Securing the Future: Vision, Decisions, & Advocacy

The Georgia Coalition for Equity in Education (GCEE), in partnership with the Center on Human Development and Disability (CHDD) at UGA and I DECIDE GA, is hosting its fourth annual Securing the Future: Vision, Decisions, and Advocacy Workshop on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at UGA's Gwinnett Campus.

Designed for families of young adults with disabilities, this free workshop encourages participants to think beyond services and programs and focus on building a meaningful adult life. Together, we'll explore transition planning, supported decision-making, advocacy, belonging, community participation, and the choices that help preserve future opportunities.

Where: University of Georgia's Gwinnett Campus, 2530 Sever Road, NW, Lawrenceville, GA 30043.

Parking is free, and lunch will be provided.

Space is limited, and registration closes July 24, 2026. Register here

Presenters:

• Leslie Lipson, JD, owner of Lipson Advocacy and director of the Georgia Coalition for Equity in Education (GCEE), will provide practical advice to parents on the legal protections that IDEA provides for transition planning and on how to integrate legal compliance with best practices to support successful post-school outcomes.
• Dana Lloyd, Director of Community Outreach and Engagement at the Georgia Advocacy Office, will guide families through considering the various decision-making options available to support autonomy and self-determination.
• Katie Bailey, LCSW, is the Director of Project and Operational Strategy at SUN and a longtime advocate for people with developmental disabilities. Drawing on her leadership at the Georgia Advocacy Office and her training in Social Role Valorization, Katie focuses on building valued social roles and inclusive community life for individuals who have been marginalized.
• PLUS, hear from a panel of parents from across Georgia who will share their experiences and what it takes to navigate a successful high school experience. Attendees will have the opportunity to join our parent panelists in a discussion about why vision matters, the lessons they have learned, and how they have overcome various barriers to success.