Winter 2015: In The News
ADA25 Georgia Plans Atlanta Parade: Save the Date! June 13, 2015 for Atlanta's ADA Parade
Georgia disability groups plan to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act this year with a parade in Downtown Atlanta on June 13, coinciding with the Society of Disability Studies national conference scheduled for June 10-13. The parade, which is being organized to educate the public about the significance of the ADA for people with and without disabilities, includes a program and forum for discussion.
"We want participants to go away not just with a captivating visual experience and brochure, but also the opportunity for deeper dialogue," said parade co-organizer Eleanor Smith, who is founder of Concrete Change. Those interested in participating in the parade are encouraged to send an email to and include their contact information to receive details on how to get involved.
Pat Puckett Receives Visionary Award
The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute (GBPI) awarded Pat Puckett, executive director of the Statewide Independent Living Centers, the Visionary Award for her work to improve the lives of people with disabilities. The Possibility Gala, held on Oct. 2, 2014 in Atlanta, celebrated the founding of the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, of which Puckett was also a founding board member.
"[Pat] is an active member of many state and national organizations working to accomplish inclusive disability policy and services," said GBPI Executive Director Alan Essig. "Her lifetime of work advocating for the rights of people with disabilities represented the best of what GBPI stands for."
Founded in 2004, GBPI seeks to build a prosperous Georgia in which economic opportunity and well-being are widely shared among all.
Elections Update
On November 4, 2014, people headed to the voting booth for the midterm elections. The Georgia governor and Senate races had the following results:
Governor: Nathan Deal - R
US Senate: David Perdue – R
Tags: GCDD, Making a Difference