Miles of Advocacy, Amy Pitts

11/11/2025

Today’s the day — our Community Needs Assessment closes tonight, November 10th! ⏰

We’re only 50 surveys away from our goal, and your voice can make the difference! 💛 If you haven’t taken the survey yet, please take a few minutes to share your insights — and if you already have, help us reach the finish line by sharing it with friends, colleagues, and families in your community.

Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive future for Georgia families. 🌟

👉 Take (and share!) the survey now: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ENGLISH2026

11/11/2025

The Guide Project’s 2025 Holiday Gift Guide is your resource for finding gifts from businesses that are run by or employ a neurodiverse workforce.

11/09/2025

The Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) and Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI) have partnered to launch Elevate Academy, an innovative program designed to empower students on their journey to employment and independence.

Elevate Academy offers a unique blend of workplace readiness training, career exploration, work adjustment, and hands-on internships with inclusive, supportive employers. Through this partnership, students gain valuable real-world experience and the confidence needed to thrive in today’s workforce.

Read more about Elevate Academy here: https://gvs.georgia.gov/gvra-partners-bdi-launch-elevate-academy-building-pathways-independence-through-employment

11/05/2025

Our annual Signing Santa will be back for a visit this December 9th-11th! If you are interested in having Signing Santa visit your class on Zoom, please reach out to info@gcdhh.org before December 2nd to sign up! 🎄🎁

11/04/2025

The Marcus Autism Center and the Georgia Autism Services Initiative will be hosting several webinars in November. Scan the QR code or visit https://ow.ly/Ne9F50WJFZf to register.

10/31/2025

Share your spooky stories about inaccessible trick-or-treating that spoiled the fun.

There are a number of fairly easy accommodations we can make in anticipation of Halloween night to make sure our homes and neighborhoods are welcoming to everyone.

Here are some ideas:

1. Stock allergen-friendly and non-food treats
The most common allergens include egg, soy, wheat, dairy, peanut, corn, and some dyes. Stocking allergy-friendly treats can solve this problem. Get creative - food items don’t have to be candy and treats don’t have to
be food.

2. Don't demand a "trick-or-treat" or "thank you"
Don’t think someone is rude if they don’t speak with you. Instead, meet them where they are and offer them the same treats you offer all other visitors. Conversations should not be forced to get those treats.

3. Welcome visitors of all ages
Trick-or-treating is a fu activity for many ages. It is a great way to make you feel a part of the community and socialize. Not only children enjoy the tradition.

4. Do not make assumptions about others' abilities
While it is important to consider the needs and limitations of others, it is not helpful to make assumptions about others’ abilities or treat them differently. Be accepting and treat people with disabilities the same way you would treat anyone else. This includes no baby talk, no invasive questions, touching, or taking about them.

5. Keep treats in an easy-to-reach place
People of all ages live with mobility or vision disabilities. Stairs, elevated terrain, and poorly lit areas can prevent a person with a disability coming to your home. Make sure all the treats are easily accessible to all.

What would you add?
______________________________________
This information is based on the article, “Keep Trick-or-Treating Accessible for All: A Few Simple Tips for an Inclusive Halloween,” published in USA Today.

10/30/2025

Sib Shop is a program for kids ages 6 - 16 who have siblings with disabilities. Connect, have fun, talk about the good and not-so-good parts of having a sibling with special needs, learn about the services their sibs receive, spend time with other sibs who get it, and build a support community.

Sunday, Nov. 2, 2 - 4 p.m. at Switzer Library, 266 Roswell Street, Marietta
(Meets first Sunday of each month)

Read more and register here: https://www.cobbcounty.gov/events/sibshop-bridges-understanding-4

10/30/2025

Never give up!

10/29/2025

Ensuring you use the right documents is key. If you are denied, using counsel is recommended. This is a complex process, and using individuals who know the system intricately is necessary.

10/28/2025

10/25/2025

I received this email today, and thought I'd share:

I hope this message finds you well. My name is Bhabika, and I am a doctoral student at Vanderbilt University. I am reaching out to share information about my dissertation project, which focuses on supporting South Asian American parents of children with disabilities.

As part of my research, I have developed a free 4-week parent advocacy program called SANGAI (South Asian Network for Guidance, Advocacy, and Inclusion). The program is designed to help parents learn about special education rights, build empowerment, and strengthen their advocacy skills for their children. SANGAI is completely online, so anybody from across the United States can participate!

Recruitment is currently open, and I am seeking South Asian American parents of children with disabilities who may be interested in participating. I would greatly appreciate it if you could help share this opportunity with families or networks who might benefit from it.

I have attached a flyer with additional details about the program and contact information. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or would like more information.

Thank you so much for your time and support in helping connect families to this resource.

Warm regards,

Bhabika Joshi
PhD Candidate, Special Education
Peabody College | Vanderbilt University
OMC 302C | bhabika.joshi@vanderbilt.edu