2004 annual report

ASSI
TO
THE GEORGIA STATE REHABILITATION COUNCIL
ANNUAL REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAIRPERSON'S MESSAGE. ....................................................................................................... 1
STATE REHABILITATION COUNCIL................................................... .................................. 3
Mission .. .. ....... ... .. ........ .... .. ....... ... .. ........ .... .. .. ..... ... .......... ..... ... ..... ... ..... ..... ..... ... ..... ... ..... ........ .4 Philosophy ...... ..... ........ ..... ........ ..... ........ ..... ........ ... .......... ... ..... ..... ... ..... ..... ... ..... ........ ..... ........ .4 Who We Are .... .. ..... ...... .. ... ........ .. ..... ...... .. ... ........ .. ..... ...... .. ... ..... ... .. ..... ... ... .. ... ..... ... .. ..... ... .... .. .4 Working Principles .... ... .. .. ...... ... ... .. ..... ... .. .. .... .. ... ... .. ..... ... .. .. .... .. ... ... .. ... .. ... .. .. .... .. ... ... .. ... .. ..... 4 Coordination of Effort .. .. .. ...... ... ... .. ..... ... .... ...... ... ... .. ..... ... .... .... .. ... ... .. ... .. ... .... ... ... ... ... .. ... .. .....4 FY2004 Accomplishments.... ....... ... ... ... .... ... ... ....... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ...... ... .... ...... ... .... .5 FY2005 Goals & Objectives........ ... ... ... .... ... ... ....... ... ... ... .... ... ... ....... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... .5 Employer Satisfaction Survey...... .. ... ....... ... ... ........ .. ... ....... ... ... ........ .. ... ....... ... ... ........ .. ... ....... 6
GEORGIA COMMITTEE .. ........ ..... ........ .. ... ........ ..... ........ .. ... ...... ....... .... .... .. ... ...... ....... .... .... .. ... ... 9
Program Highlights .. ... ..... ......... .... ... .. ... ..... ......... .... ... .. ... ... .. ........... .. ... .. ... ... .. ........... .. ... .. ... ... 11
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM ......... ..... ........ ..... ..... ... ..... ........ ..... ........ ..... .17
FY2004 Highlights ..... ... .... .......... ... ...... ... .............. .. ....... .. ............... .. ....... .. ............... .... ..... .. .19 Ticket to Work (TTW) ... .... .......... ... ...... ... .............. .. ....... ... .............. .. ....... ... .............. .. ....... ... 19 Benefits Planning, Assistance & Outreach (BPAO) ........ ......... ... .............. ... ...... ... ........... 20 Client Assistance Program (CAP) ........ ... ......... ... ........... ... ......... ... .............. ......... ... ........... 20 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) ....... ... ......... ... ........... ... ......... ... ........... 20 Transition Services ..... ... ........... ... ......... ... .............. ......... ... .............. ......... ... .............. ......... ... 21 Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia, Inc . (SILC) .......... ... .............. ......... ... 21 Section 121 Program .... ........... ... ......... ... ........... ... ......... ... ........... ... ......... ... ........... ... ......... ... 22 National Disability Awareness Activities....... ... ......... ... ........... ... ......... ... ........... ... ......... ... 22
SUCCESS STO RIES.. ... ..... .. ... ... ...... .... ... ........ .. ... ........ .. ... ........ .. ... ........ .. ... ...... .... ... ........ .. ... ...... .. 23
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY.. ... ... ......... ... ...... .. ... ... ......... ... ...... .. ... ... ...... ...... ...... .... .. .. .... .. ...... .... 37
DIRECTORIES .... ...... .... ... ...... .... ... ...... .... ... ...... .... ... ...... .... ... ...... .... ... ...... .... ... ...... .... ... ...... .... ... .. ... 41
Georgia Department of Labor/Rehabilitation Services .... .. ... ...... ....... ......... .... ......... .... ..... 4 2 Vocational Rehabilitation Program Administrative Offices.. ... .... .... ..... .... ...... ... .... .... ..... .43 Vocational Rehabilitation Program Regional Offices and Map .. .... ...... ... .... .... ..... .... ...... .44 Community Rehabilitation Facilities .. .. ... ........ .. ... ........ .. ... ........ .. ... ........ .. ... .... .... .. ... ...... ...46

CHAIRPERSON'S MESSAGE
ANNETTE T. BOWLING, SRC CHAIRPERSON State Rehabilitation Council
"The inspiring stories ofconsumers with disabilities who achieved successful employment demonstrate VR 's dedication to enhancing the independence and selfsufficiency of people with disabilities."

It is my pleasure to share with you the 2004 annual report of the State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) for the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL)Nocational Rehabilitation (YR) Program.
The provision of critical customized services including vocational counseling and evaluation, work adjustment and work readiness training, on-the-job training, job placement, vocational and technical training, job coaching, and assistive work technology - empowers VR consumers to become fully productive citizens.
The SRC and VR Program strongly believe in the power of partnering with other government entities, advisory councils, community and advocacy organizations, community rehabilitation facilities, local businesses and school systems. It is through these partnerships that we maximize the interests, skills, talents and abilities of our consumers to achieve their employment goals.
With ongoing support from community and business partners throughout the state, VR staff helped 6, 185 Georgians with disabilities obtain employment. Of these, 4,660 were successfully

employed for longer than 90 days. Most worked in competitive or self-employment settings, some with health insurance benefits, allowing them to be no longer totally dependent on Social Security benefits. Partnerships with Centers for Independent Living have helped individuals with the most significant disabilities stay in their homes and live self-directed lives. Collaborative efforts with local school systems ensure that young people with disabilities successfully transition into adult life. These partnerships have made VR an invaluable employment, education and independent living resource for consumers with disabilities.
With the continued dedication of VR staff and the valued support of community alliances, the SRC and VR Program will continue efforts to make significant differences in the lives of people with disabilities in Georgia.
Sincerely,
Annette T. Bowling SRC Chairperson

STATE REHABILITATION COUNCIL

MISSION
The mission of the Georgia State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) is to work in partnership with the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL)/ Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program to promote and prepare Georgians with disabilities for competitive employment.
PHILOSOPHY
Each person with a disability should have the opportunity to guide his/her own education and career path.

Forge a spirit of trust and cooperation between all partners.
Reach out to people with disabilities and employers throughout the state to create a true spirit of inclusion.
Hear and respond to the concerns and issues raised by people with disabilities, employers and other concerned individuals, so that its work is effective.
Be a catalyst for positive change.

WHO WE ARE
The Georgia State Rehabilitation Council is a body of individuals strongly interested in vocational rehabilitation. As mandated by the United States Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, the governor appoints the SRC members.
To ensure the effective delivery of services to Georgians with disabilities, the SRC reviews and analyzes the performance and responsibilities of the Vocational Rehabilitation Program.
The SRC works in strategic partnership with the GDOL/VR Program to develop statewide needs assessments, set goals and priorities, report program effectiveness, provide policy advisement and measure consumer satisfaction.
WORKING PRINCIPLES
The Georgia State Rehabilitation Council will :
Build partnerships among people with disabilities and employers, service providers. advocacy organizations, and other groups that participate in the accomplishment of the mission and philosophy of the organization.

COORDINATION OF EFFORT
To avoid duplication of efforts and to enhance the number of individuals served, the SRC is federally mandated to develop working relationships and to coordinate activities with other Georgia councils. The SRC continues to develop productive relationships with the Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia, Inc. (SILC), the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities (DD Council), several Mayors' Committees on Employment of People with Disabilities, the Georgia Mental Health Planning Council (MHP), the Georgia Workforce Investment Board (WIB), the Georgia Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, Inc., the Georgia Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Trust Commission, the Georgia Department of Labor's Employers' Committee, the State Advisory Panel for Special Education, the National Federation of the Blind of Georgia, the Council on American Indian Concerns, the Georgia Independent Living Network and other rehabil itation service agencies.

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STATE REHABILITATION COUNCIL

FY2004 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Advocated for adequate funding for the VR Program and Rehabilitation Services.
Conducted an employers' satisfaction survey.
Supported the Power Up for the Future Transition Conference and Expo.
Sponsored Disability Awareness Events with the Developmental Disabilities Council of Georgia and the Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia, Inc.
Supported the Georgia High School/High Tech (HS/Hl) initiative.
Collaborated with the University of Kentucky (UK) to offer a web-based master's degree in rehabilitation counseling for all GDOLNR employees.
Conducted a student satisfaction survey of the UK graduate program.
Provided advice and recommendations for proposed policy changes that impact provision of client services.

FY2005 GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Analyze results of employer satisfaction surveys and work with VR management to develop an action plan for improvement of services to employers who hire people with disabilities.
Develop marketing materials to promote the hiring of persons with disabilities, and transition services for students with disabilities.
Advocate for legislation that awards regular high school diplomas to students with individual education plans (IEPs) who complete their designated course of study. The course of study should provide necessary access to meaningful post-school options such as entrance to the military, post-secondary education or employment.
Work with VR to assess current transition policy and practices in light of the reauthorization of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the planned reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
Partner with VR to advocate for funding for additional VR Transition counselors in local school systems.
Coordinate with the UK to offer financial assistance and scholarships to VR staff enrolled in the UK master's program in rehabilitation counseling.

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STATE REHABILITATION COUNCIL
EMP~ OYER
A I FACTION
URVE
The employment of people with disabilities into competitive employment is an important economic, social and ethical pursuit. The SRC and VR Program work in partnership to ensure that individuals with disabilities receive the services and support they need to become productive citizens through gainful employment and self-sufficiency. The SRC reviews and monitors the effectiveness of VR through statewide needs assessments, including employers' satisfaction surveys. To solicit employers input about the effectiveness of VR services, the SRC mailed satisfaction surveys to 3,041 employers throughout Georgia. These included employers who have used VR services to employ people with disabilities and employers who have never used VR services. Three hundred ninety-six useable responses were received, resulting in a 13. 72 percent response rate. The survey assessed employers' satisfaction with the Georgia VR Program in regard to: How job placements were handled. The fit between consumers' work skills and employers' job vacancies. Performance of rehabilitation consumer(s) employed. Consumers' preparation for employment. Usefulness of specific services. An independent, outside consultant was selected to tabulate and analyze the survey data to preserve participant anonymity. The results indicate a moderate to high degree of overall satisfaction with VR services. No major areas of weakness or deficit were identified.
6

Overall satisfaction with services of the VR Program.

Very Satisfied Satisfied
D Neutral

Dissatisfied
D Very Dissatisfied

To what extent did the VR Program make a good fit with the job(s) and the skills of the person(s) placed in the job(s)?

Excellent Good

D Fair D Poor

To what extent were you satisfied with the consumer(s) you employed through the VR Program?

Excellent Good

D Fair D Poor

To what extent were the consumer(s) referred by the VR Program prepared for employment?

Excellent Good

D Fair D Poor

Please rate the way in which the VR Program handled placement(s)?

Excellent Good

D Fair D Poor

Would you consider using the VR Program as a source for recruiting employees in the future?

Yes

No

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GEORGIA COMMITTEE

The Georgia Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation committed to maximizing and enhancing the employment of people with disabilities in Georgia. SRC member Lee Miller serves as president and CEO; the Board of Directors includes executives from Cingular Wireless, ADP, Lockheed Martin, SunTrust, Hyatt Hotels, Greater Columbus
Chamber of Commerce, Coca-Cola, J. C. Hoffman, and
Columbus State University.

In 2004, the Georgia Committee:
Continued its partnership with the Atlanta Industry Liaison Group (AILG), which awarded Carol Gaudin scholarships to three High School/High Tech (HS/Hl) students.
Participated in the AILG Equal Opportunity Conference, "The Power of Partnerships: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964," featuring Cari Dominguez, chair, Equal Employer Opportunity Commission.
Keynoted the Consortia of Administrators for Native American for Rehabilitation (CANAR) Annual Conference.

During 2004, the Georgia Committee continued its support of HS/HT by:
Providing consulting services to the state coordinator, funding field trips and activities, assisting in developing new sites and expanding existing ones.
Assisting with drafting a letter for the current Georgia superintendent of schools that was sent to all Georgia school systems endorsing HS/HT.
Sponsoring and participating in the HS/HT Summit and Conference, which involved site coordinators, employers, state agencies, advocates and students.

Collaborated with Microsoft to offer CAN AR conference attendees a tour of its facilities and to meet with Native American employees of Microsoft.
Georgia HS/HT, one of the major commitments of the Georgia Committee, is a community-based transition and enrichment initiative for high school students with disabilities. The program is designed to develop career opportunities and provide activities that will interest students in science, technology, computer and education fields.

Awarding $ I0,000 in scholarships to the Georgia Accessibility Rally (GAR) web site competition.
Participating in the video documentation of Georgia's Annual HS/HT Conference and Summit.
Cowriting and editing the Georgia HS/HT Program Development and Implementation Guide (PDIG).

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GEORGIA COMMITTEE

GHTS

Each High School/High Tech (HS/HT) site is unique and may design its own program as long as the core values of HS/HT are offered. Throughout the year, HS/HT students participated in numerous field trips to such sites as the Georgia State Capitol, Coca-Cola Museum, Apex Museum, Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolence, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation, Social Security Administration, Turner Job Corp, Valdosta Food Bank, Flint River Aquarium/IMAX Theater, local nursing homes and prisons, and Army/Navy recruiters.
Local Georgia Department of Labor career centers offered internships and training on job preparation, interviewing, and assistive work technology programs and services. Students toured and explored career programs at local technical colleges and universities including Albany State University, Valdosta State University, Valdosta Technical College, Augusta Technical College, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Moultrie Technical College, Flint River Technical College, and Middle Georgia Technical College. They gained valuable tools on successful interviewing and how to dress to impress.

HIGH SCHOOL/HIGH TECH SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE One of the highlights of 2004 was a successful two-day summit and conference. Nearly I00 summit attendees explored ways in which HS/HT could become an integral part of local community service strategies so that all students reach their highest potential. The summit introduced HS/HT to state and local Workforce Investment Boards and their key partners.

The conference focused on youth, with over I00 students from eight HS/HT sites attending. The conference brought together HS/HT students and coordinators for programrelated training, networking and sharing best practices. Students attended workshops led by University of Georgia Fanning Leadership Institute instructor Brendan Leahy and Jobs for Georgia Graduates director Nedra Wakefield. The participants also listened to former students' success stories, and viewed student presentations and exhibits.

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GEORGIA COMMITTEE

Student attendees encountered different perspectives and were exposed to several speakers from workforce agencies, corporations, and higher education. The messages they heard were remarkably consistent: If you are determined to succeed, your disabilities will not hold you back. Your capabilities will carry you forward to accomplish your goals.
GEORGIA ACCESSIBILITY RALLY The Georgia Accessibility Rally (GAR), a project supported by the Southeast Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center (DBTAC), provided $ I0,000 in scholarships to the winning teams from its Internet accessibility competition. The GAR partners students from Georgia's HS/HT programs with mentors trained in accessibility and usability standards to redesign high school web sites for increased usability and accessibility for students with a variety of disabilities. Four teams of HS/HT students at three Georgia high schools, assisted by teachers and mentors, worked together to improve educational web sites.
The four winning teams were: Albany Westover High School (first place), Valdosta HS/HT (second place), Valdosta High School Vocational Instruction (third place), and Columbus Northside High School (fourth place). All participants received scholarships, software and other prizes.

RELATED VOCATIONAL INSTRUCTION PROGRAM FALL CONFERENCE The Related Vocational Instruction (RVI) Program provides students with disabilities enrolled in technology/career programs with high quality interactive leadership activities. At its annual fall conference, students with the greatest improvement in technology/career and work adjustment skills were recognized with achievement awards.
Georgia HS/HT students received a number of awards, including:
Baldwin County - Second place for Cosmetology, Healthcare Science Technology and School Project.
Douglas County - Second place for Cosmetology and third place for Job Interview and Public Speaking.
South Atlanta High - First place for Public Speaking and Auto Service, second place for Professional Foods, and third place for School Project and Career Exploration Manual.
Lowndes County - Second place for Auto Service, Interior Design, Metal Working, Public Speaking, and Most Improved Female, and third place for Woodworking.
Meriwether County - A HS/HT student was named Outstanding Student of the Year, and the site also received other awards.

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GEORGIA COMMITTEE
Ross CARGLE
High School/High Tech

Ross Cargle was the "golden boy" of Tift County High School football team. He was set to carry on a family tradition and was scholarship-bound for the University of Alabama's legendary football program .
During his high school sophomore year, Cargle sustained a disabling injury that changed his life forever. Depressed from the change of events, Cargle's self-esteem and confidence plummeted. Then he became involved with the HS/HT program. A site coordinator who focused on self-worth encouraged Cargle to participate in the program activities.
Cargle quietly began to take a leadership role with planning projects, and was soon

the backbone of the group. With renewed confidence, he represents the Tift County HS/HT program at many speaking engagements. As a speaker at the Related Vocational Instructional Program Conference, Cargle set a positive example for other students facing adversity. By sharing his personal story and highlights of program activities, he proved to himself that he still has what it takes to play on a championship team.
An ambassador and sophomore special education major at Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College, Cargle represents the school at statewide marketing and public relations events.

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GEORGIA COMMITTEE

OTHER PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Augusta/Richmond County partners with the Society for Human Resource Management to provide internship and job shadowing opportunities for 60 HS/HT program participants. Ten students received job shadowing opportunities at the Westinghouse Savannah River Company. Each student was provided the opportunity to mentor in two departments, including engineering, procurement, legal, law enforcement, education, outreach, human resources, design, ecology and robotics.
An annual awards luncheon was held, recognizing outstanding contributors and students. One of the HS/HT students has been honored as the 2005 salutatorian of T. W. Josey High School.
An Augusta/Richmond County HS/HT student received a job shadowing opportunity at the Westinghouse Savannah River Company.
Atlanta City Schools saluted two HS/HT seniors with the "Beat the Odds" award. This award honors students who have overcome adversity and have contributed to their school and community.

One of these students, a senior in the Exceptional Children Program at South Atlanta High School , has an emotional behavioral disorder. She was born with spina bifida, scoliosis, a clubbed foot, and a partially paralyzed bladder. In spite of these obstacles, the student maintains a B+ average, is enrolled in a college preparatory curriculum, and plans to attend a four-year college.
The other student, a senior at North Atlanta High School, continues his fight against the challenges of spinal atrophy type II. He is one of the most popular fellows on campus, volunteers as his school's baseball announcer, and was voted third attendant to Mr. North Atlanta. He participates in the power wheelchair soccer team at the Shepherd Center, which won a championship in Arizona, and is working on Paralympic status.
Cobb County partners with the Tommy Nobis Center, a community rehabilitation facility that regularly works with student interns. This year, the partners held a kickoff reception for interns and their parents that was featured in the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
Dougherty County School System (DCSS) expanded its program to include students in grades nine through 12. Freshmen and sophomores participated in civil air patrol training, studied kite design, compounds, balance, equations, and the four basic types of chemical reactions. Sophomores studied the elements of the periodic table. Juniors

14

GEORGIA COMMITTEE

received cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid training and certification, reviewed science process skills and cell biology, and developed individual PowerPoint presentations on ecology. Seniors enrolled in a dual computer science program at Albany Technical College, and entered the Georgia Accessibility Rally (GAR), which focused on making high school web sites accessible.
DCSS HS/HT established a small business enterprise curriculum to teach students the steps in starting a HS/HT micro-enterprise. The curriculum allows them to explore the possibility of self-employment as a work goal.
The students' business, Logo-Links, which is housed at Westover High School, markets and sells specialized items with the school's mascot and colors. It's similar to a typical collegiate store.
As the finale of the school year's exploration of aviation, the DCSS program hosted its 7th Annual HS/HT Awards Luncheon. Ten teams of HS/HT students and collaborative partners constructed and launched hot air balloons, kites and airplanes. Three scholarships were awarded to HS/HT seniors: a $1,000 saving bonds from the Albany Advocacy Resource Center Board of Directors, and two $ 1,000 scholarships from the Albany Artesian Sertoma Club. Handheld spellcheck devices were given to all participants for their academic accomplishments.
Lowndes County went on various field trips, hosted guest speakers and received transition to post-school training opportunities, job coaching and internships.
Macon/Bibb County Southwest Magnet High School students went on field trips to

WMAZ Channel 13 TY, Cumulus Broadcasting System and Boeing Aircraft Company.
Meriwether County - Two HS/HT students received the John Henry Armstrong Award. The award, along with a $ I 00 cash prize, is presented to a student at each Meriwether County high school who participated in one of the Collaborative School off-campus programs and demonstrates good character, motivation and dedication throughout the school year.
A Manchester High School student received a $500 Kiwanis Scholarship from the Greenville/Meriwether Kiwanis Club. The scholarship acknowledges students who demonstrate academic excellence and intend on pursuing post-secondary education.
Muscogee County received an award from the Columbus Mayor's Committee for Persons with Disabilities, partnered with Muscogee County School System for vocational testing, and collaborated with the Columbus Technical College for post-secondary education admission testing and applications.
The Georgia Committee helped organize Red Eagle FENV HS/HT in Whigham, GA. Red Eagle FENV is the first Native American HS/HT program in the nation, and worked with Microsoft to provide computer software for the site. The Red Eagle FENV Initiative (Fenu is the Muskogee word for bridge), is designed to locate and identify unserved and underserved Native American youth and help them bridge to the future. The program includes the HS/HT core activities of both formal and informal career assessments, and introduces the concept of opportunity awareness and work readiness skills.

15

GEORGIA COMMITTEE

The Lower Muskogee Creek Tribe is coordinator for the initiative. The tribe will provide and enhance the quality and quantity of transitional services for disabled and at-risk young people to access equal employment opportunities and will serve as a model for other Native American tribes. Red Eagle Fenv is making a historical documentary of the Muskogee Creek Indian Tribe.

HS/HT students of Rutland High School explored careers in architectural design and technology. They designed two-story homes, a Ferris Wheel and a C0-2 car. Several students explored technical programs at Flint River Technical College, careers in industrial and structural engineering at Boeing Aircraft Company, and master control technician and meteorologist positions at Channel 13 WMAZ TY.
Tift County had a voter's registration drive and resource fair with representatives from the local health department, housing authority, military offices, disability support services, state patrol driver's license office, local banks, and college admission and financial aid offices.

Two Rutland HS/HT students built a Ferris Wheel in technology class.

A Rutland HS/HT student designed a two-story home in drafting class.

16

REH p

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM
The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL)/Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program provides services to help persons with disabilities prepare for, start and maintain competitive employment, thus becoming productive and independent citizens in their communities.

The YR Program consists of 13 regions and 53 regional units serving individuals with physical and mental disabilities throughout the state. Georgia YR employs approximately 265 vocational rehabilitation counselors who work individually with consumers to help them identify goals and implement individual plans for employment (IPEs) that meet their specific vocational needs. Based on an individual's

unique employment needs, services may include vocational evaluation, counseling, guidance, work adjustment training, supported employment, work-readiness training, on-thejob training, job placement, assistive technology, vocational and technical training, job coaching, and other types of customized assistance. Comprehensive support is also provided during and after the process.

VR Program Service Trends
July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004
9,0SS

6,18S

4,660

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VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM

VR also works in partnership with the business community to provide services to employers such as disability awareness training, accessibility assessments, on-site job assessments, job analysis studies, assistive work technology guidance, referral and support of qualified employees, and professional consultation.
Successful employment and independence for Georgians with disabilities is essential to maintaining a stable economy and promoting an inclusive society.
During FY2004, VR assisted 6, 185 Georgians with disabilities in obtaining employment. Slightly over 75 percent (4,660) held employment for longer than 90 days.

I, 799 students with disabilities received transition services.
256 students were successfully rehabilitated into gainful employment.
1,817 TANF recipients received assessment and evaluation services.
3, I I I Georgians with significant disabilities received independent living services through collaborative efforts with Centers for Independent Living.
1,639 clients received varying assistive work technology services.

FY2004 HIGHLIGHTS
The VR Program continues to be recognized as a national leader in empowering people w ith disabilities to achieve their employment, education and independent living goals.
FY2004 was a remarkable year for VR and its consumers:
36,019 consumers with disabilities were served by the VR Program.
6,185 consumers obtained employment; 4,660 of these consumers were successfully employed for longer than 90 days.
1,949 Ticket to Work (TTW) recipients assigned tickets to VR.
507 Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities received direct and outreach services through the Benefits Planning, Assistance and Outreach (BPAO) Project.

TICKET TO WORK
The Social Security Administration's (SSA) Ticket to Work program provides beneficiaries of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) greater choices in receiving employment, vocational , and other services they need to go to work and/or increase their earnings from work, thus reducing their dependency on cash benefits programs.
Since the inception of the TTW program, more than 313,775 Georgians have received a "ticket." These individuals have a choice of 20 SSA approved Employment Networks throughout the state from which to obtain vocational rehabilitation services, one of which is the Georgia Department of LaborNR Program.
During FY2004:
2, 181 "tickets" were assigned in Georgia.
Georgia VR received 1,949 ticket assignments.

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VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM

The remaining 20 Employment Networks received 232 ticket assignments.
BENEFITS PLANNING,
ASSISTANCE & OUTREACH
PROJECT
The YR Program's federally-funded Benefits Planning, Assistance and Outreach (BPAO) Project, known as Georgia Rehabilitation OUtreach Program (GROUP), provides information and assistance to Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities, including transition-to-work aged youths, who are interested in going to work.
GROUP's trained benefits specialists encourage these individuals to explore employment and help them understand how working will impact their Social Security and state healthcare benefits, thus allowing them to make informed choices about work. Benefits specialists also identify work incentives that can maximize the benefits of working while helping customers to successfully transition into employment.
During FY2004, the BPAO Project:
Provided direct services and outreach activities to 507 Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities.
Conducted eight Ticket to Work Public Awareness Workshops, and 18 BPAO Lunch and Learn Symposiums across the state. These presentations focused on the impact of employment on Social Security and healthcare benefits.

CLIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Client Assistance Program (CAP) provides information, assistance, and advocacy to applicants and consumers with disabilities who are applying for and receiving services from the YR Program. 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.
One of CAP's priorities is to resolve problems to the customer's satisfaction. As a result, very few issues have to be resolved through the formal appeals process. CAP's experiences with resolving disagreements through mediation and informal negotiations have been highly successful for YR consumers.
During FY2004, CAP:
Responded to 1,556 requests for information and referral.
Provided direct services to 88 individuals.
Provided services to 45 applicants and 84 clients of the YR Program.
Settled consumer problems through mutual agreement rather than fair hearing decisions through an administrative law judge.
TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES
The YR Program continued its contract with the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) to provide assessments to Georgia Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients.

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VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM

Assessment Services:
In FY2004, VR offered assessment services for a total of 1,817 TANF recipients: 638 referrals were carried over from FY2003 and I , I 79 were new referrals for FY2004.

Assessment Outcomes:
1,147 recipients received assessment services. Of these, 625 were integrated into the VR Program; and 522 were referred back to DFCS with recommendations for services.
3 19 referrals discontinued their assessments .
351 referrals were carried forward from FY2004.

Disability breakdown of those completing assessment:

Mental Impairments

(470) 41 o/o

Mental Retardation

(206) 18%

Orthopedic Impairments (172) 15%

Other Impairments

(299) 26%

TRANSITION SERVICES
Each year, the VR Program provides transition services to thousands of Georgia students with disabilities. The VR Work Teams assist students in achieving their goals for employment, postsecondary education and independent living.
Transitioning students receive a variety of services, from supported employment to technical or academic college training.
Eligible students with disabilities who receive special education or general education have equal access to vocational rehabilitation services.

During FY2004:
80 local school systems and state school systems participated in a VR/DOE collaborative agreement to enhance VR services to eligible students with disabilities.
I ,799 students with disabilities received transition services.
256 students were successfully transitioned into gainful employment.
STATEWIDE INDEPENDENT LIVING COUNCIL OF GEORGIA, INC.
Georgia's Independent Living Network is comprised of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia, Inc. (SILC) and eight Centers for Independent Living (Clls). Each organization is governed and staffed by people with disabilities.
The SILC works with the VR Program to develop the State Plan for Independent Living, and also focuses on promoting pol icies and practices that enable independent living for all Georgians with disabilities. The Cl Ls assist people with all types of disabilities to set and achieve personal goals toward independence.
During FY2004, Georgia Clls provided a wide range of independent living services to 3, I I I Georgians with significant disabilities, including but not limited to: information and referral , independent living skills training, nursing home transition , advocacy, orientation and mobility skills training, assistive technology and computer skills training.

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VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM

SECTION 121 PROGRAM
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 YR Program continues its cooperative relationship with the Lower Muskogee Creek Indian Tribe and provides disability assessment, evaluation, and referral services to clients of the tribe.
During FY2004:
MVR maintained I 00 percent successful closures.
MVR served 16 American Indian consumers with individualized plans for employment.
7 consumers were assisted with obtaining success through employment.
4 consumers had a vocational outcome of self-employment.
3 consumers were employed into the integrated labor market.

In celebration of National Disability Awareness Month in October, the YR Program sponsored more than I 00 celebrations and luncheons. Consumers of the YR Program were recogn ized for outstanding on-the-job performance, and businesses were honored for consistently including people with disabilities as a part of their diverse workforce.
For example, in collaboration with the Milledgeville/Baldwin County Committee for Disability Issues, the GDOLNR Milledgeville Unit held a banquet honoring both the employees and employers that best exemplify the strength of collaborative partnerships.
Keynote speaker, Georgia commissioner of labor Michael Thurmond, commended local businesses and employees for their dedication to overcoming barriers and stereotypes associated with disabilities. He also presented a Special Achievement Award to Tabatha Jones, a senior at Baldwin County High School, for her academic and volunteer healthcare occupations activities. Jones intends to pursue certified nursing assistant training upon graduation.

NATIONAL DISABILITY AWARENESS ACTIVITIES
A key to the YR Program's success in helping people with disabilities obtain quality employment is its collaborative partnerships with employers throughout the state. These partnerships enable employers to find qualified individuals with skills and qualities that match their needs while connecting people with disabilities with a greater number of quality employment opportunities.

22

RIE

SUCCESS STORIES
WINSTON HARRIS Region 1/Rome

Retinitis pigmentosa caused Winston Harris to nearly lose his sight, but not his vision. He realized that he needed to learn how to cope with his visual impairment, and approached the YR Program for assistance with finding a job.
Through the efforts of his YR Work Team, Winston received job-readiness and interview skills training. He also received orientation and mobility training from Blind and Low Vision Services of Northwest Georgia. This training enabled him to become more active in his community and at work.

Using Harris' passion for woodworking to guide his vocational rehabilitat ion training, his YR Work Team helped him secure employment at The Home Depot.
To sustain productive employment, YR provided Harris w ith onsite orientation and mobility training. YR also purchased magnifiers and glasses to ease his reading. As a full -time employee with benefits, Harris is on his way to a productive career at The Home Depot.

24

SUCCESS STORIES
JAMES "BRAD" WHITMIRE
Region 2/Gainesville

In July of I988, a major milestone occurred in Brad Whitmire's life. At the age of 19, he was involved in a car crash that resulted in quadriplegia. As a result, he has very limited use of his left arm and no use of his right arm.
Whitmire loved his part-time job as a peer support specialist for the Access Center for Independent Living (ACIL), but was at risk of losing it because he had difficulty making the required home visits. That's when he approached the VR Program for assistance.
At the time of application, Whitmire received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and was developing a Plan for Achieving Self-Sufficiency (PASS) to purchase a modified van. Because of his part-time

income, he was not able to maintain the insurance and costly upkeep of the vehicle. To assist Whitmire with securing full-time employment with ACIL, his VR Assistive Work Technology (AWT) team created an accessible workstation that increased his productivity.
Thanks to VR, Whitmire now works full-time for ACIL and has received his modified van. As a peer support specialist, he makes home visits to consumers with disabilities, helps them develop PASSes, explains SSI and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, assists qualified people apply for grants from the Georgia Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Trust Fund and provides a variety of services to assist people with mobility and health challenges.

25

SUCCESS STORIES
DIANE HEALY
Region 3A/Atlanta

Becoming totally blind, diabetes and retinopathy have not stopped Diane Healy from being a successful business owner. As a homemaker, she approached YR for help to achieve her goal of going to work and becoming a productive member of society.
YR referred Healy to the Center for the Visually Impaired, where she participated in a complete blind rehabilitation program, including activities of daily living, Braille, and computer training using JAWS, a screen reading program. She also received orientation and mobility training so that she could use her cane to travel safely.
Healy's willingness to learn made her an excellent candidate for the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) training at the

Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation. BEP assists individuals experiencing blindness or visual impairment to become successful food service, snack bar, and vending machine owners. Job shadowing with established BEP vendors opened up a whole new world for Healy. She learned to manage a vending machine operation.
In addition to a cane and homemaking aides, YR provided her with the assistive work technology she needed to successfully run her vending machines at the Koger Center. She manages her inventory with a Parrot voice mate organizer and a talking barcode reader to identify items she is stocking in her vending machines. Her patrons are pleased with her services and well-stocked machines.

26

SUCCESS STORIES
FREDERICK R. PITTMAN Region 3B/Atlanta

Frederick Pittman had not worked in 20 years, though he desperately wanted to. He previously worked as a custodian w ith his father. Pittman gave up because his moderate intellectual disability limits his focus , cognition and speech .
Due to his limitations and inability to find employment, he sought the assistance of the YR Program . In order for him to sustain employment, Pittman's

YR Work Team arranged for supported employment services from Goodwill Industries of North Georgia, Inc.
Through the hard work and persistence of his YR Work Team, he is now employed as a dining room attendant at Clarke's Cafe. Pittman's employer was so del ighted w ith his work, she hired him before his twoweek training period was completed.

27

SUCCESS STORIES
ANTHONY GUDE
Region 4/Newnan

Anthony Gude is living proof that perseverance, hard work, and the right combination of support and services can make a world of difference. With a spinal cord injury and limited work history, Gude was convinced that he wouldn't be given an opportunity to work.
With VR's assistance: academic and work readiness training, and assistive work technology services, Gude turned temporary employment into a

successful career opportunity at TOYS "R" US.
Equipped with new hand controls for his van, Gude drives himself to work at TOYS "R" US where he provides customer service, maintains product inventory, answers the telephone, and stocks shelves. As an acting department manager, in the absence of other managers, Gude hopes that within the next year, he will be considered for an assistant store manager position .

Ill
28

SUCCESS STORIES
QUINCY KERBO
Region SfAthens

Quincy Kerbo will probably be the first person you meet when you visit the Student Services Department at Athens Technical College.
When Kerbo received information about the Ticket to Work program, he contacted the YR Program because he was curious about how going to work would impact his Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. YR helped him understand the Social Security benefit system and explained the variety of work incentives he could receive.
Determined to do something positive with his life, Kerbo accepted YR's support to go to work. He received a vocational evaluation, career counseling and

community work adjustment training at the Georgia Department of Labor Athens Career Center. There he provided assistance with processing unemployment insurance claims. He also assisted job seekers in job placement activities and compiled and distributed employee performance reports. Upon completing his training program , Kerbo obtained a full time position as a receptionist at Athens Technical College.
A self-supporting independent professional , Kerbo no longer receives SSDI benefits. The East Georgia Chapter of the Georgia Rehabilitation Association recognized him as the 2004 Employee of the Year.

29

SUCCESS STORIES
SARAH HIGH
Region 6/Macon

Sara High greets customers of Shoney's Restaurant in Forsyth with a smile when they come into the restaurant. She worked at Bibb Mills for ten years before being laid off when the plant closed. As a single mother receiving public assistance and TANF, High desperately wanted to make a change that would lead to a better life for her family.
The Monroe County Department of Family and Children Services referred her to VR. To

help High bridge the gap from welfare to work, VR sponsored work adjustment training for her at Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia. After completing her program at Goodwill, VR set up several interviews for High until she landed a job as a food service attendant at $honey's .
High's supervisor (above left) says, "She can work here as long as she wants. I want to give her a chance to change her life. "

30

SUCCESS STORIES
ERIC BRENENBORG
Region 7/Augusta

Eric Brenenborg was a timid student at Cross Creek High School. His future changed through his connection with the VR Program.
VR gave Brenenborg an opportunity for a brighter future by providing access to employment and social skills training at the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation . As he acquired new skills, he became people-oriented and confident in himself.

Since his experience at Warm Springs, Brenenborg has shed his shyness. He is no longer withdrawn and enjoys being around people. Brenenborg works full -time as a dietary aide at St. Joseph's Hospital. With his customer service skills, he assists in preparing and serving food to hospital patients. His supervisor says that he is a valuable employee and everyone enjoys him working as a member of the team.

31

SUCCESS STORIES
RALPH LEONARD
Region 8/Columbus

"I'm not disabled; I'm just missing a few parts," says Ralph Leonard, who lost both his legs and left arm in a fiery DUI car crash that burned over 80 percent of his body.
It took Leonard a long time to adjust to his condition. With the strong desire to work, he sought VR services for job placement assistance. Leonard's Assistive Work Technology Team provided adaptations to

his van and wheelchair, while his VR Work Team helped him with job placement.
Leonard now works at Wal-Mart where he stocks shelves, pulls pallets with the help of a bungee cord attached to his wheelchair, waters plants, and occasionally loads top soil. Leonard would like to counsel high school students about the dangers of drinking and driving.

32

SUCCESS STORIES
ROBBIE CHANCE
Region 9/ Dublin

If the measure of success is being an example to your children, Robbie Chance is a first -class success story. She always encouraged her twins to be high achievers and to seek higher education. Receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for more than 12 years due to back problems, Chance felt trapped in her circumstances and was unsure of how to pull herself out.
When Chance became involved with the YR Program, she realized that she had the opportunity of a lifetime to complete her undergraduate degree and change her

future. With the emotional and financial support of the YR Program, Chance obtained her bachelor's of science degree in sociology from Georgia Southern University.
Chance's YR Work Team believed in her when she had doubts and assisted her with obtaining a full-time caseworker position with Concerted Services. She is totally self-sufficient and no longer receives Social Security benefits. Her future plans include working on a master's degree in social work. Following in the footsteps of their mother, Chance's twins are in college and doing well.

33

SUCCESS STORIES
DAVID KEADLE
Region 10/Albany

David Keadle loves his job! Prior to his stroke, he worked as a flower designer. Limited use of the left side of his body forced him to rethink his situation.
VR helped Keadle channel his talents into a new career path. He now works as a security and information specialist at the Thomasville Cultural Arts Center. "I am a natural problem solver. I

began solving problems the day I had my stroke and had to figure out how I was going to get help. I had to find new ways of doing old things, and I did! There is no aspect of my job that I can't do. This job has given me so much more independence and confidence in myself!"

34

SUCCESS STORIES
BRANDON BOYD Region 11/Valdosta

Brandon Boyd began his career exploration with the VR Program when he was a special education student with cerebral palsy at Ware County High School. He has a delightful personality and everyone knew him as the "right hand man" to the high school's football coach.

where he worked at Winn Dixie grocery store and the local Housing Authority. After graduation, he participated in the vocational training program at the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation where he gained independent living and social skills.

With the support of special education staff at his school, Boyd's VR Work Team designed a training program to pave his career path beyond high school. VR provided him with job-readiness and work adjustment training,

Capitalizing on Boyd's personality, VR helped him get a part-time job at Papa John's Pizza where he takes on the persona of a "super slice" and markets the Papa John Pizza Night to local schools.

35

SUCCESS STORIES
TRAVOY DOWNING
Region 12/Savannah

After suffering a C4-5 spinal cord injury from a diving accident, Travoy Downing became quadriplegic at age 16. Upon completion of physical rehabilitation at the Shepherd Center, Downing returned home and finished high school with VR's assistance for home and vehicular modifications.
After graduation, Travoy enrolled in the information technology program at Savannah State University, where he received several academic and leadership awards. Throughout his schooling, VR provided tuition support, books, supplies, personal assistance, and assistive technology. With intelligence, hard work and sheer determination, Downing graduated cum laude with a bachelor's of science degree in computer science. Thanks to placement assistance by his VR Work Team, Downing now works for

Rehabilitation Services in the Disability Adjudication Services Unit. His VR counselor arranged accommodations with the Georgia State Merit System, enabling him to take the qualifying exam in Savannah instead of traveling to Atlanta. Downing scored extremely well on the exam and was hired as a disability adjudicator associate. He processes medical and vocational information to determine claimants' qualifications for Social Security benefits. After consultation with VR's assistive work technology services, Downing's supervisor provided accommodations to ensure that his workstation, manuals and equipment were accessible.
Downing receives personal support services that enable him to live in his own apartment, thanks to VR's help in applying for an Independent Care Medicaid Waiver slot.

36

C NOLOGY

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
A Look at Georgians Using Assistive Technology for Living, Learning, Working and Playing
The Assistive Technology (AT) Services of the GDOL/VR Program help Georgians with disabilities from cradle to rocking chair secure a wide range of assistive technology devices through its different programs. AT Services include Assistive Work Technology, Tools for Life, ReBoot, and Credit-Able.
Assistive Work Technology (AWT) identifies the assistive technology required to help YR clients reach their work goals. Additionally, AWf staff work closely with Tools for Life and ReBoot to try out different kinds of assistive technology including computers, if the technology will help them reach their work goals.
Tools for Life (TFL) increases access to appropriate assistive technology devices and services for all Georgians with disabilities so they can live, learn, work and play independently. The TFL web site offers a range of tools such as the G-Trade want ads for the exchange, sale, and purchase of assistive technology, and E-Trade, an online equipment exchange service for use by disability service providers at post-secondary institutions.
ReBoot recycling services distributes rebuilt computers and cell phones to persons with disabilities. Money raised from the sale of unused items goes directly into serving people with disabilities. ReBoot also builds ADA workstations to meet the unique needs of persons with disabilities.
TFL Assistive Technology Resource Centers (ATRCs) provide assistive technology devices/equipment for trial usage to make sure the device is appropriate. Services include assistive technology assessments, extensive evaluations, assistive technology training and demonstration/lending of assistive technology devices, education workshops, Touch the Future Expo and Transition Conference, and the
38

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Microsoft Life Long Learning Lab. ATRCs also work together to promote the development of alternative funding sources such as: equipment exchange and recycling, loan programs and legislation.
Credit-Able, Georgia's Assistive Technology Alternative Loan Program, is a new service that helps Georgians with disabilities gain access to affordable financing for assistive technology, home modifications and adapted vehicles. Credit-Able can even help employers with affordable loans to finance job accommodations for employees with disabilities, a benefit in particular to small business owners. Credit-Able brings together financial, assistive technology and disability expertise through the participation of credit unions and community-based organizations.

During FY2004:
AWT served 1,639 VR clients with vehicle/home modifications, work site accommodations and assistive technology equipment.
TFL responded to 2,959 requests for information and referral for AT services.
TFL lending libraries made 669 loans for AT devices for trial use by consumers with disabilities and service providers.

TFL staff provided assistive technology training and technical assistance to 4,5 I 7 individuals with disabilities and 8, 192 service providers.
ReBoot refurbished and distributed over 459 computer systems.
The AT unit generated nearly $ I million in private, state and federal funds for loan guarantees and negotiated contracts with Tech-Able and the GettingAhead Association to administer Credit-Able.

39

DIRECTORIES
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR REHABILITATION SERVICES
Bobby L. Pack, Assistant Commissioner Suite 510
148 Andrew Young International Blvd., N .E. Atlanta, Georgia 30303 Phone: (404) 232-3910 Fax: (404) 232-3912 TTY: (404) 232-3911

BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM Rajaunnda Gandy, Director 5238 Royal Woods Parkway, Suite 200 Tucker, Georgia 30084 Phone: (770) 724-6590 Fax: (770) 724-6598
DISABILITY ADJUDICATION SERVICES Mickey Alberts, Director 1551 Juliette Road Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083 Phone: (678) 476-7000 Fax: (678) 476-7328 TTY: 1 (800) 255-0135
GEORGIA INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND Jim Hughes, Executive Director 700 Faceville Hwy. Bainbridge, Georgia 31718 Phone: (229) 248-2666 Fax: (229) 248-2669

ROOSEVELT WARM SPRINGS INSTITUTE FOR REHABILITATION David Parmer, Interim Executive Director P 0 . Box 1000 Warm Springs, Georgia 31830 Phone: (706) 655-5000 Fax: (706) 655-5011 TTY: (706) 655-5176 Web site: www.rooseveltrehab.org
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM Carl McRae, Interim Director 1700 Century Circle, Suite 300 Atlanta, Georgia 30345 Phone: (404) 486-6331 Fax: (404) 486-0217 TTY: (404) 486-6333 Web site: www.vocrehabga.org

42

DIRECTORIES
VOCAT IONA L RE HAB ILI TATION PROGRAM ADM IN ISTR AT IVE OFFICES

VR PROGRAM OPERATIONS Susan Sherman, Director 1700 Century Circle, Suite 300 Atlanta, Georgia 30345 Phone: (404) 235-0143 Fax: (404) 486-0217
VR FIELD SERVICES Darla Koldenhoven, Director (Current) Alan Morris, Director (Retired) 1700 Century Circle, Suite 300 Atlanta, Georgia 30345 Phone: (404) 235-0148 Fax: (404) 486-0197
SRC LIAISON Valencia Thomas, Project Coordinator 1700 Century Circle, Suite 300 Atlanta, Georgia 30345 Phone: (404) 638-0383 Fax: (404) 486-0197
SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS,
PLANNING, ASSISTANCE &
OUTREACH PROJECT Grady Evans, Project Coordinator 1700 Century Circle, Suite 300 Atlanta, Georgia 30345 Phone: (404) 638-0375 Fax: (404) 486-6332
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY Joy Kniskern, Manager 1700 Century Circle, Suite 300 Atlanta, Georgia 30345 Phone: (404) 638-0387 Fax: (404) 486-0218

BUSINESS FINANCIAL SERVICES Patricia Joseph, Manager 1700 Century Circle, Suite 300 Atlanta, Georgia 30345 Phone: (404) 235-0147 Fax: (404) 486-0197
POLICY/QUALITY ASSURANCE/REGULATORY Ann Heeth, Manager (Current) Linda Prozonic, Manager (Retired) 1700 Century Circle, Suite 300 Atlanta, Georgia 30345 Phone: (404) 235-0144 Fax: (404) 486-0197
SPECIAL POPULATIONS/ HUMAN RESOURCES
DEVELOPMENT/ ASSESSMENT &
EVALUATION Karen Boyer, Manager 1700 Century Circle, Suite 300 Atlanta, Georgia 30345 Phone: (404) 235-0153 Fax: (404) 486-0197
VR BUDGET Curtis Everett, Manager 1700 Century Circle, Suite 300 Atlanta, Georgia 30345 Phone: (404) 235-0146 Fax: (404) 486-0217
VR CONTRACTS Carl Landis, Manager 1700 Century Circle, Suite 300 Atlanta, Georgia 30345 Phone: (404) 638-0382 Fax: (404) 486-0197

43

DIRECTORIES
VOCAT IONA L RE HAB ILI TATION PROGRAM REG IONAL OFFICES

REGION 1 - ROME
David Bennett, Regional Director 450 Riverside Pkwy., Suite 210 Rome, Georgia 30161-2942 E-Mail: David.Bennett@dol.state.ga.us
REGION 2 - GAINESVILLE
Cynthia Hanna, Regional Director 311 Green Street, Suite 209 Gainesville, Georgia 30501-3364 E-Mail: Cynthia.Hanna@dol.state.ga. us
REGION 3A-ATLANTA Jennifer Hudson, Regional Director 10 Park Place South, Suite 602 Atlanta, Georgia 30303-2905 E-Mail: Tennifer.Hudson@dol.state.ga.us
REGION 3B-ATLANTA Barbara Richards, Regional Director 1630 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 101 College Park, Georgia 30349-5506 E-Mail: Barbara.Richards@dol.state.ga. us
REGION 4 - NEWNAN
Patricia Cooper, Regional Director 1575 Highway 34E Newnan, Georgia 30265-1325 E-Mail: Patricia.Cooper@dol.state.ga.us
REGION 5 - ATHENS Charlotte Tolbert, Regional Director 125 Athens West Parkway Athens, Georgia 30606-6942 E-Mail: Charlotte. Tolbert@dol.state.ga.us
REGION 6 - MACON
Dr. John W. Williams, Regional Director 2720 Riverside Drive, Suite 12 Macon, Georgia 31209-7566 E-Mail: Tohn. Williams@dol.state.ga.us

REGION 7 - AUGUSTA
Ava Scearce, Regional Director 1220-H West Wheeler Parkway Augusta, Georgia 30919-1747 E-Mail : Ava .Scearce@dol.state.ga.us
REGION 8 - COLUMBUS
Annette McCauley, Regional Director 233 12'h Street, Suite 100-B Columbus, Georgia 31902-2863 E-Mail: Annette.McCauley@dol.state.ga. us
REGION 9 - DUBLIN
Mike Pruett, Regional Director 103-B Mercer Drive Dublin, Georgia 31021-3043 E-Mail : Mike .Pruett@dol.state.ga .us
REGION 10 - ALBANY Dianne Davis, Regional Director 110 Pine Avenue Albany, Georgia 31702-1606 E-Mail: Dianne.Davis@dol.state.ga. us
REGION 11- VALDOSTA
Sidney Burden, Regional Director 221 North Ashley Street Valdosta, Georgia 31602-1806 E-Mail: Sid.Burden@dol.state.ga.us
REGION 12 - SAVANNAH
Allen Beall, Regional Director Oglethorpe Office Park 410 Mall Blvd., Suite B Savannah, Georgia 31406-4869 E-Mail : Allen .Beall@dol.state.ga .us

44

DIRECTORIES
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM REGIONAL OFFICES

Region I : Rome Region 2: Gainesville Region 3A: Atlanta Region 3B: Atlanta Region 4: Newnan Region 5: Athens Region 6: Macon

(706) 295-6407 (770) 535-5930 (404) 657-2239 (770) 909-2838 (770) 254- 7210 (706) 354-3900 (478) 751 - 6257

Region 7: Augusta Region 8: Columbus Region 9: Dublin Region IO: Albany Region I I : Valdosta Region 12: Savannah

(706) 650-5600 (706) 649- 1564 (478) 274-7676 (229) 430-4461 (229) 333-21 70 (912) 356-2128

45

DIRECTORIES
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.

BLIND & Low VISION
SERVICES OF NORTH GEORGIA, INC. Robert Crouse 3830 South Cobb Drive, Suite 125 Smyrna, Georgia 30080 Phone: (770) 432-7280
BOBBY DODD CENTER, INC. Wayne McMillan 2120 Marietta Blvd., N. W. Atlanta, Georgia 30318 Phone: (404) 873-2077
CENTER FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED Susan B. Green 763 Peachtree Street, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30308 Phone: (404) 875-9011
COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP, INC. Jean Toole 85 Renaissance Parkway, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30308 Phone: (404) 875-0381

CREATIVE ENTERPRISES, INC. Leigh Couch 701 Hi Hope Lane Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043 Phone: (770) 962-3908
EAST GEORGIA EASTER SEAL SOCIETY, INC. Sheila Thomas P. 0. Box 2441 Augusta, Georgia 30903 Phone: (706) 667-9695
GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF THE CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY, INC. Jane Nichols 1955 Northside Industrial Blvd. Columbus, Georgia 31904 Phone: (706) 324-4366
GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF THE COASTAL EMPIRE, INC. Bill Oakley P. 0. Box 15007 Savannah, Georgia 31416 Phone: (912) 354-6611

46

DIRECTORIES
COMMUNITY REHABILITATION FACILITIES

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF MIDDLE GEORGIA, INC. James Stiff 688 Walnut Street, Suite 200 Macon, Georgia 31201 Phone: (478) 746-7647
GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF NORTH GEORGIA, INC. Raymond Bishop 2201 Glenwood Avenue, S.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30316 Phone: (404) 486-8499
GRIFFIN COMMUNITY WORKSHOP Lynn Leaptrot P. 0. Box 847 Griffin, Georgia 30224 Phone: (770) 228-3766
KELLEY DIVERSIFIED, INC. Mary Patton P. 0. Box 967 Athens, Georgia 30603 Phone: (706) 549-4398
MIDDLE GEORGIA EASTER SEAL SOCIETY, INC. Wayne Peebles P. 0. Box 847 Dublin, Georgia 31040 Phone: (478) 275-8850
NEW VENTURES, INC. Dave Miller 306 Fort Drive LaGrange, Georgia 30240 Phone: (706) 882-7723
REHABILITATION INDUSTRIES OF NORTH EAST GEORGIA, INC. Paula Phillips P. 0. Box 907413 Gainesville, Georgia 30501 Phone: (770) 535-7464

SAVANNAH ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND, INC. W. Chandler Simmons 214 Drayton Street Savannah, Georgia 31401 Phone: (912) 236-4473
SOUTH EAST GEORGIA REHABILITATION, INC. Lewis Altman P. 0. Box 885 Waycross, Georgia 31502 Phone: (912) 285-9663
SOUTHWEST GEORGIA EASTER SEAL SOCIETY, INC. Beth English 1906 Palmyra Road Albany, Georgia 31701 Phone: (912) 439-7061
SPEECH, HEARING, &
REHABILITATION ENTERPRISES, INC. Cheryl Meadows 2228 Starling Street Brunswick, Georgia 31520 Phone: (912) 264-3141
TOCCOA REHABILITATION INDUSTRIES, INC. Debbie Godfrey 2010 Clary Connector Eastanollee, Georgia 30538 Phone: (706) 779-7300
TOMMY NOBIS CENTER, INC. Connie Kirk 1480 Bells Ferry Road Marietta, Georgia 30066 Phone: (770) 427-9000
WORKTEC, INC. Dorothy Cochran 221 Stockbridge Road Jonesboro, Georgia 30236 Phone: (770) 473-2840

47

NOTES
48

NOTES
49

NOTES
50

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
MICHAEL L. THURMOND, COMMISSIONER