center. “For me, I see college as more freedom. You're just here to have fun, make the best experience here, explore different new careers, get involved in clubs and career fairs. I feel like it also will help you learn what you want to actually do in your life after, once you go out into the real world.” 

Preparing Students for Successful Careers

EXCEL places a strong emphasis on work and preparing students for success in their careers. One way students are prepared for the workforce is through internships. Students in the EXCEL program complete several internships during their time in school: two years of on-campus internships and two years of off-campus internships.

During their first semester they are encouraged to get acclimated to the Georgia Tech campus. After that students complete one internship per semester, according to the EXCEL website. In total, students complete a minimum of seven internships, which provide students with valuable experience in the workforce.

“When we start meeting with students as freshmen, they are doing a small internship on campus. And what I mean by small is they're only working about four to six hours a week. Students start there, and they get a few ideas of what they want to do or what they think they want to do when they graduate,” explained Heather Dicks, career development advisor. “By the end of sophomore year, when we start looking at an internship or maybe even applying for paid jobs off campus, you start to see the light bulb get even brighter in their eyes, where they are thinking, ‘I might want to do this as a job. I think I like this. I never thought about it before.”

Hear more from Heather Dicks here.

Developing Self-Advocacy Skills

To the team at EXCEL, as well as the student body, the program’s academics, internships, and career opportunities are not only a matter of placing students with ID in employment. Rather, they also serve as a starting point for self-advocacy.

“Self-advocacy is when you are standing up for the things that you believe in and the things that you value about yourself,” said Martha Haythorne, a senior in the EXCEL program. “For example, I can say that I am a young woman with Down syndrome, and I accept who I am. We're trying to teach other people that they can do the same thing.”

As the EXCEL program has developed over the years, self-advocacy has taken on a far more significant role, becoming an integral competency in the program’s learning outcomes. Self-advocacy can be found everywhere in EXCEL, as students are encouraged to advocate for themselves in every aspect of their lives, whether that is regarding their class schedules, internships, or even personal advocacy endeavors.

“If [students] need support, they ask for it,” said Nathan Heald, assistant director and senior lecturer in the EXCEL program. “We want them to be the ones that are driving that force and talking with their coaches, their mentors, their advisors, so that they're promoting their own interests and getting what they want out of the program. I think one of the ways that we do that is the customization of the program.”

Success of Internships Becoming Long-term Employment

Many alumni of the EXCEL program have already demonstrated the value of the program’s education. According to the EXCEL website, the program boasts a 92% graduate employment rate. One alum who exemplifies the goal of EXCEL is Sam Hicks. Including internship time, Hicks has worked for the Ansley Golf Club for four years now, where he continues to make practical use of his love of golf and hone the many skills EXCEL initially taught him, while picking up new ones along the way.

“I think you just have to keep trying with internships and jobs until you find one that you really like,” advised Hicks. “Even if you don’t like your job at first, it is important to get a level of trust and understanding with your employers and coworkers.”

The EXCEL program offers support to students with ID to ensure they find meaningful personal, academic, and professional opportunities in the future. EXCEL is one of nine programs in the State of Georgia to provide such services, belonging to a larger network of IPSE programs known as the Georgia Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Consortium (GAIPSEC). IPSE programs have existed in Georgia since 2011. Although EXCEL and similar programs are still relatively new, the existing growth and progress provide hope for the future to people with ID.

In November, Uniting for Change held a State and Area Leadership Collective retreat in Macon with 80 people attending. During this retreat, we set priorities for 2024 within each workgroup of the four Local Area Networks, and as the Statewide Leadership Collective. We decided that we will focus on legislative advocacy in each of our three workgroups: Impact and Engagement, Education, and Outreach/Public Relations. 

As a part of this retreat, Uniting for Change wrote and sent a letter to all of our state legislators, sharing our legislative priorities for 2024 and again requesting they move the “NOW and COMP Waiver Rate Study” forward to provide the necessary support for increasing wages paid to our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). 

We will continue this advocacy throughout the legislative session as we schedule in-person meetings, produce and distribute videos, request legislators join us as guests on our weekly Community Strong virtual sessions, and provide workshops for self-advocates throughout Georgia to discuss our impact, legislative action, and why it is important.

Why is legislative advocacy important for self-advocates? Read what many of our Uniting for Change Leadership Collective advocates have to say!

“It’s important for people with disabilities to speak up for others who can’t speak up for themselves.” – Dorothy Harris, Fitzgerald, GA

“It helps self-advocates have a stronger voice.” – Sheila Jeffrey, Union City, GA

“So we can all be positive and work together.” – Carla Gleesin, Macon, GA

“We all have rights and make our own decisions and we want to be heard.” – Susan Berch, Atlanta, GA

“The laws provide a springboard for change.” – John McCarty, Roswell, GA

“We need to let these legislators know who we are, where we are, and what we need. Without our voice, who are we?” – Derek Heard, Albany, GA

“It’s important to have a personal relationship with legislators so our needs are addressed.” – LJ Young, Atlanta, GA

“Good for legislators to hear from self-advocates directly.” – Gina DiPolito, Statesboro, GA

“Because our voices need to be heard and respected and that is why Uniting for Change is a place where we can make that happen.” – Kristian Sherman, Dawson, GA

“Our voices need to be heard so that people can hear our stories and hear what is unique about us and how we can share with others.” – Rebecca Fearnow, Crawford, GA

Uniting for Change looks forward to supporting all self-advocates across the state of Georgia to use their voices to rise up and speak out while the legislators are in session in 2024. Remember the legislative session starts in January so don’t wait to set up a time to meet with your legislator or write to them. We have resources to help you find your legislators and other advocacy tips on our website at www.uniting4change.org.