News
BAIN Celebrates the Olmstead Decision of 1999 with a Long Road Home Event
June 28, 2012 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm at the Bainbridge Senior Center
The Annual Celebration of The Olmstead Decision of 1999 was a landmark Supreme Court decision ordering the states to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act by providing services to people with disabilities in the least restrictive environment.
Self Advocates from around Georgia organized the LRH, We have done marchs, rallies and caravans to demonstrate the lack of community-based services. We vowed to continue until we have full compliance of Olmstead in Georgia. We are determined to rid Georgia of institutional bias. The purpose of this campiagn is to call the attention of Governor, State Legislature, Agency and Department officials and the general public to the fact that :
* Independent living is something that most Georgians take for granted, but for Georgians with disabilities, this is not the daily reality of life.
* The US Supreme Court affirmed, on June 22, 1999, that states must “allow and aid” those who want to live in the community to do so, by providing community-based services (rather than institutionalization.) Even though this decision, known as the Olmstead decision, originated from a case in Georgia, our state lags behind in assisting Georgians with disabilities in leading full and productive lives.
* Many Georgians with significant disabilities currently need help to either stay out of institutions or get out of institutions; some people have been waiting for 50 years for appropriate services. The fact that they could live in the community at a less cost to medicaid still has not spured Georgia to become Olmstead compliant.
For more information: http://www.peoplefirstga.org/index.php/long-road-home.html
If you would like to participate, please call our office at 229-246-0150
Disability Day 2012
Four BAIN staff members and the BAIN Board President braved the rain and wind to attend the 14th Annual Disability Day held at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta on Thursday, February 16, 2012.
The day emphasized the statewide need for community-based services and vital supports for people with developmental disabilities.
“My Life is FOR REAL!” was the theme for this year’s rally in which 2,500 people attended.
Speakers included: Governor Nathan Deal, Mark Perriello, head of AAPD, the nation’s largest disability membership organization and Reverend Dr. Gerald L. Durley, Senior Pastor, Providence Missionary Baptist Church of Atlanta and recognized civil rights leader, who honored Fallen Soldiers. After the rally, BAIN employees and the Board President met with Senator John Bullock to stress the importance of funding for people with disabilities in the Southwest Georgia area.
The state of Georgia is a focal point for disability rights. One in five Georgians and about 54 million Americans have some type of disability as an occurrence of birth, injury or longevity.
The annual rally promotes access, opportunity and meaningful community living for Georgians with disabilities and their families. For more information on disabilities, please visit the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, www.gcdd.org or BAIN’s website at www.baincil.org.
Shown above from left to right: BAIN employees Hubert Thomas, Linnie Tyler, Kerri Martin, Senator John Bullock, BAIN Board President Stancil Tootle and BAIN employee Shaye Roland.
Over 2,000 people rallyed at the Capitol in Atlanta, GA to speak their minds about the rights of the disabled...and tried to stay dry doing it!
Georgia Governor Nathan Deal spoke to the crowd that included the disabled and advocates for the disabled community.
BAIN Staff Participates in Helen Keller Training
In September, Helen Keller Representative Barbara Chandler held a training for all BAIN, Inc. staff. BAIN staff learned about the impact of hearing & vision loss, the types, causes and the greatest needs and barriers for the visually and hearing impaired. BAIN staff learned the American Sign Language Alphabet and practiced communicating with each other as well as two consumers who participated. Staff also learned about the newest technology and independent living devices as well as resources for the visually and hearing impaired.
For more information, please visit the Helen Keller website at www.hknc.org
Ms. Chandler teaches BAIN staff on how to effectively communicate with the visually & hearing impaired
Executive Director Virginia Harris and Peer Supporter Kent Bush use devices to understand what it is like to have a hearing loss
Peer Supporter Kent Bush learns how to lead "visually impaired" Peer Supporter Walter Abbott
ADA Celebration
Over two decades ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law. Before this occasion, millions of citizens were not guaranteed equal opportunities under the law. Now, all Americans are protected from discriminatory policies in employment, transportation, public accommodation, and government services.
Though this legislation was tailored for individuals with disabilities, it was a victory for every American. It reaffirmed our dedication to securing life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all citizens.
On July 23, 2011, BAIN, Inc. Center for Independent Living showed their support for the importance of this law and the lives it has touched with an ADA march. The march began at 8:30 am at the Bainbridge Winn-Dixie parking lot and ended at the Bainbridge Middle School cafeteria, formerly the Old Bainbridge High School, where there was food, games, exhibits, informational tables and most of all FUN!
Pictures Courtesy of www.bainbridgega.com
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