2001 annual report

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Georgia State Rehabilitation Council
20011
A 1nnual Report
A Workforce Development System Serving
Georgians With Disabilities

Message from Annette T. Bowling, Chairperson, State Rehabilitation Council ............... ... ......... ..... ... 1
Georgia State Rehabilitation Council Purpose .......................................... ....... ... ............................................ ....................................... 2 Mandated Membership ...................... ............ ................... ..................... ...... ............. .................. .3 Duties & Accomplishments ...... ............................. ..... ........................................... ...... ....... ......... .4
Benchmarking Customer Satisfaction .......... .. .. .............. ...... .......... ................. .................................... ...... 5
State Rehabilitation Council Recommendations to the Vocational Rehabilitation Program .. .... ....... 7
Georgia Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, Inc. ... ...... ... .............. ......................... 9 Georgia High School/High Tech Program ............................................. ............. ......................... 9 Carl Anthony Cunningham Youth Leadership Forum .... ....................... ...... ........... ... ........ .... ... .10 Cornelius Butler Appointed to National Youth Council ... .... .. .... ........ ........ .... ............... ........ ..... 11 Other High School/High Tech Activities ............... ... ....... .. ...... .... ... ................... ..... ...... .............. 11 Georgia Business Leadership Network ................................. ....... .. ..... ................. ... .................. 12
Message from Jimmy DeFoor, Assistant Commissioner of Rehabilitation Services ... ...... ... ............. 13 Georgia Business Enterprise Program .. ... .. ... ...... ... ....... .... ................ ...... ... ..... ..... ...... .. ............. 14 Disability Adjudication Services................................ ..... ...... ......... ........ ................ ... ... ............... 15 Georgia Industries for the Blind ............................................................................................. .. ..15 Roosevelt Warm Spri ngs Institute for Rehabilitation .................................................................16
Message from Elizabeth Kinne, Director, Vocational Rehabilitation Program ........... .................. ..... 17 Vocational Rehabilitation Program .......................... ...... ............................................................ 18 Strateg ic Agenda: 2001 & Beyond .. .. ... .......... ..... ................. .... ... ....... ....................................... 19 In itiatives & Partnerships ................................................................... .............. ... ... ..... ... ..... ....... 20 Activities & Accomplishments .... ................................. ... ....... ... .. .. ..... ............................. ........... .24 Client Assistance Program ................ .. .................... ............ ............. .. ... ... .... .... .........................25 Celebrating Success................................................. ......... ... .. .................... ...............................26
State Rehabilitation Council Members .............................. .......... ....................................... .....................29
State Rehabilitation Council Ex-Officio Members ...... ........ ... .................................................................33
Directories Georgia Rehabi litation Services .................................... ... .........................................................34 Vocational Rehabilitation Program Administrative Office .................................... ......... ...... ...... 35 Vocational Rehabilitation Program Regional Offices ............... .............. ... ......................... ... ... .36 Georgia High School/High Tech Program Coordinators ................................ ......... .................. 37 Community Rehabilitation Facilities ...................... .................................................................... 39

Chairperson, State Rehabilitation Council
Dear Friends and Colleagues:
It has been a precedent-setting year in the history of Georgia Rehabilitation Services. With the passage of Georgia House Bill 172, authorizing the merger of Rehabilitation Services with the Georgia Department of Labor, we began a new era to ensure that persons with disabilities may follow an unfettered path to success in work. This monumental step signaled implementing the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 in earnest. Our sincere desire is to move forward to carry out the spirit as well as the full intent of the law-- to integrate, coordinate and improve all services designed to help persons with disabilities achieve independence and self-esteem through meaningful employment.
As a significant resource for the Vocational Rehabilitation Program and a partner with the Georgia Department of Labor/Rehabilitation Services , the Georgia State Rehabilitation Council goals for 2002 will continue to focus on the mission of assisting Georgians with disabilities to obtain gainful employment, to become productive citizens within their communities. We value and respect our role as a voice for Georgians with disabilities, and we will strive to promote a common agenda for the benefit of persons with disabilities.
The Council is prepared to work diligently to explore and put into practice new strategies that will meet our customers' highest expectations. We are grateful to our existing committed partners, and we also look forward to pursuing new collaborations, and promoting dialogue among those who wish to join our unified voice in advocating for persons with disabilities in their quest to become productive members of society.
Sincerely,
::A~ 0~
Annette Bowling Chairperson

2001 ANNUAL REPORT

PAGE 1

T he Georgia State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) is a body of twelve individuals who are strongly interested in the vocational rehabilitation process. As mandated by the United States Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended , the SRC members are appointed by Governor Roy Barnes to ensure that individuals with disabilities receive the services and support they need to become productive Georgia citizens through gainful employment and self-sufficiency.
To ensure the effective delivery of services to Georgians with disabilities, the State Rehabilitation Council reviews and analyzes Georgia Department of Labor/Rehabilitation Services regarding the performance and responsibilities of the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Program.
By working in a strategic partnership with Georgia Rehabilitation Services, the SRC provides input into the effective delivery of vocational rehabilitation services. The SRC works jointly with Rehabilitation Services, Vocational Rehabilitation Program to develop statewide needs assessment, set goals and priorities, report on program effectiveness, provide policy advisement, and measure consumer satisfaction.

PAGE 2

2001 ANNUAL REPORT

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Members of the Georgia State Rehabilitation Council bring expertise to the Council from a wide spectrum of disciplines. To ensure true representation of individuals with disabilities from diverse populations, the Council is mandated to include:
One representative of the Statewide Independent Living Council ,
One representative of a parent training and information center established pursuant to section 682(a) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ,
One representative of the Client Assistance Program ,
One vocational rehabilitation counselor who will serve as an ex-officio, nonvoting member of the Council , if the counselor is an employee of the designated State agency,
One representative of community rehabilitation program service providers,
Four representatives of business, industry, and labor,
Representatives of disability advocacy groups representing a cross section of individuals with physical , cognitive , sensory, and mental disabilities; and representatives of individuals with disabilities who have difficulty in representing themselves or are unable to represent themselves due to their disabilities,
One representative from the Georgia State Board of Education ,
One representative from an institution of secondary or higher education who is responsible for the education of students with disabilities,
Current or former recipients of vocational rehabilitation services,
One representative of the American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Program , and
One representative from the Georgia Workforce Investment Board.
In addition , ex-officio members are appointed as deemed pertinent by the membership. The state director of the VR agency is an ongoing ex-officio, nonvoting member.

2001 State Rehabilitation Council Members

Annette T. Bowling, SRC Chairperson Ray Bishop, SRC Vice-Chairperson Larry Beck, SRC Member Charles L. Martin, SRC Member

Kent Earnhardt, SRC Member Lee Miller, SRC Member Annie Kwan, SRC Member Charles VanDiviere, SRC Member

Patricia Puckett, SRC Member Nathaniel Fox, SRC Member Helen T. Hill, SRC Member Tim Willis, SRC Member

2001 ANNUAL REPORT

PAGE 3

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STATE REHABILITATION COUNCIL
T he State Rehabilitation Council is part of the policy development of the Georgia Rehabilitation Services, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program . As established in Section 105 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Act) , the State Rehabilitation Council is responsible for:

Reviewing , analyzing , and working in strategic partnership with Georgia Rehabilita-

tion Services regarding the performance of Georgia's Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)

Program .



Working in partnership with the state VR Program, the SRC develops and reviews State goals established by the VR Program , evaluates programs and services of the VR Program , and conducts needs assessments.

Providing advice to the VR Program on activities geared towards maximizing the delivery of services for the employment of Georgians with disabilities.

Preparing and submitting an annual report to the Governor of Georgia and the Federal Rehabilitation Service Administration Commissioner on the status of the Georgia VR Program .

Assisting with the preparation of the VR Program Annual State Plan updates, reports, needs assessments, and required evaluations.

Reviewing and analyzing the effectiveness and consumer satisfaction of the VR Program . This is accessed annually through the Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Coordinating working relationships and activities with other Georgia councils .

COORDINATION OF EFFORT
T o avoid duplication of effort and to enhance the number of individuals served , the Georgia State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) is federally mandated to develop working relationships and to coordinate activities with other Georgia councils . The SRC continues to develop linkages and forge productive relationships with the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) , Georgia Developmental Disabilities Council (DOC), Goodwill Industries of Georgia, Mayors' Committees on Employment of People with Disabilities, Georgia Mental Health Planning Council (MHP) , Georgia Workforce Investment Board (WIB) , Community Service Providers (CSP) , Georgia Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, Inc., and other Georgia rehabilitation service agencies.

PAGE4

2001 ANNUAL REPORT

Georgia Rehabilitation Services (RS) and the State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) continued the ongoing Customer Satisfaction Survey for 2001 to determine the overal l level of satisfaction of customers in the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program . Dr. Ralph Crystal and Dr. Leslie Martin , both vocational rehabilitation consultants from the University of Kentucky , conducted the survey by using a telephone survey instrument developed by the Rehabilitation Services , VR Program in conjunction with the SRC .
The telephone survey activity consisted of conducting a pi lot study with a random sample of 3,000 Georgia clients (45% urban clients, 40% rural clients , and 35% suburban clients) closed in status 26 (closed rehabilitated) , status 28 (closed but not rehabilitated after work plan was initiated) , and status 30 (closed not rehabilitated before work plan initiated) . Of the 3,000 clients in the VR data base, a total of 1,050 clients participated in the survey, for a response rate of 35% .

SURVEY RESULTS

0

verall , 65% of the respondents rated their satisfaction with the

rehabilitation services they

received as being either good or

excellent.

Approximately 788 (75%) of the respondents reported that their vocational rehabilitation team explained how they would assist with developing the personal work plan.
Respondents also rated their level of choices highly. About 630 (60%) customers said that they were given choices in the development of their work plan .
Customers reported positive relationships with their vocational rehabilitation counselors . About 683 (65%) customers said their counselor took the time to understand them and consider their needs and interests. About 525 (50%) of the respondents said they were satisfied with communication with their counselors ; 893 (85%) said their work plan was developed on a timely basis ; 893 (85%) said that their ideas and suggestions were considered ; 840 (80%) said services in their work plan were provided promptly; and 893 (85%) said members of the rehabi litation team were always available to help when a problem arose. Of those 893 respondents , 402 (45%) rated the amount of help they received in achieving their employment goal as excellent, while 223 (25%) rated the help they received as good .
Respondents were highly satisfied with their participation in developing and determining thei r

employment outcome. About 788 (75%) of the customers indicated that they were satisfied with their participation in determining their employment goals.
Customers were also asked to rate the level of choices provided . About 788 (75%) customers said that they were satisfied with their participation in determining the service providers related to their employment outcome . These clients were asked to rate their satisfaction with the services they received from provider agencies: 368 (35%) rated the provider services as excellent, while 210 (20%) rated the provider services as good .
Seventeen of the respondents said that they obtained jobs after completing their rehabilitation program : eight respondents said the services they received helped to achieve their employment outcome; nine said they received all the services they needed to achieve their employment goal ; and eight indicated that a staff member of Rehabilitation Services helped them get a job.

2001 ANNUAL REPORT

PAGES

Age

Race/ Ethnicity

Age20-29

Age40-49

Age 30-39

Age 50-59

(i A ge U nknown

Gender

D Caucasian D African American

Asian
D Race Unknown

Marital Status

Male

D Female

Education

Married

Single

Divorced

Disability

Below High School High School 0 Some College
PAGE6

0 Tech College Degree 4 Year College Degree Education Unknown

Physical Emotional D !..earning

Respiratory Deaf/Blind No Response D Missing

Speech Diabetes
D Hearing

2001 ANNUAL REPORT

G eorgia Rehabilitation Services and the State Rehabilitation Council enjoy an extremely positive and productive working relationship . The State Rehabilitation Council's recommendations have continued to assist the Vocational Rehabilitation Program in obtaining the important feedback and advice of the varying communities and constituencies it represents .
During the past year, the Council has provided the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program with a number of very helpful recommendations . The VR Program has accepted all of these recommendations and they have either been implemented or are in the process of implementation.
Produce printed information in alternative format. The VR Program continues to provide effective modes of communication for staff, applicants , clients and individuals based upon their needs. Interpreters, transliteration , captioning , braille , audio tapes , reader service , computer disc, and other forms of assistance are provided . A VR central staff member is assigned to work with the regional programs on problem resolution and proactive approaches to working with language barrier related issues. This staff member ensures that documents and publications are available to our clients in alternative formats .
Utilize language specific translation phone services to respond to all client and employer customers. The VR Program will be establishing a statewide customer service center. A bilingual Customer Service Representative will be hired to communicate with English and Spanish speaking clients and employers of the VR Program . In addition , a toll-free telephone line will be established with instructions in both English and Spanish.
Continue to seek partnerships with historically black colleges and universities for training and development of staff and customers . In an effort to create new inroads to the traditionally unserved and underserved populations , the VR Program has launched a campaign to involve more of Georgia's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in producing qualified and trained rehabilitation counselors and support staff. To this end , we are working with several of Georgia's HBCUs in identifying funding for a Rehabilitation Counseling curriculum , with special recruitment efforts among minority students , including students with disabilities.
Continue to expand collaborative efforts with the Georgia Native American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Program. Georgia Rehabilitation Services , VR Program has established a cooperative relationship with the Lower Muskogee Creek Indian Tribe to provide disability assessment, evaluation , and referral services to cl ients of the tribe.
Continue evolution of Assistive Work Technology (AWT) services. By serving over 2,000 VR clients in FY 2001 , the AWT Unit doubled its reach in services . Four tri-regional teams provide a wide range of technology-related assessment services for VR consumers . Rehabilitation Engineers, Rehabilitation Technologists , Occupational Therapists, and Rehabilitation Technicians work as a team with counselors and their clientele to identify the most appropriate solution for each person . The VR Program regional and hub offices staff received a comprehensive half-day training entitled Tech Points to help Account Representatives, Counselors , and other key staff understand the role of technology and AWT staff at each status of services. The AWT

2001 ANNUAL REPORT

PAGE 7

Program is nationally acclaimed as one of the best, most comprehensive models for assistive work technology services. The new AWT liaison to the Policy Committee helps to develop policies that reflect an understanding about technology and appropriate usage.
Increase the Transition School to Work Program agreements with Georgia public schools; and increase the number of general VR Counselors who work with high school youth who are disabled. Providing outreach and services to students with disabilities is a top priority for the VR Program. This includes ensuring that all students with disabilities who receive special education services, and those who participate in general education are provided equal access to vocational rehabilitation services. During SFY 01, more than 150 Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors and team members provided services to 9,768 students with disabilities in the 181 state education systems with the continued focus of transitioning students into post-secondary options and meaningful careers . Of these students , 1,246 were successfully rehabilitated .
Continue collaboration with the Georgia Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS) for assessment of TANF recipients, both long-term and hard-to-serve, and those who indicate having a disability. The VR Program continues to enjoy a productive relationship with the Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS) . In SFY 2001 , VR received 4,272 TANF referrals for assessment. Of these referrals , the assessment process was discontinued for 1,425 TANF recipients; assessments were completed for 1,207 recipients , 649 were integrated into the VR Program , and 558 were referred back to DFCS.
Implement strategies to address the availability of VR service providers in rural areas. The VR Program understands the need for additional service providers in rural areas. Through partnerships with a network of private and non-profit community rehabilitation facilities located throughout Georgia , VR has developed 380 service agreements to meet the needs of our consumers in rural counties .
Implement strategies to address the availability of vocational rehabilitation services to Georgia's unserved and underserved populations. Georgia is rich in ethnic and cultural diversity. Approximately 50% of the persons with disabilities who successfully completed a rehabilitation program and became competitively employed during FY 2001 were from minority populations. The Vocational Rehabilitation Program continues to engage in outreach activities to address the rehabilitation needs of Georgia's Hispanic and American Indian communities, develop Spanish language service information materials, and engage in other outreach activities to meet the language and rehabilitation needs of the unserved and underserved communities . We will continue to identify innovative means of serving our diverse populations , and to continually enhance the quality and expansion of our service and program goals for employment of persons with disabilities.
Continue to endorse and support the activities of the Georgia Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, Inc. The VR Program earnestly supports programs and events of the Georgia Committee that focus on leadership development of outstanding high school students with disabilities. The Carl Anthony Cunningham Youth Leadership Forum and High School/High Tech programs continue to offer challenging , exciting and rewarding opportunities to students with disabilities that aid them in gaining self confidence as they explore options leading to adulthood.
The advice and involvement of the State Rehabilitation Council has been , and continues to be, one of the most vital aspects of the success of the VR Program in Georgia. We look forward to many years of continued partnership in serving the needs of Georgians with disabilities.

PAGB8

2001 ANNUAL REPORT

Lee Miller, President & CEO
T he Georgia Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, Inc. provides a series of successful year long programs and events geared toward maximizing and enhancing the employment opportunities of Georgians with disabilities. As liaison to the U S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy, the Georgia Committee focuses on three statewide initiatives: the Georgia Business Leadership Network (GBLN), Georgia High School/High Tech (HS/HT) , and the Carl Anthony Cunningham Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) .
Georgia High School/ High Tech Program
Promoting Science, Engineering, and Technology Careers For Students with Disabilities
G eorgia High School/High Tech (HS/HT) is an educational enrichment program for high school students with disabilities who are interested in pursuing careers in science, technology, and engineering . Thanks to the support and funding offered by the Georgia State Rehabilitation Council , the Georgia Department of Education , the Georgia Department of Labor, the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities , and other partners, the Georgia Committee has implemented one of the most successful High School/High Tech programs in the nation . As a statewide grassroots organization , Georgia HS/HT leads the nation in programs statewide. Its leadership is regularly tapped to provide expertise at national training sessions and conferences, and has received local, state and national awards, including the Georgia Rehabilitation Counseling Association Distinguished Service Award and the Georgia Rehabilitation Association Advocacy Award . The Georgia Committee received $105 ,000 in grants from the U.S. Department of Labor to support its HS/HT initiatives.

High School/High Tech Solar Car Experiment

D oughtery County School System (DCSS) HS/HT students continue to explore the amazing world of science. Led by Susan Mercer, DCSS Science Teacher, students conducted solar energy experiments in classroom assignments, on field trips, and hands-on workshops . In the classrooms, the HS/HT students built model solar cars the size of a go-cart, solar distillers, and solar ovens .
The most noticeable achievement of this academic year was the Solar Car Workshop hosted by Albany State University through the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Grant, and conducted by Mr. Steven Van Ronk of Global Light & Power of Idaho. The successful outcome of the work-

shop resulted in the production of a solar car (the size of a go-cart), which has gained community recognition .
Georgia Business Leadership Network (BLN) provided the students with site visits to local facilities that utilize alternative energy resources. They toured Bob's Candies to see the solar heating and cooling system designed in conjunction with NASA. They also toured the Georgia Power Plant in Mitchell, Georgia, Flint River Dam , and Albany Water, Gas & Light Company to learn about the alternative energy resources and research .

At the 4th Annual BLN Luncheon on May 3, 2001 , the HS/HT students, teachers , and collaborative partners were recognized for this year's achievements. At this event the HS/HT students gave a presentation and demonstration of their solar car project.

2001.ANNUAL REPORT

PAGB9

Carl Anthony Cunningham Youth Leadership Forum

T he Georgia Committee in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Labor/ Rehabilitation Services, the State Rehabilitation Council , Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities and other state and national partners, sponsored the 2nd Annual Carl Anthony Cunningham Youth Leadership Forum at the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation on July 15-18, 2001.
Named in memory of the late chairman of the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, the event provides young people with leadership skills that will enhance their personal and professional lives.
Seventeen students who demonstrated ability to lead by example in their communities and schools were selected by the forum committee as delegates. During the four-day event, the delegates had an opportunity to cultivate their leadership and citizenship skills. Throughout the forum , small work

groups explored personal and leadership plans.
The delegates gained access to vital resources related to assistive technology , community support, and civil rights. Noted state and national guest speakers , who are successful men and women with disabilities, served as role models in helping delegates realize their abilities, rights, and obligations to pursue meaningful employment and contribution to society.
The forum included a day in Atlanta , where the students met with Governor Roy Barnes, toured the State Capitol and met with prominent state officials, followed by a formal luncheon held in their honor, hosted by the Georgia Business Leadership Network. Featured speakers for the luncheon included Wayne Howell, Chief of Staff to United States Senator Max Cleland , and Jonathan Young , former Associate Director, White House Office of Public Liaison.

The event was funded through grants and contributions provided by the Georgia Committee, Georgia High School/ High Tech , and the Georgia Business Leadership Network in collaboration with NASA, the U. S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy, the Georgia Department of Labor, the Georgia Department of Education , Division of Rehabilitation Services, the Georgia Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Georgia State Rehabilitation Council, the Southeast Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, the Georgia Employer's Committee, Ahead of the Curve, Goodwill Industries of the Chattahoochee Valley, Albany State University, Savannah State University, and others.

PAGE 10

2001 ANNUAL REPORT

Cornelius Butler Appointed to National Youth Council by Secretary of Labor Addresses ADA Celebration in Washington, DC

Cornelius Butler, a 19-year-old student at Bainbridge College and one of 70 summer interns of the Georgia Department of Labor, was appointed by Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao , to the fifteen member National Youth Council. Butler was nominated by Lee Miller, President and CEO of the Georgia Committee on Employment of People with Disabili-

ties , Inc. and Georgia Commissioner of prog rams sponsored by the U. S. De-

Labor Michael L. Thurmond .

partment of Labor. These programs

include Job Corps , High School/High

Butler, a Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Tech , Workforce Recruitment, Youth

Program graduate of Georgia's High Opportunities, and Youth Leadership

School/High Tech and Youth Leader- Forum.

-~-------~~= ship programs, was one of three young
people who addressed the 11th Anniversary Celebra-

tion of the signing

of the American

with Disabilities

Act (ADA) in

Washington , DC

on July 16, 2001 .

The event was sponsored by the U. S. Department of Labor and featured various youth opportunity

Other High School/High Tech Activities

174 students and chaperones attended the National Aeronautics & , Space Administration (NASA) Kennedy Space Congress in Cape Canaveral , FL on May 2-4 , 2001. They participated in educational programs, toured the NASA facility , and had the opportunity to meet with the astronauts.

U. S. Department of Labor, Presidential Task Force and the White House, offering approximately 100 HS/HT students mentoring internships at the Georgia Department of Labor offices and major corporations.
National HS/HT Training Academy featured nine Georgia programs in Washington , DC on February 7-11 , 2001 .
Bank of Ame rica has chosen Georgia HS/HT as one of its sites to award scholarships and participate in its Youth Mentorship Program/School-To-Work Initiatives.

periments. After their visits to Fort Discovery, the students attend the American Association of Adapted Sports Programs (AAASP) , Georgia Wheelchair Championship Soccer Tournament. The Georgia Committee and the AAASP entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to provide recreational activities for HS/HT students.
VR and HS/HT students received computer training and other courses to provide them with skills and competencies for career development.

Georgia VR students enrolled in the High School/High Tech program participated in the National Disability Mentoring Day sponsored by the

130 students and chaperones traveled to Fort Discovery in Augusta, Georgia in November to experience hands-on scientific ex-

2001 ANNUAL REPORT

PAGE 11

Georgia Business Leadership Network

T he Georgia Business Leadership Network (GBLN) is an employer-led

reference source identifying incentives to hire people with disabilities .

coalition of business, government, and community service organ izations dedicated to providing and improving business



Provide a means to evaluate the quality of services and employer utilization of the GBLN .

opportunities that include people with disabilities. GBLN provides



Identify business leaders who have demonstrated knowledge

education , support services, and a

and support for the principles of

peer network to serve member

ADA.

businesses and help make the

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) work for them. GBLN



Collaborate with the Georgia Committee and other state and

members can access all the

local disability-related agencies

resources they need to

and programs, such as the state

successfully recruit, hire, train ,

VR Program.

support, and retain both new and

existing employees with Coordinate opportunities for

disabilities, and also attract new

members of the GBLN to speak,

customers with disabilities.

train , and share their vision with

other employers.

GBLN is a partnership of business

leaders, the Georgia Committee, Provide business leaders with

the Georgia Department of Labor,

materials and technical assis-

and Georgia Rehabilitation

tance to increase awareness of

Services/ Vocational Rehabilitation

disability issues.

(VR) Program Regional Offices.

The GBLN engages employers in a Increase linkages between

focused employer driven effort to

GBLN members and local re-

market the benefits of hiring

sources within the disability com-

qualified individuals with

munity.

disabilities .
Goals of GBLN:

Disseminate successful strate-
gies for hiring and including people with disabilities in employ-

ment.

Increase employment and entrepreneur opportunities for Promote the ADA related efforts

people with disabilities.

of local businesses.

GBLN offers programs for Georgia
Provide employers information High School/High Tech and the Carl
regarding services designed to Anthony Cunningham Youth Leaderfacilitate employment, training , ship Forum students. retention , and promotion of persons with disabilities.

Provide employers with a quick

Advisory Council
Mr. Darold Sawyer, GBLN Chair Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company
Mr. Bob Lear Delta Air Lines
Mr. Lemuel L. Horton Gold Kist, Inc.
Ms. Betty McKenzie-Moore ADP, Inc.
Mr. Mark Wolfe Southern Company
Mr. Ron Averse United Parcel Services
Ms. Ann Abrahamson Fair Issac, Inc.
Mr. Michael Johnson Georgia World Congress Center
Authority
Ms. Lee Miller Georgia Committee on Employment
of People with Disabilities, Inc.
Mr. Tony Tan ZCorum, Inc.
Mr. Dean Hess Char-Broil
Mr. Jerry Kirby Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
Company
Ms. Dorie Tuggle Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
Company

PAGE 12

2001 ANNUAL REPORT

Assistant Commissioner, Rehabilitation Services
December, 2001
The State Rehabilitation Council and the Georgia Department of Labor/ Rehabilitation Services, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program have completed another very successful year of partnering to provide the highest possible level of customer service and the maximum number of successful employment opportunities for Georgians with disabilities.
The Georgia VR Program is indeed very lucky to have had such a long and productive working relationship with our Council. It has worked actively and progressively to provide advice and support, as well as active leadership in the effort to improve and enhance the services available to our customers with disabilities. The goal of establishing a system of customer feedback has been one of the many areas the Council has taken the initiative to develop. The Council's support of High School/High Tech has enabled us to develop a program that has achieved national and international recognition and continues to provide some of our most successful student transitional services. Our Council members have themselves committed to many hours of personal time and have truly epitomized the goals for the Council as envisioned in the Rehabilitation Act.
The coming year will mark another significant event in the life of the Vocational Rehabilitation Program as we continue to assimilate into the Georgia Department of Labor. This move has offered many opportunities to serve the needs of people with disabilities, and we are looking forward to seeking to identify additional opportunities as we make this transition a positive reality for our staff and our customers.
It is my pleasure to congratulate both the State Rehabilitation Council and our VR Program for another year of achievement beyond the goals that were established and exemplifying what Rehabilitation is truly about.

2001 ANNUAL REPORT

~immy De'Fo r Assistant mmissioner Rehabilitation Services
PAGE 13

G eorgia Rehabilitation Services (RS) is the cornerstone of Georgia's rehabilitation community. It op~rates five integrated and inter. . . .dependent programs that share a primary goal-to help people with d1sab11it1es become fully productive members of society by achieving independence and meaningful employment.
Georgia Rehabilitation Services is composed of:
~usine~~ Enterprise Program (BEP), which provides work opportuni-
ties to cItIzens of Georgia who are blind or visually impaired and who want to operate profitable small businesses.
~isa~ilit_ Adjudication Services (DAS), which is responsible for mak-
ing d1sab1hty claim decisions, which average 115,000 a year.
Georgia _l_ndustries for the Blind (GIB), which provides employment
?PPO_rturntIes in manufacturing for individuals who are severely visually impaired .
Th~ R~osev~lt Wa~m Springs Institute for Rehabilitation (RWSIR),
which Is an internationally known comprehensive rehabilitation center promoting independence, self-choice, and innovation.
The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program, which assists people
with disabilities to work.

Together, the whole of these five programs is greater than the sum of its parts.

Business Enterprise Program

Georgia's Business Enterprise Program (BEP) operates under the auspices of the federal RandolphSheppard Act of 1936. With the opening of its first facility in 1945, BEP assists Georgians who are blind or visually impaired to become profitable independent business operators , specifical ly vending facilities , snack bars, and food service establishments. Referrals are accepted from the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program and

individuals are trained to become licensed vendors and are subsequently placed into a business enterprise .
Through an intensive entrepreneurial training program , licensed vendors are taught aspects of operating a successful business. Candidates fo r BEP vendors receive management train ing in such areas as customer service me rchand ising and employe~ supervision. Through the Georgia

Cooperative Services for the Blind Inc. (BEP's nominee agency) , BEP also provides financial and accounting services. And for those who choose to stay in the program for the life of their business careers BEP offers ongoing technical and administrative support.
Growth has been phenomenal over the past two years. Of the 107 vending facilities currently up and running , 54 are located on federal properties, such as the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Brunswick, GA; a fullservice cafeteria in the Atlanta Sam Nunn Federal Building ; a military feeding operation at Robins AFB in Warner Robins, GA; and a snack food shop in the federal correctional facility in Jesup , Georgia. Another 49 sites operate on state or municipal properties. The Legislative Office Building , the DeKalb County Court House, and some 30 welcome centers and rest stops on Georgia 's interstate system are some examples . There are also four facilities that provide services on private properties, such as in the First Union Bank Center in Savannah .
Sales for FY 2000 reached nearly $10.4 mi llion , nearly $11 .3 million for FY 2001 , and projected to be approximately $13 million for FY 2002. Perhaps even more notable is that the average vendor salary in FY 2000 was $34 ,237 , and is projected to be $37 ,900 for FY 2002. In FY 2001 , BEP generated $186 ,725 in sales tax.

PAGE 14

2001 ANNUAL REPORT

Disability Adjudication Services

D isability Adjudication Services (DAS) is a specialized program of Rehabilitation Services that is responsible for making Social Security disability claims decisions, which include Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). DAS staff obtains pertinent applicant information and uses the program 's legal criteria and policy standards to decide eligibility for payments.
Benefits for those who file applications may include (on approved and/or disapproved claims):

Appeal decisions for entitlements to SSDI and SSI benefits ,
Personal disability hearings for beneficiaries whose benefits have been discontinued ,
Face-to-face interviews with claimants ,
Referral to other Rehabilitation Services programs ,
Eligibility determinations for Medicare and Medicaid cash benefits, and
Assistance with state Medicaid payment of past medical expenses .

Disability Adjudication Services achieved many great results during FY 2001 . Over 103% of the 118,424 budgeted workload was completed . A total of 122,809 cases were processed compared to last year's processing of 114,127 cases ; and over 101 % of the Continuing Disability Review workload was processed .
Improvements in the management and processing of SSDI and SSI cases resu lted in a significant reduction of the average caseload , including a backlog of pending cases . Meanwhile, DAS maintained a 94% accuracy rate as measured by the federal Social Security Administration .

Georgia Industries for the Blind

Peter J. Salmon Award. And after

23 years of employment, Thomas

G eorgia Industries for the Blind (GIB) provides employment opportunities

During FY 2001 , manufacture of these products for the federal government was the primary source of

Abrams has been chosen as the Indirect Labor Blind Worker of the Year; he is eligible to compete

in manufacturing for individuals who income of approximately $7 .1 nationally for the Milton J.

are severely visually impaired. GIB million dollars in sales revenues. Samuelson Career Achievement

exists because of the Javits- Other customers included various Award.

Wagner-O'Day Act of 1938, which state of Georgia departments,

provided for federal government several agencies from other states,

purchase of blind-made products various civic organizations and

from workshops.

such commercial -

markets as Delta

GI B's 188 employees , 102 of whom Airlines.

are severely visually impaired or

blind , contribute to a diverse GIB's strength comes

product line:

from its committed and

enthusiastic employees,

Mattresses, Pillows

two of whom were

Laundry Bags

recently named GIB

Military Helmet Liners Insignias Screen Printing Binders, Card Guides, Packaged Flatware File Folders, Index Sets Safety Vests and Flags

Employees of the Year. Robert Tyson , a 32-yearveteran of GIB, was
chosen as the Direct Labor Blind Worker of the Year and is eligible to compete nationally for the Robert Tyson (right), Jim Hughes (m idd le), GIB Director,
and Thomas Abrans (left).

2001 ANNUAL REPORT

PAGE 15

Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation

R oosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation (RWSIR) is an internationally known comprehensive rehabilitation center promoting independence, selfchoice and innovation. In both the medical and vocational programs, the primary focus is on outcomes that improve functional independence, self-sufficiency, quality of life and employability.
Founded in 1927 by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt as a polio treatment facility, the Georgia Warm Springs Foundation , as it was called , became one of the premier rehabilitation facilities dedicated to eradicating polio . When eradicating polio approached reality in the early 1960s as a result of the Salk vaccine , the foundation 's mission expanded to embrace all people with disabilities.
Today the RWSIR medical unit (consisting of the main hospital and seven satellite clinics) provides inpatient and outpatient services to more than 6,500 Georgians annually. Treatment is directed by an interdisciplinary team of physicians , nurses , physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists for people with a variety of disabling conditions, including stroke, brain and spinal cord injuries, post-polio , mental retardation , amputations, orthopedic disorders , and numerous learning and neurological disabilities. Specialty programs include the diabetic foot clinic, seated and wheeled mobility clinics, orthotics, prosthetics and aquatic therapy .

The vocational unit provides students with educational and work preparation experience as well as rehabilitation services . Since it is a residential program , students live in a community environment where they must make choices, learn to interact with a variety of people and accept a wide array of personal responsibil ities.
The Institute is also home to the Roosevelt Sports Training Center, which combines the state-of-the-art Center for Therapeutic Recreation and Camp Dream , and is the location for training and competition for Paralympic and world-class athletes, as well as for those who are enthusiastic amateurs .
An integral part of Georgia Department of Labor/ Rehabilitation Services, the Roosevelt Institute enters the 21st Century with a historic past and international future. Following are some of its current "points of pride":
Three nationally recognized medical specialty programs for brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and stroke patients.
Seven outpatient therapy clinics , including LaGrange, Newnan, Douglasville, Peachtree City, Griffin , Stockbridge, and Warm Springs.
Charter membership in the Euro-American Consortium for Rehabilitation .
Designation of the vocational unit as a certified training site for West Georgia Technical College and certification of the

Roosevelt lnstitute's Driver's Education program .
A $2 .7 million renovation of Roosevelt Hall, including stateof-the-art facilities for spinal cord and stroke therapy teams .
An international home for numerous Paralympic sports training camps and regular wheelchair sports competitions such as the Roosevelt Internat iona l Cup and Roosevelt World Basketball Challenge , involving many of the world 's top disabled athletes .
A rehab ilitation technical partner of Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics , providing assistive devices to over 3,000 clients annually.
Site of Georgia's Central Registry fo r Sp inal Cord Disabilities and Traumatic Brain Injuries.
Success ratios far above the national average for stroke recovery in the areas of functional independence and discharge destination results.
Community Aquatic Arthritis Exercise Program that involves 15 different classes , 152 registered participants , and 450 outside visits per week.
Contracted as a GED Testing Center and an annual presenter of GEDs, regular high school diplomas , and special education diplomas.

PAGE 16

2001 ANNUAL REPORT

Director, Vocational Rehabilitation Program
December, 2001
The partnership between the Georgia Department of LaborNocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program and the State Rehabilitation Council is effective because our relationship is built upon mutual respect, dedication to excellence , and a commitment to serving persons with disabilities in Georgia.
One in five persons in Georgia has a disability that serves as barrier to employment. The VR Program has fifty-four offices throughout the state located in rural and metropolitan communities for convenient customer access . VR's employment teams serve over 25,000 persons with disabilities a year. We have established employer partnerships with over 3,000 private and public companies. These companies provide employment opportunities for over 4,000 persons with disabilities. VR is the Georgia Department of Labor's dedicated service for combining employers with qualified workers who happen to have significant disabilities.
The VR Program salutes the State Rehabilitation Council for another year of successful partnership in achieving our mission of "Assisting People with Disabilities to Work. " Together we continue to meet Georgia's workforce needs by partnering with businesses and industries, preparing persons with disabilities to achieve work place success and promoting customer satisfaction through a philosophy of quality and choice.
Sincerely,
--
B. Elizabeth Kinne , Director Vocational Rehabilitation Program

2001 ANNUAL REPORT

PAGE 17

T he Georgia Department of Labor, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program assists people with disabilities to work. The vision of the VR Program is "a workforce development system that serves Georgians with disabilities." This is achieved through a collaborative rehabilitation process which engages applicants and clients in a seamless system of services through Georgia One-Stop Career Centers and a network of community partners.
Individual Plans for Employment (IPEs) are developed with the assistance of a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Vocational counseling and assistance with finding a job is always made available. Services necessary for the qualified individual to meet a carefully determined work goal may include counseling and guidance, work adjustment training , college and university training , supported employment, work readiness training , on-the-job training , job placement, assistive technology, vocational and technical training, and job coaching . Employers may receive help in such areas as accessibility assessments, disability awareness education, job analysis studies, and assistive work technology guidance.
To be eligible for VR services the individual must have a sig-

nificant impairment which constitutes a substantial impediment to employment. The individual must be able to benefit from VR services in terms of achieving an employment outcome, and require VR services to prepare for, secure, retain , or regain employment. The employment goal shall be consistent with the individual's abilities, interests, and informed choice .
VR partners with businesses to meet work force needs while preparing people with disabilities to achieve work place success. In order to realize its goals, VR has twelve regional offices statewide. Each region has strategically located "hubs" of expert teams who work in the community to provide career opportuni-

ties that are tailored to the specific needs of our clients.
A vital network of strategic partners collaborate with VR staff to plan and implement training and services designed to lead to employment for increased independence .
The VR Program works because it is about work . VR assisted over 4,000 persons with disabilities last year who found meaningful employment.. . nearly 10,000 high school students who benefited from successfu I transition plans .. .and 3,000 Georgia businesses form local relationships . VR works because it helps match the right person to the right job, creating a win-win situation for all.

25 ,000
20 ,000
14,346
15,000
10 ,000
5,000

22,534

VR Program Service Trends July 1, 2000- June 30, 2001

8,499

4,073

0
New Referrals

Active

Plan s

Re ha bilitated

PAGE 18

2001 ANNUAL REPORT

MISSION: Assist people with disabilities to work.

VISION:

A workforce development system that serves Georgians with disabilities.

GOAL #1:

INCREASE ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS Make VR a great place to work and serve people with disabilities. Reduce voluntary separations. Increase employee productivity.

Strategy #1: Design organizational structure that challenges and supports staff professional growth and performance quality.

Strategy #2: Create a work environment that inspires and enables staff to serve customers and achieve goals.

GOAL #2:

ENHANCE SERVICE CAPACITY Serve more clients and employers with more resources Expand VR client base. Diversify funding sources. Improve client and employer satisfaction.

Strategy #1: Identify new clients and better serve existing clients.

Strategy #2: Create new services and improve existing services.

GOAL #3:

DEVELOP MARKET POTENTIAL AND POSITIONING Broaden the services of the VR community (expand market partners' opportunities to serve VR clients). Increase VR participation with WIA partners in One Stop Centers. Leverage advocacy and support for VR program within the disability community.

Strategy #1: Establish VR state office leadership in employment of persons with disabilities.

Strategy #2: Establish regional leadership for service improvement with strategic partners and providers .

2001 ANNUAL REPORT

PAGE 19

Lower Muskogee Creek Indian Tribe, Section 121 Program
Se~tion _121__o_f the Reha_bilitation Act addresses the vocational rehabilitation needs of American Indians with d1sab11it1es who reside on or near federal or state reservations , and who are a member of a state or federal tribe . The American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Projects arose from the fact that while American Indians had one of the highest disability profiles in the country, they were the least successfully served by state vocational rehabilitation agencies throughout the country.
The Muskogee Vocational Rehabilitation (MVR) Program aims to empower American Indians with disabilities to maximize employment, economic self-sufficiency, independence, and inclusion and integration into society. The Tribe's wellness training program encourages family memb.ers to work with the rehabilitation clients toward their rehabilitation . Since the majority of the Tribe's clients are significantly disabled and unable to work, the VR Program provides entrepreneur training and seminars in native crafts such as pottery, clothing , beadwork, and finger weaving , which may substantiate self employment.
Section 121 programs are mandated to establish a cooperative agreement with the appropriate state vocational rehabilitation agency. The Lower Muskogee Vocational Rehabilitation Program has established this cooperative relationship with the Georgia Rehabilitation Services , VR Program to provide disability assessment, evaluation , and referral services to clients of the Muskogee Creek Tribe. During FY 2001, MVR acquired twenty-two referrals from Georgia VR. Fourteen American Indian consumers were eligible for VR services ; three American Indians with disabilities were assisted with obtaining success through employment; two American Indian high school students were assisted with completing school and received their diplomas; and three American Indians with disabilities were assisted with obtaining their GEDs.
WIA Integration, Inclusion and Accessibility of Persons with Disabilities
A s part of the implementation of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) , the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program has partnered with mandated One Stop Center operations to promote integration , inclusion , and accessibility of persons with disabilities. VR 's role is to make its staff available to reach out to and accept referrals from individuals with significant disabilities who need more than what is available within the One Stop Center. To achieve this goal , the VR Program has developed Memorandums of Understanding with the local Workforce Investment Boards.
Tools For Life
T ools For Life (TFL) Georgia Assistive Technology Act grantee, has been especially valuable to the Assistive Work Technology Unit (AWT) within the Vocational Rehabilitation Program. The program provides information referral assistance, and peer support to enable persons with disabilities, classroom teachers , parents, young adults and senior citizens to identify and acquire the assistive technology services and devices they need . Tools for Life has four Assistive Technology Resource Centers (ATRCs) throughout Georgia. These ATRCs are "hands-on" learning centers for Georgians with disabilities, families, friends , health care professionals , and other professionals who are interested in seeing , learning , and experimenting with new and existing assistive technology devices and equipment. Most ATRCs loan assistive technology devices and equipment for trial usage to ensure the device is appropriate for the individual. TFL's website, www.gatfl.org , provides useful information about assistive technology resources . ReBOOT, TFL's nationally acclaimed computer re-utilization project, has helped close the "digital divide" for Georg ians with disabilities.

PAGE 20

2001 ANNUAL REPORT

Division of Family & Children Services/ TANF
T he Ge_orgia Department ~f Labor, Rehabilitation Services/ Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program has established a contract with the Department of Human Resources, Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS) to provide assessments to Georgia TANF recipients.
In SFY 2001 , VR received 4,272 TANF referrals . Of these referrals , the assessment process for 1,425 TANF recipients was discontinued; assessments were completed for 1,207 recipients , 649 were integrated into the VR Program , 558 were referred back to DFCS, and 1,640 referrals were carried over to SFY 2002.
Sixty-six percent of the clients assessed in SFY 01 were determined to have a disability: 36% were identified to have mental impairments (psychosis, neurosis, personality disorder, etc.) , and 29% were identified to exhibit mental retardation . Based on similar findings , DFCS entered into contracts with the Georgia Division of Mental Health , Mental Retardation , and Substance Abuse (MH/MR/SA) to ensure that services would be available to TANF recipients who were identified as having mental health or mental retardation issues.
Fifty-four percent of the TANF recipients assessed were determined elig ible for VR services. Over the past two years, the VR Program has integrated 2,332 TANF recipients into its existing VR caseloads based on these assessments. Types of services implemented with these clients are as follows:

Activities

# of Clients

Activity

# of Clients

Extended Evaluation

39

Job Skills Training

149

Assistive Work Technology

4

Literacy Training

25

Counseling and Guidance

566

High School/High Tech

13

Job Development

137

Personal/Social Adjustment

37

Job Placement

158

Work Adjustment

167

Mental Restoration

99

Job Coaching

27

Physical Restoration

60

Job Readiness

262

Medical Treatment for Non-

11

Subsidized Work Experience

31

Permanent Conditions

l

College

2

Self Employment

2

l

Vocational Training

31

Other

98

In SFY 2001 , the VR Program closed 76 TANF cases successfully rehabilitated .

2001 ANNUAL REPORT

PAGE 21

Department of Education
T he Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program enjoys a strong and effective partnership with the Georgia Department of Education (DOE). In the early 1990's, VR established a collaborative agreement with DOE. This collaborative requires participating school systems to match funds for program expansion of vocational services . Through this arrangement, local school systems receive intensive, dedicated rehabilitation services. During FY 2001 , under this agreement, additional vocational rehabilitation counselors provided services to students with disabilities and support to staff in 65 school systems with the continued focus of transitioning students into post-secondary options and meaningful careers . With the addition of these staff, more than 150 Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors and team members provided services to 9,768 students with disabilities in all 181 school systems in the state. Of those, 1,246 students were successfully rehabilitated .
VR , DOE and other partners co-sponsored the Statewide Transition Conference. The 400 participants included Centers for Independent Living (CIL) staff, parents , consumers , school personnel , employers , VR staff, and other professionals. A few of the concurrent sessions addressed Self-Determination , From School to Work for Youth with Mental Illness, Supported Employment and Entrepreneurship, Assistive Technology in the Workplace, Bridging the Gap in Community-Based Services, and the Workforce Investment Act.
Providing outreach and services to students with disabilities is a top priority for the VR Program . This includes ensuring that all students with disabilities who receive special education services, as well as those who participate in general education are provided equal access to vocational rehabilitation services . Fifteen to twenty-five percent of the agency's resources are directed to transitioning students from school to postsecondary opportunities with employment being the predominant outcome.
Statewide Independent Living Council
T he Georgia Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) works with Rehabilitation Services/ VR Program to develop the State Plan for Independent Living . A major part of this plan includes the development of a network of Centers for Independent Living (CIL)-- private , non-profit, community-based corporations that assist people with significant disabilities to live more independently and reach their goals to independence. CILs assist people with all types of disabilities by providing the following core services : information and referral , peer support, independent living skills training , and advocacy. In addition to these core services , CILs may provide other independent living services such as home modification , orientation and mobility, outreach to nursing homes, assistive technology, etc. During FY 2001 , the Georgia CILs provided independent living services to 1,117 Georgians with significant disabilities.
The Statewide Independent Living Council, State Rehabilitation Council , and Rehabilitation Services/ Vocational Rehabilitation Program continue to work together on several policy initiatives. In the 2001 legislative session , $75 ,000 in additional state funding was secured for the CILs in Macon and Bainbridge, as well as $500 ,000 to pilot a personal assistance program for workers with significant disabilities.
Other collaborative efforts resulted in the following federal grants:
$625 ,000 from the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services to study the costs of (a) developing a Medicaid Buy-In for workers with disabilities and (b) adding Personal Care services to the state Medicaid plan .
$1 Million from the Center for Medicaid & Medicare Services to assist with the transition of people with disabilities from nursing homes.

PAGE 22

2001 ANNUAL KEP'OKT

$314 ,000 from the Social Security Administration for Benefits Counseling so that people who are interested in returning to work have the opportunity to see how health insurance and other benefits will be affected by that decision.
$301 ,000 from the Corporation for National Service to create opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in service programs such as AmeriCorps and VISTA.
Cave Spring Rehabilitation Center
A component of the Vocational Rehabilitation Program , the Cave Spring Rehabilitation Center (CSRC) operates as a residential facility for deaf and hearing impaired adults. Programs at Cave Spring help vocational rehabilitation clients to enter and re-enter the labor market. These programs include:
Evaluation/Assessment: To determine maximum potential and skill areas on which to concentrate in training .
Employment Readiness: To maximize the client's ability to obtain and maintain employment independently.
Driver's Education Training: To develop the knowledge and abilities needed to pass the written exam for the learner's permit and for the driver's license.
Independent Living Skills Training: To address the need for a wide variety of skills that are essential in the ability to become self-supporting , tax paying contributors in the community.
Residential Services: To provide access to and stability in living arrangements while in a training program .
Counseling/Guidance: To assist the client through the rehabilitation process and to address personal/social issues that interfere with the ability to successfully complete a training program .
Recreation: To assist in developing the ability to utilize leisure time constructively.
CSRC also supports post-secondary programs at Coosa Valley Technical College and Floyd College in Rome , Georgia. Both institutions have programs with interpreter support for deaf and hearing impaired clients .

2001 ANNUAL KEP'OKT

PAGE 23

ActlYitles Accomplishments

Comprehensive System of Personnel Development

T he Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) of the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program ensures that skilled and trained professionals are providing effective services to Georgians with disabilities, and determining client eligibility for VR services. The CSPD is designed to assist Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors and Employment Managers with obtaining a master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling , as well as their Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) certificate.
Rehabilitation Services currently collaborates with San Diego State

University, the University of North Texas, Auburn State University, the University of Alabama , Ft. Valley State University, the University of Georgia , Georgia State University, University of North Florida , and Thomas University to produce well trained and qualified rehabilitation professionals. We currently have fifty three counselors enrolled in the Rehabilitation Counseling Program at Thomas University, eight counselors enrolled in the University of Alabama program , two counselors enrolled in the Auburn University program , and one counselor enrolled in the San Diego State University program .

Rehabilitation Services is collaborating with Albany State University, the State University of West Georgia, and Augusta State University to develop master's degree programs in Rehabilitation Counseling .
Opportun ities for twenty-four paid internships are provided throughout the year. Regional Employment Managers work closely with the students and universities to ensure that appropriate requirements are satisfied .

Unserved and Underserved Populations

G eorgia has a rich population of diverse ethnic and cultural heritages. In addition to African-American individuals, Georgia's minority population has experienced an influx of Asian-Americans , Hispanic-Americans , LatinoAmericans , and Native-Americans. National reports have indicated these minority groups tend to have disabling conditions at a disproportionately higher rate , and require more aggressive outreach in order to provide service delivery.
The Georgia Rehabilitation ServicesNocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program continues to identify innovative outreach strategies to serve

all our diverse populations, and to continually enhance the quality and expansion of our service and program goals for employment of persons with disabilities. Our outreach strategies are geared toward elimination of barriers and toward reaching and serving these diverse communities by utilizing organizations such as the Latin American Association , Good Shepherd Centers, and Telamon.
In an effort to create new inroads to the traditionally unserved and underserved populations, the VR Program engaged in the following outreach activities to reach Georgia diverse populations:

VR representatives attended the Latino Summit 2001 on May 22nd -23rd .
Developed working relationships with several of Georgia's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to produce Rehabilitation Counselors and identify funding for a Rehabilitation Counseling curriculum , with special recruitment efforts among minority students, including students with disabilities.
Developed service delivery information materials in Spanish and Braille.

PAGE 24

2001 ANNUAL REPORT

Charles L. Martin, Director

T he Client Assistance Program (CAP) is a federally funded program that provides information , assistance and advocacy to applicants and consumers with disabilities who are applying for and receiving services funded under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended . The Law Office of Charles L. Martin administers CAP in a manner that informs and empowers people with disabilities to fully understand and exercise their rights to services .
As an ombudsman/advocacy service agency, CAP assists Georgians with disabilities in being full partners in the development of their individual rehabilitation program by providing :
Advice on their rights and responsibilities in the process of obtaining rehabilitation services.
Assistance in improving communication and relationships with projects, programs, rehabilitation counselors, supervisors, and community rehabilitation providers.
Explanation of rehabilitation services and rights to benefits under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Identification of problem ar-
eas in the delivery of rehabilitation services and developing strategies to resolve disagreements through mediation and negotiation.
Representation in the appeal
process when requested , during disagreements with rehabilitation services being provided or denial of services .
Information and referral to
other public and private agencies when clients may not be eligible for rehabilitation services.
CAP Cases Opened
Problem Areas

Through these services, CAP strives to assure that people with disabilities are allowed to make informed choices throughout the vocational rehabilitation and independent living processes and are treated with dignity and respect.
Client Assistance Program Law Office of Charles L. Martin 123 North McDonough Street
Decatur, Georgia 30030 Phone#: (404) 373-2040 Toll Free: (800) 822-9727
CAP Cases Closed
CAP Services Provided

2001 ANNUAL REPORT

PAGE 25

Vocational Rehabilitation Program Provides Horton Industries with Qualified Workers

H orton Industries, Inc., a leader in the manufactured housing industry, has combined forces with state and private service agencies to help the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program fulfill its mission to assist people with disabilities to work. The Eatonton-based conglomerate, one of the largest and most innovative employers in Central Georgia , called on its old friends in the VR Program when it saw the need for a trustworthy and reliable source of qualified job seekers.

oped a proposal that surpassed the award-winning effort of a few years ago when more than 80 persons with disabilities became employees of Horton Industries. Input for the final proposal came from a "working committee" with members from the Macon and Athens Rehabilitation Services regions , the VR Milledgeville office, the Baldwin County Service Center, Oconee Work Services, the Putnam/Jasper Association for the Mentally Handicapped , Inc., and Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia, Inc.

ager Frank Thompson , the Horton Industries Project offered over twenty Rehabilitation Services , VR Program customers paid training opportunities that focused on developing work habits and job skills to help them to gain the experience necessary to become employed .

Dr. John Williams, VR Regional With the endorsement of Horton 's Director in Region 6 and Dr. Leon Executive Vice President, COO WilParham , Contract Specialist, devel- liam (Bill) Weeks and Plant Man-

Robert Headstream's Story

received a medical dis-

charge .

He returned

home disheartened but still deter-

mined to work and understand what

was happening to him. Some

months later, he learned that he

has the rare , progressive and dis-

abling condition of Myotonic Dystro-

phy, which causes the slow wasting

away or weakening of muscles.

L ike many young men his age, Robert Headstream joined the military upon completion of high school. However, unlike many, Rob soon realized that no matter how much effort he put forth , he could not meet the rigorous physical demands of boot camp. Consequently, a few weeks after entering the U.S. Navy, he

Because he was unable to meet the requirements for many jobs, Rob turned to Georgia Rehabilitation Services, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program to assist him in obtaining and maintaining meaningful employment. Despite his functional limitations, there were many jobs that Rob could perform well. However, employers were somewhat reluctant to hire him , due to his inability to perform all job tasks. Even

though many tasks were not essential , or were initiated after his employment, Rob was often declined employment or was terminated . With the help of his vocational rehabilitation team , and assistive work technology, Rob has become employed , as a scanner, with ACS/ Unibase.
Through the use of leg braces, vehicle hand controls , and work place accommodations, Rob is able to maintain employment and his independence . A combination of counseling and guidance, job placement assistance and assistive technology has made a positive impact on Rob 's life .

PAGE 26

2001 ANNUAL REPORT

How To Make A Counselor Cry and Smile

H ow to make a counselor cry and smile at the same time was demonstrated at the 2001 Valdosta Mayor's Council for Persons with Disabilities Award Banquet in Valdosta, Georgia .
Three clients of the Vocational Rehabilitation Program , David Shert, Jorge Torres, and Dena Gaylor, were presented awards for their accomplishments by Valdosta Mayor Jimmy Rainwater and Commissioner Jim Martin of the Georgia Department of Human Resou rces.
David Schert was acknowledged as "Employee of the Year" for his positive attitude and motivation to work and learn. As a Horticulture Assistant for Walker's Garden Center, David's supervisor can 't give him enough praises. "David has developed an excellent understanding of good work ethics and serves as a role model for all other employ-

ees." No doubt David will succeed in anything he chooses to do.
Congratulations and best wishes were extended to Jorge Torres as "Student Employee of the Yea r." A recent graduate of Valdosta High School , Jorge participated in the Community Work Adjustment Training Program and obtained a parttime position at Echols County Sheriff's Department. Jorge's supervisor describes him as a caring , trustworthy, and well mannered individual who will make an excellent police officer. Determined that he has found his career niche, Jorge is enrolled in the Criminal Justice program at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.
The "Citizen of the Year" award recipient has a disability that has ereated a will to be "a// that she can be." As an athlete, Dena Gaylor enjoys wheelchair racing , swim-

ming , horseback riding , surfing , and scuba diving . Most importantly, she enjoys working with children and speaking to community organizations about the needs of others . Being crowned as Miss Wheelchair Georgia for 2001 and voted Miss Congeniality for the Miss Wheelchair America contest in Colorado have been added to her long list of accomplishments .

Tonya Gardner's Story

T onya Gardner came to the VR Program in 1991. She became blind as a result of pregnancy complications. At the time she was attending college but postponed her education while she learned to cope with her disability. The VR Program sent her to the Center for the Visually Impaired and the Georgia Sensory Center where she learned mobility, Braille, orien tation , and other skills that she needed to cope with her disability and to become gainfully employed.

Human Resources from Georgia State University, Col lege of Business Administration . Tonya 's VR Account Representative assisted her with securing a position as a Personnel Recruiter with the Staffing and Classification Branch of the United States Department of Labor.
As a part of securing this job, VR assisted Tonya 's new employer with modifying its facility to be ADA accessible to accommodate Tonya 's disabil ity.

word Services) to ensure that she receives the training and skills she needs to be successful.

With the support and encouragement of her VR support team , Tonya returned to college and received her Bachelor's degree in

VR's Assistive Work Technology Unit helped Tonya 's new employer identify computer hardware and software (CCTV/JAWS and Soft-

2001 ANNUAL REPORT

PAGE 27

Sam Floyd's Story

S am Floyd was a very shy and timid young man when his Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) case was opened in March 1999. He was a junior at Monroe Area Comprehensive High School in Walton County at the time.
Sam's original vocational objective was to attend college and play on the college football team. He was in special education and academically functioned at a third grade level. Understanding that he would not be able to attend college because of his academics, Sam changed his career goal.
Collaborative partners, Region 5/ Monroe VR Hub and Kelley Diversified , Inc. (KOi) of Athens, Georgia offered a work-life preparation training class to high school special education students on the VR caseload. Students learned how to prepare for job interviews, manage money, work with difficult coworkers and customers, how to manage independent living skills, etc. The students received regular class credits if they maintained

passing grades. Sam exceeded all expectations of the program .
During the second semester, each student selected a Community Work Adjustment Training (CWAT) Program site in Monroe. Sam chose to work at the Walton Fitness Center as a personal trainer.
Sam's VR Account Representative and VR Counselor contacted Mr. William Berry Director of the Walton Fitness Center, and explained how the CWAT Program worked and told Mr. Berry about Sam. Sam's successful interview landed him the job at the training center.
Mr. Berry reported customers started coming in asking to work with Sam. lmpressed with Sam 's abilities and outgoing personality, the fitness center hired him after his CWAT Program and on-the-job training were completed . On July 17, 2001 , Sam's case was closed successfully rehabilitated (status 26) . He con-

tinues to do excellent work and has now been given the duties of opening and closing the gym in addition to his personal training work. He is working toward his personal training certification and is very satisfied with his career choice.
This once shy, nonresponsive, high school junior has developed into an outgoing and determined young man who is well on his way to becoming a successful and productive member of his community.

Harold Whitney's Story

H arold Whitney, a 49 year old T-5 , spinal cord injury survivor, credits the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program for his success . Living in a small rural south Georgia community, there were few vocational resources available to him. Luck intervened when Harold attended a Spinal Cord Injury Support Group meeting in Tallahassee, Florida . The speaker for the meeting was a VR Counselor whose agenda was to detail the services VR has to offer. Harold approached the

speaker and was given the contact information for the VR Program in Georgia .
Harold connected with the VR Program office in Bainbridge, Georgia. He was accepted on the caseload and VR assisted Harold by making arrangements for college pre-admission testing , registration , funding for all college expenses, including mileage to and from classes, and a much needed computer which was furnished by the VR Program.

With his degree in Marketing and Management in hand, Harold was immediately hired at BAIN , Inc., a Center for Independent Living in Bainbridge , Georgia. Harold works there as a permanenUpart-time Peer Supporter. Harold 's employment has enabled him to continue to be a self-supporting , contributing member of society and to realize one of his dreams: to design and have a home built on property he recently purchased.

PAGE 28

2001 ANNUAL REPORT

Annette T. Bowling SRC Chairperson
Raymond W. Bishop SRC Vice-Chairperson
Larry Beck Transition Manager 2001.ANNUAL REPORT

A nnette T. Bowling, SRC Chairperson, currently serves as Executive Director of the Albany Advocacy Resource Center. Annette Bowling is Georgia's strongest advocate for rehabilitation and disability services issues, and serves in various capacities.
She was a founding member of the Commission on Mental Health, Mental Retardation , and Substance Abuse . She chaired the former Georgia Department of Medical Assistance Consumer Advisory Committee, and the Committee for the closure of Brookrun . She currently serves on the Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Trust Authority.

Annette won the Chairperson 's Award presented by the American Rehabilitation Association . She currently serves as cochair of the Governor's Blue Ribbon Task Force on Community-Based Services, and is a board member of the Georgia Academy for Children and Youth Professionals.
She has numerous state and national awards for her work in the field of Mental Retardation , Mental Health and Substance Abuse, and physical disabilities.
Annette is included in the Nationwide Register's Who's Who in Executives and Businesses 2001-2002 Edition .

R aymond Bishop, SRC ViceChairperson , is the President of Goodwill Industries of North Georgia , Inc.
Goodwill Industries of North Georgia , Inc. is one of Georgia's largest nonprofit providers of employment and training services for people with disabilities and other disadvantaging conditions such as welfare dependency, illiteracy, criminal history, and homelessness .

He currently serves as President of the DeKalb Workforce Center, Treasurer of the Georgia Association of Goodwill's, and is a member of the Board of Directors for the Georgia Association of Rehabilitation Facilities.
Ray received his MA in History and Humanities from Florida State University and BBA in Marketing from Florida Atlantic University.

L arry Beck currently serves as the Field Service Manager of the Georgia Department of Labor, Cartersville Career Center.
He currently serves on the Cartersvi lle/Bartow County Chamber of Commerce, the Governor's Committee on Employment of Persons with Disabilities, and the President's Advisory Committee for North Metro Technical College.

Georgia Rehabilitation Association . In 1991 , he was named "Manager of the Year" by the Georgia Department of Labor and in 1975 was named "Outstanding Handicapped Georgian" by then Governor George Busbee.
Larry has also been involved with the Cartersville Rotary Club, the Cartersville/Bartow County Jaycees and various other civic organizations.

In 1999, Larry received the "Service for Rehabilitation Award" from the

PAGE 29

Kent Earnhardt, Ph.D., J.D. Attorney/ Advocate

K ent Earnhardt is an attorney and mental health advocate. He has extensive experience with disability of mental illness, including both inpatient and outpatient mental health services. He is an active member of several local , state, and national mental health advocacy groups. From 1990-1991, Kent served as an attorney for federal programs for Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIM) at Georgia Mental Health Institute.

Kent is a member of many mental health associations including: Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network; National Alliance for the Mentally Ill; NAMI Consumer Council Housing Committee; NAMI-US Legal Department lawyer referral panel ; NAMI-Georgia DeKalb County Jail Diversion Project; National Mental Health Association of Georgia; Georgia Mental Health Services Coalition ; National Depressive ManicDepressive Association ; and Skyland Trail of Atlanta.

Nathaniel D. Fox, Ph.D. Retired, U. S. Air Force

N athaniel D. Fox is medically retired from the United States Air Force. In July 1974, he was injured in a swimming accident and was paralyzed from the neck down .
Nathaniel is a graduate of the University of Georgia , with a doctorate in Counseling and Human Services, master's in Rehabilitation Counseling , and bachelor's in Psychology. Nathaniel is a Rehabilitation Consultant and works as an Assistant Professor for the Rehabilitation Counseling Training Program at the Univer-

sity of Georgia (Athens, GA) and Troy State University (Troy, AL) .
Dr. Fox is the former chair of the Athens Clarke-County Commission on People with Disabilities. He currently serves on the Board of Deacons at Shiloh Baptist Church in Athens, Georgia. He is a member of the National Rehabilitation Association , Georgia Rehabilitation Association , Paralyzed Veterans Association, and Disabled American Veterans.

Helen T. Hill, Ed.D Georgia College & State Univ.

H elen Hill is Director of Disabled Student Support Services at Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, Georgia. In this position she works with students with disabilities.
Dr. Hill is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Georgia. She holds graduate degrees from the University of Kentucky and Oklahoma State University. Dr. Hill has spent here entire career in the counseling and education fields .
She works closely with Dr. Leslie Martin and Dr. Ralph Crystal , reha-

bilitation consultants at the University of Kentucky, to coordinate the Client Satisfaction Survey for the State Rehabilitation Council.
The Georgia Rehabilitation Association has twice recognized Dr. Hill for her outstanding service to the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Program. Dr. Hill is listed in America 's Registry of Outstanding Professionals, Outstanding Educators of America , The World Who's Who of Women , and Notable Americans of the Bicentennial Era.

PAGE 30

2001 ANNUAL REPORT

Annie Kwan, HR Director Hyatt Regency Hotels

A nnie Kwan is the Director of Human Resources for the Hyatt Regency Suites in Marietta, Georgia. Annie joined the Hyatt Hotels Corporation as an International Corporate Management Trainee in 1983.
From 1984-1987, she assumed various human resource positions at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. These positions included Benefits Manager, Employee Relations Manager, and Employment Manager. In 1987, she was promoted to Assistant Director

of Human Resources at Hyatt Regency Ravinia and later opened the Hyatt Regency Suites Atlanta as Director of Human Resources in 1990. She now serves as a lead in several Human Resource areas for the Hyatt.
Annie is a charter member of the State Rehabilitation Council.

Charles L. Martin, Director Client Assistance Program

Charles L. Martin is the director of the Georgia Client Assistance Program (CAP) and maintains a private law practice in Decatur, Georgia.
As an attorney he has represented thousands of disabled individuals with hundreds of different disabilities, and has developed an understanding of and sensitivity to the needs of individuals with disabilities. From 19881997, Martin served as the attorneyadvisor to the Client Assistance Program in which he provided legal ser-

vices to CAP clients; and trained CAP and Vocational Rehabilitation staff on rehabilitation law.
He has a national reputation in both the Social Security law and CAP communities, and often provides mentoring for attorneys , advocates , CAP directors, and even judges. He worked closely with the former CAP director to formulate CAP policy, and has periodically consulted with representative of the Georgia Department of Labor/Rehabilitation Services on agency policy.

Lee Miller, President & CEO
Georgia Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, Inc.

L ee Miller's extensive experience combines the disciplines of law, public administration , disabilities, and communications. Her career as a lawyer and international consultant took a decided shift in 1992, when her daughter was in an accident resulting in traumatic brain injury. To assist in her daughter's recovery , Lee became a fulltime volunteer in disabilities issues.
Lee is President and CEO of the non profit Georgia Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, Inc , implementing programs for people with disabilities. She serves on many state and national boards, including the World Committee on Disability, Global Policy

Team on Employment of Youth through Information Technology , the Educational Leadership Team of Southeast DBTAC, the State Rehabilitation Council , Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Authority , Workforce Investment Board and Youth Council , and numerous others.
She is a noted presenter at local, state, national and international disability forums. An Executive Board member of the former President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, Lee currently is a consultant for youth programs with the U. S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy.

2001 ANNUAL REPORT

PAGE 31

Patricia Puckett
Statewide Independent Living Council

P at Puckett is the Executive Director of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia, a nonprofit organization working to promote the equal participation of people with disabilities in their communities.
Pat received her undergraduate degree from Valdosta State College. She attended graduate school in Public Administration at the University of Georgia , and i's a graduate of the Leadership DeKalb class of 1998.

She is a pioneer in the area of disability services and a very active advocate in many disability organizations, including the Women's Policy Group, a network that deals with women 's issues in the Georgia General Assembly.

Charles Van Diviere, Jr.
Self Employed
Tim Willis, J.D.
Paralympic Athlete PAGE 32

Charles L. VanDiviere, Jr. is a member of the Statewide Independent Living Council, chair of the Tools for Life Advisory Board, a member of Touch the Future Board, Brunswick/Glynn County Mayor's Committee for Services for the Disabled , and founding member and president of the Brunswick Center of Disability Empowerment.

Charles is owner of Charlie's Discount Medical Supplies in St. Simon Island, Georgia, a small business that sells DME supplies . Charles is also a case manager for the ICWP/Traumatic Brain Injury.

T im Willis is a free lance attorney in the Atlanta area and spends his time practicing law and contributing to various groups dealing with athletes and individuals with disabilities .

Tim is also a noted retired Paralympic athlete having competed in the past three Paralympic Games, and winning a total of five Paralympic medals. Tim still holds fourteen national records and two world records.

Tim earned his J.D. degree from Mercer University and his bachelor's degree from Georgia Southern University.

2001 ANNUAL REPORT

Jimmy DeFoor Assistant Commissioner Rehabilitation Services
Elizabeth Kinne Director
VR Program
2001 ANNUAL REPORT

Jimmy DeFoor is the Assistant Commissioner of Rehabilitation Services for the Georgia Department of Labor.
During his 34 year career with Georgia Rehabilitation Services, Jimmy has worked as a Counselor, Social Security Specialist, Rehabilitation Employment Specialist, Quality Assurance Program Specialist, Unit Supervisor, District Director, VR Program Director, Deputy Division Director, and Division Director.
He's the recipient of several state and national awards. Just to name a few, he has been honored with the Southeast Region Counselor of the Year Award , National Rehabilitation Association (1980) , Division Leader-

ship Award (1982 and 1996), and Director's Award (1999).
Jimmy's professional affiliations include the Georgia Rehabilitation Association (GRA) , National Rehabilitation Association (NRA) , and Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR).
He has held numerous leadership positions with the Georgia Rehabilitation Association (GRA) , Georgia Rehabilitation Counseling Association , Southeast Region Rehabilitation Counseling Association , Highlands Chapter of GRA, and First United Methodist Church of Gainesville, Georgia.

E lizabeth Kinne is Director of the Vocational Rehabilitation Program for the Georgia Department of Labor, Rehabilitation Services.
Elizabeth began her professional career in vocational rehabilitation in 1976 as a Work Adjustment Instructor at the A. P. Jarrell Center in Atlanta , Georgia. She has held positions as an Evaluator, Supervisor of Adjustment Services, Rehabilitation Employment Specialist, Staff Assistant to the Director's Office, Assistant to the VR Field Services Director, and Director of the VR Technical Assistance Unit. In 1990, she moved to the Department

of Human Resources Commissioner's Office where she worked as an Assistant to the Commissioner. She also worked as Project Director for the Rehabilitation Cultural Diversity Initiative (RCDI) Program at Georgia State University; and Regional Director for Rehabilitation Services , VR Program in Region 8 (Columbus, Georgia) before becoming the Director of the VR Program in 1999.

Many thanks and appreciation to:

Eleanor Surrency, SRC Liaison Denise Wilson, Administrative Assistant Valencia Thomas, Project Coordinator

For the hard work put into producing this Annual Report.

PAGE 33

REGION 1: ROME, GEORGIA David Bennett, Regional Director Vocational Rehabilitation Program 450 Riverside Pkwy. Suite 210 Rome , GA 30161-2942 Phone #: (706) 295-6407 FAX#: (706) 295-6778

REGION 2: GAINESVILLE, GEORGIA Cynthia Hanna, Acting Regional Director Vocational Rehabilitation Program 311 Green Street Suite 209 Gainesville, GA 30501-3364 Phone#: (770) 535-5960 FAX#: (770) 535-5904

REGION 3: ATLANTA, GEORGIA Jennifer Hudson, Regional Director Vocational Rehabilitation Program 10 Park Place South Suite 602 Atlanta, GA 30303-2905 Phone#: (404) 657-3799 FAX#: (404) 657-4731

REGION 4: NEWNAN, GEORGIA Patricia Cooper, Regional Director Vocational Rehabilitation Program 533-B Highway 29 North Newnan , Georgia 30263 Phone#: (770) 254-7210 FAX#: (770) 254-7215
REGION 5: ATHENS, GEORGIA Charlotte Tolbert, Regional Director Vocational Rehabilitation Program 125 Athens West Parkway Athens , Georgia 30606 Phone #: (706) 354-3900 FAX#: (706) 354-3943
REGION 6: MACON, GEORGIA John W. Williams, Regional Director Vocational Rehabilitation Program 2720 Riverside Drive Suite 12 Macon, Georgia 31209-7566 Phone#: (478) 751-6257 FAX#: (478) 751-6446

REGION 7: AUGUSTA, GEORGIA Doyle Stewart, Regional Director Vocational Rehabilitation Program 1220-H West Wheeler Parkway Augusta , Georgia 30919-1747 Phone #: (706) 650-5600 FAX#: (706) 650-5624
REGION 8: COLUMBUS, GEORGIA Don Faulkner, Regional Director Vocational Rehabilitation Program
233 1i hStreet Suite 100-B
Columbus, Georgia 31902-2863 Phone #: (706) 649-1564 FAX#: (706) 649-1573
REGION 9: DUBLIN, GEORGIA Mike Pruett, Acting Regional Director Vocational Rehabilitation Program 2032 Veterans Blvd Ivy Place Su ite B Dublin, Georgia 31021-3043 Phone#: (478) 274-7676 FAX#: (478) 274-7658

REGION 10: ALBANY, GEORGIA Dianne Davis, Regional Director Vocational Rehabilitation Program 110 Pine Avenue Albany, Georgia 31702-1606 Phone#: (229) 430-4461 FAX#: (229) 430-4466
REGION 11: VALDOSTA, GEORGIA Sidney Burden, Regional Director Vocational Rehabilitation Program 2809 B North Ashley Street Valdosta , Georgia 31602-1806 Phone#: (229) 333-2170 FAX#: (229) 249-2675
REGION 12: SAVANNAH, GEORGIA Allen Beall, Regional Director Vocational Rehabilitation Program Oglethorpe Office Park, 410 Mall Blvd . Suite B Savannah , Georgia 31406-4869 Phone#: (912) 356-2128 FAX#: (912) 691-6816

PAGE 36

2001 ANNUAL REPORT

Ms. Lee Miller, President & CEO Georgia Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, Inc. P. 0. Box 1090 Fortson , Georgia 31808-1090 Phone: (706)-324-2150 Fax: (706)-324-4549 E-Mail: gcepd@aol.com
STATE LIAISONS Ms. Eleanor Surrency Vocational Rehabilitation Program 1700 Century Circle Suite 300 Atlanta , GA 30345 Phone: (404) 638-0382
Mr. Grady Evans Vocational Rehabilitation Program 1700 Century Circle Suite 300 Atlanta, GA 30345 Phone: (404) 638-0375
BALDWIN COUNTY Dr. Helen Hill, Professor Georgia College and State Univ. 601 West Charlton Street Milledgeville, GA 31061 Phone: (478)-445-5931
BIBB COUNTY Ms. Precious Jones Vocational Rehabilitation Program 2720 Riverside Dr. Suite 12 Macon , GA 31209-7566 Phone: (478) 751-6100
BLECKLEY, DODGE, TELFAIR, AND WHEELER COUNTIES Ms. Melodie Smith Vocational Rehabilitation Program 2032 Veterans Blvd . Suite B Dublin , GA 31021 Phone: (478) 274-7676

CHATHAM COUNTY Ms. Susan Brooks Vocational Rehabilitation Program Oglethorpe Office Park 410 Mall Blvd. Suite B Savannah , GA 31406 Phone#: (912) 356-2128
COBB COUNTY Ms. Mary Cannon Osborne High School 2541 Favor Road Marietta, GA 30060 Phone: (770) 319-3791 , ext 248
DECATUR, MITCHELL, N. BAKER
AND WORTH COUNTIES Ms. Regina Watts Vocational Rehabilitation Program 110 Pine Avenue Albany, GA 31702 Phone: (229) 430-4461
DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOLS Ms. Velinda Bailey, Asst. Director Ms. Billie Talley-Browne, Teacher Ms. Karen Baron, Coordinator 5839 Memorial Drive Stone Mountain , GA 30083-3487 Phone: (404) 297- 0880 x2217
DOUGHERTY COUNTY Ms. Paula Noble Community Resource Coordinator Albany Advocacy Resource Center 2616 Pointe North Blvd . Albany, GA 31707 Phone: (229) 888-6852

FLOYD COUNTY Mr. Steve Helton Vocational Rehabilitation Program 450 Riverside Pkwy. Suite 210 Rome, GA 30165 Phone: (706) 295-6407
FULTON COUNTY Mr. Ron Williams Vocational Rehabilitation Program 3420 Norman Berry Dr. Suite 417 Hapeville, GA 30354 Phone: (404) 669-3918
Ms. Angela Rucker North Atlanta High School 2875 Northside Drive , NW Atlanta , GA 30305 Phone: (404) 351-0895 x2057
Ms. Alma Robinson Henry Grady High School 929 Charles Allen Drive Atlanta , Georgia 30309 Phone: (404) 853-4000
LOWNDES COUNTY Ms. Jennifer Gillard Mr. John Harrington Vocational Rehabilitation Program 2809-B North Ashley Street Valdosta, GA 31602 Phone: (229) 333-2170
Ms. Hazel Keith Valdosta High School 3101 N. Forrest Street Valdosta, GA 31602 Phone: (229) 333-8540

Dr. Surendra N. Pandey Department of Natural Sciences Albany State University Albany, GA 31705-2797 Phone: (229) 430-4827

2001 ANNUAL REPORT

PAGE 37

MUSCOGEE COUNTY Mr. Andy Weaver Muscogee County School District 539 Brown Avenue Columbus, GA 31906 Phone: (706) 649-0632
RICHMOND COUNTY Ms. Jessie B. Johnson Ms. Chalita Germany Lucy Laney High School 1339 Laney Walker Blvd. Augusta, GA 30901 Phone: (706) 823-6942
Ms. Sue H. Pittman Ms. Ina Tucker T. W. Josey High School 1701 15th Streef Augusta , GA 30901 Phone: (706) 737-7360
Ms. Bertha Lofton Academy of Richmond County 910 Russell Street Augusta, GA 30904 Phone: (706) 737-7152
Ms. Maggie Hill Glenn Hills High School 2840 Glenn Hills Drive Augusta, GA 30906 Phone: (706) 796-4924
SUMTER/SCHLEY COUNTIES Ms. Betty Ballard Goodwill Industries International, Inc. 101 West Jefferson Street Americus, GA 31709 Phone: (912) 928-2047
TIFT COUNTY Ms. Dru Fentem 1 Blue Devil Way Tifton , GA 31794 Phone: (229) 387-9700

TROUP COUNTY Ms. Laura Ferguson Vocational Rehabilitation Program 533 B Hwy 29 North Newnan, GA 30263 Phone: (770) 254-7212

PAGE 38

2001 ANNUAL REPORT

Community Rehabilitation
facilities

The Georgia State Rehabilitation Council and the Vocational Rehabilitation Program attribute their success in part to long-standing relationships with a network of private and nonprofit community rehabilitation facilities located throughout Georgia.
These facilities provide a wide variety of services to Georgians with disabilities. They include vocational evaluation , vocational training , work adjustment training , and specialized services for persons who have visual or hearing impairments. These valued partnerships have helped make vocational rehabilitation a dynamic force in Georgia , capable of meeting the needs of its consumers.

Rehabilitation Industries of North East Georgia, Inc. Ms. Paula Phillips P. O. Box151 Gainesville, Georgia 30503 Phone#: (770) 535-7464
Center For The Visually Impaired Ms. Susan B. Green 763 Peachtree Street, N.E Atlanta , Georgia 30308 Phone#: (404) 875-9011
Bobby Dodd Center, Inc. Mr. Wayne McMillan 2120 Marietta Blvd ., N.W. Atlanta , Georgia 30318 Phone#. (404) 873-2077
Tommy Nobis Center, Inc. Ms. Connie Kirk 1480 Bells Ferry Road Marietta, Georgia 30066 Phone #: (770) 427-9000
Goodwill Industries of N. Georgia, Inc. Mr. Raymond Bishop 2201 Glenwood Avenue , S.E. Atlanta , Georgia 30316 Phone#. (404) 486-8499
Ms. Linda Rau P.O. Box 447 Ellijay, Georgia 30540 Phone#: (706) 276-4722
New Ventures, Inc. Mr. Dave Miller 306 Fort Drive LaGrange, Georg ia 30240 Phone #. (706) 882- 7723
Griffin Community Workshop Ms. Lynn Leaptrot P. 0 . Box 847 Griffin, Georgia 30224 Phone #. (770) 228-3766

Kelley Diversified, Inc. Ms. Mary Patton P. 0 . Box 967, Willow Street Athens , Georgia 30603 Phone #: (706) 549-4398

Creative Enterprises, Inc. Ms. Leigh Couch 701 Hi Hope Lane Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043 Phone #. (770) 962-3908

Goodwill Industries of the Chattahoochee Valley, Inc. Ms. Jane Nichols 1955 Northside Industrial Blvd . Columbus , Georgia 31904 Phone #. (706) 324-4366
Goodwill Industries of Middle GA, Inc. Mr. James Stiff 688 Walnut Street Suite 200 Macon , Georgia 31201 Phone#: (478) 746-7647

South East Georgia Rehabilitation, Inc. Mr. Lewis Altman P.O. Box 885 Waycross, Georgia 31502 Phone#. (912) 285-9663
Goodwill Industries of the Coastal Empire Mr. Bill Oakley P.O. Box 15007 Savannah , Georgia 31416 Phone#: (912) 354-6611

East Georgia Easter Seal Society, Inc. Ms. Sheila Thomas P. 0 . Box 2441 , 1239 Reynolds Street Augusta , Georgia 30903 Phone #. (706) 667-9695

Savannah Association for the Blind , Inc. Mr. W. Chandler Simmons 214 Drayton Street Savannah , Georgia 31401 Phone#: {912) 236-4473

Middle Georgia Easter Seal Society, Inc. Ms. Eloyce Hooks P. 0 . Box 847 Dublin , Georgia 31040 Phone#: (478) 275-8850
Blind & Low Vision Services of N. GA, Inc. Mr. Robert Crouse 3830 South Cobb Drive, Suite 125 Smyrna , Georgia 30080 Phone#. (770) 432-7280
Community Friendship, Inc . Ms. Jean Toole 85 Renaissance Parkway, N.E. Atlanta , Georg ia 30308 Phone#. (404) 875-0381
WORKTEC , INC. Ms. Dorothy Cochran 221 Stockbridge Road Jonesboro, Georgia 30236 Phone#. (770) 473-2840

Speech, Hearing, & Rehabilitation Enterprises, Inc. Ms. Cheryl Meadows 2228 Starling Street Brunswick, Georgia 31520 Phone #: (912) 264-3141
Southwest Georgia Easter Seal Society, Inc.
Ms. Beth English 1906 Palymra Road Albany, Georgia 31701 Phone#. (912) 439-7061
Toccoa Rehabilitation Industries, Inc . Ms. Debbie Godfrey P. 0 . Box 972 Toccoa , Georgia 30577 Phone#. (706) 779-7300

2001 ANNUAL REPORT

PAGE 39

Georgia Department of Labor
Vocational Rehabilitation Program State Rehabilitation Council 1700 Century Circle Suite 300 Atlanta, Georgia 30345 Phone#: (404) 638-0380 FAX#: (404) 486-0197
Michael L. Thurmond Commissioner
Equal Opportunity Employer/ Program
This report is available in alternative format by contacting Denise Wilson at (404) 638-0380 or via email: dewilson@dol.state.ga.us