MakingaDifferenceMagazineAQuarterlyMagazineoftheGeorgiaCouncilonDevelopmentalDisabilitiesRealHomes.RealCareers.RealLearning.RealInfluence.RealSupport.Summer2017Volume18,Issue1OntheCover:Georgia’sInclusivePost-secondaryEducation(IPSE)programsinclude(clockwisefromtopleft)ExcelatGATech,DestinationsDawgsatUGA,theAcademyofInclusiveLearning&SocialGrowthatKSUandCHOICEatEGSC.TheGeorgiaCouncilonDevelopmentalDisabilities,afederallyfundedstateagency,workstobringaboutsocialandpolicychangesthatpromoteopportunitiesforpersonswithdevelopmentaldisabilitiesandtheirfamiliestolive,learn,work,playandworshipinGeorgiacommunities.EricE.JacobsonExecutiveDirectoreric.jacobson@gcdd.ga.govValerieMeadowsSuberEditor-in-Chief&

PublicInformationDirectorvalerie.suber@gcdd.ga.gov2PeachtreeStreetNWSuite26-246Atlanta,GA30303-3142Voice404.657.2126Fax404.657.2132TollFree1.888.275.4233TDD404.657.2133www.gcdd.orgO’NeillCommunicationsDevikaRaodevika@oneillcommunications.comNancyO’NeillDesign&LayoutOntheBackCover:GeorgianswithDisabilitiesRallyatSenatorIsakson’sofficefortheNoCuts!NoCaps!Campaignto#SaveMedicaid

GCDDVIEWPOINTAdvocatingforIndependenceAsIwritethis,wejustcelebratedtheFourthofJuly,America’sfightforindependence.Forthoseofusinthedisabilitycommunity,weareonceagaininthefightforindependenceas

theUSCongressproposesmajorchangestoMedicaid.Medicaidistheprogramthathasprovidedindependenceforpeoplewithdisabilities.Throughoutthenation,peoplewithdisabilitiesconductsit-insattheofficesofUSSenators–demandingthathomeandcommunitybasedservices(HCBS)notbetakenaway.NewsprogramssuchasMSNBC’sTheRachelMaddowShowhavedoneexposésshowingthepowerofadvocacyandwhyHCBSwaiversarenecessaryforpeopletoremainindependentandliveinthecommunity.IhopethatbynoweveryonereadingMakingaDifferencehascalledtheirUSSenatorsandencouragedthemtovoteagainstcutsandcapsintheMedicaidprogram.OneofthecomponentsoftheUSSenateproposaltakeschildrenwithdisabilitiesandchronichealthcareconditionsoutoftheMedicaidcuts.ThisshowstheshortsightednessoftheSenate.Theyforgetthatchildrengrowup.WhathappenswhenachildreachestheageofadulthoodandneedsHCBSwaiversandhealthcare?WhathappenswhentheseoptionalMedicaidservicesareeliminatedbystatesstrappedbybudgetsthatnolongerhavefederaldollarssupportingstateMedicaidprograms?Whilewehavenocrystalballs,wecanimaginethatmanypeoplewhoarenowindependent,livingontheirownandholdingjobsareforcedintostatehospitalsandnursingfacilities–placesthattheUSSupremeCourtsaidwereinviolationoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct(ADA).Themostimportantthingthatthehealthcaredebatehasshownusisthatweneedtocontinueadvocating–nowmore

thanever.GCDDneedstobuildanetworkofconnectedandeducatedgrassrootsadvocatesacrosstheState.InJuly,wealsocelebratetheADA’s27thanniversary.Asself-advocates,advocates,parentsandothercommunitymembersfightforpeoplewithdisabilities,it’simportanttorememberthatrightswehavetoday–suchastheADA–wereadvocatedfor.Callsweremade;lettersweresent;meetingswithlegislatorswerehad.Sharingourstorieswithpolicymakersmadeadifference.Connectwithelectedofficialsandletthemknowhowimportantservicesandsupportsaretoyou.WeencourageyoutojoinGCDD’sAdvocacyNetworktoreceiveouralerts,callstoactionandadvocacyopportunities.Stayinvolvedandinformed!ThisissueofMakingaDifferencealsocoversAtlanta’stwonewstadiumsandotherlargevenues,andhowaccessibilityisdesignedsoit’scompliantwiththeADA.WeheadbacktoschoolwithGeorgia’sInclusivePost-SecondaryEducationprogramsandlearnhowtheyareexpandingandgrowingacrosstheState.AndwealsotalkaboutcommunitiesacrosstheStatethatarebuildinginclusiveandintegratedplacesforallcitizens.RememberthatGCDDisheretoassistyou.Wehopeyouenjoyreadingthismagazineandwewanttohearfromyou.Letusknowyourthoughtsandcommentsaboutthemagazinebywritingtovalerie.suber@gcdd.ga.govEricE.Jacobson,ExecutiveDirectoreric.jacobson@gcdd.ga.gov

Tellusyourthoughtsaboutthemagazineorwhattopicsyouwouldliketoseeaddressedbyemailingusatvalerie.suber@gcdd.ga.gov,subjectline:LettersToTheEditor.Lettersshouldincludethewriter’sfullname,address,phonenumber,andmaybeeditedforthepurposeof-clarityandspace.ContactOurEditorandPublicInformationDirector:ValerieMeadowsSubervalerie.suber@gcdd.ga.govP:404.657.2122,F:404.657.2132or:2PeachtreeStreet,NW,Suite26-246Atlanta,GA30303-3142AudioVersion:YoucannowlistentoanaudioversionofMakingaDifferenceonthewebsiteatwww.gcdd.org.LargePrintVersion:Alargefontversionisavailablefordownloadatwww.gcdd.org.SpanishVersion:AversionofthemagazinetranslatedintoSpanishisavailableatwww.gcdd.org.Subscriptions/BackIssues:Visitusatourwebsite:www.gcdd.orgorcallus:404.657.2126.Itisourpolicytopublishreaders’comments.ContentsdonotnecessarilyreflecttheopinionsofGCDD,theeditorsorstategovernment.

MagazineSponsorship:Forsponsorshipopportunitiescontact:DevikaRaoat678.384.7836ordevika@oneillcommunications.com

INTHENEWSGovernorNathanDealLaunchesGeorgiaSTABLEProgramGovernorNathanDealannouncedthelaunchoftheGeorgiaSTABLEprogramonJune14,2017attheGeorgiaStateCapital.TheprogramallowsGeorgianswithdisabilitiesandtheirfamiliestocreatetax-deferredsavingsaccountswithoutgivingupcriticallyneededMedicaidandSupplementalSecurityIncome(SSI)benefits.“ThisisachanceforGeorgianswithdisabilitiestobeabletosavetheirownmoneyandinvestitinawaythatwillallowmoreopportunitiesforthemtolive,workandcontributetotheirlocalcommunities,”saidEricJacobson,executivedirectoroftheGeorgiaCouncilonDevelopmentalDisabilities(GCDD).“GeorgiaSTABLEwillbeamajorwaytomeettheirfinancialneedsandgoals.”ThesavingsprogramopensayearafterGov.DealsignedGeorgia’sAchievingaBetterLifeExperience(ABLE)Act.Thelawallowsindividualswithdisabilitiesandtheirfamiliestocontributetoatax-exemptsavingsaccountthatcanbeusedformaintaininghealth,independenceandqualityoflife.Individualscanwithdrawthemoneytopayforqualifieddisabilityexpensessuchaseducation,employmenttrainingandsupport,housing,healthandwellnessandtransportation.

GeorgiawilljointheOhioSTABLEprogram,alongwithKentucky,VermontandMissouri.FormoreinformationontheGeorgiaSTABLEprogram,visitGeorgiaSTABLEProgramTodownloadtheGeorgiaSTABLEprogrambrochure,clickhere.

STRAIGHTTALKRevolutionizingAccessibilityByBrandonWinfieldThejourneytowhereIamnowallstartednearlyadecadeago.AsfarbackasIcanremember,mylovefordirtbikestrumpedeverythingelse.Igotmyfirstbikeatfiveyearsold,crashedreallyhardonetimeandretired...foraboutfiveyears.IgotmynextdirtbikewhenwemovedbacktoGeorgiaandthingshadchangedalot.Therewasnowaclutch,gearstoshiftandjumpsifyouwantedtobeeventheslightestbitcompetitive.Iloveddirtbikes,butthemainkeytoracingthemwasmybiggestfear–jumping!IstillremembermyDad’swordstothisday:“Ifyouwanttoracemotocross,you’regoingtohavetolearntojumpthisbike.”AndsoIdid.Mydesiretobeagreatmotocrossraceroutweighedmyfearoffalling,andIdidanythingittooktobeascompetitiveasthekidsthatIsawinthemagazinesandonthemovies.Withinmyfirsttwoyearsofracing,IhadaccomplishedmydreamofracingforAmericanHonda.Thatisstilloneoftheproudestmomentsofmylife.IwasonmywaytodoingwhatIwantedtodo:racemotocrossprofessionally.

Ashorttwoyearslater,thatwasalltakenfrommeattheageof14.IbrokemyspinalcordcleanthroughattheT7-T8level.AstoughasitcouldbesomedaystocometotermswiththenewlifethatIwouldbeliving,Ididmybesttokeepapositiveoutlook.Iwasquicklyreleasedfromrehabandwentbackhometryingtomakemylifeasnormalaspossible.Itookthatenergyandtriedtoneverletthingsslowmedown.Itraveledaroundthecountrywithmyfriendstomotocrossandactionsportsevents.Wewenttobars,restaurants,loungesandclubsallinthepursuitofagreattime.However,throughalltheseexperiencesinnewplaces,Inoticedacommontrend.WhilesomelocationsIvisitedwouldbehandicapaccessible,alotofotherfeaturesoftheplaceweren’t.Thiswasalwaysfrustrating,whenwewouldshowupsomeplaceandfigureoutthatIcouldn’tgetthroughthefrontdoorormaybethebathroomwastoosmall.AfteraNewYear’svisittochurchwithmymomandsister,theyleftmewithsomewordsthatstayedwithme:“InsteadoffocusingonNewYear’sresolutionstobetteryourself,whynotfocusonawaytobetteryourcommunity?”ItcametomethatdayassoonasIreachedmycar:Thereneedstobeanapp,wherepeoplecanreviewandratetheaccessibilityofalocationtheyvisit.Thiswouldtakeawayalotoftheguessworkwhenpeoplewentouttoenjoythemselves.AndsowasbornParaPerks–amobileapplicationthatwouldallowpeopletolivetheirlifeasIhave–wideopenandfullofmemoriesandexperiences.Ididn’twantfearoftheunknowntoslowanyonedown.ParaPerksaimstobealifestylemobile

applicationthatfocusesonwhatourusersCANDOandnotonwhattheycan’tdo.Idreamthatonedaythismobileappchangesaccessibilityaroundtheworldthroughthepowerofunity.Ihopethateveryonejoinsinonouradventureto“RevolutionizeAccessibility.”BrandonWinfield,founderofParaPerks,amobileapplicationwherepeoplecanreviewandratetheaccessibilityofalocationtheyvisit,wasinterviewedbyTitaniaJordononAtlantaTechEdge’sshow.FollowParaPerks’journeyatwww.paraperks.com,onFacebookat“ParaPerks”oronInstagramat@paraperksllc

FEATURESTORY1BacktoSchoolwithIPSEbyRJMoshayAcrossthecountry,familiesandfriendsextendedwellwishesandcelebratedrecentgraduatesfrompreschooltoPhDs.Socialmediapostswerechockfullofvideosandphotosofsmilinggraduatesintraditionalcapandgownattire,flankedbyproudlovedones,teachersandmentors.Formany,thenextlogicalstepispost-secondaryeducation,rangingfromcommunitycollegetoatraditionaluniversity.Graduatingtonewbeginningsisthecommonphrase,but,unfortunately,thishasnotbeenarealisticexpectationforstudentswithdisabilities…untilrecently.

WithInclusivePost-secondaryEducation(IPSE)programs,studentswithintellectualanddevelopmentaldisabilities(I/DD)cannowrealizetheirdreamofcontinuingtheirstudiesinauniversitysettingwiththeirpeers.Inadditiontohelpingstudentsbuildself-confidenceandbecomemoreindependent,thiseducationfurtherpreparesthemtopursuemeaningfulcareers.Nationwide,therearemorethan250IPSEprograms,upfrom119in2012,perThinkCollege,anationalorganizationfocusedonadvancinginclusivehighereducationforpeoplewithintellectualdisabilities.AprojectoftheInstituteforCommunityInclusionattheUniversityofMassachusettsBoston,ThinkCollegealsoservesastheNationalCoordinatingCenterfor25federally-fundedTransitionPost-secondaryEducationProgramsforStudentswithIntellectualDisabilities(TPSID)projects.In2007,theIPSEmovementtookoffinGeorgiawithasmallgroupofconcernedindividualsincludingGeorgiaCouncilonDevelopmentalDisabilities(GCDD)ExecutiveDirectorEricJacobson,parents,teachersandAtlantaareaproviderswhodesiredtocreatemorepositiveandproductiveoutcomesforstudentswithdisabilities.In2009,theKennesawStateUniversity(KSU)AcademyforInclusiveLearningandSocialGrowthbecamethefirstIPSEprograminthestate,withthreestudents.Fromthesegrassrootsandupstartendeavors,2011sawtheformationoftheGeorgiaInclusivePost-secondaryEducationConsortium(GAIPSEC)withtheengagementofprofessors,parents,KSU,severalstateagenciesincludingtheGeorgiaDepartmentofEducation,advocatesandGCDD,the

Consortium’slegislativelead.In2012,theConsortiumhireditsfirstsinglepointofcontacttocoordinatetheprogram,andbegangoingafterlegislativefundinginearnest,sharedGAIPSEC’sSusannaMiller-Raines,MSW,currentstatewidecoordinator.HousedwithintheCenterforLeadershipinDisabilityatGeorgiaStateUniversity,GAIPSECprovidesinformation,trainingandtechnicalassistancetoindividuals,families,secondaryeducationprograms,collegesanduniversities.GAIPSEChasbeeninstrumentalingrowingthenumberofIPSEprogramsinGeorgia,whichnowcelebrateshavingsevenprogramsacrosstheState.TheindividualcampusIPSEprogramsizesrangefromtwostudentsto50studentsinthe2016-17academicyear.Miller-Rainessharedthatthe“secretsauce”fortheConsortium’ssuccessinnurturingGeorgia’sIPSEprogramshasbeenthebuy-infromstatepartners.“We’renotfightingagainstsomethingortocorrectsomething,”Miller-Rainessaid.“We’recreatingabrand-newinclusionpath.”Miller-RainesaddedthattheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)hasbeenaroundinK-12,andthattheIPSEconceptwasthe“nextlogicalstep.”ONCAMPUSCriticaltoasuccessfulimplementationatthecampuslevelhasbeenobtainingunconditionalsupportfromcampusadministrationandthestudentbodyatlarge.EachofGeorgia’ssevenIPSEcampus-basedprogramsresonateswiththespiritandcultureofitshostcampus.ThishelpsensurethatIPSEstudentsgetthetypicalandwhollyintegratedcollege

experience,andwalkawaywithoutcomeslikethoseoftypicallymatriculatingstudents.TheKSUAcademyforInclusiveLearningandSocialGrowthhasgrownfromjustthreestudentsinitsinauguralyear,toover50studentsduringthe2016-2017academicyear.TheAcademyoffersafullyinclusivecollegeexperiencetostudentswithI/DDwhodonotmeettheuniversityrequirementsforadmissionasdegree-seekingstudents.Itincludesenrollmentasnon-degreeseekingauditstudentsintypicaluniversitycoursesalongsidedegree-seekingstudents.Inrecentyears,theAcademyembarkeduponmoredaringandenrichingendeavorssuchassendingthreeofitsstudents–CharlieMiller,BrielynRoper-HubbertandJanetKeller–ona10-dayvisittotheUnitedArabEmirates(UAE).TheAcademystudentswerepartofalargerKSUcontingentthatincludedfiveExerciseScienceandSportsManagementstudentsandthreestaffmembers.Thetrip,consideredthefirstofitskindwherestudentswithdisabilitieswerefullparticipants,includedstopsinAbuDhabiandSharjah.“Thisisinclusive,”saidDr.IbrahimElsawy,theAcademy’sexecutivedirector.Aspartofthealternativespringbreak,Academystudentsworkedasvolunteersforacommunityserviceproject,attendedaclassatSharjahUniversityandvisitedwithnon-governmentalorganizations.AlongwithotherKSUstudents,theyvisitedtheSharjahSportsCouncilandattendedathleticevents.ElsawychosetheUAEbecauseofthecountry’sprogressiveworkwithstudentswithdisabilities.

WhiletheKSUAcademy’sglobetrottersbuildindependenceandgainasenseofserviceinadistantland,EastGeorgiaStateCollege’s(EGSC)CHOICE(CreatingHigherEducationOpportunitiestoIncreaseCollegeExperiences)programworkstoinstillthesesamevirtueswithinitsstudentsata“terrafirma”level.LocatedinthesmalltownofSwainsboroinsoutheasternGeorgia,theprogramlaunchedin2015withthreestudents.InconcertwiththeCHOICEcurriculumofcareerandlifeskillcourses,studentstakeacoreofrequiredregularcollegecoursesandelectivesrelatedtotheircareerandlifegoals.Indevelopingtheprogram,anexploratoryteamcomprisedofEGSCadministrators,volunteersandspecialeducationexpertsreviewedbestpracticesfromThinkCollege,regularlyparticipatedinwebinarsandpersonallyvisitedtheIPSEprogramsonthecampusesofVanderbiltUniversity(TN),WesternCarolinaUniversity(NC)andClemsonUniversity(SC).TheCHOICEprogramisaComprehensiveTransitionProgram(CTP)asdesignatedbytheUSDepartmentofEducation.OnebenefitoftheCTPisthatstudentsareeligibletoapplyforfinancialaid.ForCTPdesignation,aprogram’sstudentsmustspendatleasthalfoftheirtimeintheprograminactivitieswithstudentswithoutdisabilitiesininclusivecoursesandwork-basedtraining.SandySpringsresidentAmyWatson,motherofCHOICEstudentBreaHeard,beamswithpridewhenspeakingofherdaughter’sexperiencesatEGSC.Withanextensivebackgroundinsecondaryspecialeducation,Watson,acurrentdoctoralcandidate,visitedseveralIPSEprograms,includingtwohighly

acclaimedprogramsinVermontandFlorida.Ultimately,WatsonandBreaselectedEGSC’sCHOICEbecauseofthecampusfeel,programcurriculumandthevisionofCHOICEprogramdirectorDavis.Breahadanexcellentfirstyear,completewithaninternshipatSwainsboroMiddleSchool.ShewentontobeinductedintoEGSC’schapterofPhiThetaKappa,anacademichonorsocietyforthetopstudentsacrosstheentirecampus.CHOICErecentlyawardedtwostudents,DaizahMariahKellyofGarfieldandBenjaminHenryScottofSwainsborowiththeCHOICEProgramCertificateofAccomplishmentinWorkReadinessSkillsatthe56thCommencementCeremonyatEastGeorgiaStateCollegeinMay2017.TheNewKidsontheIPSEBlockHostingitsinauguralclassoffivestudentslastSpring,UniversityofGeorgia’sDestinationDawgsprogramdesignwas“informedby,andalignswith,severalnationalbestpracticestosupportstudentswithdisabilitiestoprepareforemploymentviainclusioninhighereducation,”saidCarolBrittonLaws,executivedirector.At#DawgNation,inclusivenessforstudentswithdisabilitiesbecametheplatformthattwoexecutiveteamsoftheStudentGovernmentAssociation(SGA)eitherranonorheavilyadvocatedforanIPSEprogram.TheUGASGA’slobbyingandadvocacyeffortsgarnerednationwidemediaattention,servingasacornerstoneforcampusengagement.ArkansasnativeDarbyMiller,UGA’17,arrivedoncampusintheFallof2013withafamilylegacyofserviceandasolidpersonalworkethic.MesmerizedbythenSGAVicePresident

JimThompson’spassionfortheimplementationofanIPSEprogramatUGA,MillerwentontobecomeamemberoftheFreshmanSenateand,thusbeganherSGAandstudentadvocacycareer.MillersubsequentlyjoinedanSGAExecutivebranch,andtheteamcontinuedtheIPSEadvocacyeffortsofthepreviousSGAadministration.TheyresearchedotherIPSEprograms,includingthoseatVanderbiltUniversity,ClemsonandKSU.SGA’sdreamofanIPSEprogramcametolifewiththeDestinationDawgsprogram’snewstudentorientationinFall2016.WhenTennesseenativeJordanHuffmanandhisfamilyrelocatedtotheNorthwestAtlantasuburbsduringhismiddleschoolyears,heimmediatelybecameadie-hard“BullDawg,”andboldlyproclaimedthathewouldbegoingtoUGAforcollege.Hismom,KathrynJunod,wasquitefamiliarwiththeIPSEconceptafterhavingstudiedVanderbilt’sprogramsandofferingsduringHuffman’sgradeschooldaysinTennessee.Bythetimeheenteredhighschool,thenumberofIPSEprogramshadgrownexponentially.However,UGA’sDestinationDawgsprogramwouldnotlaunchfornearlyayearafterHuffman’sgraduationfromForsythCounty’sLambertHighSchool.“Mr.Unstoppable,”wouldnotsettleonattendingoneoftheotherfineGA-areaIPSEprograms.HuffmanspentanothersemesterinhighschoolandappliedtobeintheinauguralclassoftheGeorgiaDestinationDawgsprogram,despitefiercecompetition.“Iwantedtomanagehisexpectations,”said

Junod.“Hewasalreadyacceptedtootherprograms,buthisheartwassetonbeingaBulldog.”Persistenceandpatiencepaidoff.HuffmanreceivedaletterofacceptancefromUGAinthefallof2016;andhisvideoofreadinghisacceptanceletterwentviralandwasevenpostedasonlinecontentfortheNBCTodayShow’swebsite.(Seepage20forlinktovideo.)TheSGA-ledapproachofrallyingthestudentbodytohelpdrivemomentumofafullyintegratedIPSEprogramatUGAwasagamechangerinIPSEprogramdevelopment,achievingnationalheadlines.TheevolutionoftheDestinationDawgsisnowconsideredabestpractice-typeapproachforotherschoolsseekingtoestablishIPSEprograms,sharedCateWeir,M.Ed.,ThinkCollegeprogramdirector.“UGAhasdoneafabulousjobofthisintermsofitemanatingfromtheirstudentbodypresidentsandthenitreallywaspartandparcelof‘thisissomethingUGAwantstodoandwe’reproudofit,’”saidWeir.InconcertwithSGAsupport,DestinationDawgsstudentsreceivedphenomenalrespectandadmirationfromtheirpeermentorsandtypicallymatriculatingstudentsatlarge.“Wewereextremelydiligentinlookingfortherightpeermentors,”saidAnnaBerrierLawrence,DestinationDawgscoordinator.“Wewantedpeoplewhowouldbetrulycommitted,andnotjustseekinganotheractivityfortheirresume.”Ontheirown,mentorsandUGAfriendscoordinatedabaseballoutingtocelebratethebirthdayofDawgsstudentJustinMejia.Theactivitywascompletelyplannedoutsidetheauspicesofthe

program,andJustinevenreceivedabaseballautographedbyseveraloftheballplayers.thepayoffAfterallthelobbying,administrationresearch,parentalsacrifices,studentbodyadvocacy,securingfundingandsheerwillpower,somemaywonderifitisallworthit.Theresultsspeakforthemselves.Ontheground,campusesreportthatIPSEstudentsarefullyengagedinthelearningprocess,andmakinggreatheadway.ExamplesincludeGeorgiaStateSenatorButchMiller’ssonCharlie’slife-changingtriptotheMiddleEastwithKSU’sAcademyandUGA’sDestinationDawgsstudentHuffmanrecentlybeingawardeda$5,000scholarshipfromRuby’sRainbow,anAustin,Texas-basednonprofitthatgrantsscholarshipstoadultswithDownsyndrome.Advocacy-wise,GCDDspearheadedalegislativeaskof$300,000innewfundingfortheIPSEprogramsforprogramsustainabilityandtoprovidescholarshipopportunitiesforyoungadultswhowishtoattendbutareunabletoaffordthetuitionandfees.GCDD’sadvocacyeffortswerewildlysuccessful,achievingawindfalltotalof$325,000innewstatefunds“forscholarshipsandoperations”withintheGeorgiaVocationalRehabilitationAgency(GVRA)budget.Also,$175,000oftheIPSEfundingestablishedinpreviousyearswithintheGCDDbudgetwasshiftedtoGVRA.ThebenefitsofshiftingfundingtoGVRAaremassiveinthatforeverystatedollarintheGVRAbudgetforIPSE,thereisapotentialtodrawdownuptofourfederaldollars.

TheopportunitiesforIPSEintheStateofGeorgiaarepracticallylimitless–givingachancetoallstudentswithdisabilitiesforabrightandmeaningfulfutureafterhighschool.IPSERESOURCESThinkCollegeGeorgiaInclusivePost-secondaryEducationConsortiumGeorgiaCouncilonDevelopmentalDisabilitiesGoingtoCollegeGEORGIA-BASEDIPSEPROGRAMS(asofJune2017)KennesawStateUniversityAcademyforInclusiveLearningandSocialGrowthUniversityofGeorgiaDestinationDawgsEastGeorgiaStateCollegeChoice(CreatingHigherEducationOpportunitiestoIncreaseCollegeExperiences)ColumbusStateUniversityGOALS(Guidance&OpportunitiesforAcademicandLeadershipSuccess)GeorgiaTechEXCEL(ExpandingCareer,EducationandLeadershipOpportunities)GeorgiaStateUniversityIDEAL(InclusiveDigitalExpressionandLiteracy)ProgramAlbanyTechnicalCollegeLEAP(LeveragingEducationforAdvancementProgram)

FEATURESTORY2DesigningAccessibilityByH.M.Cauley

Aftermuchanticipation,theAtlantaBravesopenedthegatestotheirnewstadiumthisspring,andthevenuehasdrawnoohsandaahsfromfansandconcert-goersalike.It’salsogottenravereviewsfromDominicMarinelli,aresidentofBuffalowhoplayedaspecialroleincreatingtheguestexperience.Marinelli,whousesawheelchair,servesasvicepresidentofaccessibilityservicesfortheNewYork-basedUnitedSpinalAssociation.Inthisrole,heconsultswitharchitectsanddesignerswhoareworkingonprojectsthatwillopentheirdoorstothepublic.Marinelli’sextensivebackground,first-handexperienceandexperteyeallowhimtoseeaccessibilityissuesthatneedtobeaddressedlongbeforeaconcerthallorstadiumisfinished.TherulesAccordingtotheUSDepartmentofJustice(DOJ)–CivilRightsDivision,DisabilityRightsSection,theAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct(ADA)requiresnewstadiumstobeaccessibletopeoplewithdisabilitiessothey,theirfamiliesandfriendscanenjoyequalaccesstoentertainment,recreationandleisure.Otheraccessibilityrequirements,suchasthoseforparkinglots,entrancesandrestrooms,alsoapplybutthesearethesameasforotherbuildings.Compliancewithalltheaccessibilityrequirementsisessentialtoprovideabasiclevelofaccessforpeoplewithdisabilities.OnSeptember15,2010,theDOJpublishedrevisedADAregulationsintheFederalRegisterthatupdateandamendsomeoftheprovisionsintheoriginal1991ADAregulations.Thesechangesincluderevisedaccessibilitystandards,called

the2010StandardsforAccessibleDesign(2010Standards),whichestablishminimumcriteriaforaccessibilityindesignandconstruction.The2010StandardsappliedtoStateandLocalGovernmentsandPlacesofPublicAccommodations.Thisincludesanynon-federaldepartment,agency,districtorinstrumentalityofaStateorlocalgovernment.(e.g.,stateartscommissionsandcouncils,city-ownedoroperatedculturalcenters,recreationalvenuesandparks,libraries,statecollegesanduniversities.)PlacesofPublicAccommodationincludeanyfacilityoperatedbyaprivate,non-governmentalentityandopentothepublic.Forexample:theaters,museums,concerthalls,artsandperformingartscenters,stadiums,privatecollegesanduniversities,lecturehalls,galleries,parks,zoos,otherplacesofexhibitionorentertainmentandassemblyareas.Thesestandardsbecamemandatoryafter18months,orMarch15,2012.Onandafterthisdate,thestandardsmentionedwerereplacedbythe2010Standards,whichbecamemandatoryandenforceable,andmustbeappliedtoallnewconstruction,renovations,modifications,alterationsandbarrierremoval.The2010Standardsalsoraisedtheaccessibilitystandardsofdifferentcomponentsofacompletefanexperience.TherewerenewrequirementsfortheAssistiveListeningSystems(ALS)thatdeterminedaudiblecommunicationisintegraltotheuseofthespace,butarenotrequiredwhereaudioamplificationisnotprovided–suchassportingevents.Additionally,25%ofthereceiversmustbehearingaidcompatible.

Therevisedregulationsalsoincludedasectiondevotedexclusivelytotheregulationofticketingforwheelchairspacesandcompanionseats,amongotherprovisions.STADIUMS“Accessibilityandwhatwedohasalwaysbeenpartoftheorganization,”saysMarinelli.“Butwithinthelastseveralyears,whatwedohasreallyincreasedthreeorfourtimesfromwhenwestarted.”Hiringaccessibilityexpertshasbecomethenormonmajorstadiumprojects,echoesMikeGalifianakis,theState’sADAcoordinatorforGeorgia’sFinancingandInvestmentCommission.“Accessibilityhascomesofarthatthedesignandbuildfirmsalwayshireanaccessibilityconsultanttoreviewplans,dothechecks,measurepartsofconstructionanddothesignoffs,”hesays.In2007,theGeorgiaStateFinancingandInvestmentCommission(GSFIC)andtheStateADACoordinator’sOfficeinitiatedtheStatewideFacilitiesAccessibilityProject.RecognizingtheState’sleadershiproleinensuringaccessibledesignthroughoutGeorgia’spublicandprivatesectors,theStateestablishedacomprehensiveaccessibilityplanforstate-ownedandoperatedfacilities,inordertoincreasetheaccessibilityandusabilityofthesefacilitiesforpersonswithdisabilities.EstablishingthatcodewasasignificantpartoftheworkperformedbyMarinelli’sassociation,whoserootsgobackasfarasthedayspost-WorldWarIIwhenreturningveterans–manyofwhomneverbelievedthey’devergetoutofthe

hospital–foundthemselvesbackintheworldwhereaccessibilityissueswerenotaddressed.“Theyweredischargedintothewonderfullyinaccessibleworldof1946NewYork,”saysMarinelli.“Soourorganizationbeganthentoworkonaccessforourmembers–peoplewithspinalcordinjuriesordiseases.”WhenMarinellifirstwenttoworkfortheassociation,hisfocuswaslargelyondevelopingaccessibilitystandardsforbuildings.“Weresearchedwhatourmembersneeded,andthatwentintoourstandards,”herecalls.“Thenin1986,thatstandardbegantobeadoptedbybuildingcodesaroundthecountryandbecamethebasisfortheFairHousingActandtheoriginalADAstandards.”Becauseofthatexpertise,theassociationhashistoricallyplayedaroleindevelopingaccessibilityrequirementsforpeoplewithanydisability,andthestaffhasbecomewhatMarinellidescribesas“accidentalconsultants”whonowworkonbuildingcodesandpresentinformationaboutthosecodestodesignprofessionalsandarchitectsaroundthecountry.Amongthevarietyofprojectstheyaddtheirideastoarestadiums.“We’vebeenworkingon[stadiums]foralongtime,”saysMarinelli.“Overtime,thestandardshavebeenrefinedtoincorporatethingsthatsolvetheuniquechallengesofalargeassemblyarea.”AmongMarinelli’screditsarethenewYankeesStadium,therefurbishedMadisonSquareGarden,theMinnesotaVikings’USBankStadiumandTargetField,thehometurfoftheMinnesotaTwins.InAtlanta,hewasakeyadvisorfortheBraves’new

SunTrustPark,andheiscurrentlyworkingwiththebuildersofMercedes-BenzStadiumwheretheAtlantaFalconsandAtlantaUnitedwillofficiallycallhomethisfall.Oneofthefirststepshetakesistoreviewarchitecturalplansandpinpointanypossibledesignissues.Heensuresthatbasicrequirementsaroundtheslopesoframps,elevators,accessibleconcessionstandsandbathroomsareinplace.Bythetimetheconstructiondocumentsarefinalized,thekeyelementsareusuallyinplace,butMarinelligoesfarther,makingitapointtohostfocusgroupmeetingswithmembersofthepublictohearfirst-handwhattheirneedsare.“Weareadisabilityorganization,andwerepresentpeoplewithspinalcordinjuriesordiseases,sothatisthecommunitywemeetwithtogettheirfeedback,”hesays.“WemetwithfansoftheBravesandFalconstotalkabouttheirexperiencesintheoldstadiumsandtohearwhatthey’dliketoseeinthenewones.”Publicvenuessuchasstadiumsposeuniquechallengestoaccessibility,Marinellisays.Amongtheissueshe’sworkedtoaddressinhisprojects,includingthoseinAtlantaareavailabilityofwheelchairspaces,inclusion,dispersedseatingandlineofsight.(Seesidebaratright.)TheTotalFanExperience“Inonewayortheother,sportsteamsandtheirownersoftensolicitinformationfromdisabilitycommunitiesorthepublictotryandincorporateaccessibilityfeaturesintothedesign,evenfeaturesthatmaynotberequiredbycode,”addedGalifianakis.

Marinellididjustthat.Theteamheldfocusgroupsthatwouldrecommendadditionalimprovementstomakethefanexperiencememorableforpeoplewithallabilities.ThefocusgroupsinAtlantasuggestedadditionalimprovementssuchasmorepoweroutlets,restroomaccessandevenaccessibleconcessionstands.Asaresult,thosevisitingSunTrustParkandMercedes-BenzStadiumwhoneedpowerfortheirsupportsystemswillfindoutletsataccessiblespaces.Inadditiontobathroomswithaccessiblestalls,patronswillfindmorefamilyrestroomsthatmakeiteasyformembersoftheoppositesextoassistthosewhoneedhelp,andthosefacilitieswillbespreadthroughoutthestadiums.Insteadofhavingonlyafewaccessibleconcessionstands,fanswillfindallofthecountershavebeenloweredto36inches.Theseimprovementsdemonstratethatbothteamsarecommittedtomakingtheirhomefieldsaseasytoaccessaspossible,saysMarinelli.“Inboththesestadiums,theteamswereproactiveingettingusinvolved.Andtheyweren’tjustgivingtheseissueslipservice.TheBraves,forinstance,hadacommitteeweworkedwith,andtheFalconssentarepresentativetoallofourmeetings.Bothofthemunderstoodtheissuesfacingpeoplewithdisabilities.”JustbeforeSunTrustParkopened,Marinellihadthechanceforafinalvisittoseehowaccessibleitis.“It’sjustbeautiful,brightandairy,”hesays.“Ithinkpeoplewillfindboththesenewstadiumsaresignificantlybetter.They’relikegoingfromaPintotoaCadillac!”

AtlantaBravesSunTrustParkAlllevelsoftheBravesSunTrustParkofferaccessibleseatingwithunobstructedviewsoftheplayingfield.RedcircleswithanAinsideindicatewhereaccessibleseatsarelocatedonthemapatleft.Clickonthemapforalargerview.Fortheirguestswithdevelopmentaldisabilities,theBravesalsoprovideaSensoryMapandaSocialStorybookguidetothestadium.AtlantaFalconsMercedes-BenzStadiumAccessibleseatingattheAtlantaFalconsnewMercedes-Benzstadiumensuresthatpeopleusingwheelchairsarenotisolatedfromotherspectatorsortheirfriendsorfamily.RedcircleswithanAinsideindicatewhereaccessibleseatsarelocatedonthemapabove.Clickonthemapforalargerview.PublicVenueAccessibilityissuesl AvailabilityofWheelchairSpaces:Atleastonepercentoftheseatingmustbewheelchairseatinglocations.Eachwheelchairseatinglocationisanopen,levelspacethataccommodatesonepersonusingawheelchair.l Inclusion:Accessibleseatingmustbeanintegralpartoftheseatingplansothatpeopleusingwheelchairsarenotisolatedfromotherspectatorsortheirfriendsorfamily.l DispersedSeating:Whenevermorethan300seatsareprovided,wheelchairseatinglocationsmustbeprovidedinmorethanonelocation.Thisisknownasdispersedseating.Wheelchairseatinglocationsmustbedispersedthroughoutall

seatingareasandprovideachoiceofadmissionpricesandviewscomparabletothoseforthegeneralpublic.l LineofSight:Spectatorsinwheelchairsmustbeabletoseetheactiononthefieldwhenthecrowdaroundthemisstandingbyinstallingraisedwheelchairareas.

FEATURESTORY3TalentandJobsAreBuildingStrongerCommunitiesByJenniferBoskGrassrootseffortsarebuildingstrongercommunitiesinbothMaconandLawrencevillebyshowcasingthetalentsandworkskillsofpeoplewithdisabilities.Thesesuccessfuleffortsarepromotingawareness,changingattitudesandencouraginginclusionamongeverydaycitizens–alldrivenbypeoplewhodecidedtotakechargeandmakechangeintheirowncommunities.Communitybasedmovementsmustrelyonengagedcommunitymembersatthelocalleveltoworktogethertowardcommongoalstoimprovetheircommunity.Thesemovementsandorganizationsencouragecommunitymemberstocontributebytakingresponsibilityforandaddressingtheneedstheyseeintheircommunity.AcrossGeorgia,manycommunityleadershavefoundwaystomaketheircitiesandtownsmoreinclusiveandbetterintegratepeoplewithandwithoutdisabilitiesthroughimprovedaccessibilityandtransportation.Othershavedeveloped

inclusivebusinessesthatareprovidingmeaningfulemploymentorformedartgroupsthatallowpeopletoexpressthemselvesthroughperformanceorvisualarts.Insomecases,localcommunitymembershavetakenituponthemselvestoaddressspecificneedsintheirhometowntocreatemoreinclusiveopportunitiesforpeoplewithdisabilitiesandintegratedmoreandmorelocalcitizenswiththedisabilitymovement.MusicallyInclinedInMacon,communitymembersorganizingaroundthetalentsofpeoplewithdisabilitiesandthelocalresidentsaresittingupandtakingnotice.Amazingly,a15-year-oldfoundawaytobringbeautifulmusictothecommunityasagiftandbringpurposetomanypeople’slives.LeahDuvalgrewupwithtwowonderfulinfluencesinherlife,theloveofsingingandtheloveforher47-year-oldauntwhohasdevelopmentaldisabilities.A10thgraderatHowardHighSchoolinMacon,Duvalhascombinedthosetwolovesintoonewonderfulserviceproject–GiftedHarmony.GiftedHarmonybringstogetherpeoplewithandwithoutdevelopmentaldisabilitieswholovetosingandtosharetheirtalentwiththeMaconcommunity.GiftedHarmonyisaninclusivechorusmadeupofadozensingersofavarietyofagesandraces,allwithdisabilitiesrangingfromDownsyndrometoautism,whichblendstheirsingingwithmembersofLeah’shighschoolchoir.Thisenrichesthesongsandtheexperienceandallowsformentoringandinteractionbetweenthehighschoolersandthememberswithdevelopmentaldisabilities.

Sincethebeginning,communityreactionwaswelcoming.ThechorushasperformedforMercerUniversity,CentralGeorgiaTechnicalCollege,amusculardystrophyfundraiser,andHazzardBaptistandFirstBaptistchurches.Inaddition,thecommunityralliedaroundthegroupwithFirstBaptistChurchonNewStreetdonatingrehearsalspaceforthechoruswhileotherlocalbusinessesprovidedfundingforchorusT-shirts,choirgownsandapost-concertreception.Impactonthechorusmemberswhohavedisabilitieshasbeengreat,too.Leahmentionsonechorusmemberontheautismspectrumwhowasextremelyshyandwouldnotsingveryloud.Nowshehasbecomethechorus’mostpowerfulsinger,isextremelysocialandhasdevelopedstrongbondswiththeotherchorusmembers.GiftedHarmonyhasalsodevelopedadedicatedfollowingthatgoesfromeventtoeventtohearthechorussing.“Theimpactonthecommunityhasbeenmind-blowing,”saysLeah’smother,Wanda.NandiIsaacisamemberofGiftedHarmony.Nearly34yearsold,NandiisdiagnosedwithDownsyndrome,islegallyblindandlovessinging.“Thisisthefirstblendedchorusandincludesallabilities,ages,colorandraces.But,allthatgoesawaywhentheysing,”explainsNandi’smother,Nalini.“Leah,thechorusdirector,isveryawareofthegiftsofothers,”addsNalini,describingarecentperformancewhereeveryonehadaroleinadditiontosinging.Somemembersreadscripture,otherstookanoffering.Nandireadapoem.Sincejoiningthechorus,thebiggestchangeinNandiisherwillingnesstoputhertimeandtalentintoit.Nandiownsand

operatesScanwithNanthatdigitizesandsavesprintedphotographsandmemorabilia.“Afterlookingafterherday-to-daybusiness,shedidn’talwaysliketogooutduringwhatNandilikestocallher‘metime.’Butwhenthechoruscalls,shegoes,”herMomsays.Inadditiontothechorusandherbusiness,NandiservesontheboardoftheGeorgiaCouncilonDevelopmentalDisabilities(GCDD)asaself-advocateandontheDepartmentofBehavioralHealthandDevelopmentalDisabilities’(DBHDD)DevelopmentalDisabilityAdvisoryCouncil.SheparticipatesonanadvisorygroupforParticipantDirection,aprogramthatallowsforpersonalchoiceandcontroloverthedeliveryof19waiverservicesforthosewholiveintheirownprivateresidenceorthehomeofafamilymember.ButwhenNandisings,explainsNalini,“there’sjoyandadynamicofsomethingreallygoingon!”LikeGiftedHarmony,othercommunityorganizationsarealsochanginglivesandcommunitiesacrosstheGeorgialandscapeusingthearts,includingABEL2inAtlantawhosemissionistoenhancethequalityoflifeforpeoplewithdisabilitiesandtheunderservedbycreatingmusicandartsopportunitiesforemploymentandentertainment.Theorganizationprovidesartisticprogrammingtoinspire,educateandequiptheirattendeestobecomeagentsofchangeintheirownlivesandinthelivesofthoseintheircommunities.SweetToothMeanwhile,inLawrenceville,GA,abusinessishavingasweetimpactonitsemployeesandthecommunity.

Aboutadecadeago,TempaandMichaelKohlerstartedthinkingaboutplansfortheirsonBradleywhowasbornwithFragileXsyndrome.Bradleywouldsoonbeagingoutofthecounty-supportedprogramsandhisparentswerehelpinghimlookforemployment.TheKohlerssoonrealizedthereweren’talotofemploymentoptionsavailableforpeoplewithdisabilities,sotheytookmattersintotheirownhands.Tempa’sloveofbakinginspiredSpecialKneadsandTreats,abakeryemployingadultswithandwithoutdisabilities.Currently,thebusinessemploys16adultswithdisabilities,hasfourvolunteersandhas150+potentialemployeesonawaitinglist.Besidesfindingawaytoaddressanongoingemploymentissueforthedisabilitycommunity,SpecialKneadsandTreatsalsofocusedonupliftingtheentireLawrencevillecommunitybygivingback.Thegroupworkswithlocalfoodministrycooperatives,elderlycarefacilities,batteredwomenandchildren’shomesandmedicallyfragilechildren’shomesaswellasmanylocallyownedbusinessesandcommunityoutreachprogramstoprovideforthoselessfortunateorinneedwithspecialtybakedgoodsandservices.“Ourprogramprovidesstrategicpartnershipsbetweenlocalbusinessandgovernmententerprisesinthesesamecommunities.SpecialKneadsandTreats,Inc.facilitatesjobskilltraininginthebakerybyprovidingasafeenvironmentfortheworkersandservingasaresourcecenterforindividualsinthecommunitywhileprovidingholisticlifeskilldevelopment

throughloveandcaringforallresidents,”asstatedonthebakery’swebsite.Approximately,600customerscomethroughthedooreachweekpurchasingalmost1,800cupcakesaswellasothercakes,cookiesandtreats.Sometimesupto30freebirthdaycakesandsweetsareprodonatedtovariousothernonprofitsandspecialtygroupsinsupportofspecialneedsorthoselessfortunate.Thebakerywillsoonmovetoalargerspacewheremorepeoplewithandwithoutdisabilitieswillbeemployed;andthebuildingwillbemoresuitableforthoserequiringwheelchairsandwalkers.Inaddition,thelargerfacilitywillallowthebakerytoproducemoreproductsinsupportofpeoplewhodeserveemploymentopportunitiesandprovideforthosewhofaceeconomicchallenges.Eventually,thefoundershopethefacilitycanbeusedasadistributionpointtofeedintosmallstorefrontsinsurroundingcities,whichinturnwouldallowformorespecialneedsemploymentandcommunityoutreach.BuildingStrongerCommunitiesBuildingstronger,moreinclusivecommunitiescomesinmanydifferentforms.Mostimportantly,communityenhancementsrelyonindividualsandcommunityleaderstorecognizetheneedsandthepotentialoftheirowncommunityandworktomakeitmoreinclusiveforeveryone.Isthereacommunitybuilder,grouporbusinessworkinghardtomakeyourcommunitymoreinclusiveandintegratedforpeoplewithdisabilities?ReachouttoGCDDatsubmissions@gcdd.organdshareyourstory!

MIA’SSPACEWhyAreWeStillHere?ByPatNobbie,PhD,Mia’smomIt’sconferenceseason.Itravelthecountryandtalktofamilies,peoplewithdisabilities,providers,andacademicsaboutwhat’shappening.Thissummer,thethemeissocialdeterminantsofhealth–theimpactthatemployment,stable,safeandaffordablehousing,peersupport,accesstohealthyfood,friendsandrelationshipshaveonaperson’shealth.Thesearenotthingsthathavebeentypicallyincludedinhealthcareplans,althoughitmakesintuitivesense.Howcanyousticktoamedicationroutineforasthma,ormakeitthroughchemo,ifyoudon’thavestablehousing?Howcanyoumanagedepressionoranxietywhenyouhavenothingtododuringtheday?Howcanyoubuildresiliencytochangesinyourlifeifyouhavenosignificantrelationships?Ifyoudon’thaveaccesstohealthyfoodonaconsistentbasis,howdoyoumanageyourdiabetes?Oryourweight?Healthcareisgettingasociallife.Themedical/acutecareworldisbranchingoutandrealizingthatthesocialaspectsofsomeone’slifeareintertwinedwiththeirphysicalandmentalwell-beingandthewell-beingoftheirfamily.Figuringouthowtointegratetheseaspectsoflifeintoreimbursableservicesistough–andevenmoresounderthethreatofdrasticreductionsinpublicfinancing.Idon’thavealltheanswersyet.

Certainly,thegoalisnot“hewhohasthemostserviceswins.”Charitableandfaith-basedentitiescan’tcarrythewholeload.Andwecannotassumethatfamiliescanmanageitall–wehavetoomanyscarystatisticsontheeconomiccoststosocietyforlengthyunpaidfamilycaregiving.Butcertainly,wecouldremovebarriersthatpreventaccesstothediversethingsthatmakeupthecommunitythatsupportsusall,andamongus,peoplewithmoreuniqueneeds.Miaispresentwithmeinalltheseconversationsthroughourexperiencesofsupportingherandhowlivingspace,employmentandextensivesocialengagementhasmadeherlifeinthecommunitypossible.Againstthethreatofoursocialsafetynetunraveling,weneedtothinkaboutstrengtheningaccesstothecommunityespeciallyforthosewhohavebeenpreviouslyleftout.I’matalossforwords.OratleastwordsthatcombineinthemeandleadtoapointthatisrelatedtoMia.Ihavealotofwords–abouttheanxietymanypeoplewhoreceiveMedicaidareexperiencing,aboutmyexperiencesinthepastfewweeks,speakingatconferencestoparentsandtheiryoungadults,aboutemploymentmostlyandhearingtheirstories.LiketheautisticyoungmanwhoworkedverysuccessfullyinapubliclibraryinNewYork,andbecauseofachangeinhisfamilysituation,movedtoanotherstatetolivewithanotherfamilymember.WhenhewenttoVRtofindanotherjobtheyreferredhimtoPublixtobaggroceries.HeknewtheDeweyDecimalsystem!Orthefamilywhose44-year-olddaughterworkedwithaproviderandajobcoachtogetajobatathemepark

restaurant,butafterfourmonthswasfired–turnsoutshewasn’tdoingherrestaurantwork.Butwherewasthejobcoach?Andtherewasnocommunicationwiththeemployerortheparents.Orthemomwitha22-year-oldsonwithlearningdisabilitieswhoalwayswantedtowork,hadseveralgoodjobs,andjustwhenheputmoneydownonhisfirstcar,wastransferredwithinadealershiptothegarageafterworkingonthefloor,withnoexplanation,notransitionandwasfiredwhenheexpressedhisfrustration.Isthatenoughwords?Aftersomanyyearsofemploymentwork,somuchtraining,newfederalpoliciesthatsupportwork,arecoveringeconomy.Whyarewestillhere?Herearemytopfewrecommendations:l UseprovisionsintheHCBSsettingsruletoconsolidatewaivers,creatingamenuofservicesandsupports,anduseindividualizedassessmentsandperson-centeredplanningtohelpindividualsortheirrepresentativesselectfromthemenu.Familiestendtobeconservativeandonlytakewhattheyneed.l Buildnaturalsupportsintoeachperson-centeredplan.l Expandsharedlivingoptions.l SupportPAIDfamilycaregiving.l Expandparticipantdirection,coupledwithsupportforparticipantstomanagetheirbudgets.l Increasesupportworkerwages.Turnovercostsanywherefrom$2500to$5000peremployee,nottomentiontheeffectsofrotatingstaffonthepeopletheysupport.Paidcaregivingwillbethefastestgrowingsegmentofthelabormarkettokeep

pacewiththebabyboomerswhowillneedthem.Whowasthattalkingaboutjobcreation?l Includesmallscaletransportationinnovationsininfrastructureinvestment.Thebiggestbarriertopeopleaccessingtheirhealthcare,employment,healthyfoodandsociallifeislackoftransportation.Whowasthattalkingaboutinfrastructure?l Focusonemployment.l Employtechnology.Newdevicesandappsshouldbemoreavailabletomorepeople.Eachofthesecouldbeawholecolumn.Individualswithdisabilitiesandtheirrepresentativesknowbestwhatworks.Wemustspeakthetruthswehavelearnedtothenewpowersthatbe.

REALCOMMUNITIESPARTNERSHIPSRealCommunitiesOrganizesCommunityChangewithABCDSumayaKarimiistheGCDDRealCommunitiesorganizingdirectorAssetBasedCommunityDevelopment(ABCD)isamethodfororganizingcommunitychangebyfocusingontheprimaryassetsofaneighborhoodratherthanwhatmaybeperceivedasitsneedsorliabilities.Itisaneighbor-drivenprocessthatbuildsrelationship,connectionandcollaborationinthecommunity.Ideasaresharedinresponsetotheunderlyingquestion,“Whatcanwedotogethertoimproveeveryneighbor’slife?”

Ultimately,asaferenvironmentevolvesaseveryonefeelsempoweredtodomoretotakeownershipandbringaboutnecessarychange.ABCDfocusesontheassetsofthepeopleinthecommunity,aswellasonassociations,institutionsandphysicalspaces.Forexample,whenapersonwholivesintheneighborhoodloves,connectsandworkswellwithchildrenandyouth,thenthisisanassetwhichshouldbeusedappropriately.Youngpeoplecanbeengagedastheyrespondtothequestion,“Whatwouldyouliketodotoimproveyourcommunity?”Empoweredwithasenseofownership,theytakechargeoftheimprovementstheywanttosee.Itcanbeassimpleaschildrencleaningandbeautifyinganeglectedarea;improvingtheschoolenvironment;tacklinggangviolence;orparticipatinginlocalgovernment.Theeffortsoftheentirecommunityaremultipliedexponentiallywhenthereisintentionalinclusionandactiveinvolvementofdiverse,marginalizedpopulations,suchasyouth,theelderly,thepoor,peopleofcolor,peoplewithdisabilities,allgendersandsexualorientation,immigrants,refugeesandallreligions.NeighborhoodAssociationsorinformallocalgroupstakeontheroleofaskingkeyquestions:“Whatelsecanbedonetoimproveourcommunity?”“Whatrelationshipshouldbebuilt?”“Whatconnectionshouldbefostered?”“Whatalliesshouldbeidentified?”“Whatarethecaps?”“Whatresourcesareneeded?”“Whatistheroleoftheinstitutionandhowcanitsupportthelocalinitiative?”TheABCDapproachistolookfirstwithinthecommunityforitsassetsand,ifnecessary,takestepstoleverageoutsideresources.

AnothercomponentofABCDisalocallybasedeconomywhichincludesthegoodsandservicessoldwithineachcommunity.Purchasingpowerisleveragedtosupportlocalbusinessestokeepthewealthwithinthecommunity.Thelocalgrouporassociationposeskeyquestions:“Howdobusinessesinvestinthecommunity?”“Whatshouldbetheroleofbusinesseswithinthecommunity?”“Howcanthemembersofthecommunitysupportthelocaleconomy?”Worker/ownersareempoweredtokeeptheirwealthwithintheircommunities.Becausesocialresponsibilityistakenseriously,co-opparticipantsbecomeinvestedinboththeeconomicfreedomofeachother,aswellasintheeconomicviabilityofthebroadercommunity.PhysicalAssetsincludeland,parks,greenspaces,recreationalcentersandplaygrounds.Thesephysicalspacesarebuiltandmaintainedinawaythatincludeseveryoneintheneighborhood.Itmeansthespacesarewelcomingandaccessibletochildren,peoplewithdisabilitiesandtheelderly.Theyaredesignedtovaluetheartsandcultureofeveryrace,ethnicityandreligionandtobeanimal-friendly.Thesegroups,inconstantcollaborationwithcommunitymembers,takeresponsibilityforbeinginclusivebybuildingrelationshipsandinvitingalltobeinvolved.Participationisbasedonacommitmenttobeaccountableforsharedresourcesandthebettermentofthecommunity.

RealCommunitiesSPOTLIGHTForsythFarmers’Market:ProvidingAWelcomingandInclusivePlaceForLocalFoodinSavannahOnanySaturdayfrom9AMto1PMatthesouthendofForsythParkonParkAvenueinSavannah,theForsythFarmers’Market(FFM)sellsawidearrayoffreshvegetables,fruits,breads,meatsandcheeseswhileeducatingpatronsonproperfoodpreparationandcooking.ThemissionofthemarketisforpeopletocometogetherinaninclusivespacethatispositiveandpromoteslocalfoodaccessforthelargerSavannahcommunity.AsaGeorgiaCouncilonDevelopmentalDisabilities(GCDD)RealCommunitiesPartnership,FFMhasservedasacorner-stoneindevelopingamorewelcomingneighborhoodandprovidingopportunitiesforpeoplewithandwithoutdisabilitiesforcommunityconnectionandcontribution.MixedGreens,agrassrootsgroup,interfaceswithFFMandhostsavarietyoflearningopportunitiesandinteractiveprojects,embracingsharedandinclusivelifeexperiences.“WehaveofferedprogramsinMindfulEatingandFoodAwarenesstoencourageandsupporttheuseoffreshproduceandhomepreparedfoods,”saysPatriciaRichardson,whoisaco-communitybuilderwiththegroup.“Wewillstartafilmseriesonfoodaccess,communitygardensanduniversalaccessibilitynextmonth.”Createdfiveyearsago,MixedGreensbeganmeetingatpeople’shomesandlocalofficesbeforedecidingonWilliam’s

Court,anapartmentcomplexfortheelderlyandpeoplewithdisabilities.Theretheywouldengagefarmersandgardenersinthecommunityandlearnabouttheirexperiencesgrowingfood.CurrentlytheofficeandmeetingplaceislocatedwithinWesleyOakMethodistChurchcampuswhereMixedGreenshasbegunacommunitygarden,collaboratingwiththechurchandneighbors.Someproducefromthegardenhasbeensoldonthe912FarmTruck,aportablemarketthattravelsto“desertneighborhoods”todeliverfreshproduce.Desertneighborhoodsareareasthatdonothaveaccesstofreshfood.Thereisanherbalistonboardwho,alongwiththefarmtruckmanager,educatespeopleintheneighborhoodhowtobestusetheproduceandtheconceptsoffarmtotable.Toexpandaccess,FFMallowsneighborswhouseSNAP(SupplementalNutritionAssistanceProgram)/EBT(electronicbenefitstransfer)toshopforhealthyfood.Thesystemalsooffersa“doublevalue”programforSNAP/EBTshopperswheretheyreceive$100offreshproducefor$50.Creatingchoiceandassistancetoallinthecommunityforhealthyfoodispartoftheirmission.Currently,MixedGreensiscollaboratingwithSUGA,SavannahUrbanGardenAlliance,whichconnectscommunitygardensinthecitywith:localschoolgardens;LIFE,Inc.;localandregionalRotaryClubs;andHospiceSavannah.OneofMixedGreensgoalsistocreatespacewherethereisopenconversationaboutlifeandhealthpatterns(includingissueswithdisability)thataresometimesdifficulttoaddress.BypartneringwithGCDD,

FFMandMixedGreensseektoincreasetheirlocalandstatewideorganizationalrelationships.GrowingFFMisn’teasyandthebulkoftheworkdoneisthroughvolunteerism.Theyencouragevolunteersofallkindstocomeoutandhelpwiththemarket,inthegardenorthroughprogramming.Eachyear,volunteerscontributemorethan1,300hours.Since,2014,threepart-timeco-communitybuilderswithdisabilitieshavetakenonactiveleadershiproles.“MixedGreenshasbeenanintegralpartofhospitalityatFFMandbeyond,”saysRichardson.“WehaveusedtheRealCommunitiesfourcommitmentstoguideourworkandwehaveexperiencedthemcometolifeinourexperienceswithMixedGreens.”Tosignuptobeavolunteer,beasponsoroftheForsythFarmers’MarketortolearnmoreaboutMixedGreens,visitwww.gcdd.org

PERSPECTIVESInthisissueofMakingADifferencemagazine,wesharefourperspectivesofstudentsandtheirparentswhohaveenrolledorgraduatedfromInclusivepost-secondaryeducationprograms(IPSE)inGeorgia.BuildingaFutureByJordanHuffmanandKathrynJunod

JordanHuffmanFreshmanatUniversityofGeorgia’sDestinationDawgsAthens,GAJordan:IhadmyheartsetonbecomingaUniversityofGeorgiaBulldog.WhenIheardabouttheDestinationDawgsprogram,IknewIwantedtogothere.Inmyfirstsemester,IlearnednewthingsandwhatIaminterestedin.Myfavoriteclassiswellness,butsomechallengesarepayingattentionandstayingawakeinclass.IlovesportslikeSpecialOlympicsbasketball,horsebackridingandflagfootball.IdecidedthatIwanttobeasportscasterforESPN.IplanoninterviewingmyfriendAdam,whoisonthebaseballteam,andhisteammatesandcoaches.IlovebeingaGeorgiaBulldogatDestinationDawgs!Kathryn:WestartedlookingatIPSEoptionswhenJordanwasinelementaryschoolbecausewewantedhimtohaveoptionsandthesameopportunitiesaskidswithoutdisabilities.WeunderstoodwhattheeligibilityrequirementsforIPSEwere,andmadesurehisIEP(IndividualizedEducationalPlan)wasplannedtomeetthose.ItwasmadecleartoJordanthatthiswasthepathhewason.Asparents,wesetafoundationforhissuccessbyencouraginghisindependence.WhenhegotacceptedintoDestinationDawgs,Ididhavehesitationbecauseitwasanewprogram,newteachersandawholenewenvironment.Oncewewentthroughtheorientationandmethispeermentors,Ikneweverythingwasgoingtobefine.Everysemesterwasgoingtobeachallenge–justlikeforanycollegestudent.ButIamexcitedforwhat’saheadforJordan,andIhopetoseehim

liveandworkindependently.(KathrynJunodistheparentofJordanHuffman.)CheckouttheYouTubevideoofJordanreadinghisacceptanceletter.AchievingDreamsByBenjaminScottandCorineHamptonBenjaminScottGraduateoftheCHOICEProgramforInclusiveLearningatEastGeorgiaStateCollegeTwinCity,GABenjamin:IdecidedtogotoCHOICEbecauseIwantedtobettermylifeandmycareer.IcurrentlyalsoworkatUPSinmaterialsmanagement.InowplantoattendGeorgiaSouthernUniversityandmajorinLogistics.Theprogramhelpedmegainconfidence,self-esteemandmadememoreoutgoing.Somestudentsmightnotthinkthatcollegeisanoptionbecauseoftheirdisability,butitis.Tobesuccessfulincollege,nevergetbehindonassignments,takeadvantageofalltheresourcesandsupportandalwaysspeakup.AttendingCHOICEwasthebestdecisionIhavemade.Corine:Atfirst,IwasafraidtoletBenjamingotoCHOICE.Hehadbeensosheltered.Iknewhewascapable,butIwasafraidtolethimgo.Hetoldmeabouttheprogram,andIknewthiswashisdream.ThepeopleatCHOICEguidedhimandtaughthimnotonlyhisschoolwork,butalsohowtobeindependent.

Thatisthebestthingtoteachyourchild:independence.Hechangeddramatically.Atfirst,hewouldnotspeaktoyou,butnowhehasgrownasapersonwhohasconfidence.Hehasheldajob,andnowwillcontinuehisstudiesatGeorgiaSouthern.He’sreadyforit.Thisexperiencetaughtmethatjustbecauseyourchildhasadisability,itdoesnotmeanthattheylackpotential.Youmightnotbeabletoseeit,butyouhavetogivethemachancetogrow,learnanddream.(CorineHamptonistheparentofBenjaminScott.)

EXPERTUPDATEIPSEGrowsacrosstheNationByCateWeir,M.Ed.Thehistoricalgrowthofinclusivepost-secondaryeducation(IPSE)optionsnationallyhasbeenslow,butagrassrootsefforthasledthewaysincethelate1990s.BeforetheHigherEducationOpportunityActof2008,IPSEprogramswerestartedbyamomoradadwhowantedacollegeexperiencefortheirchild.Thatstillhappenstoday.Parentsareahugeimpetusforthedevelopmentoftheseprograms,workingwiththeirnetworks,makingconnectionsandmakingthecasesonewopportunitiesareavailable.Therearenowapproximately265programsnationallythatmeetthefundamentaldefinitionsofinclusivepost-secondaryeducationforyouthwithintellectualdisabilities.Someofthemainthingsthatarehappeningnationallyarearesultof

fundingbytheThinkCollegeNationalCoordinatingCenter(TCNCC).TheFirstCohortIn2010,thefirstcohortofapproximately2,100studentsparticipatedinamodeldemonstrationproject,TransitionandPost-secondaryProgramsforStudentswithIntellectualDisabilities(TPSID).Inthefirstfiveyears,ThinkCollegecollecteddataonstudentsupto90daysaftergraduationandthosewholefttheprogram.Wefounda40%paidcompetitiveemploymentrateamongalltheprogramparticipantsfromyearonetoyearfive.Incontext,NationalCoreIndicatorsDataclockedinemploymentperadultswithdisabilitiesataround16%.Throughthisstudy,weareseeingdecentemploymentratesforgraduates,andarenowembarkingonamorecomprehensivedatacollection.Overthenextfiveyears,ThinkCollegewillproduceamorerobustreportonoutcomesforthesestudents.Thesecondcohortofstudentslaunchedin2016.Person-centeredApproachEmploymentisimportant,butthingslikebeingabletoliveinyourownapartment,livingwithfriendsyoumadeincollege,feelingmoreselfaware,beingabetterself-advocateandlearningtocoordinateaperson-centeredplanningteamaroundyourlifearealsoimportantoutcomes.IPSEcollegeprogramsreallydoagoodjobwithperson-centeredplanning,which100%oftheprogramsareusing.Studentsarelearninghowtoaccessadultsupportserviceswhichisveryimportantfortheirqualityoflife.Theyhavethe

opportunitytoruntheirownmeetingsandsettheirowngoalsforthemselveswithintheprogram.ThereareseveralotherthingsthatwillcertainlyimpactGeorgiaandotherprogramsnationally.Inthelastfiveyears,2010-2015,ThinkCollegehasdevelopedmodelaccreditationstandardsforIPSEprograms.Currentlytherearenosetstandardsofpractice,butThinkCollegeatleastdefinedfoundationsforsettingupprograms.However,IPSEprogramsarenotaccreditedlikeotherhighereducationprogramsatacollegeorauniversity.TCNCCisworkingonhowthataccreditationprocesswillwork,whomightbetheaccreditingagencyorwhetherourownaccreditingagencymustbecreated.Relatedtoaccreditationistheconceptofthekindofcredentialsstudentscanearnintheseprograms.Initially,theideabehindIPSEwasthatstudentswouldattend,haveacollegeexperience,learnandgetemployment.Butwhatwilltheyearn?That’soneofthefirstquestionsatypicalcollegestudentasks:whatwillIearnwhenIgraduate?ForIPSE,thiswasnotevenontheradar20yearsago.Butnow,we’rereallyfocusingonwhatitmeanstoattendoneoftheseprograms.Ifanemployerisinterviewingtwostudents–onewhowenttotheIPSEprogramatGeorgiaTechandonewhodidnot,whatdoestheemployerthinkabouttheircredentials?BenchmarksRightnow,ThinkCollegehashundredsofstudentsandwouldliketohave2,000-3,000follow-uprecords.Forarobustreport,weneedagoodgroupofstudentsthatwehearfromeveryyear

whotelluswhatthey’vebeendoingandwhattheiroutcomeshavebeen.Wealsopayalotofattentiontowhathappensintheprogramsthemselves.Whataretheprogram’spractices?Forexample,theHigherEducationOpportunityActstatesthatstudentsinIPSEprogramsneedtobeparticipatinginacademicopportunitieswithpeerswithoutdisabilitiesatleast50%ofthetime.Wehaveyettosee50%academicinclusioninthedatawecollect,butweconstantlysupportthisgoal.Programpracticesthatwehavebenchmarkedaremorepaidemployment,paidemploymentwithintheprogramandgrowinginclusiveacademicopportunities.WewanttoseeeverycampushaveanIPSEprogramwherestudentscanliveoncampus,butoutsidedatashowsthatcurrently32%arenoteligible.Manynonresidentialprogramsdoanexcellentjobofhavingstudentscometocampuseveryday.Andthey’renotonlygoingtoclass,butparticipatinginclubsandworkingoncampus.Butwhilethismaximizesopportunities,thereisadifferentexperiencewhenyoureallyliveoncampus.Itcreatesthesupportstructurepeopleneed24/7awayfromhomeandcanremoveadditionalbarriers.WIOAGeorgia’sWorkforceInnovationandOpportunityAct(WIOA)hasbeenamodelintermsofhowtoimplementWIOAthroughtheuseofIPSEfortransitionservicesandforemploymentoutcomesforpeoplewithintellectualdisabilities.WIOAspecificallymentionsIPSEopportunitiesforpeoplewithintellectualdisabilities,andalsofocusesontransition-aged

youth,spending25%oftheirbudgetontransitionservices.However,it’simportanttheseprogramsdonotturnintoworkprogramswheresomeonejustgetsavocationalcertificate.Studentsshouldnotonlyhavethatoption,butalsoinclusivechoiceslikeeveryothercollegestudent.Georgia’sGrowthGeorgiahasseenremarkablegrowthwithsevenIPSEprogramsacrosstheStateandmoreintheplanningstages.ThisbringsavarietyofoptionstopeopleinGeorgiabecausetheyaredifferentkindsofcolleges,whichofferdifferentcoursesofstudy.TheStatehasanorganizedinfrastructureledbyGeorgiaStateUniversity,whichhasalwaysbeenstrong.WhileGeorgiacurrentlyhasafederalgrant,itwaspreviouslydoinggreatworkpartneringwithagencieslikeVocationalRehabilitation.Georgianswereadvocatingatthelegislativelevel.WhatGeorgiaisdoingisreallythefutureofinclusivepost-secondaryeducation.CateWeir,M.Ed.istheprogramdirectoroftheThinkCollegeNationalCoordinatingCenter(TCNCC),fundedbytheOfficeofPostsecondaryEducationattheUSDepartmentofEducation.TCNCCisatrainingandtechnicalassistancecenterfocusedonpost-secondaryeducationforstudentswithintellectualdisabilitiesattheInstituteforCommunityInclusionattheUniversityofMassachusettsBoston.Weirmanagesallaspectsofthenationaltechnicalassistancecenter,includingproductdevelopmentanddissemination,nationaltechnicalassistanceprovision,andlargescaleandtargetedtraining.

GCDDLaunchesCampaignto#SaveMedicaidCampaignfights$800billionincutstoMedicaidGeorgianswithdisabilities,togetherwithagencies,organizationsandnonprofitswhoservethem,launchedtheNoCuts!NoCaps!campaigntobringtoattentiontotheOVER$800billioncutstoMedicaidintheUSSenateproposedBetterCareReconciliationAct.OneinfiveGeorgiansdependonMedicaidservices.Medicaidprovidesapproximately400,000peoplewithdisabilitiesinGeorgiawithaccesstocriticalcarethathelpsthemlive,workandparticipateintheircommunities.Thisincludespersonalcareservices,specializedtherapies,mentalhealthservices,specialeducationservices,respitecareandemploymentsupports.Thesecriticalservicesarenotavailableunderprivateinsurance.GCDDLeadstheGeorgiaCampaign“Peoplewithdisabilitiesarecontributingmembersofourcommunity,andtheproposedMedicaidcutswillbedevastatingnotonlytothedisabilitycommunity,buttotheStateofGeorgia,”saidEricJacobson,executivedirectoroftheGeorgiaCouncilonDevelopmentalDisabilities(GCDD).GCDDisleadingtheGeorgiacampaignto#SaveMedicaid.ThebillproposestodrasticallycutfederalMedicaidtostates,includingthrough“percapitacaps.”Georgiawillbedisproportionallyhurtbythesecapsbecauseofthestate’slowMedicaidspending.TheStateis50thinMedicaidspendingon

peoplewithdisabilitiescombinedwithithavingoneofthehighestfederalmatchrates–68.5%ofallofGeorgia’sMedicaidcostsarepaidbythefederalgovernment.ThelossofbillionsofdollarsinfederalMedicaidfundingcouldleadtoservicereductions,longerwaitlistsandcutsinproviderreimbursementrates.Optionalhomeandcommunity-basedservices(HCBS)aremostatrisk.GetYourVoiceHeardbyYourLegislators“Itisimportantthatourlegislators,inGeorgiaandWashington,DC,understandhowcutsandcapstoMedicaidunderthisproposedbillwillnegativelyimpacttheirconstituents,”saidJacobson.“WeaimtorallytheGeorgiacommunitythatreliesonMedicaidtocalltheirSenatorsandsharetheirstories.Advocacyisthemostimportantandeffectivewaytogetyourvoiceheard.”FormoreonGeorgia’sNoCuts!NoCaps!#SaveMedicaidcampaign,www.gcdd.org/save-medicaid