Spring/Summer 2000 rr 
 
:C L 
 
!SLET1 
 
THE G E O R G I A D E P A R T M E 
 
B O R " vc 
 
The Problem: High School Dropouts 
The Solution: Jobsfor Georgia Graduates 
 
ARAYWHPPE 
 
One of the nwst diffb 
cult chaltengs fdrg 
 
I 
 
h tbs low percentage of ztu- 
 
j dmm wtm complete K i h schoal g d o a - 
 
I 'tborr requirements, The scomrrnic and 
 
mcid 6:- w c k t e d with X t N vexing 
 
problem of high b l dropoua r h m - 
 
ens to restrict e~mwmicgrowth and 
 
$ti& m k r pmdmivity 
 
However, one Georgia D e p m t of 
- L & r Initiative - jabs far Georgia 
Graduates has demonstmted remarkable success in i w m ' n g the graduation 
mtes of parciupgtingSerbs. 
 
Bs detail4 in the accwnpanyings t q , in 
 
2005,89 percent d jffis I,077 seniors 
 
earned a high skbool diploma-+ rate 
 
that was 
 
percent hiher than the 
 
mew* a v q e of 69 percent! 
 
A h average $&mion rates f a r JGC students duringthe last fwe yew5 satgpt 
*at one-$=GeorgIds~ost- persistent educational ,problems: ,'hay pot be as 
i n t d as previMisly belieled. Wore tmpamntty, so-called at-risk scudems with histories of law wxderitic pwfw- 
m a n e have thrived in the suppomve mvimment provided by the j6G 
m&l. 
 
IsJGGxhepanaceathat can mlpaculously solve dl all the compk iswe$that carp 
crib to the high schmt drqmut problem?Of rourse it is not. But JGGs 
mnfimrstht pubkc sector Initia- 
I tbcr baed on innovative l o 4 pamw ships between bushes and durationd leaders, parents and students can 
succed where others ham failed. 
I 
 
is not the m i a l e solution to Georgia's tow high school praduation rates. However, 1 m convinced that JGG is a ray of h p e for Georgians StMq tp imprwe the quality of sducgtim m m ~ r 
We. 
 
S I D E , ON -.-:---a4+ , 
 
The Georgia Department of Labor's Jobsfor Georgia Graduates UGG) program has demonstmted remarkable success in improving the hlgh school graduation rates of participatingstudents. According to recently released statistics, the 2005 JGG graduating class compiledan 89 percentgraduation rate.This is 20 percent higher than the shtewide graduation rate of 69 percent. 
These JGG graduation statistics are even more significant because Georgia has maintained one of the lowest high school graduation rates in the nation. Georgia Kids Count 2006 ranked Georgia 48th in the nation. According to JGG Program Director Nedra Wakefield, "Our number one goal is to assist our students in the 
I process of meeting all of the requirements for their high school 
diploma." 
 
What is Jobsfor Georgia Graduates? 
JGG is =filiabd with Jobs for America's Graduates, In=., the largest school-to-work -sition s-m that presently 
 
I 
Inw "e''UU'L 
 
Mrl arrjlLna 
 
Thurmond with the 
 
I'eF)a Presenm ~ Leader of the 
 
~ 
 
~ 
 
~ 
 
serves more than 70,000 youth in 27 states.Students with academic duringIAG's Narional TrainingSeminar held in Atlanta. 
 
and personal barriers are often recruited for enrollment in JGG. 
 
Barriers may include low GPA, high absenteeism, first generation graduates and students on the verge of dropping out of high school. 
 
u.L 
 
The Georgia program provides high school students with pre-employmenttraining, work skIls, motivationalactivities and job 
 
development. JGGstuden& are encouragedto complete high school, get a liberalarts or technical college education, pursue a mil- 
 
i w career and eventually become contributing members of the labor force. Graduating seniors receive follow-up services to 
 
encourage successful tmnsition from high school to advanced education, training and work opportunities. 
 
EstablishedinG e o r g i a i n B J ,h p c o g m m - w a s w m d p ~ ~ & d . hG ym g i a 4 u ~ h u t i c w .hsampered hy a lack ofcon: 
 
sistent funding. in 1999, state budget writers recommended elimination of the Initiative but: newly elected Labor Commissioner 
 
MichaelThurmond reinvigoratedthe JGG program by providing much needed funding and a new direction. 
 
In 2000, Commissioner Thurmond recognized the need for early vocational assistance and guidance and expanded the tradi- 
 
tional senior model only curriculum to a fwe-year program beginning In the ninth grade. Currently, there are 22 senior model pro- 
 
gmms and I 2 rnuki-year programs operating in 27 local school systems. 
 
In recognition of Commissioner Thurmond's leadership in the workforce development and his long-term support and com- 
 
mitment to Jobsfor America's Graduates, Inc., the organization's President, Ken Smith honored Thurmond with the Government 
 
Leader of the Year Award at i& National Training Seminar in Atlanta on July 20-22, 2006. 
 
JGG continued on page 7 
 
Operation Welcome Home 
By Matia Storey Edwords 
 
On April 10, 2006, the Georgia Department of Labor hosbed its Second 
 
Annual Statewide Veterans' Workforce Conference in Norcross. The conference 
 
theme was,"Lightingthe Way Home,"and includedtopics on apprenticeship pro- 
 
grams and on-the-job training for veterans. The conference encouraged special 
 
attention to veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, and was also the 
 
prelude to Commissioner Michael Thurrnond's vision - Operation Welcome 
 
Home. 
 
This initiative was specifically designed to assist veterans with job retraining 
 
and transitkning back into civllian life. "The Labor Department will be a guide to 
 
the men and women who serve our country," Commissioner Thurmond said. 
 
"We are proud of them and want nothing less than for them to return to Georgia 
 
welcomed by family, friends and career opportunities." 
 
Approximately 4,000 soldiers face the prospect of searchingfor previousand 
new careers. For some veterans, finding employment may seem challenging since L-..,-.. -,- ,,, Carrollton Career Center, was 
 
the unemployment rate for vets in Georgia is expected to reach 15 percent. instrumental in helping Spec. 4th class. Michael 
 
That's higher than the 4.5 percent unemployment rate for the general population Lumbert obtain employment. 
 
of the state. Despite these estimates, 
 
the GDOL will "light the way" for vet- 
 
Georgia Department of Labor 
 
erans' the 48th 
 
lam is Oneb of ert He served a year in Iraq with 
Brigade and returned to the 
 
148Andrew Young International Atlanta, Georgia30303-1 75 1 
 
Bhd., 
 
N.E. 
 
1 PRSRT STD POSTAGE 8. FEE6 PAID GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR 
 
states in April. After visiting the 
 
Carrollton Career Center he was hired 
 
as a Mayfield Dairy route driver 
 
trainee. 
 
Veterans are encouraged t o 
 
contact a local Career Center for tran- 
 
sition and employment assistance. 
 
Georgia employers can support this 
 
effort by listing jobs with the 
 
Department by dialing 1 -866.699.3540. 
 
 Taking Our Children to Work 
 
Editor. The k c o n 
 
or layoffs occur before they improve their qualifications, update their 
 
By Quentin Miller 
 
Lifelong Learning 
 
skills or retrain for a new line of 
work. Tbe lifelong learning concept 
promotes preparedness and contin- 
uous self-development. 
 
On Mday April 28, the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) celebrated itr 2006 Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day (TODSWD). TODSWD is a national event des~gndto give kids a realistic view of the day-to-day lives of adults to show them that getting an education is key to excelling in society. 
 
I recently read an article about Josephine Belasco who graduated from Galileo High School in San Francisco on June 14 of this year. What's so special about this, you may ask? Thousands of teenagers graduate from high school every year. Well, Belasco was no average student and she was no teenager. She is 98 years old and received her high school diploma 80 years after dropping out of school. 
 
What new knowledge have you obtained lately? What new skills have you acquired this year? I encourage you to take on the lifelong learning concept. Learn a new skill. Take a class on a subject that interests you. For those who believe in continuous economic growth, lifelong learning is a necessity, not a luxury, for all of us. 
 
Studentr ages nine through 16 participated in the went at the GDOL. F i b m o studentr were present for the activities scheduld for the day. The activities that the students participated in were designed to give them a realistic view of actual day-to-day decisions made by the adults in their Fives, such as budgeting and paying bills, effectively interacting and communicating with peers or co-workers, and functioning as a productive and responsible member of one's family and society. 
The students were all brought back together at the end of the day and prizes were given to students who paid the most attention during the day of events. Students had the opportunity to ask questions and make comments during this session. The enthusiasm among the students was great and each one stated they learned a great deal from the activities. Most children expressed strong interests in returningyear after year for the Labor Department'sannual TODSWD. 
 
Beiasco is a living example that it's nwer too soon or too late for learn- 
 
Thank you to allthe p a r a and studenrswho participatedand the facilfrtatorswho assisted in the event We look forward to U n gyou again next year. 
 
ing. Lifelonglearningis attitudinal-it 
 
means that one can and should be 
 
open to new ideas, decisions, skills 
 
O r behaviors. It throws the axiom "you teach an dog new 
 
The Beacon, a quorterfy publication, will consider for publscation articles reluting to 
 
tricks" out the door and encourages or dealing with the Georgia Department of 
 
citizens of all ages to continue learn- Labor. Articles must be double-spoced end 
 
ing, not just through formal channels such as schools and colleges but 
 
typewritten. Please include name. address 
- -- . and a daytime phone number with article. 
- tr~hrnirsin.n-rrnrrrt nr.r.i.v.* hd]a-r."* t.,h.-e I '+C."t h f"i]f 
 
thmugh other' forms oftminingsuch as workshops, correspondence 
 
each month to be considered for the next issue. Articles rnoy be emoiled to 
 
I 
 
cour.se..s o.r recreational activities. 
 
janice.reoves@dobstate.go.us or foxed to 
 
(404) 656-2683. Editor reservesthe right to 
 
In a recent speech, Alan G-nspan, former Federal Reserve chairman, warned that U.S. workers must be better educated if they are to find 
 
edit 011 artjcles of submission. 
 
-. - 
 
. - . - .. 
 
I he Beacon ss ovui!ubfein Braille and other 
 
alternate formats. 
 
jobs in a rapidly changing economy. 
He said we nlust pravide "rigorous 
 
~~~l articles Georgia Department of Labor 
 
- 
tr 
 
- 
ft 
 
y 
 
- 
 
t 
 
w 
 
o 
 
chr.r,oren 
 
porr"r-c"lporl' 
 
~ ind the 2006 Take Our Daughters 
 
ond Sons to Work Do; 
 
education andl ongoing training to all Suite 600 
 
ot the GDOL.Pictured are the nine to 14 year old age group. The E5-16 yeor old stu 
 
members of society." CXten individ- 
uab wait until companies downsize 
 
148 Andrew Young International Blvd.. N.E. Atlanta. GA 30363- 1751 
 
I 
 
- dents were out working on Q video assignment with GOOL s t 6members Paul Cornwa 
and Robert miner. 
 
High SchoolIHigh Tech Goes West 
By Carolyn Kowutski 
 
Seven Georgia High SchooWigh T i h (HSIMTj students recently returned 
 
from a whirlwind trip to Microsoft headquarters in Redmond, WA, where they 
 
presentedthe projectsthat garnered them recognition as winners of the Microsoft 
 
Accessible Computer Sofhrvare DevelopmentCompetition.The statewide contest 
 
resulted from an agreement between Microsofr and the Georgia Committee on 
 
Employment of People with Disabilities, Inc., a nonprofit organization committed 
 
to Georgia High SchooIlHigh Tech, an initiative of the Georgia Department of 
 
bborlVocational Rehabilitation program designed to get students with disabilities 
 
interested in high tech careers. 
 
Georgia's students were pairedwith speciallytrained mentors and given overall 
 
technical assistance by two professionals with expertise in accessible program 
 
design. Each team planned, designed and developed a fully functional bug-free 
 
windows based application. 
 
The Dougherty County HSlHTteam based its project on Logo-Links, a school 
 
store housed at Westover High School in Albany that markets and sells specialized 
 
items imprinted with the school's mascot and colors. The team developed a MS 
 
Access database usingVisual Basics 2005 to make the buying process more acces- 
 
sible. The Logo-Links store items haw a picture, description, and price of any 
 
selected itemavailable in formats that accommodatethose with readingdisabilities 
 
(vision or learningdisabled). The program allows the user to access information on 
 
the products available in alternateformats, add an item to a shopping cart, and ulti- 
 
mately send an email of the list of items to the store director for processing. 
 
The Red Eagle Fenv team from 
 
Tama Trihl Town in Whigham, GA, 
 
which is the first and only Native 
 
American HSEHT program in the 
 
countr): adapted Lower Muskogee 
 
Janice Reaves, Editor John Ard, Stufwriter Matia Storey Edwards. Stoffwriter Annie Hughley. Stufwrrter Carolyn Kowalski. Staffwriter 
 
Creek Indian myths and legends from printed to electronic format, essentially creating an e-book. And since a key goal of the Muskogee Creek program is to connect its young people 
 
Quentin Miller. Stof writer 
 
to tribal elders through cultural aware- 
 
Nicote Mangharn, Ldyout Designer. 
 
ness, the project focus was perfect. 
 
Graphrc Artist 
 
Official N, 
srgia Del 
 
of the 
of Labor 
 
The efectronic format is written to 
- a database and stored on a CD along 
with the application, which accesses 
 
the storiesand modifiesthem usingthe accessibility features built into the Microsoft Windows XP operatingsystem. The program allows the user to adiust font size and colors, as well as background colors. There is also a text-to-speech option that can be selected. 
In addition to touring Microsoft's Home of the Future and Center for Information Workplace, the group visited the Seattle Space Needle, a Boeing aircraft plantthat is the largest factory in the world: 78 acres under one roof, and the University of Washington 190-station computer lab. where hey learned about adaptive technology and accommodations. 
Throughout the competition and on the trip itself, stden& applied critical thinking ski1Is, learned useful computer programming concepts and techniques, deepened their understanding of accessibility and gained self-confidence. All will serve them well as they finish high school and move to post-secondaveducation and wark. 
I 
'She Red Eogie Teom: Bobby Murphy, Marion McCormick. Cornelfus Butier (President, 
Butler New Medio LSCJ. Dovid McCormick. Troy Mallory, Lee Mrller (CEO,GR 
Committee on Employment o f PeopEe with Disabilities. Inc.); The Dougherty County Team:Morris Roiney, NkengeMajor, JFm Edwards. Ronnie McMilSan.Jonathan Taunton. Brandon Worthy, Antwon Trice 
 
 Albany 
The Albany Career Center conducted its first 
Saturday Academy in May 2006 with 32 students participating. The purpose of the academy is to 
provide job readiness training sessions for young job seekers. Employers asked for this training and the Career Center responded. The Saturday Academy preceded Albany's first Youth Summer Job Fair. 
Athens Emily Moore, DOL services specialist in the Athens Career Center,has been promoted to unit 
supervisor in the Elberton Career Center. 
fl Blue Ridge 
Members of the North Georgia Employer 
Committee (NGEC)were treated t o a special 
presentation entitled "Business Sewices Through the Workforce Investment Board," presented by Glenn ksco, Lisa Adkisson, Scott Jackson, Andy 
Smith, Candy Day and ButchJones of the NGEC. 
Butch Jones also announced that the Northwest Georgia Workforce Investment Board V I E ) received the Spirit of Collaboration Award at the 2005 Workforce Conference for outstanding service in partner communication, customer sewice, job training resources and the cosr-effective operation of the One Stop System. 
 
The Mitchell-Baker Employer Committee, the Parent Mentor Program, the Program for Exceptional Children. the Camilla Career Center, and Vocational Rehabilitation Services collaborated with local colleges, technical schools and businesses in Mitchell and 'Baker counties to hold a job fair for high school students tmsitioning from high school to college or work. The job fair was a great success with approximately 70 students from the high school special education program in attendance. 
Columbus 
The Columbus Career Center recognizes Veda Causey and Dan Harmon for 100 percent 
Benefits Timeliness Quality reviews - claims that 
have no corrections t o be made. 
Actured is Don Harmon (LJ and Veda Cause (Rlwrth Career Center manager, Mike//Fryer. 
 
David Clinard with Elizabeth Barnett 
M Monroe 
Pat Boiley, career center manager. presents employment marketing representative Susan Yearwood {L) with o 20 year Faithful Service Award at the Monroe Coreer Center. 
 
fl Dublin 
DubIin Career Center employees GjW%KnZ Hodges and Nancy Welch were presented with service awards at a recent staff meeting. Hodges (L) holds her five year Faithful Service Award and Welch shows her 20 year Faithful Service Award. 
 
L-R, Glenn Rasco, NGEC vice chairperson, Loraine Green, NGEC secretary-treasurer and Butch ]ones, NGEC member ond WIB chairperson. 
 
Camilla Kudos to Angelia Adarns, DOL services spe- 
cialist, Bill Palmer, employment marketing repre- 
sentative, and Torn Brock, DOL services specialist, 
who all worked to place three GoodWorks! clients. 
 
Macon David Clinard, Career Center manager, presents Linda R. Rhodes, DOL services specialfd 
claims examiner, with a 30 year Faithful Service Award. Clinard also presented Elizabeth Barnett with a five year Faithful Service Award. Congratulations t o both! 
 
I 
 
I 
 
L-R. Bjil Palmer, employment marketfng representotive Angelia Adams, DOL services specialist, and Tom Brock, DOL services specialist, who all worked t o help GoodWorks!clients obtain therr independence. 
 
Month! 
 
1 
 
David ~ l i n o z t Lhinda R. Rhodes 
 
The Gwinnett, Covrngton and Monroe Career Centers partnered m sponsoring the Yeterans'Job Foir at the American Legion in Loganville an March 8. Shown 
(L-R): Susan Yearwood, employment marketing representdive, Monroe; Naomr Glenn, district director IV North; and Rickey Coleman, veteran's representative, Monroe. The job fair was we// attended. 
M Savannah 
Pictured are participants at the job fair held at she Savannah Electric Corporate office in March. The plant is scheduled to close this summer. The Georgia Department of labor's Rapid Response team and the Sovannoh Career Center hme been working to oid those who will be afected by the closure. 
Thomasville The Thomasville Career Center celebrated 
National Disability Employment Awareness Month with a proclamation from Thomasville Mayor, Rick Singletary. The theme was "Workers with Disabilities, Ready for Tomorrow's JobsToday!" 
 
 Pictured (L-R): C ~ n d y Wooten, Lisa Griffin and 
Marilyn Mason of the Thomasville Career Center accept the proclomotEon from Thomasville Mayor, 
Rick Singletory 
The Tfmmanille staff were also mined on the 
myths and fa- r e l d to people with disabilities. 
The training was conducted by Georgiann Johnson and Laura Kennedyof kchibold Memorial Hospital. 
Llsa Grifin and Cindy Wooten present a thank you gift to guest speaker, Georgionn johnson during the Disability Awareness Month program. 
The Thomasville k r Center celebrated the grand opening of its main conference mom which was renamed in honor of the Fate Curtis 
Taylor Thomas, Sr., a former GDOL employee 
known for his dedication to helpingothers, and his job performance which went above and beyond the call of duty. Piaured with Commissioner Phurmond is Mrs. Curtis Taylor Thomas, Thornasville Mayor Rick Singletary, various members of the Thomas family and others who attended the dedication ceremony. 
 
F Tifton 
E More than 290 job seekers attended a job fair hosted by the Tifton Career Center and Tift Area Emptoyer Committee. Four large manufacturing companies, Exopack. Orgill, Shaw, and Tifton Aluminum were on-site to interview potential employees. The event was timed to assist former Burlen employees who were recently laid-off. 
True to his commitment t o Operation Welcome Home, Commissioner Thurmond attended a veterans' job fair in Tifton and gave a brief presentation on the advantages of hiringveterans. The job fair was attended by 45 employers, 100 veterans and approximately 150 job seekers from the general public. LVER Michael Burgess and DVOP Greg Morris were also in attendance. 
The Career Center and Employer Committee also collaborated with ~ i f hi e a Technical College and Moultrie Technical College for the Second Annual Community 
Career Fair. Thirty-nine employers and more than 240 job seekers attended. DOL services specialist Michael Burgess was on hand to assist area veterans in their job searches. 
 
A Valdosta 
The Valdosta Career Center welcomes Kellie Mays as unit supervisor. Mays has been with the GDOC for seven years as a DOL services specrollisr. 
Congratufotions! 
- The Voldosto Career Center welcomes G r e F~errell as 
the new Disabled Veterans Outreach Program representative. Welcome aboard! 
Now this is true customer service - doing 
whatever it takes to help the customer. Pictured is 
- Ruthie Howard. DOL services s~ecialisth. oldinga 
sleeping baby girl while her m&er is at the cornputer searchingfor a job. Thanks Ruthiefor all you do? 
 
Two hundred forty job seekers and 35 employers and organizations participated in the first Fitzgerald Business ExpoIJab Fair on June 15, which was sponsored by the Tift area Employer Committee and other local businesses. 
 
N d r a Wakefield, project director, lobs for Georgia Graduates, was awarded the Nutional Associatfon for 
Equal Employment in Higher Education Distinguished 
Alumni Award. This annual award is given to an alumni of a historically or predominantly black college or university who has distinguished him or herself in a profession, a community, our nation, in exceIlence andlor altruism. Congratulations Nedra! 
 
Mikell Fryer, manager of the Columbus Career Center, 
has another title to add to his name - Minority Small 
Business Champian of the Year for Georgia and the Southeast region. Mikell received the honor from the U.S. Small Business Administration. This award is the most recent addition to a long list of accomplishments, including being named Supervisor of the Year in 2002 by the International Association of Workforce Personnel, and Monager of the Yeor fir Veteran Services in 2005. 
 
-- Employment Opportunities for All 
THECLASSICCENTER* ATHENSG, EORGIA Pre-eonfmmce workshops will be held October 30-31 
 
 Rehabilitation Services 
 
If You Can Believe It, You Can Achieve It 
By Annie Hughley 
 
Frank Levine has operated a Braille repair business for four and one-half years. He independently repairs Braille equipment from all over the United States. So far, Levine has repaired more than 450 machines, using parts smalEer than the screws used to hold eyeglasses together. The most unique aspect of this is Levine is deaf and blind. 
Levine started out as an automobile mechanic. Although he was hearing impaired, he was able to make a living doing something he loved - repairing machines. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with Usher Syndrome, a disease that eventually took his sight as well as his hearing. 
But Levine did not just decide t o become a Braille repairman avernight. He decided that he 
Frank Levine with one of the machines he repairs. 
 
wanted to work, and started searching for jobs he could do. He became a lawn mower repairman, but had to give that job up because employers were afraid that not being able to see would pose a danger for him. So he attended the Georgia Sensory Resource Center (GSRC) t o get help because he wanted to work. At GSRC, Levine was introduced t o Braille machines that did not work. He asked why the machines were sitting around and was told that no one was able to repair the machines. That" when the idea t o become a Braille repairman was born. 
Levine became friends with Dr. Bob Krause of GSRC 
who told the former mechanic, "If you can repair a carburetor, then you can repair a Braille machine." 
Levine was evaluated by Diane Connelly with the Vocational Rehabilitation (MI) Assistive Technology Program, Jack Gilson, supervisor with VR, Susan Lascek, a representative with the Helen Keller National Center, and an interpreter. The interview took a full day and instructions on machine repair were translated from English to Braille for him. Levine then attended the Helen Keller National Center where he refined his skills. 
Returning from the center, Levine was able t o set up shop and began repairing BraiFle machines. At first, he had trouble diagnosing the problems the machines had. He would take the machine apart, attempt a repair, and put it back together only to discover that it still did not work. He is now able to repair all types of machine, both manuatandzlectrir. 
Levine has added an additional component t o his job. He is a technology instructor for individualswho are deaf and blind like himself. His goal is to help as many people become independent. He receives 
 
Frank Levrne (RJ with Dr. Bob Krause (L) and Rebecca Sdls, Coordinator - Deaf; Hard of Hearing and Deaf- 
Blind. 
referrals from the Blind and Nojtow Vision Center as 
well as from VR. Levine strongly believes that "you have t o have a 
talent and a passion for the work you choose, which will help you get your ideas going." He credits the Georgia Department of Labor's VR Division and the Helen Keller National Center as being instrumental in his success and helping him identify his passion. 
Levine is a living example that nothing is impossible forthse who have thedesire-to achieve, and. he is proof that the GeorgiaDepartment of Labor is succeeding in its mission of building a world class workforce. 
 
Tools for Life - An Apt Name 
By Carolyn Kowalski 
 
For a person without a disability, technology 
 
ings were designed to bring participants together to 
 
makes things easier; for a person with a disability, 
 
strategize about increasing access to AT, and to 
 
technology makes things possibte. 
 
provide a faciIitated forum where local citizens can 
 
That simple truth fuels virtually every activity of 
 
discuss and recommend the kinds of AT resources 
 
Tools for Life (TFL), a federally-funded initiative of 
 
that are needed in their communities so that people 
 
the Georgia Department of Labor" Vocational 
 
with disabilities can live independent, productive, 
 
Rehabilitation program. TFL focuses on providing 
 
and inclusive lives. Participants typically include 
 
assistive technology (AT) training, demonstrations 
 
people with disabilities, family members, advocates, 
 
and lending library access, information and referral 
 
employers, and service providers. 
 
services, and computer reutilization projects to all 
 
In each location, TFL and the ATRCs serving the 
 
Georgians with disabilities. And that is a significant 
 
area explain the spectrum of local and statewide ser- 
 
number. According ro the 2000 U. S. Census, nearly 1.5 million Georgians age five and older have a dis- 
 
A tyPicol T F L town hall meeting. 
 
vices available, such as G-Trade, an on-line AT exchange effort, and Credit-Able, a new program 
 
ability, and there is no accurate estimate of how 
 
that fosters affordable ways to finance AT. 
 
many infants and children younger than fivecould be 
 
Interestingly enough, these two programs were 
 
added to that total. 
TFCs operating ethic is also simple: to give "options for greater freedom... to 
 
implemented from suggestions at TFCs first foray into town hall meetings in the early 1990s, as was ReBoot, the computer recycling 
 
all Georgians with disabilities s o they can independently live, learn, work, and play project. The small group discussions this year emphasized three major needs: more 
 
independently in communities of their choice." A toddler who needs an adaptive toy AT resource centers throughout the state; increasedawareness of available AT ser- 
 
with oversized push butrons, a college freshman who is blind and wants to test N O 
 
vices utilizing local health departments. school systems and social service agencies; 
 
different voice activated computer programs before buying One, and an older and developmentof an AT co-op, a sort of Sam's Club for technology, so that cost- 
 
worker who needs help researching some mobility accommodations for home and efficient group purchases can be explored. 
 
office - each of these Georgians can contact TFL staff for help. 
 
Another trend reflects the growth of the older worker and about-to-be senior 
 
And getting help couldn't be easier. There is no age, income or other eligibility citizen population. Whether the individualsin this demographic have a disability or 
 
requirement people need t o meet in order to utilize TFCs expertise, resources and believe rhey might acquire one as they grow older, rhey see the need for an AT 
 
services. An individualsimply c o n ~ c t seither the TFL central office or one of the four strategy that will help them plan an answer to the question, "How do I 
 
? " 
 
Assistive Technology Resource Centers (ATRCs) responsible for providingAT infor- The blank ranges from "make it easier for my mother to move around her home, 
 
mation and referral services t o the community that it helps fund. After a basic and especially in the kitchen and bathroom," t o "use the accessibility features on my 
 
informal intake procedure, a TFL coordinator puts the wheels in motion to recom- refurbished computer," t o "find reliable transportation so that I can go back to 
 
mend the most appropriateway to fulfill the caller's request, whether it is to locate work after my stroke." 
 
a used computer or to apply for a low-interest loan to purchase an adapted vehicle. 
 
If past experience is any indicator, TFCs town hall meetings will prove t o be a 
 
In an effort to increase awareness of its various services as well as garner vital good investment, one that reinforces the foundation for providing multifaceted 
 
input from local communities, TFL recently launched a series of town hat1meetings future services for all Georgians. For more information about TFL, please call 
 
across Georgia - the first in Rome in January,the last in July in Atlanta. The meet- 404.638.0390 ar email info@eatfl.or~. 
 
   I - Page 8 Vol. Five/lssue 1 
 
I The BEACON - Georgia Department of Labor 
 
Partnership: GDOL and State Charitable 
 
Contributions Program 
 
By Annie Hughley 
 
Chances are If you we s&t impaired hPGeutgb,ymhwwhweheardof h t - a Turnesr.She is a M i a produc- 
tion specialist with the Georgia Department of b b r ' s Vocational 
Rehabitit& (VR) m.She m & m 
rnat&al irrta Wth so cliants with rmvision or tow vision wn r d it, 
 
When you first meet burn, k is c l l M t totdl th&*wQmm m ~ h warm smile a d d m % e p has m, vision at dt. Shekst hervision w h she w;ws 22 dw to a condition known as optic m&. .Not d p o p k who h e tk 
 
and d-I 
 
still don't know what 
 
caused her loss ofsight. 
 
The partnership between the GDOL and the Stare Charitable Contributions Program (SCCP) has proven a positive one for all involved. GDOL employees have found that they can support their favorite charities and their communities through payroll deductions and one time contributions. And the charities benefit from receiving d l of the deductions together, saving on administrative costs. This makes a win-win situation for all. 
GDOL donations for the 2005 - 2006 year tohled $84,287.65 and show that Labor employeesare still committed to giving 
back. GDOL employees not only contributedto SCCR they contributed t o other organizationst o help those affected by dis- 
aster, and they gave of themselves as well - helpingt o feed the hungry, donatingfood and clothing to those in need, givingtoys 
to make a child's holiday bright and a host of other activities that helped t o enhance the lives of others. While all of our divisions and individuals deserve recognitionfor their contributions to SCCR the Marketingand Community 
Relations Division awards honors in two otegories -the division with the most innovative and creative fundraiser is given the Pelican Award, while the ParagonAward goes t o the division that submitted the largest fundraising contribution. This year, the PelicanAward went t o Information Technology (IT) for its innovative balloon dart toss, and the ParagonAward was presented to Financial Services for the highest fundraising contribution. Please offer your congratulationst o these two divisions that will hold the awards until the next SCCP campaign. 
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Paragon Winner: FinancialServices; (L-R) First Row: SCCP coordinator, Quentin Miller, Gwen Smith, Sabrina kterson, SCCP coor- 
dinator.Mutia Storey Edwards; Second Row: Deaodralones, Linda Reid, Deborah Bland; Third Raw: Greg Beauvais, Gil McCorrnick 
 
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Pelican Winnec Information Technology: (L-R) SCCP coordinator Quentin Miller, Linda Russell, Desiyonti Clark, Geneva Goodwyn. SCCP coordinator Matia Storey Wwards 
 
How well do you know your country? The fillowing are common nicknames of U.S. states. Can you name them? 
 
I. The Btuegrass State 
 
2. The Volunteer State 
 
3. The Empire State of the South 
 
4. The Aloha State 
 
5. The First State 
 
6. The Sunshine Shte 
 
7. The Heart of Dixie State 
 
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8. The Constitution State 
 
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9. The Great Lakes Shte 
 
10. The Cornhusker State 
 
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I. The Evergreen State 12. The Equality State 
 
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13. The Mount Rushrnore State 
 
14. The Keystone State 
 
15. The Sooner State 
 
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16. The Empire State 
 
1 7. The Pine Tree State 
 
18. The Pelican State 
 
1 9. The Last Frontier State 
 
20. The Golden State