CURRENT News

ATLANTA — On March 1^st, the Atlanta Area College & Postsecondary Fair welcomed more than 300 guests for an energizing day of exploration, connection, and next-step planning, bringing together students, families, and community members with over 35 colleges and postsecondary programs under one roof at The Cottage School in Roswell, GA. 

Georgia Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce was proud to be a vendor for our second year with this great event. We celebrated the strong turnout and the sense of momentum, with attendees engaging directly with representatives from a wide range of colleges, tech schools, organizations that provide training pathways for graduating adults who are neurodivergent. From traditional degree programs to specialized certifications and career-focused options, the fair offered something for nearly every kind of learner — and every kind of future plans.

“It was wonderful to see so many new faces taking advantage of this great opportunity,” said GANCC Founder Jenny Rankin, noting that the fair created space for meaningful conversations, questions, and guidance. “Many guests left with brochures, contact information, and clearer direction on what steps to take next — whether that means applying to a school, exploring financial aid, or narrowing down program interests.”

The GANCC wishes to give special thanks to the hosts of this year’s event:

 The Cottage School* 

Cumberland Academy of Georgia

Beacon College 

(GANCC Member*)

• Social/Community Posting for "Kyle Pease Day" at Training Think Tank - this is the event on 3/15 which is a free event for athletes with disabilities. 

• The "Tickets" page will allow folks to sign up and the "About" page talks a bit about the event and the featured instructors/athletes participating. Learn more and register at https://kpfcrossfitopen2026.my.canva.site/

I can’t express in words how impressed I was during my recent tour of Amber Grace Community. Nestled on a peaceful 35-acre pedestrian-friendly village inside the gated campus of Berry College in Rome, Georgia, Amber Grace isn’t just a residential campus — it’s a multifunctional space designed to empower adults with mild intellectual and developmental disabilities to live rich, meaningful lives. 

From the moment I arrived at the beautiful Welcome Center, the atmosphere was warm and inviting. The center serves as both a hub for administrative resources and a genuine space for neighbors and staff to gather and connect.

The staff created a well-thought-out plan for guests touring the facility. First, I had the chance to explore the Dining Hall where chef-prepared lunches are served daily, and dinner is delivered to each house to be shared family-style. This focus on balanced, nourishing meals highlighted how much care they take in supporting the health and wellbeing of everyone who lives there. 

Then, I wandered by the out-door pool area and into the gymnasium with a half-court basketball area and a full stage for performances. At the heart of the campus is the NeighborLife program, a suite of growth-oriented experiences including classes in personal development, current events, faith journey, and fitness. The Community Center even includes a clinic and full-service salon and barber. 

Finally, I toured one of the eight houses — four for men and four for women — and it reminded me of a family home (more than traditional assisted living). Every neighbor has a private apartment with a kitchenette, living space, laundry, and personal bathroom, but each residence connects to a shared common space where meals, conversations, and daily life unfold together. The living situation feels collaborative, like a true family rather than a facility. Click here to check out my tour.

What struck me most was how thoughtfully everything was designed to support independent living with the right support. And I love the underlying mission and story of Amber Grace. Founded by David and Debbie Turner for their daughter Amber — born with Down Syndrome — the community was built from a deep personal understanding of what it means to desire a life of opportunity, support, and independence for someone you love. Learn more at https://www.ambergrace.com.

Article written by Julie Carter, President of Family First Villages, a nonprofit that exists to help adults with intellectual disabilities find social community, meaningful employment, and safe independent living.

Libby Ingram cordially invites you to the First Annual LoveJohnPaul.org Fundraiser, a meaningful celebration held in honor of John Paul. What better way to celebrate John Paul than an event close to his birthday in February. John Paul's birthday is February 16,  and he was known for his extreme love for manatees. Libby welcomes the entire community - including teachers, educators, and communication partners - to join in commemorating this special occasion.  

Please join us for a fun-filled afternoon of games and community connection at The Oak House in Avondale Estates.  The Oak House offers a wide variety of classic arcade games and activities, including pinball, darts, shuffleboard, ping pong, pool tables, and duck pin bowling.  All games will be available for guests to enjoy throughout the event. The Oak House has limited street parking. We suggest car pool or Uber.  

Event Highlights Include:

·       Neurodivergent Artist Marketplace featuring artwork available for purchase.  Participating artists include Maie Hotard (MightyVibesArt), Graciela Lotharius with her new clap books, Houston & Katie Asher with The Book of Heaven book and Evan Ebrahim with his art cards.  More artists will be added as they sign up.    

·       Food provided by The Marley House

·       Video presentation by Dov Rosenblatt, To Feel Alive, featuring songs written by our friends Maie Hotard, Vance Robertson, Lily Sherwood, Liv Simian and Jared Jay

·       "The Friendship Game"- a community-focused matching activity designed to help attendees form new connections

·       Best Buddies-Decatur High School Volunteers will also be present to assist where needed during the event.  

We understand that this event may coincide with some school Winter Breaks, and we completely understand if you are unable to attend on February 14. If you would still like to support the event, donations can be made by selecting the Tickets section of the invite above. 100% of donations directly support the organization's work in providing parents and caregivers with the tools and education they need in order to communicate with their children.

For any families that are traveling from out of town, hotel room blocks are available at select Decatur/Emory area hotels.  Please contact Kiersten Pierce at kpierce@engagingdivergentminds.com for more details.  

Event Sponsors include:

The Oak House

The Marley House

Engaging Divergent Minds, LLC

 

Have you ever received a gift that you wish you could give back? I have...envision a full-size Rascal Flats fleece blanket.

What if I told you that when planning for an individual with special needs, money is often the worst gift they could receive?

A gift of cash, or even a gift card, is considered a usable resource in the eyes of the Social Security Administration and Medicaid. If our person’s usable resources exceed $2,000, it can affect services from federal programs.

Simply put, the one who needs the money the most can’t have it.

It is heart-warming to think about how much our families love our children, who, without question, need every advantage they can grasp, except this one. The rules are backwards, but just like the Dude from The Big Lebowski, we must abide.

So, what can we do?

1. Consider setting up an ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) account. In the state of Georgia, we refer to it as a STABLE account. ABLE allows our person to have available resources above and beyond the $2,000 maximum and still maintain qualifications for SSI and Medicaid. Important note: this option has its own limitations and should be discussed with a financial advisor who is familiar with how these accounts work.

2. A stand-alone 1st party or 3rd party (preferred) Supplemental Needs Trust. An Estate Planning Attorney must draft a Supplemental Needs Trust. I highly suggest using an attorney who has significant experience with these types of trusts. Please note that the primary distinction between a 1st-party SNT and a 3rd-party SNT is the Medicaid clawback. The source of funding for the trust will be a key factor in the decision between first- and third-party SNTs.

3. Start planning now. Surprise gifts do happen. Sometimes they are sweet and generous gifts. At other times, gifts are a result of the loss of a loved one. Either way, the process remains the same, and having the legal and planning work in place is essential.

4. Have the conversation. A key question we ask during our SustainAbility Planning process is, “Do you know if our person may be the beneficiary of a gift or estate?” Planning is an exercise in protection and preparedness, not an act of greed, I promise.

So what should we not do?

• Leave it to Brother, Sister, or Cousin. Arguably, a bad plan. Why, may you ask? For starters, we have gift taxes, as well as potential capital gains taxes, for the holder. From there, issues include, but are not limited to, moral compass issues, financial mismanagement, or even outside lawsuits if the “owner” is sued.
• Open more than one 1st-party or 3rd-party SNT for the same person. While it is pretty standard for an individual to have both a 1st-party and a 3rd-party SNT, we do not suggest having multiple of each type. We understand that there is no law against this, but just like my Facebook relationship status in college, it’s complicated.

In no offense to the Rascall Flatts, but “What Hurts the Most” (this is a joke, look it up) for our families is having to abide by trust law, tax code, as well as Medicaid provisions. While these may seem restrictive, receiving generous gifts from family members doesn’t have to seem complicated or be dreaded. The planning and legal process can help families navigate these issues, providing clarity and financial solvency for their loved ones in the years to come.

Click here to learn more about Ability Wealth Group.

Article submitted by

Jacey talks with Life With the Spectrum Host Gina Kavali on June 1. Click for interview.  

Atlanta, GA – January 2025 – The Georgia Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce (GANCC) is thrilled to announce its official launch meeting, set to take place on Monday, January 29, 2025. The event will welcome attendees to learn more about the newest initiative designed to empower Georgia’s neurodivergent community and its advocates.

Welcome to the Launch!

The founders of GANCC - Jacey Smith, MBA, Jenny Rankin, LPC, and Cathi Arora, MPA - have professional experience the field of autism spectrum disorder and are proud parents of adult children. Over the years, they witnessed the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals and their families, particularly after high school when supportive networks and workplace opportunities often diminish. Recognizing this critical gap, they established GANCC to build a new community.

Modeled after the highly successful Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce, GANCC aims to bring together providers, agencies, parents, and businesses to foster a thriving, inclusive community.

What GANCC Offers

·       Educational Lectures and Workshops: Resources to educate and empower members of the neurodivergent adult community, their families, and Georgia businesses.

·       Networking and Social Opportunities: Platforms to build meaningful connections among neurodivergent individuals, their advocates, professionals and Georgia companies.

·       Workplace Development Models: Proven strategies to integrate neurodivergent individuals into Georgia’s workforce, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Membership categories include:

1.     Neurodivergent Individuals: Ages 18 and up, ready to enter or actively pursuing workforce opportunities.

2.     Professional Service Providers: Experts in transitional programming and workplace integration for neurodivergent populations.

3.     Georgia Companies: Organizations seeking to implement and benefit from neurodivergent workforce integration, including HR professionals and DEI-focused staff.

Special Keynote Speaker

Board member, Michel Bordeau., MA, LCSW, will be the keynote speaker. Michel will address the pressing challenges faced by neurodivergent adults in life and the workforce. He will highlight critical readiness skills, the importance of job experience, and strategies to enhance workplace environments where everyone can thrive. Michel will also outline how GANCC’s efforts will drive meaningful connections and actionable progress for our community.

The public is invited to the launch event and is free of charge. Please RSVP as space is limited.

Let’s transform connections into collaborations and create a more inclusive society together.

Event Details:

·       Date: Monday, January 29, 2025

·       Location: Serendipity Labs, 121 Perimeter Center W, 2^nd Floor, Atlanta, GA 30346

·       Time: 4:00pm – 6:00pm

·       RSVP: We request RSVP as space is limited.

RSVP LINK: https://www.gancc.org/events

For more information, please contact us at jacey@gancc.org or visit our website at www.gancc.org

If you would like to receive our Newsletters for updated information on the meetings, programs, networking opportunities, and resources, please sign up from our main page under NEWSLETTERS