17th Annual Disability Day at the Capitol This year's theme celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act! Be a part of the state's largest, disability advocacy event by gathering to promote access, opportunity and meaningful community living for all Georgians in a new location! This year's event will be on Liberty Plaza, the Capitol's new "front door." It's an outdoor area adjacent to the state Capitol that provides a safe space for crowds to gather for rallies and events including the 17th Annual Disability Day at the Capitol.
Don't miss out on what is set to be an exciting year for disability rights! Register online by February 27 or download the form and we look forward to seeing you at Liberty Plaza at the Georgia State Capitol on March 5, 2015!
2015 Advocacy Days at the Capitol! Location: Central Presbyterian Church, 201 Washington Street SW, Atlanta, 30303
Leading up to the 17th annual Disability Day at the Capitol, GCDD is hosting Advocacy Days at the Capitol and workshops to advocate for waivers and more support for the disability community! Check out the schedule below and sign up for the workshops and Disability Day!
We Need Waivers Day Wed., Jan. 21, 9 AM-12 PM Did you know over 7,000 Georgians are on the waiting list for a NOW or COMP waiver? Join us as we advocate to get more waivers!
ICWP Raise the Rate Day Thurs., Jan. 29, 9 AM-12 PM Georgia families are in crisis because they cannot find caregivers who will work for as little as $8 an hour. Join us as we advocate to raise this impossibly low rate!
Kids NeedReal Homes, Not Nursing Homes Day Wed., Feb. 4, 9 AM-12 PM Right now, 39 school-aged children in Georgia live in nursing homes or facilities for people with disabilities. Join us as we advocate for 39 COMP waivers to bring these children home!
Employment First Day Wed., Feb. 11, 9 AM-12 PM Working age Georgians with disabilities want real jobs in their communities. Join us as we advocate for real jobs with Employment First!
Youth Day Thurs., Feb. 19, 9 AM-12 PM Calling all youth with disabilities! Come advocate for yourself and your friends and enjoy the excitement of the legislature in action! We will start the day with a fun, interactive advocacy training to teach you all you need to know about speaking to your legislators. Then, we’ll go over to the Capitol together to educate our legislators about what they can do to support individuals with disabilities and their families.
17th Annual Disability Day at the Capitol Thurs., March 5, 9 AM-2 PM Be a part of Georgia’s largest, disability advocacy event by gathering to promote access, opportunity and meaningful community living for all Georgians. Disability Day will be held at Liberty Plaza, across from the Capitol. All are welcome but due to limited space, you must register in advance.
Disability Day Sponsorship! Your sponsorship will support one of the largest statewide events that provide an opportunity for advocates to unite in support of legislation that will promote the independence, inclusion, productivity and self-determination of people with disabilities. Each year, thousands gather at the Capitol to meet with lawmakers, celebrate growth in community and reignite the bonds of friendship. The success of the event depends on sponsors like you. Please let us know of your commitment no later than February 11, so that you may receive full recognition of your support as a Disability Day 2015 sponsor.
Register now to participate in GCDD’s 18th Annual Disability Day at the Capitol. More than one million Georgians have some type of disability and approximately 652,000 are voting-age. Exercise your right to vote this election year. Your vote, and your voice, are critical to the political decision-making process. Come to LIBERTY PLAZA and join advocates, meet with state legislators, make your voice heard and your VOTE COUNT.Don't miss out on what is set to be an exciting year for disability rights!
Register Online Register online by February 5 or download the form. If you need assistance with registration or encounter technical difficulties, please call 404.657.2121. A staff member will assist you. Groups of 20 or more MUST register online.
We look forward to seeing you at Liberty Plaza at the Georgia State Capitol on February 18, 2016!
Schedule Overview 9 AM - 11 AM: T-Shirt distribution, activities and exhibits at the Georgia Freight Depot before the rally - first come, first served. 11 AM - 12:30 PM: Rally program in Liberty Plaza, Capitol Avenue & MLK, Jr. Dr. 12:30 PM - 2 PM: Box lunch and exhibits at the Georgia Freight Depot - first come, first served.
Disability Day Sponsorship!
Your sponsorship will support one of the largest statewide events that provide an opportunity for advocates to unite in support of legislation that will promote the independence, inclusion, productivity and self-determination of people with disabilities. Each year, thousands gather at the Capitol to meet with lawmakers, celebrate growth in community and reignite the bonds of friendship. The success of the event depends on sponsors like you. Please let us know of your commitment no later than February 5, so that you may receive full recognition of your support. (Information received after this date does not guarantee your organization’s placement on any printed materials.) For more information, contact Kim Person at GCDD, 404.657.2130 or email kim [DOT] person [AT] gcdd [DOT] ga [DOT] gov
Download the form to become a Disability Day 2016 sponsor.
2016 Advocacy Days
During the 2016 Legislative Session, GCDD is hosting Advocacy Days at the Capitol and workshops to advocate for waivers and more support for the disability community! Check out the schedule below. Registration here for Advocacy Days: http://gcdd.org/advocacy/
We Need More DD (NOW/COMP) Waivers Day Wednesday, Jan. 20 (sponsored by Unlock, formerly “Unlock the Waiting Lists”)
Independent Care Waiver Program (ICPW) Raise the Rate Day Wednesday, Jan. 27 (sponsored by Unlock, formerly “Unlock the Waiting Lists”)
Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) Day Tuesday, Feb. 2 (sponsored by GCDD)
Intellectual Disability and the Death Penalty Tuesday, February 9 (sponsored by the PAPE Coalition and GFADP)
Employment First Day Thursday, February 11 (sponsored by GCDD)
ABLE (Achieving a Better Life) Act Coalition Day Wednesday, February 24 (sponsored by AADD and Georgia ABLE Coalition)
Wildcard Day! End-of-Session Advocacy Tusday, March 1 (sponsored by GCDD)
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN for the 2018 Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities' Advocacy Days!
Join GCDD at the Capitol this legislative session to learn about policies affecting people with disabilities and join advocates from across the state in speaking with elected officials about these very important issues. We need your help to educate Georgia’s lawmakers about topics important to our community, like the DD Waiver Waiting List, Employment, Inclusive Post-Secondary Education, the UNLOCK! Coalition and Medicaid.
GCDD's First Advocacy Day was held on January 23rd and we'd like to share a video from that event.
Our first video features GCDD Council Member Parker Glick and GCDD Public Policy Director Dawn Alford discussing NOW/COMP waivers and the waiting list. Click on the video above to view a short segment, or watch the entire video at: https://youtu.be/KvGl0RoGL_k
Watch for more videos coming soon!
Continue to read for more information about Advocacy Days.
2018 GCDD Advocacy Day Themes
Advocacy Day #1 DD Waivers (January 23) - If you are on the waiting list for a NOW/COMP waiver OR you are currently enjoying the benefits of the waiver, then this is the day for you.
Advocacy Day #2 Employment (January 31) - Let’s talk Jobs. Come educate your legislator about your integrated & paid community job, or the barriers standing in your way!
Advocacy Day #3 Medicaid (February 14) - Medicaid is the lifeline for people with disabilities to live in their community. Come join us in educating our legislators about the importance of Medicaid in our lives. Remember in GA, Medicaid goes by many names: NOW/COMP Waiver, ICWP, CCSP, SOURCE, Katie Beckett, and GAPP just to name a few.
Advocacy Day #4 Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Programs (February 22) - If you attend, graduated from, or hope to one day attend one of GA’s Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Programs, then this is your day!
Advocacy Day #5 UNLOCK Coalition (February 28) - Join the UNLOCK Coalition down at the Capitol to educate on the many importance of community integration.
Advocacy Day #6 Medicaid (March 15) - Medicaid is the lifeline for people with disabilities to live in their community. Come join us in educating our legislators about the importance of Medicaid in our lives. Remember in GA, Medicaid goes by many names: NOW/COMP Waiver, ICWP, CCSP, SOURCE, Katie Beckett, and GAPP just to name a few.
2018 Advocacy Day Agenda
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM Arrival & Registration 9:00 AM – 9:20 AM Welcome & Understand the Legislative Ask 9:20 AM – 9:40 AM Demonstration of a visit with a Legislator 9:40 AM – 10:10 AM Break into teams to practice the Legislative Visit 10:10 AM – 12:30 PM Go to the Capitol in teams to call legislators to the ropes
FAQs
Are there ID requirements to enter the event? Bring photo identification. You will need it to pass through security in the Capitol.
What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?
MARTA: Take Blue line to Georgia State MARTA Transit station and use the MLK Jr. Drive exit. Head right on MLK Jr. Drive for 1.5 blocks. Central Presbyterian Church will be on the corner of MLK Jr. Drive and Washington Street.
Parking options: Steve Polk Plaza 65 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Atlanta, GA Located near Underground Atlanta & Georgia Railroad Freight Depot.
Capitol Lot Daily 218 Capitol Avenue, Atlanta, GA Located on Capitol Avenue near the State Capitol.
Pete Hackney 162 Jesse Hill Jr., Drive, Atlanta, GA Located at the corner of Jesse Hill Jr. Drive and Decatur Street.
Archives Surface Lot/Fraser Street Surface Lot 359 Fraser Street, Atlanta, GA
What can I not bring into the event? Weapons are not allowed in the State Capitol. Please leave all knives, guns and other such items at home.
What if I don't know who my State Senator or State Representative is? You can find out at https://openstates.org
Who can I contact the with any questions? Contact Hanna Rosenfeld at hanna [DOT] rosenfeld [AT] gcdd [DOT] ga [DOT] gov or 404.657.2124
Join GCDD at the Capitol this legislative session to learn about policies affecting people with disabilities and join advocates from across the state in speaking with elected officials about these very important issues. We need your help to educate Georgia’s lawmakers about topics important to our community, like the DD Waiver Waiting List, Employment, Inclusive Post-Secondary Education, Direct Support Professionals and Home and Community Based Services.
2019 GCDD Advocacy Day Themes - PLEASE NOTE DATES/DAYS HAVE CHANGED!
HCBS Advocacy Day – February 12 – Home & Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers Day – Join us to advocate for the protection of and increase of more funding to reduce waiting lists for HCBS services like NOW, COMP, ICWP, CCSP and SOURCE waivers. Read the HCBS Infographic – (PDF)(Large Print Word Doc)
Everyone Out! Advocacy Day – February 14 – Everyone Out! Day – Let’s advocate for all those with disabilities stuck in institutional settings here in Georgia! Read the Everybody Out! Infographic – (PDF)(Large Print Word Doc)
NEW DATE! IPSE Advocacy Day – February 22–Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) Day – Join current students, future enrollees and alumni of Inclusive Post-Secondary Education programs here in Georgia as we educate our legislators about the increased employment opportunities these programs provide. Read the IPSE Infographic – (PDF)
DSP Advocacy Day – February 27 – Direct Support Professional (DSP) Day – Come speak with your legislators about the workforce shortage of DSPs here in Georgia as well as the importance of a caregiver registry open to all HCBS waivers. Read the DSP Infographic – (PDF)(Large Print Word Doc)
NEW DATE! SDM Advocacy Day – March 5 – Supported Decision-Making (SDM) Day –Join us to educate our law makers on Supported Decision-Making as an alternative to guardianship for adults with disabilities. Read the SDM Infographic – (PDF)(Large Print Word Doc)
Be a Volunteer for the day or a Team Leader! Volunteers help out with activities during advocacy days. Team Leaders attend training to take leadership roles in supporting attendees in speaking with their legislators. If you are interested in either, email us at info [AT] gcdd [DOT] org.
Team Lead Volunteer Training:Finally, GCDD is excited to announce three upcoming Team Lead Volunteer trainingson December 13, January 15 and February 4. Geared at preparing advocates to take a leadership role at GCDD’s Advocacy Days, Team Lead Volunteers will learn how to navigate the Georgia State Capitol and support attendees in speaking with their legislators. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in honing their advocacy skills and supporting others to raise their voice! To sign up, email us at info [AT] gcdd [DOT] org.
2019 Advocacy Day Agenda
8:15 AM – 8:30 AM Arrival & Registration at Central Presbyterian Church 8:30 AM – Breakfast is served! 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Advocacy Day Orientation 10:00 AM – 10:15 AM Walk over from the church to the Gold Dome 10:15 AM – 12:15 PM Visit with Legislators “at the Ropes”
FAQs
Are there ID requirements to enter the event? Bring photo identification. You will need it to pass through security in the Capitol.
What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?
MARTA: Take Blue line to Georgia State MARTA Transit station and use the MLK Jr. Drive exit. Head right on MLK Jr. Drive for 1.5 blocks. Central Presbyterian Church will be on the corner of MLK Jr. Drive and Washington Street.
Parking options: The cost of parking varies depending on the lot but is at minimum $10 and can be up to approximately $20. To pay, you must have either the exact change or a credit/ debit card. Go to the link below to find the available parking options for the general public near the Gold Dome and the Central Presbyterian Church. There is not available parking at the church itself. https://gba.georgia.gov/general-public-parking
Steve Polk Plaza 65 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Atlanta, GA Located near Underground Atlanta & Georgia Railroad Freight Depot.
Capitol Lot Daily 218 Capitol Avenue, Atlanta, GA Located on Capitol Avenue near the State Capitol.
Pete Hackney 162 Jesse Hill Jr., Drive, Atlanta, GA Located at the corner of Jesse Hill Jr. Drive and Decatur Street.
Archives Surface Lot/Fraser Street Surface Lot 359 Fraser Street, Atlanta, GA
What can I not bring into the event? Weapons are not allowed in the State Capitol. Please leave all knives, guns and other such items at home.
What if I don't know who my State Senator or State Representative is?
During Advocacy Day the State Capitol is full of people and energy. Imagine the hustle and bustle of a mall during the holidays. There are lots of crowds, noise and tight places to navigate. Don’t worry though because we can help you while you are there. We simply want to make you aware of the environment ahead of time. If this environment feels like it might be untenable for you, consider requesting a one-on-one meeting with your legislator in his or her office.
To find your state legislators, you may visit the following website and enter your home street address at https://openstates.org/
Once you know who your state representative is, you can look up their picture, office location, phone number, assistant’s name, short biography, and contact information here by searching for their last name in the alphabetical listing provided http://www.house.ga.gov/Representatives/en-US/HouseMembersList.aspx
Starting on Monday, January 13, 2020, the Georgia General Assembly will begin its race towards the finish line. The Georgia Constitution only grants the assembly 40 days to complete all its work. While the days do not have to be continuous, the assembly’s traditional deadline of late March or early April does not allow for much dawdling.
With that in mind, it is never too early to double check who your elected officials are at Open States. Make sure to enter your entire home address, as multiple elected officials can represent the same ZIP code. You can also confirm their contact details and committee assignments at the official Georgia General Assembly website.
Remember, your elected officials cannot represent your opinions if you have never taken the time to educate them on issues of importance to you. Whether you have new folks or old folks, be sure to take some time to re-introduce yourself. Your elected officials work for you, so put them to work for your interests! A government of the people and for the people only works if the people raise their voice. We at the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) are counting on you to do just that.
For a quick recap on how a bill becomes a law in Georgia, be sure to check out Georgia Public Broadcasting’s short video on the legislative process.
2020 Session Theme: Budget, Budget, Budget
As the Georgia General Assembly’s only required task, the passage of our state’s balanced budget is always a highlight of each year’s session. However, this year is sure to be one for the books as Governor Kemp, in early August, directed state agencies to propose massively impactful, 6 percent cuts to their fiscal year 2021 budget. To put that into perspective, the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) alone was tasked with finding areas to cut, totaling approximately $56 million. Agencies submitted proposals in September, which provided us all with a preview of what to monitor during the upcoming session.
Although many of the cuts come from state agencies’ administrative and operational budgets, there are service areas that will likely be impacted. For example, DBHDD has proposed cutting approximately $1 million from each of the following developmental disability service areas: Marcus Autism Center, family support services and assistive technology and research.
Also impacted by the governor’s directive will be DBHDD’s yearly proposal for new Medicaid NOW/COMP waiver slots. Typically, DBHDD requests additional funds for approximately 125 new waivers each year. In addition, they request funds to annualize approximately 250 waivers from the previous fiscal year. For the upcoming fiscal year, DBHDD only requested to annualize 125 waivers, and they are not requesting funds for any new NOW/COMP waivers. Given the waitlist of over 6,000 people in Georgia for NOW/COMP waivers, GCDD is very concerned by this change.
Finally, although GCDD receives primarily federal funding to continue the great work being done around the state, GCDD does receive state funding for our fantastic IPSE programs. GCDD is particularly concerned that the 6 percent budget cut will mean that IPSE funding is scheduled for a $50,000 cut for fiscal year 2021!
It is important to note that the changes are only proposed changes as of now, and cuts could be reorganized as the session progresses. Due to the possibility of additional cuts to services we care about, GCDD will be relying on your strong advocacy skills throughout session. Following Governor Kemp’s State of the State address in mid-January, the Governor’s Office of Planning & Budget will officially release Kemp’s budget recommendations. While ultimately the House of Representatives and the Senate decide what is included in the budget, the governor’s recommendations usually serve as guiding light. Be on the lookout for many updates on the budget, including what you can do about the proposed changes. We will also be including budget updates in our public policy calls and newsletter.
GCDD’s 2020 Public Policy Direction: Disability in ALL Policy!
The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities is governed by a 27-member board, appointed by the governor and comprised of at least 60 percent individuals with developmental disabilities and family members. Other members include policymakers that represent various agencies and organizations having a vested interested in persons with developmental disabilities.
Each year, the council comes together in the fall to formulate a legislative agenda to bring about social and policy changes that promote opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities and their families to live, learn, work, play and worship in Georgia communities. This year our council approved changes to our public policy department, which will allow GCDD to engage with legislators to ensure people with developmental disabilities are considered in ALL policy. Our 2020 legislative priorities are as follows:
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
We are committed to advancing sound policies that improve the overall health (physical, mental, emotional and sexual) of people with developmental disabilities and their loved ones. The following topics will be highlighted in our health and wellness policy initiative:
We will always include eliminating the waiting list for NOW and COMP waivers in our policy initiatives until the waitlist in Georgia is ZERO. These waivers allow individuals with developmental disabilities who qualify for an institutional level of care to receive the supports they need to live healthy lives in the community. As of August 2019, 6,048 Georgians with developmental disabilities were on the waiting list for a NOW or COMP waiver. Our advocacy around this very important issue remains as crucial as ever.
The Shortage of DSPs: Workforce Crisis We believe that a competent, well-trained and caring workforce of direct support professionals (DSPs) is essential to the health and wellbeing of individuals with disabilities who utilize home and community-based services. We support strategies to address this crisis so people with disabilities can have the care they need.
We support the Nobles family and Representative Williams in their efforts to ensure that people with developmental disabilities are not denied an organ transplant simply because of their disability status.
EDUCATION
Inclusive education policies, starting with early childcare settings and continuing through postsecondary education, are necessary to assist Georgians with developmental disabilities in reaching their full potential. Currently, our education focus includes:
IPSE Programs
We believe that all students, regardless of ability, should have access to postsecondary education programs in the state of Georgia. Inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) programs provide students with intellectual and developmental disabilities access to education not otherwise available. Currently there are nine IPSE programs in Georgia serving approximately 139 students. They are Kennesaw State University’s Academy for Inclusive Learning and Social Growth, University of Georgia’s Destination Dawgs, Georgia Institute of Technology’s EXCEL, Georgia State University’s IDEAL, Columbus State University’s GOALS, East Georgia State College’s CHOICE, Georgia Southern’s Eagle Academy, Albany Technical College’s LEAP and the University of West Georgia’s Project WOLVES.
GCDD is committed to the growth and support of IPSE programs because we recognize their value in preparing students to live increasingly independent lives within their communities.
GCDD works to address the targeted disparity of African American and other minority students who are disproportionately identified in special education. They often end up in the Georgia Network for Educational and Therapeutic Support (GNETS) system or expelled from school, which leads to a higher probability of incarceration. We support policy initiatives aimed at reducing the number of students being placed in the school-to-prison pipeline and look forward to the recommendations of the Senate Study Committee on Educational Development of African American Children in Georgia.
GCDD supports Georgia’s vision for a public system that funds employment supports first. We will work to advance policies that improve competitive, integrated employment options for Georgians with developmental disabilities. Some policy proposals include:
Phasing out 14(c) certificates that currently allow people with disabilities to be paid subminimum wage
Increasing the budgets of DBHDD and the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) to assist the organizations in increasing the hourly rate of Georgia’s supported employment services
Reallocating funds from day habilitation program rates, which continue to be well above the national average, to supported employment rates, which continue to be well below the national average
TRANSPORTATION
Reliable transportation options are critical to ensure people with developmental disabilities are truly included in all aspects of their communities. GCDD supports policies that improve current transportation options, including House Bill 511 (HB 511), which aims to create a state agency focused on transit. HB 511 also includes a committee whose purpose is to ensure vulnerable populations, including people with low income, people with disabilities and people who are aging, have access to appropriate transit options. We believe this legislation will improve transportation for people with disabilities, particularly in the rural parts of our state.
HOUSING
GCDD supports policy solutions that provide the infrastructure and funding necessary to address the shortage of accessible, affordable housing options for people with developmental disabilities.
We believe Georgia’s budget highlights our state’s priorities, and GCDD strives to educate lawmakers on the importance on maintaining/increasing budget line items that impact Georgians with developmental disabilities. As described in our budget highlight, we believe it will be critical during 2020’s session to be vigilant of any changes to budget line items that might impact the supports and services on which people with developmental disabilities and their families rely. We will strive to keep each one of you updated on changes, and we know that you all will be ready to advocate when the time comes!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q How do I find out when legislative committees are meeting?
A If you know the bill number, you can track it by visiting the official Georgia General Assembly website. Or you can read GCDD’s Public Policy for the People e-newsletter and participate in our public policy calls.
Q How can I help my school-aged child learn about the legislative process?
A Consider signing them up to be a page. Pages deliver messages to the senators and representatives when they are meeting in the legislative chambers. It is such an important job that there is even a Georgia law, O.C.G.A. §20-2-692, that states “children who serve as pages of the General Assembly during the school year, either at regular or special sessions, shall be credited as present by the school in which enrolled in the same manner as an educational field trip, and such participation as a page shall not be counted as an absence, either excused or unexcused.” To learn more about becoming a page, visit the Senate page program site and the House page program site.
When Regina Watts arrived in 2008, Albany Technical College didn’t have an inclusive post-secondary education (IPSE) program. Watts had worked in the disability space for over a decade prior, and she wrote the idea for an inclusive program down on an initial list of goals. “I wanted to create a program for those students that would possibly not have the opportunity to go to college.”
Six years later, Watts still had the piece of paper, and she began to connect with other administrators across the state as other programs got their start. Eventually she received money through a federally funded grant to gauge interest. With help from the Georgia Inclusive Postsecondary Education Consortium (GAIPSEC), as well as many other people, grants, agencies and institutions, Watts created the Leveraging Education for Advancement Program (LEAP), which is entering its fifth academic year.
“Everything just fell in place with the grant, where we were able to see if there was a need, and most definitely there was a need,” Watts said. “It’s been a wonderful process of getting the program sustained and established.”
Watts is now the special needs/disability services coordinator at Albany Tech and the director of LEAP. There are nine IPSE programs in the state of Georgia, but LEAP is the only one hosted by a technical school, where extra emphasis is given to hands-on education and practical experience.
At LEAP, students with disabilities take courses with peers and receive support through mentorship. Students can enter the program at the start of the fall, spring or summer semesters, and they typically take one course per semester. After two years, students earn a certificate and graduate with their class.
Students enrolled in the program typically complete a Business Office Assistant certificate, a credential approved by the Technical College System of Georgia and made up of six courses also available to Albany Tech’s larger student population. Watts says taking classes with peers and working with the program’s mentor-tutors allows for a holistic college experience built on education and socialization. “They are truly exposed to a lot,” said Watts.
Recently, the school’s board approved for Watts to offer 15 other certificates that students had expressed interest in. The fall 2020 semester is the first time a student has registered for a certification other than Business Office Assistant. The student registered for an Infant/Toddler Child Care Specialist certificate, and her ultimate goal is to work at a daycare.
“Students that probably would not have had an opportunity to go to college can come to the LEAP program and get what they need academically, socially and mentally as well — get the tools that [will] help them go into the world of independent living,” Watts said.
Despite the disruptions of COVID-19, there are currently seven students enrolled in LEAP. One of the students is currently completing his last course, and the program welcomed two new students this semester, one of whom is a dual-enrolled high school student.
Watts personally called each student entering the program on the phone ahead of the semester to present their family with options. Three of the students in LEAP are attending virtually, and four students are taking classes on campus.
Under normal circumstances, students in LEAP take classes on campus in Albany. Students in the program are exposed to a variety of experiences, including conferences, internships, volunteering and job-shadowing. They also work closely with the Career Services Office, where they create resumes and complete mock interviews. COVID-19 has disrupted many of these opportunities, but the work hasn’t stopped by any means.
The program currently has two mentor-tutors available to students for personalized assistance, one on campus and one virtual. Watts says that virtual learning is as inclusive as it can be, but she’s currently working out ways to create a more fulfilling and effective digital experience with virtual tours and workshops.
Under Watts’ direction, the program has been able to leverage its position at a small, technical college to best accommodate those it serves. She hopes to keep it small and flexible, so the program can continue providing students with thoughtful, personalized services.
“I want to give an example of my very first student,” said Watts.
“We started the program with one student, and that was very wise. He is the innovator in the video on my webpage. He blossomed into the person that was able to create a video, to be a part of the video that introduces what the LEAP program is all about. I am just so happy to be able to help someone to achieve their dreams.”
Since then, Watts has used her passion to continually improve the program and adapt to new challenges. “It is definitely a rewarding experience for me as well. To be a vehicle that can help an individual to better their lives,” she said.
People with disabilities in the Gainesville area expressed a desire for better quality services and support at a meeting Thursday with the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities. The meeting was one of several statewide stops on the council's "listening tour" leading up to the 2015 General Assembly. Council leaders asked questions and provided information for a small group gathered at the Lanier Charter Career Academy.
"We are an independent state agency and our mission is, in the informal way I always say it, we're trying to kick the can or move the ball further for folks with disabilities and their families," said D'Arcy Robb, GCDD public policy director. Robb said she typically poses questions to the public at the listening tour meetings to stimulate discussion.
Her first question asked, "What's working in this community for people with disabilities and their families?"
Dr. Irma Alvarado, Brenau University professor and co-owner of Essential Therapy Services Inc. in Cumming, said she thinks what works for people with disabilities in Gainesville is "variable." "It depends on what you know, what's in your community," Alvarado said. "... There are some people out there looking for opportunities, but they have to look."
The second question Robb posed asked what the audience believes is not working.
Jennifer Allison, clinical instructor at Brenau University, said most people don't know what services are available locally. Others expressed concerns over the quality of services, educational opportunities, transportation to and from services and job opportunities.
"The thing we hear a lot of is jobs," Robb said. "People with disabilities want to work real jobs in the community and they just aren't getting the support they need to do that." Robb said she often hears people express a general desire to change the way the community views people with disabilities.
"One thing we hear a lot is essentially changing the culture," Robb said. "Not looking at people with a disability as first and foremost that disability.... So just being more supportive and embracing as a society, seeing people as a whole package for who they are and not just stigmatizing them for this disability or that diagnosis."
Robb said the most important part of the meeting is listening to the public. She said not only does it help give the council an idea of what Georgians with disabilities are looking for, but it lets people know they are being heard. "People have said that they appreciate, No. 1, being listened to, and us coming out in person," Robb said. "I think people appreciate that opportunity to have a community forum and have a voice."
Dawn Alford, advocate and GCDD policy development specialist, encouraged local residents to join the council's advocacy network at www.gcdd.org. "Our team focuses on advocacy, trying to push the system's change," Alford said. "In order to do that, we need the help of grass-roots advocates, people in their communities reaching out to their own legislators."
By Kristen Oliver koliver [AT] gainesvilletimes [DOT] com
The original article appeared in The Gainesville Times on September 5, 2014.
The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is currently recruiting individuals with developmental disabilities and family members who are interested in becoming members of the GCDD. There are two membership categories: (1) Members appointed by the Governor are considered the "official members" and can serve two terms of four years each, and (2) advisory members selected by Council members, have no voting rights, and serve one two-year term. GCDD is currently recruiting for both categories of membership.
The purpose of the GCDD is to engage in advocacy, capacity building, and systemic change activities that are consistent with the purpose of Public Law 106.402 and Section 30-8-1 of Code of Georgia. These activities shall contribute to a coordinated, consumer and family centered and directed comprehensive system of community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance that enable individuals with developmental disabilities to exercise self-determination and be independent, productive, and integrated into all facets of community life The mission of the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities is to bring about social and policy changes that promote opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities and their families to live, learn, work, play and worship in Georgia communities.
GCDD members serve as the link between people with developmental disabilities, their families and the organization. Members represent un-conflicted loyalty to the interests of people with developmental disabilities and their families. Members are committed to ethical, businesslike, and lawful conduct including proper use of authority and appropriate decorum when acting as a member and will abide by laws concerning sexual discrimination, harassment, and equal opportunity. Members are expected to take an active part in the programs of the Council and to follow the designated policies and procedures of the organization. They should become thoroughly acquainted with the issues related to Georgian's with developmental disabilities and the way in which GCDD is organized to address those issues.
Members are expected to attend each quarterly meeting of the full Council and to serve on any established committees. Full Council meetings are used to set policies, based on the vote of a majority of members present. Recognizing the diversity of the Council membership, it is understood that unanimity will not be possible on all decisions of the Council. Council members are urged to be advocates at all times for people with developmental disabilities and their families. They should represent the policies and procedures of the Council when appearing in public as representatives of the Council. When presenting views and opinions contrary to the Council policies, or for which the Council has no official opinion, members should make clear that such views are expressions of personal opinion.
Applications for membershipshould be returned to Eric Jacobson by August 15, 2014 either by e-mail at eric [DOT] jacobson [AT] gcdd [DOT] ga [DOT] gov or by USPS mail at:
Eric Jacobson 2 Peachtree Street, Suite 26.240 Atlanta, GA 30303
Who We Are: Located in Macon, the Centenary United Methodist Church was founded in 1884. Once a vibrant congregation, changes in the neighborhood overtime dwindled the the congregation's numbers. It became clear that both the church and neighborhood would not survive unless major changes were made. In 2005, the church began to work actively to reach out to and engage the surrounding neighborhood. The neighborhood reached back and the church was saved. The congregation is now extremely diverse and dedicated to addressing the concerns of the community in long-term and sustainable ways. The diversity of the congregation, both racially and socioeconomically, is something Centenary not only embraces, but is proud of.
Community member poses with his best friend in Macon
Macon Roving Listeners Green Team heads to their next interview
One of this summer's Macon Roving Listeners at work
What We Do: Centenary has participated in Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) Real Communities by seeking ways to welcome people with disabilities and their families into the congregation, and offering opportunities for them to contribute. In the past, Centenary started a community garden and a transitional housing program for men. Centenary founded the Bicycle Program, which has adults with and without disabilities as paid employees who repair donated bicycles and give them to people without transportation.
Since 2012, Centenary has organized an annual summer Roving Listeners program with the goal of finding intentional ways to meet and make connections among people with and without disabilities to make the City of Macon a better place to live for everyone. Roving Listeners pays youth and adult supporters with and without disabilities to go into their community, meet their neighbors, and learn more about people’s individual gifts and talents. They aim to discover what they love about their neighborhoods; what their dreams are for the future; and how to connect them to others who may share common interests, gifts or dreams. The Roving Listeners host regular community dinners designed to bring neighbors together and support these connections. They also employ a Roving Connector who seeks opportunities to connect neighbors to one another.
In Summer 2014, listeners focused on revisiting neighbors they met over the past two to find ways to connect their gifts and passions to others in the community. They hosted four community dinners, two community clean-up events, expanded their relationship with Star Choices – a local disability support organization that is seeking to be a better part of the community – and provided six mini-grants to community members to teach a class or support a small community building project. As a requirement of these mini-grants, a person with a disability had to be a part of the project team. Additionally, two Roving Connectors were hired to work five hours per week to support the project, deepening connections that were formed over the past year.
In Summer 2015, the Roving Listeners project expanded and was asked to come to East Macon to be in partnership with the Mill Hill Project. Mill Hill is an artist residency and community revitalization area, spearheaded by the Macon Arts Alliance and the Urban Development Authority. The Roving Listeners are working with the residents of Mill Hill to listen for their hopes, dreams, identify their gifts and make sure the voices and talents of existing residents are a part of the planning and implementation of revitalizing their neighborhoods. This has involved genuine dialogue and empathetic listening to arrive at a true understanding of the community’s hopes for their neighborhoods. The listeners approached every household in the area and recorded the interviews done so that radio quality audio was captured. Professional photographers also worked with the Roving Listeners to capture portraits and candid shots of neighborhood residents. Their relationship with Star Choices continued and they added a new partner, Woodfield Academy, with two students and a teacher from the school working with them.
In 2016, the Roving Listeners will return to East Macon and work with artists to continue to hear and tell the stories there. Construction has already begun on the Mill Hill Arts Village and it is crucial that neighbors have input into the design and function of the public spaces.
For more information on the Centenary United Methodist Church or how to get involved, contact the Community Builder, Stacey Harwell, at stacey [AT] centenarymacon [DOT] org.
In the News: The Centenary United Methodist Church Real Communities project was featured in an article from the Emory Candler School of Technology Click here to read the article.
COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) - A convicted murderer who lawyers claimed was intellectually disabled has been put to death at a prison in Jackson Georgia. On the streets of Columbus, demonstrators held a vigil to protest the death of Warren Lee Hill. Hill was executed by lethal injection Tuesday, January 27 at 7:55 PM. He was convicted of murdering a fellow prisoner in 1990. This is his 2nd murder conviction.
The vigil was organized by the Columbus NAACP and held at the organization's headquarters on 1st Avenue. Organizers say the state of Georgia should be ashamed for executing a man who medical experts say was mentally ill. Today, the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles denied clemency for Hill after reviewing his criminal record and life history.
17th Annual Disability Day at the Capitol
Starting on Monday, January 13, 2020, the Georgia General Assembly will begin its race towards the finish line. The Georgia Constitution only grants the assembly 40 days to complete all its work. While the days do not have to be continuous, the assembly’s traditional deadline of late March or early April does not allow for much dawdling. 
Watts is now the special needs/disability services coordinator at Albany Tech and the director of LEAP. There are nine IPSE programs in the state of Georgia, but LEAP is the only one hosted by a technical school, where extra emphasis is given to hands-on education and practical experience.
