Making a difference [Vol. 3, no. 3 (Summer 2002)]

Making A DIFFERENCE

Summer 2002

www.gcdd.org

EasyLiving Homes

Visit-ABILITY For All

Also Inside:
Accessible Congregations People-First Language Finding Romance

A Quarterly magazine that focuses on issues for Georgia's Developmental Disability Community

Volume 3, Issue 3

Summer, 2002

A quarterly magazine of the

GOVERNOR'S
COUNCIL ON
DEVELOPMENTAL
DISABILITIES

The Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities collaborates with Georgia's citizens, public and private advocacy organizations and policymakers to positively influence public policies that enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities and their families. The Council provides this through education and advocacy activities, program implementation and funding, and public policy analysis and research.

2 Peachtree Street, N.W., Suite 8-210 Atlanta, GA 30303-3142
Voice (404) 657-2126 Fax (404) 657-2132 Toll free: (888) 275-4233 TDD: (404) 657-2133 www.gcdd.org
Lynnette Bragg, Chairperson lynnettebragg@aol.com
Eric E. Jacobson, Executive Director eejacobson@dhr.state.ga.us
Yao Seidu, Editor in Chief yaseidu@dhr.state.ga.us
Janice Nodvin, Executive Editor May South, Inc.
Jody Steinberg, Managing Editor Stone Mountain Public Relations
Eden Landow, Assistant Editor
Andy Suggs, Design Director Digital Technologies
Pattie Churchfield, Designer Digital Technologies
Rikka Wallin, Cover Photographer
MAKING A DIFFERENCE ADVISORY BOARD
Dave Blanchard Atlanta Alliance on Developmental
Disabilities
Karen Carter, M.D. Medical College of Georgia
Lucy Cusick Families of Children Under Stress
Don Pollard Self Advocate
Patricia Solomon Georgia Department of Education Division for Exceptional Students

It is the policy of Making A Difference to publish readers' letters and editorial
cartoons. Content does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the GCDD, the editors or state government. Send your opinions to jody@stonemountainpr.com
or fax to Janice Nodvin at (770) 956-8907.

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Making A DIFFERENCE

contents
3 OPINIONS 4 COUNCIL UPDATE/NEWS BRIEFS 6 MEDICAL/NUTRITION
Growth Problems Due to feeding difficulties 7 People-First Language Raises Respect Putting the person before the disability just makes sense 8 LOVE STORIES Finding Romance Couples find their own happily ever after 10 RELIGION Accessible Congregations Network helps everyone practice keeping the faith 14 Accessible Housing Independent days begin at home 18 COMMUNITY SPORTS Community Teambuilding Sports and Recreation are winning ways to get healthy and socialize 19 GEORGIA ROUNDUP 20 RESOURCES 21 CALENDAR
features
12 Visitable Homes EasyLiving Homes build foundation in Georgia
16 PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT A New Beginning TAPP sing praises of postcorrectional initiatives

OPINIONS

Let's applaud our advancement
People with disabilities are seen and heard more today in a variety of places; in the streets as advocates, in new and remodeled homes as homeowners and places of worship as everyday citizens, taking advantage of everyday opportunities. They, their families and advocates are pushing for inclusive housing, jobs and recreation within their own communities and are succeeding.
As the quality of life, health care and life expectancy increase for all of us, the potential is greater for people with disabilities to enjoy life and fulfill dreams like never before.
It takes more than dreams -- families and support teams help bring dreams to reality. Actions are taken after long consideration, skill development and with ongoing support. The general population has much to learn from such a plan of action.
This edition of Making A Difference profiles success stories resulting not from impulsive or responsive actions, but because dreams and hard work combined with support and shared vision create new opportunities.
You will read about people with disabilities who have been allowed to dream, have long-term goals and accomplish lifetime objectives. They are marrying, living in improved housing, worshiping in chosen religions and enjoying the advances of improved health care.
We applaud the many successes that are profiled here, and hope this will continue for Georgians with disabilities -- that with support, encouragement and acceptance, many more dreams will be realized.
With the election process under way, we urge our readers and the disability community to delve into the issues and continue effecting positive change.
In Memory of Justin Dart
Popularly recognized as pioneer and Godfather of the Disability Rights Movement, renowned human rights activist Justin Dart Jr. died June 22 from congestive heart problems and post-polio syndrome. He was 71.
Dart is best known for his work to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. An heir to the Walgreen fortune and himself a successful entrepreneur, Dart, who used a wheelchair, dedicated his life and resources to improving human and civil rights for all disenfranchised Americans, including people with disabilities.
Dart directed the Rehabilitation Services Administration in 1986. He earned countless honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award. He was on the podium when President George H. Bush signed the ADA into law July 26, 1990.
Until his death, Dart pushed to advance the rights of people with disabilities and was a strong advocate for a national universal health plan. An internet guestbook in his honor can be found at:
www.icanonline.net/guestbookjd.cfm

A community that excludes even one of its members is no community at all.*
*Smithsonian National Museum of American History Disability Rights Exhibition
Truths about education evident in media coverage
Children with disabilities in special education classes have been the focus of several recent media reports.
The public interest in these stories highlights the moral truth we all know: "All children deserve to have an equal opportunity to learn, to succeed and to be included."
Many problems continue to plague our state and its education community: Meanwhile:
Special education enrollment is at an all-time high; More parents than ever before are fighting for an
appropriate education for their children; and Inclusive classrooms, in which children of all abilities ben-
efit from learning together, are gaining wider acceptance. For children to succeed in school, parents, teachers and administrators must all work together. Hundreds of parents throughout Georgia are working to assure that students with disabilities are provided the same opportunities as others in the classroom. We all must be voices in this movement. Nationwide, inclusive education for students with disabilities in regular classrooms is at an all-time high -- 47.4 percent in 1998-99. Additionally, more students with disabilities are graduating -- 57.4 percent in 1998-1999 -- from high schools than ever before. Project WINS (www.projectwins.org), which facilitates inclusive education by forming a powerful collaboration between students, parents, teachers and administrators, has been a special project of the GCDD for many years. It proves that keeping students with disabilities in the regular classroom, with additional supports for teachers and administrators, is a winning formula.
Eric E. Jacobson, Executive Director Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities eejacobson@dhr.state.ga.us

Making A DIFFERENCE 3

COUNCIL UPDATE/NEWS BRIEFS

New GCDD members sworn in by Gov. Barnes

A number of key appointments were recently made by Gov. Roy Barnes to the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD).
New appointees sworn in by the governor in the North Wing of the state Capitol include: Gail Bottoms, Griffin; Heidi Fernandez, Woodstock; Chris Hunnicut, Decatur; Reggie Heinrich, Fortson; Tom Seegmueller, Albany; and Dr. Lee Tian, Evans.
Council Chairperson Lynnette Bragg of Springfield was appointed for another term. Also reappointed were Vallorie Butler, Acworth; Roy Brown, Rossville;

Joyce Ringer, Tucker; Cheryl Laurendeau, Atlanta; and Ruth Lee Langevin, Greensboro.
The GCDD is a 30-member policymaking body proven to be a powerful advocate for issues, programs and services affecting Georgians with disabilities and their families.
GCDD since 1971 has worked through public policy initiatives to create opportunities for Georgians in the disability community to live, learn, work, play and worship in places and manners of their own choosing.
www.gcdd.org

House Bill 498 passes: New name for MHMRSA
On July 1, new legislation known as HB 498 took effect in Georgia. The Dept. of Human Resources, Div. of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Diseases (MHDDAD), formerly the Div. of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse, began operating under its new name.
Other changes include: newly defined responsibilities for the regional boards; redrawn regions; fiscal decision-making and accountability reverting to DHR; DHR authorization to develop state-operated community services where currently unavailable; and new business powers and greater flexibility for Community Service Boards and service providers.
Margaret Bradford, regional executive director for Region 3, has been named to manage the implementation as it occurs during the next several months.

Quality of life issues call for election involvement
Saturday, Sept. 28 -- see you there!
Plan to attend the Quality of Life Forum at Macon State College Saturday, Sept. 28 from 1-3 p.m. The Quality of Life Coalition is urging all Georgians to vote in the current election cycle. The grassroots group of agencies and advocates representing peo-
ple with disabilities as well as citizens who are aging, poor and otherwise disenfranchised is hosting a candidates' forum in Macon on September 28.
With seven candidates running for governor and lieutenant governor, Georgians need to weigh in on the issues and vote TWICE -- in the statewide primary on August 20 and in the general election on November 5.
Because of the recently completed redistricting process, many state and federal districts have changed. Newlydrawn districts are opening doors to new candidates, and shifting lines are making political rivals in some party delegations.
It's important to find out who is running for office in your district and their positions on the issues affecting the disability community.
Georgians should know how to question their candidates on disability and social justice issues, say coalition officials, who are seeking to increase involvement in the electoral process.
Mini-grants and technical assistance are available to communities organizing local candidate forums.
The coalition urges advocacy groups, nonprofits and service agencies to register people to vote and help them get to the polls. You can do this by:
Organizing a local candidate's forum; Encouraging friends and neighbors,
especially those with disabilities, to register and vote; Volunteering to take people to the polls; Contacting candidates to discuss the issues that impact you; and Attending the Quality of Life Candidates Forum in Macon.
Contact: Dawn Randolph
at 678-471-3804 or
drandolph@aol.com

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Making A DIFFERENCE

Film spotlights inclusion: `Going to School'
The new documentary film "Going to School" ("Ir a la Escuela") addresses inclusion, special education and empowering children with disabilities and their parents. The issues of respect, civil rights and education for all children are conveyed through the inspiring profiles of parents, students and educators.
"It beautifully shows how students with disabilities value their disabled peers, both as friends and mentors as they plan for their futures as integrated members of their society," according to the producer. Available in closedcaption English or Spanish.
For more information, go to www.richardcohenfilms.com.

Task force pushing for Medicaid coverage
People with disabilities who live in nursing homes cannot qualify for Medicaid reimbursement for assistive technology equipment, which can increase independence and improve the quality of living.
A task force is forming to change this policy. For information, contact Naomi Walker at 404-885-1234.

Seniors needed for Down syndrome research
Persons with Down syndrome develop Alzheimer's disease at a higher rate than the typical aging population. Researchers are studying whether Vitamin E can help slow the rate of cognitive and functional decline in people with Down syndrome as they age. Participants will be asked to take vitamins or a placebo (false pill).
For information, contact April Bezilla at May South Inc. at 770-9568511, Ext. 204.

Legislators seek teaching tips
Parents, teachers and students: Ideas are needed to improve education for children with disabilities. Rep. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) and other members of the

House

Advocates honored for creating new programs

Parent advocate Robyn Berger of Atlanta received this year's Sam P. Alterman Family Foundation Etz Chaim Award for her outstanding contribution in further opening Jewish school programs to children with disabilities. Berger, a board member of the Amit Community School Program and long-time community leader, has carried the message of inclusion of people with disabilities throughout the Jewish community.
Amit chair Linda Bressler received the Jerry and Dulcy Rosenberg Shorashim award for her leadership and commitment to the program. A veteran supporter of children's rights, Bressler advocates for adoptive and foster children.

Robyn Berger (l), Assistant director of the DeKalb County Developmental Disabilities Council, and Linda Bressler (r), Amit Community School Program, received honors for their voluntarism and leadership.

Committee on Education and the Work Force are asking Americans to submit ideas though a special Web site:http://edworkforce.house.gov /issues/107th/education/idea/ideacomments/index.htm or e-mail to IDEA@mail.house.gov or call 202225-4527.
Miracle League Field of Dreams is built
The Rotary clubs of Rockdale County and the city of Conyers raised $700,000 to develop the "McMiracle League Field" and in April opened the first baseball complex designed exclusively for children with disabilities.
The Miracle League, formed in 1998 as a youth baseball league for children with disabilities, adapts game rules to make sure every player gets to hit and cross home plate. Each player is paired with a "buddy" to help with play and protect against injury. A Miracle League soccer team is also forming.
For information or to donate, contact Dean Alford at 770-860-9416 or www.miracleleague.com
Family Action Committee forming: Seeks citizen input
A Family Initiative was launched May 1 by the Family Action Committee to push for responsibility, accountability and a commitment to people with disabilities from the governor, Dept. of Human Resources and the Division of Mental Heath, Developmental Disa-

bility and Addictive Substances (formerly the Division of Mental Health Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse). The group will also push for release and approval of the Olmstead Implementation Plan and other Blue Ribbon Task Force recommendations.
A Unified Action Plan and list of "expectations," based on statewide input from concerned citizens is being developed. Organizations and service providers should encourage families and consumers to contact Beth Tumlin at 770-992-2132 or 678-4279370; fax: 770-640-1287; or e-mail btumlin@ juno.com.
DHR Board to fill vacancies
Georgia's Dept. of Human Resources Board has four vacancies. Members of the disability community are encouraged to apply. Anyone interested in becoming a voice in the disability community is urged to contact Beth Tumlin at 770-992-2132 or btumlin@juno.com.
Pat Puckett honored
Pat Puckett, executive director of the Georgia Statewide Independent Living Council, received the 2002 Regional Representative award from the National Council on Independent Living at its annual conference in Washington, D.C. Puckett, a longtime activist, was cited for extraordinary advocacy work for Georgians with disabilities.

Making A DIFFERENCE 5

MEDICAL NUTRITION

Growth Problems Due to feeding difficulties

By Janet Isaacs, RD, PhD

F or many parents, children's eating habits and growth patterns are often used as a gauge for good health and nutrition.
Feeding disorders and growth problems, which are frequently amplified in children with developmental disabilities and high-risk infants, may cause considerable stress and anxiety for families.
Many premature and high-risk infants do "catch up," especially if feeding issues are identified and treated early. Parents should be reassured knowing that infants are more flexible and responsive to improving feeding behaviors than adults.
Parents may feel defensive, frustrated or less competent when their child is not growing well. Meals can become an emotional battlefield, further complicating problems.

Some feeding difficulties include:
Gastro-Esophageal Reflux (GER)
Infants with GER may frequently spit up with discomfort and like to be propped up after a meal. Children with GER fill up quickly, eating or drinking only a few ounces per meal. A noticeable plateau or decrease in weight and height-for-age proportion is another marker.
Oral-Motor Weakness
High-risk infants sometimes have oral-motor weakness or swallowing coordination problems. Often the child nine months or older will resist certain textures, refuse foods that require chewing or prefer thickened liquids or mushy foods.

Parents should be reassured knowing that infants are more flexible and responsive to improving feeding behaviors than adults.

Gastroenterologists, psychologists, developmental pediatricians, nutritionists, as well as speech and occupational therapists all specialize in feeding problems relating to young children. When problems surface, these professionals should be consulted. As with many infant health concerns, early intervention is key to improved outcomes.
Several "red flags" such as gastrointestinal and oral issues can prompt parents to seek professional help. If you suspect a problem, keep an eating log to share with your pediatrician, who will decide if a referral to a specialist is warranted.

Choking and coughing at meals and frequent bronchitis, pneumonia or other infections may result from aspiration of food. The baby might refuse to self-feed or adapt slowly, inhibiting weight gain and delaying sitting and walking.
Problems in Infancy
In early infancy, a weak suck can make it difficult for the baby to get sufficient nourishment, especially if formula runs out the sides of the mouth. Longer feeding sessions can tire the infant.
The older baby may lack adequate head control for spoon-feeding or

resist it longer, refusing to wean from the bottle or breast or to eat baby food. This child might resist new food textures and not show an appetite.
Some babies shun all oral contact and avoid objects and fingers near their mouth, even tooth brushing.
A stubborn preference for a monotonous diet or feeding pattern also is common in children with eating disorders.
Nutrition plays an important role in overall health, but it is not the only variable. With professional support, mealtime stress can be minimized and nutrition problems improved.
Difficult feeding behaviors are not a reflection on the quality of parenting.
The family and medical team should consider several factors when treating a child with feeding issues:
Nutritional needs of the child Developmental age and ability Neurological difficulty Behavioral factors Gastrointestinal issues Bowel function Growth pattern Parental ability and commitment Better outcomes through nutritional management benefit child and family. A wealth of information and expertise is available in Georgia.
Janet Isaacs recently lectured at the Regional Nutrition Conference for Children with Developmental Disabilities, held in May in Atlanta. She is on faculty at Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, where she practices Metabolic Nutrition in Genetics and Metabolism. Article edited by Jennifer Hamel of May South Inc.
References can be found on page 20.

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Making A DIFFERENCE

People-first language
Manner of speaking shows you care
By Don Pollard with Aileen Harris Miller

D on Pollard wants people to begin to think before they speak. He has joined the move-

communicating that places importance first on the person.
The disability is only one of many

How people refer to individuals with disabilities is very important, agrees Susan Berch, a self-advocate and a

ment to change the way people talk characteristics that describe the per- Partners graduate.

about people with disabilities.

son, according to Suzanne Harvey, a "I don't like it when people refer to

"Citizenship in this great country Partners graduate and parent of a us as handicapped, crippled or retard-

protects our right to communicate, child with a disability.

ed," she says. "Those are negative

but it is a privilege we often misuse, "This awareness makes people stop words, and people think less of us, like

albeit unwittingly," says Pollard, a dis-

ability advocate and Partners in Policy- People-first language ... makes people stop and think

making graduate. "Words can become labels; they form images, which create

before saying something hurtful or denigrating.

stereotypes, which cause prejudgment

and often disenfranchise entire groups and think before saying something we're stupid, and we're not. We are

of people."

hurtful or denigrating about a per- people and want to be treated as indi-

People-first language is a way of son," says Harvey.

viduals."

Pollard says he believes words like

People-First Language
Put the person before the disability. Use words that reflect awareness, dignity and a positive attitude about people with disabilities and create awareness that the focus is the person. A disability is a condition caused by an accident, trauma, genetics or
disease, which may limit a person's mobility, hearing, vision, speech or mental function. A handicap is a physical or attitudinal constraint which is imposed upon a person, regardless of whether that person has a disability. (Ex.: Stairs, narrow doorways and curbs)

crippled, disabled, handicapped and retarded have persecuted people with disabilities and enabled society to pity and disregard them. A new era is dawning with people with disabilities demanding equal rights and respect, he adds.
"Like the civil rights movement, which awakened the world to the fact that we are all created equally, the disability movement is telling the world that we are people first!" he main-

Source: Disability Handbook, City of San Antonio, Texas.

tains. "Our disabilities are just charac-

Preferred Expressions

teristics that we have, like the color of our hair, the music we like or the val-

SAY ...
Child with a disability
Person who has ...

DON'T SAY ...
Disabled, invalid or handicapped child Afflicted, suffers from, victim, is XXX'ed

ues we hold. We all want the same chances that everyone else has to find work, love and a place in this great big world. We just want to be treated as equal, and that begins with words."

Developmental delay

Slow

Emotional disorder/mental illness Crazy or insane

Deaf or has a hearing impairment Deaf and dumb

Uses a wheelchair

Confined to a wheelchair

Person with cognitive deficit

Retarded

Person with epilepsy

Epileptic

Person with Down syndrome

Mongoloid

Has a learning disability

Is learning-disabled

Has a physical disability

Is physically disabled/

Don Pollard, Making A Difference Advisory

crippled
Source: The Pacesetter newsletter, 1989, Girl Scout Council of Greater Minneapolis

Board member, contributed to this article. The Conyers native attends classes at Georgia Perimeter College and plans to be a successful

entrepreneur and run for public office.

Making A DIFFERENCE

7

LOVE STORIES

F R inding omance
Couples find their own happily ever after

By Jody Steinberg

S uccessful marriages may be made in heaven, but for people with disabilities, it takes longterm goals, team effort and hard work.
Mature romantic relationships are a relatively new frontier for people with disabilities. With acceptance comes a willingness to plan, train, and provide ongoing support. With these in place, individuals of all abilities are finding their "happily ever after."
For many families, it's an unanticipated next step in a long string of supported accomplishments. For people who are already well into adulthood, romance is a product of the movement out of institutions and into community living.
"The preparation of marriage is the most important step for success," advises Webb Spraetz, director of Disabilities Network, Jewish Family Career Services, Atlanta.
Robyn Berger, assistant director of the Developmental Disability Council of DeKalb County, who advocates for programs to serve aging people with disabilities, recalls less lofty planning
Megan Sydney & Evan Nodvin

when her daughter with Down syndrome was an infant.
"As Lori reached each milestone, we set new goals," recalls Berger. Lori, 31, met her fianc on a Very Special People trip three years ago. "Lori has been willing to work more aggressively to achieve her dreams. She's known since she met David that they'd be together, and getting married is the natural progression."
Janice Nodvin, Director of Special Projects at May South, didn't know what obstacles to expect for her new-
David Bryan & Lori Berger born son. "When Evan was born, we thought nothing was possible," she recalls. "Now, guided by Evan's dreams, anything is not only possible but probable."
Today, Evan, 23, shares an apartment with a roommate, works, has a learner's permit to drive, rides public transportation, votes and advocates for disability issues. He spends time with girlfriend Megan and both are building their own future dreams.
Nodvin sees marriage as a potential step for many adults like Evan who are willing to work on relationship building and who have families and support systems in place.

Emily & Richard Wallace
Choosing their future
Love, choice and independence. Three basic needs most of us consider essential for a fulfilling life.
For years, Albany couple Richard and Emily Wallace experienced little choice, but they dared to dream their way out of lives of dependency.
Emily, now 52, lived in an institution and then a state group home, where she acted out the frustration that came from having her life dictated without her consent.
Richard, now 49, who had been moved across the state to an apartment near his brother following the death of his parents, ran away, angry that no one asked him who he wanted for roommates.
Somehow, each found their way to Albany ARC, which helped them choose how to live and achieve their goals close to the home they knew. And, as an added bonus, they met each other, which led to their wedding in 1991, fulfilling a lifelong dream each had secretly harbored.

8 Making A DIFFERENCE

"I am a very lucky man," boasts Richard, as he cuddles his wife affectionately.
"I love my Richard. He's my baby," responds Emily.
"They're a very affectionate couple," says Ernestine Greenlee, the case manager who visits Richard and Emily a few times a week to help them manage household duties, medical concerns and bills. "They still act like newlyweds."
Richard says he recalls the details of his wedding day like it was yesterday. For their 10th anniversary, Emily baked her beloved a special cake.
When Emily was hospitalized for an asthma attack, Richard took care of

the woman of my life!" Steven boasts. Steven surprised Michelle and asked
for her hand in marriage at a formal dinner with both sets of parents.
"I have found someone who really fills my heart with love," beamed Michelle at their engagement party.
"The most wonderful thing is just knowing that he'll be there for me," Michelle says. "This man is really responsible and has a good head on his shoulders. Steven respects me in more ways than one."
Lately, in addition to their regular schedule and working together at Kroger, they are also busy planning the wedding and honeymoon, picking out furniture, increasing time togeth-

With adequate family support and on-going counseling, couples with disabilities can successfully conquer one more frontier -- marriage.

Tammy & Billy Bob Taylor

her, doing the laundry and extra dusting to make the home safer for Emily.
Their daily routine is typical, sharing coffee and breakfast before heading off to work -- Richard at Easter Seals, Emily at Primus Industries. They take turns cooking and enjoy having guests, singing and going to the movies. Richard is an award-winning bowler, and Emily cheers him on.
The couple lives in their own home, purchased with support from Albany ARC. They laugh at how they think alike and understand each other.
It was a long journey for Richard and Emily from lonely dependence to the lives they share today. But each harbored a dream. With help and hard work, their journey to independence paved their path to love.
Give and take
Michelle Horowitz, 33, and Steven Friedlander, 30, who will be married in Atlanta this fall, have known each other since grade school but didn't fall in love until much later.
They began dating after Steven's 25th birthday party -- something Steven had wanted to do for a long time.
"It is so incredible! This was my goal and I have conquered it! I love Michelle -- she makes me totally happy. She is

er and attending marriage counseling. To prepare for life together,
Michelle and Steven, who each live with roommates, are working with parents and support staff on a variety of issues, including budgeting, personal hygiene, room-sharing and negotiating daily chores.
They are also seeing a licensed couple's therapist to help them create an intimate relationship in which they can be open with each other.
Michelle Horowitz & Steven Friedlander

Michelle's parents, Pearlann Horowitz, a former member of the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, and husband Jerry established the Zimmerman-Horowitz Independent Living Program of Jewish Family and Career Services.
Their goal was to provide a support system that would envelop all aspects of life for Michelle and other adults with developmental disabilities.
"We want Michelle to have the opportunity to love someone, to have someone to come home to and share life with," Pearlann Horowitz said. "There are no guarantees that any marriage will be successful, so why shouldn't Michelle and Steven have their chance at love and success?"
Professionals believe that with adequate marriage counseling, family support and on-going independent living counseling, couples with disabilities can successfully conquer one more frontier previously denied them -- marriage.
"No one lives without support," explains Berger. "But people with disabilities need more constant support, or they're being set up for failure."
But failure isn't an option for Emily, who places her hand confidently in her husband's. "I think of my future as a happy couple."

Making A DIFFERENCE 9

RELIGION

Accessible Congregations
Network helps everyone practice keeping the faith

By Mark Crenshaw

P eople with disabilities often encounter a mountain of obstacles relegating them to the sidelines in their church, mosque or synagogue.
"Oakhurst Baptist Church has always said that we welcome all people," said Chris Copeland, associate pastor at the Decatur congregation. "Once you make that statement you can't say, `Wait a minute. Maybe we didn't mean all people.'"
Oakhurst is part of a consortium of Atlanta area congregations working to ensure that people with disabilities can wholly participate in the worship, decision-making and ministry of their faith communities.
Begun two years ago by the Atlanta Alliance on Developmental Disa-

Plemon El-Amin of the Atlanta Masjid of Al-Islam in the East Lake neighborhood. "The greater challenge is to make sure that community members are open to those who have disabilities in decision-making and programming, and to make sure those with disabilities contribute to the life of the community."
A survey conducted by the National Organization on Disability and The Harris Poll in 2000 found that 84 percent of people with disabilities regard religious faith as important, yet only 46 percent (compared to 65 percent of the general population) attend a religious service once per month.
Congregation Beth Shalom, AlIslam, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta and Oakhurst spearhead IDN's Inclusive

Including all people means more than modifying physical space, which each congregation has done. It means fostering attitudinal shifts among members.

bilities, the Interfaith Disabilities Network (IDN) includes 60 Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Unitarian congregations. The Network advocates for the inclusion of people with disabilities by inviting congregations to participate in a profound act of tikkun olam, a Jewish philosophy that seeks to "repair the world" through action.
Including all people means more than modifying physical space, which each congregation has done. It means fostering attitudinal shifts among members.
"We've made all the physical accommodations that we can -- curb cuts, wider doors, etc.," said Imam

Congregations Project (ICP) a collaborative effort to create "best practices" in all areas of accessibility.
With funding from the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Faith in Action Program, ICP helps communities assess facility and program accessibility and develop inclusive methods. Their goal: for each congregation to become a model of accessibility and offer congregationallybased respite programs.
ICP congregations are using the teachings of their faith to embrace these goals.

Atlanta Masjid of Al-Islam
"Human life is more soul than it is body, so we cannot ignore somebody because their body is different," explains El-Amin.
Traditionally, no shoes are worn on the level ground of Atlanta Masjid's prayer area, a holy space meant to equalize all worshippers. Members are taught to understand that accommodating people with disabilities means exempting the wheels of a chair from this rule.
The Koran teaches that each soul is created by Allah, with the goal of becoming at peace with the original source of being. Allah accepts all human souls, no matter the body they occupy, says Rosina Abdulshakir, an Atlanta Masjid member who has a physical disability.
"We don't expect to have these bodies in the next life, but we do expect to have these souls," adds El-Amin.
Congregation Beth Shalom
"The Torah teaches us that we are not to put a stumbling block in front of our brother, and we take that very seriously," explains Van Lane, administrator at Congregation Beth Shalom in Dunwoody. For members of this conservative synagogue, the centrality of teachings about justice and hospitality in the Torah is an important tenet for including people with disabilities.
In 1988, Beth Shalom designed their new building for full physical accessibility, incorporating an eleva-

10 Making A DIFFERENCE

PRACTICING WHAT YOU PREACH "Oakhurst Baptist Church has always said that we welcome all people. Once you make that statement, you can't say, `Wait a minute, maybe we didn't mean all people,'" says Chris Copeland, associate pastor at the Decatur church, where modifications include a ramp to the pulpit.

tor, ramp to the pulpit, extra-wide aisles so people who use chairs and walkers can sit among the congregation (instead of at the perimeter) and large-print prayer books. An audioassist system soon will be in place.
The volunteer committee will train teens to help at the respite center run by the Jewish community.
"In building a mental attitude of acceptance, physicality is only a piece of the equation," said Lane. "It's better to include everyone. [The ability to participate fully] makes a big difference in how welcome someone feels."
Oakhurst Baptist Church
Copeland was excited about his church participating in the ICP, as working toward full accessibility for people with disabilities seemed to be the next logical step in the church's growth.
A recent renovation, prompted by accessibility concerns, includes an elevator, ramp to the pulpit area, larger, accessible bathrooms and a new, accessible education building. An electronic door is on the drawing board.
When new members join the diverse fold at Oakhurst, they make a covenant affirming that all people are

part of the body of Christ and rejecting categorical divisions between people. In 1997, Oakhurst revised its covenant to specifically include physical and mental ability.
Oakhurst founded and continues to partner with the Hess Drive Home, a residence for people with developmental disabilities and mental retardation overseen by the Georgia Baptist Developmental Disabilities Ministries.
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta
The Unitarian Universalist Association's Faith In Action diversity and justice program provided the template for the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta in DeKalb County to remove barriers to worship.
A UUCA task force on accessibility used a UUA audit of communication, attitudinal, environmental and architectural barriers to develop an action plan to "change all the `no's' to `yes's,'" explained Director of Religious Education Pat Kahn.
To assure that accessibility issues are addressed in a major renovation, a member of the task force is on the design committee. To make Sunday school more inclusive, Kahn started a

"special friends" program for children with special needs.
A long-term plan calls for additional volunteer training, more educational programs and physical adaptations such as large print materials and assistive-hearing devices.
The inherent worth and dignity of the individual and justice, equality and compassion in human relations means that welcoming people with disabilities is an important extension of faith for UUCA.
Together and independently, ICP members strive to exemplify "best practices" in congregational accessibility, become better communities and use their human relationships and physical resources to help repair metro Atlanta and the world.
For more information on Faith In Action, visit www.uua.org/faithinaction/ jtwacc/ access1.html
Mark Crenshaw is director of the Interfaith Disabilities Network, a project of the Atlanta Alliance on Developmental Disabilities. He can be reached at 404881-9777 or mark@ aadd.org.
The Missing Flock
A 2000 survey conducted by the National Organization on Disability and Harris found that 84 percent of people with disabilities and their family members regard religious faith as an important part of their lives; yet only 46 percent (compared to 65 percent of the general population) said they have opportunities to attend a religious service one time per month. The reasons for this discrepancy are many and difficult to determine. These statistics point to the reality that significant barriers exist for people with disabilities who wish to participate in communities of faith.

Making A DIFFERENCE 11

Visitable Housing EasyLiving Homes build foundation in Georgia

By Jody Steinberg

C oalition building to bring the home-building community around to her way of thinking was only one tool Eleanor Smith used to get Concrete Change and its program of universally accessible housing off the ground. Determination, legislative advocacy and statewide support have been in her tool bag, too.
"I started Concrete Change so that new houses would have basic access whether or not the occupant had a disability," explains Smith, who uses a wheelchair.
"I would drive around and see that I could enter every new business, so why couldn't I get into the new homes being built? Back then the concept of visitability, or basic access to any home, was really far out, but today, it is making more sense to more people."
Smith founded Concrete Change in 1986 to change public policy so that all newly-built homes would be easy to enter and visit. Over 15 years and numerous small victories later, Smith and her coalition have officially certified it first occupied EasyLiving Home (ELH).
Persuasion, conflict and adversity defined the early years of Concrete Change. Most recently, the Coalition
EasyLiving HomeCM

shifted to consensus building as advocates promoted accessible and visitable housing.
In 1999, advocates pushed for a voluntary builder's seal of approval.

On hand at the ELH dedication were Ed Phillips (HBAG), Archie Hill (Fannie Mae), Pat Pucket (Ga. SILC), Roy Wendt (Wendt Builders) and Bill Gandy (HBAG president).

Within 12 months, the Home Builders $3,000. Internal changes such as wider

Association of Georgia (HBAG) joined doorways and bathroom modifications

the campaign, with Executive Vice can range from $500 into the thousands

President Ed Philips leading the call for of dollars.

builder participation.

Before the ELH seal program, a few

"We wanted to come to the table individual visitable homes and neigh-

with advocates so that everyone could borhoods were developed in Georgia.

win," explains HBAG's Phillips.

Smith, who lives in Atlanta's East

"With the aging of the baby Lake Commons, a cooperative com-

boomers, the market has changed. munity where 100 percent of the

Homebuilders want freedom of choice homes are visitable, attributes her

in the market but also see a marketable community's accessibility to advocacy

advantage of incorporating accessibili- and changing times.

ty to new homes in order to distinguish

Continued on page 20

them," Phillips says.

Philips predicts as more

prospective homeowners

request accessible features,

more homebuilders will

participate in the voluntary

program.

"This is not about build-

ing houses for people with

disabilities," says Smith, who

is waiting anxiously for more

builders to sign on with the

program. "Visitable homes

have increased value for

every type of homeowner."

Smith dismisses builders'

misgivings, citing insignificant

costs on a new home.

EasyLiving features cost

builder Roy Wendt less than

$350 per home. By compar-

ison, retrofitting a home A zero-step entrance blends easily into the landscape in Woodbury

with a ramp can cost $500- subdivision in Snellville, built by Wendt Builders, Inc.

12 Making A DIFFERENCE

A Builder's Guide
Homebuilder Roy Wendt never thought about accessibility until a potential homebuyer in a wheelchair came to visit his model home and couldn't enter. Now he thinks about it all the time.
"When they told me about the zerostep entrance, I said, `I'm sold,'" he recalls. "I saw that as people age, they need these features. Not just for disability, but in general I see this as a great fit. Customers are very positive about these added features, which project we care."
The ELH features are so subtle that most buyers say they didn't even notice the changes until he pointed them out reports Wendt.
"This isn't niche marketing. It's a broad enhancement builders can offer their buyer. No one doesn't want it," he says.
Interest in accessible housing is increasing among homebuyers and homebuilders across the country, though many builders will not yet consider adapting their building plans.
"Builders don't like change," Wendt says. He began with ELH design in one of his home models. His success, evidenced by quick sales and enthusiastic homeowners, has spurred him to have all of his architectural plans redrawn to incorporate ELH features
Now Wendt has become an advocate and disciple for universal design and the ELH seal, encouraging his colleagues to "just build one home with these added features," to see how beneficial it will be to their business. Universal Design is a home design philosophy of creating accessible, functional spaces and features for all people.
The positive interest is good for Wendt's business. Currently, he says he is building about 50 houses per year and selling them without any advertising.
"I am more enthusiastic about building today than I was 30 years ago," he says, "EasyLiving Homes are becoming more necessary as baby boomers age. They will want to live in their same home for many years, and it's so simple to make that happen today, rather than tomorrow."

Since her whole community has zero-step entrances and wide doorways, Eleanor Smith, pictured here with a young friend and Ed Smith, can visit any of her neighbors at any time.
Disability LINK director Rebecca Tuttle enjoys the ease of visiting a home with wider doorways.

"We want to make homes more user friendly
for all ages and populations," Rep. Johnny
Isakson (R-Ga.), chair of the EasyLiving Homes Coalition, realtor and
member of HBAG, told visitors recently.
Advocates, builders and homeowners gathered to celebrate Georgia's first
ELH homes in the Woodbury subdivision in
Snellville.

Making A DIFFERENCE 13

Accessible Housing
Independent days begin at home
By Lucy Cusick

W e moved into our first home as newlyweds in 1982, choosing the brick

way Josh could continue to share our living space, but we all would be able to enjoy some privacy.

vacy. For instance, Josh dresses and undresses lying on his bed. We designed his

ranch because it was convenient to We began the remodeling process new room so that his bed is out of

our jobs and in a prime school district. by visiting modified homes, reading view of the bedroom door and his

Twenty years and two children later, and researching specifications and bathroom is only a short distance

we're still here in north DeKalb thinking about Josh and how he func- away. He now can undress and go

County and it's time to make some tions. We sketched numerous designs straight to the bathroom while main-

necessary renovations.

and finally decided to add a bedroom taining his privacy.

Joshua was born prematurely and suite behind the kitchen because it His bathroom features a recessed,

with many complications in 1985 and allowed us to have two master suites roll-under sink. The mirror above it

was soon diagnosed with cerebral with the living space in between.

tilts out from the top about three

palsy. We struggled with this new life, We did not hire an architect, inches from the wall, allowing him

taking one day at a time and learning although in hindsight I would recom- to see better. The roll-in shower is

as we went. Now

6 x 4 feet, large

Joshua, a deter-

enough for a bath

mined and positive 16-year-old,

We began the remodeling process by visiting modified

chair and an assistant, and the

will graduate homes, reading and researching specifications and

from his regular high school in two

thinking about Josh and how he functions.

adjustable nozzle slides up and down a bar and

years and antici-

features instant

pates going to

hot water. Grab

college.

mend it to anyone beginning such a bars also serve as towel bars allowing

Joshua primarily uses a power project. We met with three recom- for ready support and easy accessibility.

wheelchair and a reverse walker to get mended contractors and chose the A computer center, lots of windows

around the house, but it's his depend- one whose lower bid also included the for natural light and a closet with all

ence on others for toileting and most extras, including a brick exterior shelves positioned for easy access to

bathing that are the weakest links to instead of vinyl siding. Our contractor clothing were all designed to make the

his independence.

had no experience with accessible room more comfortable for Josh.

In our quest to continue to assist design, so we did the research our-

All lights can be turned on and off

him with his activities of daily living selves and provided the modification from his bed, and we used pocket

and help him to acclimate into an specifications and guidelines. An arti- doors everywhere because they slide

independent lifestyle, we realized a cle on the Americans with Disabilities into the walls and don't require swing

decision had to be made.

Act specifications and examples of room. A wireless doorbell lets Josh call

We had to determine whether to attractive ADA-compliant bathrooms us at night if he really needs some-

purchase another home that had two was extremely useful.

thing; however, he's been warned not

master suites on opposite sides, or It took more than a year to finalize to use it too frequently!

renovate the old one. Although our the plan and another six months to As an adult, Josh will enjoy his own

one-level dwelling has served us well -- complete the remodeling, but the wait space and independence, yet we can

we've widened a few doors and made would be worth it.

be close for emergencies or extra help.

do with very little furniture -- the bath- Our goal was independence! We In less than one week in his new sur-

room would need to be modified for a felt that with enough well-planned roundings, Josh began learning to

growing Josh.

space, Josh could develop the skills to bathe himself and shampoo his hair

I spent six months attending every be independent. Our existing home with minimal assistance, laughing over

open house within five miles before we had several design problems, making slippery soap and suffering through

decided to stay put and renovate. This it difficult for Josh to maintain his pri- soapy eyes.

14 Making A DIFFERENCE

Josh enjoys the privacy of his bedroom and can control lights and fans from above his bed.

We discovered that the equipment inside the bathroom is as important as the bathroom itself; therefore, we hope to buy Joshua a shower wheelchair that has wheels he can push and brake on his own. The chair will make him virtually independent in the bathroom.
Remodeling is expensive. You pay for everything: demolition, rebuilding and even the design. How would we afford it? How could we not? Luckily, interest rates were low when we refinanced.

We'll forfeit vacations we didn't take anyway and enjoy our home that has given Josh confidence and pride.
Josh has decorated his new room in stars and stripes, to celebrate his very own Independence Day.
Lucy Cusick is executive director of Families and Children Under Stress (FOCUS), a support group for parents and siblings of children with disabilities. She is a member of the Making A Difference Advisory Board.

Josh's new suite can be entered straight from the garage, giving Josh another level of privacy as he matures.

Modifying Your Home
I need help modifying my home. Where do I start?
Growing children, declining ability, sudden disability or the arrival of a family member can all prompt home modification. For effective design, follow guidelines by the Americans with Disabilities Act or Universal Design.
"The vision is the key," explains GiGi Taylor, parent of two children with disabilities and past member of Making A Difference Advisory Board. The Taylors redesigned their home for the changing needs of their children.
"There are books, specs, specialists and other resources available, but it begins with outlining the goals and the outcomes."
Taylor strongly recommends visiting homes that have been modified. Ask questions and consider all the possibilities.
Where will I get the money? Are there funds to help me?
There is no single source to fund home modifications. Some waivers will pay for certain modifications with prior approval. Contact your local Center for Independent Living (CIL) for advice, assistance and referrals.
Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC), popular for their wheelchair building and maintenance program, also builds ramps. Coordinator Danny Overstreet, who uses a wheelchair, will enter a home and provide suggestions for making the rest of the home accessible after a ramp is installed.
To contact the CILs, FODAC and remodeling experts, see Resources pp. 21-22.

Since 16-year-old Josh moved into his new room and bathroom, his mother Lucy seldom has to help him with showering and toileting anymore.
With a new roll-in shower, Josh is learning to bathe himself, which he hopes to master if he can get a special shower wheelchair.
Making A DIFFERENCE 15

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT

A new beginning
TAPPs Sing Praises of Post-Correctional Initiative
By Heather Madsen

O n her last ride on the correc- belong in prison. tional roller coaster, Bonnie, 53, was released from prison in "My case manager was devoted." **

to succeed. "She was really motivated and want-
ed success this time," explains Bethea.

July 2001. This was her second round in For offenders with mental illness, For Bonnie, that meant keeping in

prison -- she served three weeks for relapse is imminent without the con- contact with her case manager, follow-

threatening her roommate -- and she sistent use of medication and cultivat- ing her care plan and maintaining her

was determined to make it her last.

ed support system of family, friends mental health needs. Her history of

Robyn Bethea, Bonnie's May South and community providers.

skipping medication had undermined

case manager from the Treatment and Balancing everyday post-incarcera- her previous efforts.

Aftercare for Probationers and

Bonnie called Bethea daily to

Parolees program (TAPP) was

talk, admitting her fear of liv-

there to provide support and

ing a drug-fee life of sobriety

help reinforce the framework for

and accountability. Bethea lis-

Bonnie's successful transition

tened reassuringly and encour-

into the community.

aged Bonnie to persevere.

It was not surprising that

"When you see things in

Bonnie, who has bipolar disor-

your life are not going the way

der ("manic depression") and

they should, you have to go

associated addictive disease

back to doing what worked

(AD) issues, returned to prison

and put everything in proper

after serving her first conviction

perspective," says Bonnie.

for AD and assaulting an officer.

Many individuals with mental

"All the assistance was helpful."**

illness end up in prison for low-

Begun in 1998 as a pilot

level offenses, property crimes, Bonnie (L) and TAPPS case manager Robyn Bethea (R).

project of the DOC and of

drug possession and other drug-

Pardons and Paroles in the Albany

related offenses. They do not set out tion stresses and juggling housing con- area, TAPP was implemented

to commit crimes, but their untreated cerns, mental health appointments, statewide in July 2000 by the Georgia

illness often leads to substance abuse employment and medical, financial Department of Human Resources.

(referred to as "self-medicating"), and legal issues can be overwhelming. TAPP case managers bridge the gap

compounding legal issues and further TAPP case managers help clients from incarceration to productive citi-

destabilizing their mental health.

access resources to make life less com- zenship as offenders with mental ill-

This is a growing concern for the plicated and are the "shoulder to lean ness re-enter the community. They

help foster the transition by:

For offenders with mental illness, relapse is imminent

Acting as a support network and advocate;

without support and the consistent use of medication.

Arranging post-discharge treatment appointments at mental

health centers;

Georgia Department of Corrections on" desperately needed by individuals Developing Individual Care Plans,

(DOC), which spends over $24 million with no other supports. Bonnie had

assessing clients' needs, goals and

per year in mental health services treat- support from her parents and Bethea

progress;

ing prisoners that many feel don't and one other key ingredient: a desire Linking clients with appropriate

16 Making A DIFFERENCE

community treatment and habilitation options; and Maintaining client communication with probation, parole and law enforcement.
"My case manager helped me with everything I needed." **
TAPP case managers take a holistic approach to ensure that successful reentry efforts circumvent potential pitfalls. Case managers help participants:
Locate employment and transportation;
Acquire entitlements such as Social Security, disability insurance or other funds;
Locate housing such as independent living options, personal care homes or group homes;
Locate mental, physical or dental health care assistance;
Obtain food and clothing; and Identify educational opportunities. Bonnie's care plan started with very basic daily goals, such as taking a shower, brushing her teeth, getting dressed and going outside. Today, Bonnie follows weekly and monthly goals, attends support and therapy sessions and pays her rent and bills. Lately, her goals are long-term, and her phone calls to Bethea are only

monthly check-ins. Bonnie wants to help women with mental illness and substance abuse issues as a counselor for a women's detention center or crisis hotline.
"When I feel more mentally able," she said, "I would like to give back to the community. That is the only way to receive."
"She is doing the best she ever has in her whole life," said her son, now 22.
"This Mother's Day was wonderful," Bonnie boasts, as her children, who were raised by their father since they were 2 and 5, symbolically chose the day to renew their severed relationship. My kids are real proud of me."
"TAPPs has truly been a blessing to me." ** Bonnie successfully completed the
TAPP program, demonstrating how it helps participants begin new lives with confidence, support and community connections. Or, as Bonnie says, "All anyone needs is a little hope."
Heather Madsen, MS, CRC is the TAPP program director for May South Inc. and the quality assurance coordinator for both Georgia and Florida programs.
**Comments from successful TAPP participants.

Graduate Takes Long-Awaited Walk
Masha Malikina received her high school diploma in front of 2,000 supporters at Philips Arena in downtown Atlanta in mid-June. Masha, paralyzed from an accident in 1999, became an unexpected icon for disability rights in Atlanta.
Her school principal, concerned after watching her struggle to walk at graduation rehearsal, barred Malikina from using her leg braces and walker to accept her diploma at her Berkmar High School commencement ceremony -- a goal toward which she had been working for longer than two years.
The resulting controversy led to a celebrity ceremony for Masha and a backlash call for Gwinnett County Schools to re-examine civil rights protections for all students with disabilities.

Mental Illness in Georgia Prisons*
Total inmate population in Georgia: 46,568: 43,946 Male 2,987 Female Estimated population with mental illness: 6,000 Cost for mental health care:
$24 million or $3,300/prisoner 12.3% of male inmates have
mental illness, with 69% having schizophrenia or depression as a primary diagnosis 33.2% of female inmates have mental illness, with 71% having schizophrenia or depression as a primary diagnosis Primary diagnosis schizophrenia or depression in 70% of prisoners with mental illness
*2001 Statistics
MENTAL ILLNESSES DEFINED
Bipolar Disorder (manicdepression): Extreme, often disruptive moods that swing from being overly elated or irritable to sad and hopeless. Schizophrenia: Neurological brain disorder interferes with a person's ability to think clearly, manage emotions, make decisions and relate to others. Symptoms are associated with marked social or occupational dysfunction. Major Depressive Disorder: A change in mood to depressed or loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities, which negatively impairs social, occupational educational or other important functioning.
Source: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, by the American Psychiatric Association. Resources: Georgia Department of Corrections: www.dcor.state.us.ga National Alliance for the Mentally Ill: www.nami.org

Making A DIFFERENCE 17

COMMUNITY SPORTS

Community team-building:
Sports and recreation are winning ways to get healthy and socialize

By Kevin Enright

Stan Swann, 47, joined his local bowling league and recreation programs and found the key to belonging in his community.
Recreation and leisure activities, which are essential to physical, mental and emotional health, are also a great way to make friends. Individuals for whom making friends is difficult find the structure and interaction of teamwork and shared interests makes it easier.
"People with disabilities can lead a somewhat isolated life," says Ann Swann, whose son is an avid bowler and a baseball booster in Augusta. "Stan has been invited by neighbors to participate in many activities, and that wouldn't have happened if he hadn't taken an interest in sports."
Stan, who has severe speech limitations as a result of his cerebral palsy, and bowling teammate Bill Degroat, are both outgoing "people magnets."
"I like meeting others," says Degroat, also an avid bowler and Special Olympics athlete.
The community building among
Unified Sports bowling team, Augusta
this circle of friends began at the local bowling center, where athletes and local residents got to know each other during weekly practices.
Over time, the league bowlers

befriended the athletes, even arriving early to work on skills together. Community league bowlers enthusiastically joined the Unified Sports teams, an offshoot of Special Olympics of Georgia, which sponsors the athletes.
Friendships and commitment to the team have deepened, and some league players have become volunteers and mentors in the disability community.
Community members travel with the team to statewide competitions, and team camaraderie has given the athletes confidence to meet and mingle with other athletes wherever they go. In fact, the travel is a favorite part of competing.
"I love going places. It's fun," Degroat says. "And I like doing my best." His bowling average in the 170s rivals fellow Special Olympian Swann, but is higher than some of the league teammates' scores.
"Community sports has been absolutely great for Stan and his friends," adds Swann. "It's healthy, and it has opened the doors to meet people in the community as well as other [persons with disabilities] and get them involved in community life."
Becoming part of a community requires effort and finding an enjoyable activity. Whether you prefer dancing, swimming, softball, theater or singing, community-based recreation makes connections.
Stan is also a member of the booster club for his local baseball team, which led to his being asked to join a dart club and participate in numerous other events.
"The [athletic] success helps build self-esteem. It's amazing to see people with disabilities and community mem-

Bill Degroat at Centennial Olympic Park.
bers get together and what a great buddy system they have," says Swann. "They love, support and cheer one another. Sports have contributed tremendously to that."
Kevin Enright, father of an adult son with autism and cerebral palsy, works with children and adults with developmental disabilities and psychiatric disorders. He is a certified therapeutic recreation specialist in Augusta.
Special Olympics Georgia offers year-round sports training and athletic competition in 23 Olympictype sports for people with cognitive disabilities. In 1987, the Unified Sports program began teaming up Special Olympics athletes and athletes without disabilities to train and compete against other unified teams in 17 sports, including aquatics, bocce, bowling, and softball.
www.specialolympicsga.org 770-414-9390

18 Making A DIFFERENCE

GEORGIA ROUND-UP

GCDD members visited with residents of Central State Hospital. Pictured: Board member Chris Hunnicut greets a resident.

Special Olympics swimmer gets a congratulatory hug from his coach at the Special Olympics Georgia 2002 Summer Games.

Grand Marshall Jeff Odgers (Atlanta Thrashers) and athlete Paul Burch at Special Olympics Georgia Summer 2002 games.

DD Council members, in Milledgeville for their quarterly conference, toured historic Central State Hospital, once considered the largest insane asylum in the world. More than 25,000 former patients were interred at the hospital graveyard. An angel statue represents the thousands of grave markers discarded to facilitate landscaping. In the 1950s, the hospital served nearly 20,000 resident and out-patient Georgians with disabilities.

Challenger League baseball player Brittany Curry went door-to-door to raise money for the Fayette Field of Hope.

Sean Corbett, 6, and counselor Elizabeth Brown at FOCUS Family Camp create chalk art.
Making A DIFFERENCE 19

EasyLiving specifications
EasyLiving Home certification is the product of years of conflict and compromise between a coalition of advocates working for better housing and the Homebuilders Association of Georgia to encourage members to build homes that are not only liveable but also visitable by all people. Required features include: Easy Entrance: a zero-step entrance to allow easy access from out-
side into the central living area; Easy Passage: access through a bedroom, kitchen entertainment
area and bathroom on the main floor and 32-inch clear openings for doorways and hallways; and Easy Use: A bathroom that can be entered and maneuvered by a person using a wheelchair.
http://concretechange.home.mindspring.com/index.htm

Continued from page 12 Real change, as they say, starts at
city hall. In 1982, Concrete Change, an
Atlanta-based advocacy group addressing housing issues for people with disabilities, petitioned the City of Atlanta and Councilwoman Myrtle Davis to pass an ordinance requiring that any private home built with government assistance, whether tax incentives or donated land, must include a zero-step entrance.
With that first legislative success, the advocates petitioned the state Capitol for a similar state law.
But like David and Goliath, their efforts were repeatedly defeated by the powerful lobby of homebuilders.

change when Atlanta Habitat builders discovered that making houses accessible required only minor adjustments to building plans.
The movement for visitable homes is gaining momentum across the country. Many local governments are passing ordinances mandating that new homes be built with basic access.
Georgia homebuilders proactively created a voluntary pilot program to promote accessibility and visitability features in residential building. Plans are under way to make the ELH seal of approval a national program.
Members of the Georgia-based EasyLiving Homes coalition include: AARP, Atlanta Regional Commission, Concrete Change, Easter Seals

Smith's goal is to see the EasyLiving Homes features become the standard in all building plans.

Builders, had the ELH certification by July 1, 2002. Over 135 more ELH homes are under construction or planned for groundbreaking this year.
The six builders of Landbank Development, which will break ground in August on a 1,300-unit development, have committed to certify a percentage of the new units ELH.
Smith and Philips agree that the program will only succeed with increased public demand and builder awareness for homes that meet the ELH requirements.
Smith's goal is to see EasyLiving Homes features become the standard in all building plans.
Jody Steinberg is the managing editor of Making a Difference magazine. For information about EasyLiving Homes, call 770270-1611; e-mail bgbonham@mindspring.com.

Lobbyists successfully argued that without market demand, building homes with basic access wasn't cost-effective.
The Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, which had prioritized accessible housing for Georgians, became involved with the effort.
"The DD Council has been a significant partner in this whole push," Smith says. "They really assisted our efforts."
Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, the nonprofit organization that builds houses for low-income working families, today builds all of its homes with basic access -- over 300 to date.
What began as a concessionary pilot project led to a successful design

Southern Georgia, Dept. of Community Affairs, Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, HBAG, Shepherd Center, the Statewide Independent Living Council, the American Society of Interior Designers and The Home Depot.
Currently, only five builders in Georgia -- Bob Adams Homes, Countryside Cottages, Gandy Construction, GPS Builders and Wendt Builders have joined the ELH program, but more have expressed plans to certify future projects.
Visitable homes have been built in Georgia, but only two homes, in a Snellville subdivision built by Wendt

M Ay
SOUTH
A Subsidiary of the May Institute, Inc.
A new resource of caring, effective services for children, adolescents and adults
with autism, developmental disabilities, and behavioral health needs.
1770 The Exchange, Suite 140 Atlanta, GA 30339 tel: 770.956.8511 fax: 770.956.8907 www.maysouth.org

20 Making A DIFFERENCE

RESOURCES

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY (AT) COMPUTER & WEB ACCESSIBILITY
AbilityHub 802-775-1993 or info@abilityhub.com www.abilityhub.com
ABLEDATA 800-227-0216 or abledata@macroint.com www.abledata.com
The Access Board 800-872-2253 (v) or 800-993-2822 (TTY)
Center for Accessible Technology 510-841-3224 (v) 510-841-5621 (TTY) www.cforat.org
Crunchy Technologies www.crunchy.com 877-379-9185
Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities 202-785-3388 or info@c-c-d.org www.c-c-d.org
gTRADE Georgia AT Equipment Exchange Program http://gtradeonline.org
Lekotek of Georgia 404-633-3430 www.lekotekga.org
Microsoft Accessibility www.microsoft.com/enable/default.htm

Accessible Homes Inc. Powder Springs www.mindspring.com/~accesshm/index.htm accessible.homes@mindspring.com
B&W Handicapped Equipment Fayetteville 770-460-1909 or 800-214-4726
Donald Medical Repair Dublin donaldcofield@starband.net http://members.aol.com/donaldcofield/ index.htm 888-256-7203 or 478-272-7203
EasyLiving Homes 770-270-1611 bgbonham@mindspring.com
Friends of Disabled Adults and Children Stone Mountain 770-491-9014 www.fodac.org
Handicapped Driver Services Inc. Atlanta 770-422-9674 or 877-HDS-VANS
Make a Way Corp. Athens www.makeaway.com 800-424-7797 or 706-353-1099
Remodeling Homes for Accessibility Concrete Change Decatur http://concretechange.home.mindspring.com

The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability 800-900-8086 (V and TTY) www.ncpad.org
Tools for Life Assistive technology information/referral 800-497-8665 www.gatfl.org
ACCESSIBILITY AND HOME MODIFICATIONS

CENTERS FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING
State Independent Living Council Decatur 770-270-6860 silcga@mindspring.com www.georgiasilc.org
Access Center for Independent Living Gainesville 770-534-6656 www.accesshall.org

A+ Medical Inc. Augusta 800.241.4636 or info@apmedical.com www.apmedical.com

Bainbridge Advocacy Individual Network Bainbridge 229-246-0150

Bridges to Independence Flintstone 423-227-5213
Disability Connections Macon 478-741-1425 or 800-743-2117
DisABILITY LINK Decatur 404-687-8890 or 800-239-2507 www.disabilitylink.org
Living Independence for Everyone Savannah 912-920-2414 or 800-948-4824
Walton Options for Independent Living Augusta 706-724-6262 or 877-821-8400 www.waltonoptions.org
Zimmerman-Horowitz Independent Living Program of JF&CS Atlanta 770-677-9344 www.jfcs-atlanta.org
RECREATION AND SOCIALIZATION
Access to Recreation 800-634-4351 www.accesstr.com
Allegrow Music Camps 770-789-3493
Challenger Little League Metro Atlanta Margie Grigereit 770-973-2635 League locator 570-326-1921 jferguson@littleleague.org
Miracle League Athletics for children with disabilities Gary Garner, Director 770-785-7677 www.miracleleague.com
Interfaith Disabilities Network, AADD 404-881-9777 www.aadd.org
Boy Scouts of America www.scouting.org
Girls Scouts of the USA 800-478-7248 www.girlscouts.org

Making A DIFFERENCE 21

Children, Kids, Teens in Motion Special Olympics after-school recreation Marcus Jewish Community Center Atlanta Sammy Rosenberg 770-395-2602 www.atlantajcc.org
Clayton County Parks & Recreation Therapeutic Division Recreational activities for kids and adults 770-996-4156
Cobb County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Therapeutic Recreation Services Special Olympics, Social Clubs & Events 770-819-3215
Creative Community Services Social programs for adults with disabilities Robby Richardson 770-469-6226
First Baptist Snellville Special Needs Ministry for children and adults Social interaction and Christian education Sharyn Berg 770-978-5705

Briggs and Associates (employment) 770-993-4559
Children with Special Needs Babies Can't Wait & Children's Medical Services gdphinfo@dhr.state.ga.us 404-657-2726
Community Friendship 404-875-0381
Creative Communities 404-814-1775
Easter Seals of Georgia West Georgia 706-660-1144 Southern Georgia 229-439-7061
Families of Children Under Stress 770-234-9111 www.focus-ga.org
The Frazer Center 404-377-3836

Frontier Travel Camp Inc. Tours for individuals with special needs 305-532-6205 or 866-750-CAMP www.frontiertravelcamp.com

Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities 404-657-2126 or 888-275-4233 www.gcdd.org

The Guided Tour Vacations and tours 215-782-1370 www.guidetour.com
HAPY Club of YMCA Decatur/DeKalb, Ashford-Dunwoody and Gwinnett 404-377-0241 x 190 or 204

Georgia Advocacy Office 404-885-1234 or 800-537-2329 www.thegao.org
Independent Living Research Utilization Program Texas 713-520-0232 www.bcm.tmc.edu/ilru

Just People Norcross 770-441-1188

Jewish Family & Career Services Atlanta 770-677-9300

Special Olympics of Georgia 770-414-9390 www.specialolympicsga.org

May South, Inc. 770-956-8511 www.maysouth.org

SUPPORT SYSTEMS AND INTERVENTION

Parent to Parent of Georgia 800-229-2038 www.parenttoparentofga.org

Atlanta Alliance on Developmental Disabilities 404-881-9777 www.aadd.org

Resources & Residential Alternatives 770-664-4347
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia 770-676-2000

22 Making A DIFFERENCE

RESOURCES
www.ucp.org
NUTRITION AND PEDIATRIC SPECIALISTS
American Academy of Pediatrics - Ga. Susan Burns WIC/nutrition coordinator 404-881-5093
Department of Education School and Community Nutrition Paulette Williams 404-656-2470
Children's Center for Digestive Health Care Stan Cohen, MD, pediatric gastroenterology 404-257-0799
Feeding Disorders Center, Marcus Behavior Center Cathleen Piazza, PhD, director Amy Pakula, MD, developmental pediatrician 404-727-9450
Hughes Spalding Children's Hospital Lakita Garrett, pediatric rehab. manager Leslie Rubin, MD, developmental pediatrician 404-616-5764
Don't Forget to Vote! Aug. 20 -
Primary Election Nov.5 -
General Election
"""
July 26
celebrates the 12th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

CALENDAR

JULY, 2002
July 5-7 National Down Syndrome Society Conf. Nashville, Tenn. Sponsor: National Down Syndrome Society 800-221-4602
July 11-12 GCDD Quarterly Meeting Atlanta 404-657-2126
July 17-21 Nat'l Conf. on Autism Spectrum Disorders Indianapolis, Ind. Sponsor: Autism Society of America 888-233-2864; jemde@imimtg.com
July 26 ADA Anniversary Celebration & Justin Dart Memorial Georgia State Capitol Mark Johnson 404-350-7493
July 26-29 Nat'l. Leadership Conf. for Youth with Disabilities Washington, D.C. Alison Turner 800-410-7069 turneali@ohsu.edu
July 28 Country Clash Celebrity Softball for Fayette Field of Hope Peachtree City Nick Harris 678-364-8588 www.wkhx.com
AUGUST 2002
August 5 FORE FOCUS: Golf Classic Families of Children Under Stress (FOCUS) Country Club of Roswell 770-234-9111
August 20
VOTE -- Primary Election Day
August 19 -21 Vocational Rehabilitation: Disability & Employment 2002 Washington, D.C. jenn.rigger@ed.gov
August 23-25 Nat'l Down Syndrome Congress 29th Annual Convention Denver, Colo. Sponsor: National Down Syndrome Congress 800-233-1234
August 29 Georgia Alliance Staffing Solutions Forum: Atlanta 404-688-4845 www.gcdd.org

SEPTEMBER 2002
September 7 10th Annual Lekotek Run Lekotek of Georgia 404-633-3430 www.lekotekga.org/run.htm
September 12-14 34th Annual Epilepsy Foundation Conf. New Orleans, La. www.efa.org/aboutus/conference.html
September 17-19 CDC: Birth Defects, Developmental Disabilities, Disability & Health Conf. Atlanta 770-488-7150 www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/default.htm
September 18-22 Strengthening Networks Atlanta Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network 800-297-6146
September 28 Quality of Life Forum Macon Dawn Randolph 678-471-3804
September 30 Golf Tournament -- Swing for the Children Country Club of the South Down Syndrome Assn. of Atlanta 404-320-3233 www.down-syndrome-atlanta.org
OCTOBER 2002
October 3-5 World Congress and Exposition on Disabilities Orange County Convention Ctr. Orlando, Fla. 877-923-3976 www.wcdexpo.com
October 9-10 GCDD Quarterly Meeting Tifton 404-657-2126
October 10-13 Nat'l Organization of Rare Disorders Conf. Crystal City, Va. 203-746-6518 dbolton@rarediseases.org
October 12 Buddy Walk Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta 404-320-3233 www.down-syndrome-atlanta.org
October 15 -17 Tools for Life/Touch the Future Expo Georgia Department of Labor Augusta 800-497-8665 www.gatfl.org
October 16 Nat'l Disability Mentoring Day American Assn. of People with Disabilities Jonathan Young ndmd@aapd-dc.org www.aapd.com

October 17-19 Children & Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder Int'l Conf. on ADHD Miami Beach, Fla. 800-233-4050 www.chadd.org
October 19-21 People First Conference Jekyll Island
October 23 Heart of Gold Banquet Decatur Atlanta Alliance on Developmental Disabilities 404-881-9777 x 221
October 31 - November 2 Building Potential: Conference on Down Syndrome and Developmental Disabilities Atlanta Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta Sue Joe 404-320-3233 www.down-syndrome-atlanta.org
October 31-November 4 Tourettes Syndrome Assn. Celebrity Conf. 2002 Alexandria, Va. 718-224-2999 www.tsa-usa.org
NOVEMBER 2002
November 5
VOTE -- General Election Day
November 13-16 Int'l Dyslexia Association Annual Conf. Atlanta Sponsor: International Dyslexia Assn. 800-222-3123 www.interdys.org
ON-GOING ACTIVITIES:
Mason Mill Center for Special Populations 404-679-5917
Creative Community Services Robby Richardson 770-469-6226
HAPY Clubs at YMCA Social & recreational activities 404-377-0241 x 190
Just People Metro Atlanta social recreation for adults 770-441-1188
Rockdale Miracle League Gary Garner 770-785-7677 www.miracleleague.org
The Smart Place Stone Mountain Day habilitation & camp for kids 12+ & adults Teresa Punzi 770-469-4418

Making A DIFFERENCE 23

GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON
DEVELOPMENTAL
DISABILITIES
2 Peachtree Street, N.W. Ste 8-210 Atlanta, GA 30303-3142 www.gcdd.org

Making A DIFFERENCE

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Contact Janice Nodvin at 770-956-8511, ext. 207 or jnodvin@mayinstitute.org