From Potential to Paycheck: Closing Georgia's Disability Employment Gap

One in four adults in the U.S. lives with a disability, yet they face an unemployment rate nearly double that of the general population. Closing that gap is exactly what Tommy Nobis Center (TNC) does. Attend to hear from Karen Dernavich, VP of Programs at Tommy Nobis Center, on how TNC is empowering people through employment across Georgia and beyond. For 50 years, TNC has helped individuals with disabilities move from potential to paycheck through a full continuum of support: guiding high schoolers through their first steps toward career readiness, building real-world skills through hands-on vocational training, and delivering job placement with job coaching for adults entering the workforce.

Employment isn't a one-way street. Karen will also share how TNC partners with employers, civic groups, and organizations across the state to turn inclusion into real business solutions, helping companies tap into a skilled, reliable, and often overlooked talent pool while building stronger, more resilient local economies.

This gathering will be hosted at Tommy Nobis Center, 240 Interstate N Pkwy, Atlanta. Attendees will get a firsthand tour of the campus and see this work in action.

A light breakfast and coffee will be provided by Rise Coffee + Tea.