Georgia Microboards Association
In September, the Georgia Microboards Association, AAAFDD, and the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities hosted an informational meeting with Guest Speaker David Taylor, Jr., a 25 year old young man from North Carolina with a developmental disability who has achieved his dream of finding the right job.
David owns and operates RaceCar Waterboy LLC, a bottled water vending company which David started in September of 2006. Mr. Taylor also developed a book, "Micro-Enterprise: 25-Step Business Plan Workbook," that was purchased by Vocational Rehabilitation for use by their consumers. Mr. Taylor's advocacy to own his own business has also led the state of North Carolina to include Micro-enterprises as a covered waiver service and other states are looking at a similar model.
Presentation participants also heard from Ruthie-Marie Beckwith, Ph.D. a consultant with Employment First Georgia on ways individuals can turn the need for a product or service in their local communities into their own self-employment opportunities.
Memorable quotes from the Georgia Microboards Association Luncheon
"When Debra explained to me what a Microboard was, I was honored to be asked to serve on Amie's board and to be a part of her life." --- Lynn Laughlin, Amie's Voice, Inc.
"After attending a Microboard meeting, it made me realize how much the person we support is empowered."
--- Chip Underwood, It's All About Carmine, Inc.
"Todd may not have been able to stay in Atlanta because his family members were moving out of state. But with the support of the folks on his Microboard, who all live in the Atlanta area, family members can rest assured that a board member is only a call away if needed." --- Ray Walford, Todd's Braves, Inc.
"I've learned how slow the government process can be and also how creative board members can be. A board member may bring something to the table that a family member would not think of."
--- Andrea Vara, It's All About Carmine, Inc.
OLMSTEAD CHAMPION MEETS THE PRESIDENT
President Barack Obama looks at a painting presented to him by artist Lois Curtis, center, during their
meeting in the Oval Office, June 20, 2011. Joining them are, from left, Janet Hill and Jessica Long, from the Georgia Department of Labor, and Lee Sanders, of Briggs and Associates. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
A TRAINING SEMINAR ON SUPPORTED LIVING
Was Sponsored by the Georgia Microboards Association, the Georgia Advocacy Office and the
Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities
Connie Lyle O'Brien, Responsive Systems Associates, Lithonia, Georgia
Peter Leidy, Options in Community Living, Madison, Wisconsin
Mary Kissel, Parent, Founder and former Director, Georgia Options, Athens, Georgia.
