Job Readiness Workshop

AADD held its very first Job Readiness Workshop on April 27th. This day full of learning, laughing and sharing, was all thanks to four successful human resource executives who volunteered their time to share their skills and professional knowledge with the people we serve.

Professionals from Coca-Cola, AT&T, Turner Broadcasting and Coxe Curry & Associates worked with AADD's Employment Specialist, Michelle Hazeur, on sessions that would prepare participants to enter the workforce. The agenda included topics on building self-esteem, elevator speeches, professional appearance, planning ahead and identifying goals.

(L to R) Latricia Smith (AT&T) and Carolyn Hill (Turner Broadcasting) review elevator speeches with attendees

At the beginning of the day, Latricia Smith, Associate Director of Learning Services, Retail Products & Solutions at AT&T Mobility, encouraged participants to be confident in who they are and to be proud of the name they were given. "Focus on the areas where you excel and be the best at what you do. Employers respond well to confidence," she shared.

Each session focused on interactive learning and participation. In the first hour, AADD employees starred in a fashion show to model the dos and don'ts of dressing for success. Workshop attendees also watched scenarios about planning ahead and later explained how the actors could improve their situation. At the end of the day, everyone used what they learned to create a vision board incorporating their goals and dreams.

Attendees told us they weren't expecting to have this much fun at an employment workshop. "I had a great time and learned a lot," AADD participant, JC said at the end of the day. "I thank the facilitators so much for coming and I pray they come back to teach us more."

(L to R) Facilitators Latricia Smith, Kim Poma, Erin Dominguez and Carolyn Hill discuss the mock networking hour

"This training has been a powerful experience and a win-win for everyone involved," said Dave Blanchard, AADD's Executive Director.  "This experience gave me an opportunity to give back in a very meaningful way," said Erin Dominguez, Director of Human Resources at Coxe Curry & Associates.  "It truly opened my eyes to some of the challenges faced by people with developmental disabilities.  I can't wait to participate in the next workshop."

AADD welcomes volunteers to lead workshops that will provide individuals living with developmental disabilities a toolkit for life. If you have a special skill that you'd like to share with the people we serve, please contact Suzie Fatkin at (404) 809-2933.  

Individual and Family Support

Georgia Tech Students Host an Ice Cream Social for AADD's Teen Group

Advocacy and Education    

Jessica Hardaway Graduates from 2012 Partners in Policymaking Class 

Ask anyone who meets her if Jessica Hardaway is fired up about creating change for people living with developmental disabilities. Their answer would be a resounding yes. Hardaway was inspired to volunteer with AADD by her older brother, Brian, who is living with cerebral palsy. "He suffered an allergic reaction to a vaccine when he was five months old, and it left him with cerebral palsy, epilepsy and developmental disabilities," Hardaway explains.  

After connecting with AADD through the Back to School Drive, she learned that a lot of people who have disabilities don't have the same support systems as her brother and she wanted to do something to help. She then decided to volunteer more at AADD events and to rally for the organization as the Club of Hearts representative for Georgia Power Southern Company.  

As if that weren't enough, Jessica felt compelled to do more. She wanted to create change on a larger scale, so she applied for AADD's Partners in Policymaking class, a comprehensive educational program that provides self-advocates, parents and relatives of individuals with developmental disabilities the tools to become better advocates for people with disabilities in Georgia. Partners is an intensive leadership program, which includes classes, workshops, homework assignments and discussions with community leaders.

Because only 35 students per year are selected to be a part of the program, Hardaway didn't take any chances and asked Representative David Scott, D-GA, to write a letter of recommendation on her behalf.  

Jessica made many friends and learned a lot from the classes about "People First Language", policymaking, current issues, how to take care of yourself as an advocate and social media. But she took a lot more away from the class than that. She rediscovered her passion for people with disabilities and found many tools that she could use to advocate for her older brother, who she has looked up to since she was a little girl.

"Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity and responsibility to give something back by becoming more," Hardaway said. "My brother has always been my heart. I have always wanted to be the voice that has never been heard for him and others like him with developmental disabilities. I think it's important to find something you're passionate about and give back."

For more information on Partners in Policymaking, please visit our website. If you are interested in becoming a Partner, please contact Rita Young, Director of Public Policy and Education.