Hello from Uniting for Change, a statewide network of self-advocates who are “uniting Georgians and influencing change by speaking up and taking control of our lives.”
We are a group of folks in Georgia who have intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) and we are working to make sure our voices are heard. Together with our allies and supporters, we advocate and make change.
Our Impact and Engagement Committee has been connecting with our elected officials. One thing we are concerned about in Georgia is the lack of transportation, especially for people with disabilities in rural areas of Georgia. Three gentlemen from Statesboro worked together with the Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD) at the University of Georgia to create a short film talking about their need to access transportation in their rural community.
The film project’s website outlines:
It’s difficult to find employment without transportation. IHDD and GCDD, together with Pineland CSB, have created a short film about these issues, focusing on three men in Statesboro who need both work and transportation. As part of IHDD’s Advancing Employment initiative, the short film, as well as visual resumes, were created for each gentleman. IHDD will continue to support Pineland CSB in expanding access to competitive, integrated employment.
Each of these guys wants to work, contribute and make money, instead of spending their time in a day program for people with disabilities. A barrier they have in common with many other Georgians with I/DD is the lack of transportation to get to and from work.
Mr. William (Bo) Harvey Davis wrote to the important legislators who help make decisions about transportation in Georgia. The text of his letter is here:
“Good afternoon, Hello my name is William H. Davis. But my friends and loved ones call me Bo. I am a member of the self-advocate and me and two of my other peers made a video on how transportation is needed in many different rural areas. I live in a small town called Statesboro where transportation for an adult like me isn’t easy to find. I am a 50 year old man that lives in a community housing with three other adults. I am also vision impaired so getting driver license will not happen. Having a transportation system that will benefit not only me but also benefit others within our city. I would love to attend football and basketball games, go to car show, and mostly get a job. I have had many jobs before, but due to lack of transportation, I am unable to work. Me and two other guys made a video of how transportation would benefit us in many different ways. If you want take a small time outside your busy day and watch our video.”
Uniting for Change sent Bo’s letter and the video to the Georgia General Assembly House and Senate Committee Transportation Members and to Sen. Jon Ossoff and Sen. Raphael Warnock.
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