Mary Kissel Papers


Descriptive Summary
Title: Mary Kissel Papers
Creator: Kissel, Mary
Inclusive Dates: 1990-2007
Language(s): English
Extent: 1 box(es) (0.5 linear foot and 1 audiovisual item)
Collection Number: RBRL354
Repository: Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies
Abstract: Mary Kissel was a founder and interim executive director of Georgia Options. Her papers document her advocacy for person-centered care for individuals with developmental disabilities and her work with Georgia Options and other advocacy organizations. "Campaign for Full Citizenship" [1991], a film by Laura Kissell, has been digitized and is available for viewing online. Please see the end of the finding aid for the link.

Collection Description

Historical Note

Mary Kissel moved to Georgia with her family in 1989 and became involved with a local group exploring services and provider options for people with disabilities. Kissel's son, Eric, had severe disabilities and she found Georgia's support network for families limited. The group's mission changed and, in 1990, they incorporated Georgia Options as an organization to aid in providing supportive services for those with disabilities in the Athens area. Kissel served as Executive Director of Georgia Options for a number of years and also served a member of the Board of Directors. Kissel extended her advocacy work beyond Georgia Options as a speaker and has provided testimony before the Georgia Department of Human Resources and presented at numerous professional conferences and events. In 2003, Kissel was awarded the "Advocate of the Year" award by the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities.

Scope and Content

The Mary Kissel Papers contain speeches, presentation, clippings, and printed materials related to the founding of Georgia Options, and testimonies she came to various government departments. The collection includes "Campaign for Full Citizenship" a student film about disability rights created by Mary Kissel's daughter, Laura Kissel in 1991, which has been digitized.

Organization and Arrangement

The papers are arranged as they were donated to the archives.

Administrative Information

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Reference copies of the audiovisual recordings are available upon request. Research requests will be filled as soon as possible and will be dependent upon the condition of the recordings.

Preferred citation

Mary Kissel Papers, Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, Georgia, 30602-1641.

Copyright Information

Before material from collections at the Richard B. Russell Library may be quoted in print, or otherwise reproduced, in whole or in part, in any publication, permission must be obtained from (1) the owner of the physical property, and (2) the holder of the copyright. It is the particular responsibility of the researcher to obtain both sets of permissions. Persons wishing to quote from materials in the Russell Library collection should consult the Director. Reproduction of any item must contain a complete citation to the original.