Georgia Disability History Archive

Descriptive Summary
Title: Georgia Disability History Archive
Creator: Georgia Disability History Alliance
Inclusive Dates: 1965-2016
Language(s): English
Extent: 155.05 Linear Feet
Extent: 132.91 gigabyte(s)
Extent: 99 moving_image(s)
Extent: 23 sound_recording(s)
Collection Number: RBRLGDHA
Repository: Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies

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Collection Description

Historical Note

The Georgia Disability History Archive began in 2013 as an outgrowth of the work of the Georgia Disability History Alliance, a partnership between the Shepherd Center (a spinal and brain injury hospital based in Atlanta), the University of Georgia's Institute on Human Development and Disability , the Russell Library, and others to preserve the state's disability history. The Alliance and Archive represent the first statewide initiative to capture and promote this history.

Scope and Content

The Georgia Disability History Archive seeks to document the vital and transformative work undertaken by disability activists, advocates, and organizations and, crucially, the experiences of people with disabilities over the past 100-plus years in the state of Georgia. Major collecting areas include, but are not limited to: accessibility, activism and social justice, citizen advocacy, independent and community living, self-advocacy, education, employment, recreation, culture and pride.

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Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

Some collections are currently being processed and not immediately available. Please contact russlib@uga.edu for information on when processing will be complete.

Finding Aid Publication

Finding Aid prepared by Mat Darby and Angelica Marini, 2016.

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Related Materials and Subjects

Subject Terms

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Series Descriptions and Folder Listing

 

ADA Training Materials Collection, 1990-2004

1.5 Linear Feet

The ADA Training Materials Collection includes curricula created by the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) for states and organizations to use in implementing ADA education and training.

To view more detailed information or to request materials, visit the collection's finding aid at https://purl.libs.uga.edu/russell/RBRL380/findingaid

 

Annette Bowling Papers, 1996-2013

1.25 Linear Feet

Annette Bowling served as the executive director of the Albany Advocacy Resource Center for over forty years. Her papers include materials related to her work advocating for people with disabilities, notably her service as chair of the Commissioner's Oversight Committee, which oversaw the closures of the Brook Run Center in 1997 and the Georgia Mental Health Institute (GMHI) in 1998.

To view more detailed information or to request materials, visit the collection's finding aid at https://purl.libs.uga.edu/russell/RBRL363/findingaid

 

Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Inc. Olmstead Case Files

20 Linear Feet

20.5 gigabyte(s)

Atlanta Legal Aid has provided free legal aid in Atlanta since 1924, focusing on special populations. This collection documents their work on the Supreme Court Case Olmstead v. L.C., which held that the ADA protects those with disabilities to recieve services in integrated communities instead of being confined to state institutions.

To view more detailed information or to request materials, visit the collection's finding aid at https://purl.libs.uga.edu/russell/RBRL464/findingaid

 

Beth English Collection of Disability History Materials, 1968-2012

2.5 Linear Feet

Beth English is the executive director of Easter Seals Southern Georgia. Her collection documents her work on the Commissioner's Oversight Committee, which oversaw the closure of the Brook Run Center in 1997, her work as executive director of Easter Seals Southern Georgia, advocacy initiatives, and Central State Hospital, in Milledgeville, Georgia.

To view more detailed information or to request materials, visit the collection's finding aid at https://purl.libs.uga.edu/russell/RBRL347/findingaid

 

Beth Mount Papers , 1975-2010

17 Linear Feet (17 linear feet)

Beth Mount has worked throughout her career to impact the lives of people with disabilities through person-centered planning and the transformative power of art. Her papers document her scholarship and research related to Personal Futures Planning and other work as well as her engagement with multiple projects and initiatives, both national and regional, related to developmental disabilities.

This collection is closed to research while it awaits processing.

 

Beverly Benson Long Papers, 1940-2009

43 Linear Feet 1 oversize folder and 1.5 megabytes

Beverly Benson Long (1920-2015) served in state, national and international organizations as a mental health professional and advocate. Her papers document her extensive work and career in the mental health field and include correspondence, internal reports, papers, newsletters, memos, conference proceedings, and commission and board meeting materials.

To view more detailed information or to request materials, visit the collection's finding aid at https://purl.libs.uga.edu/russell/RBRL397/findingaid

 

Carol Jones Papers, 1987-2011

1.5 Linear Feet

Carol Jones is an advocacy specialist at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta and a long-time participant in the disability rights movement. Her papers include documents and memorabilia related to many advocacy issues and organizations, including ADAPT and the Long Road Home March and Rally.

To view more detailed information or to request materials, visit the collection's finding aid at https://purl.libs.uga.edu/russell/RBRL350/findingaid

 

Charles B. Hopkins and Joy Eason Hopkins Papers

4 Linear Feet

1 item(s) 1 framed object

This collection contains records from Marc Gold and Associates documenting community living and employment opportunity programs for people with disabilities.

To view more detailed information or to request materials, visit the collection's finding aid at https://purl.libs.uga.edu/russell/RBRL485/findingaid

 

Chatham-Savannah Citizen Advocacy Records, 1985-2015

0.5 Linear Feet

Chatham-Savannah Citizen Advocacy is a 36-year-old community-based non-profit organization that recruits, matches and offers support to over 110 local citizens in voluntary citizen advocacy relationships. To date, the collections includes newsletters, reports, brochures and other publications that document its work over three decades.

This collection is closed to research while it awaits processing.

 

Cheri Mitchell Papers, 1990s-2000s

3 Linear Feet

Cheri Mitchell is disability rights activist, advocate and self-advocate. The papers include material related to Mitchell's work with People First of Georgia, Long Road Home, ADAPT, and other disability rights organizations.

To view more detailed information or to request materials, visit the collection's finding aid at https://purl.libs.uga.edu/russell/RBRL399/findingaid

 

Disability Law and Policy Center of Georgia Records, 2000-2011

1.5 Linear Feet

The Disability Law and Policy Center of Georgia is an organization that addresses the legal rights of the disabled in individual cases, employment, and education. The records include documentation of the Center's policies and priorities, grant-funded activities, and employee engagement.

To view more detailed information or to request materials, visit the collection's finding aid at https://purl.libs.uga.edu/russell/RBRL344/findingaid

 

Don Schanche, Jr. Papers, 1986-2004

0.25 Linear Feet

Don Schanche, Jr. is a journalist who has written for many Georgia newspapers. His papers document his investigative work on state hospitals and his coverage of disability issues throughout the state.

To view more detailed information or to request materials, visit the collection's finding aid at https://purl.libs.uga.edu/russell/RBRL371/findingaid

 

Doug Hatch Papers, 1970s-2000s

2 Linear Feet

Materials related to Hatch's involvement with the 1996 Atlanta Paralympics as well as disability support organizations in Athens-Clarke County.

To view more detailed information or to request materials, visit the collection's finding aid at https://purl.libs.uga.edu/russell/RBRL393/findingaid

 

Dottie Adams Papers, 1968-2007

7 box(es) (6.75 linear feet and 1 oversize folder)

Dottie Adams is the former Individual and Family Supports Director for the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities. Her papers document her prolific career in advocacy and disability activism (1968-2009) and includes materials from her work with state agencies and commissions, support organizations, and philanthropic and activist work in the state of Georgia.

To view more detailed information or to request materials, visit the collection's finding aid at https://purl.libs.uga.edu/russell/RBRL362/findingaid

 

Eleanor Smith Papers, 1976-2014

4.5 Linear Feet 3.75 gigabytes

Eleanor Smith founded and directed Concrete Change, an Atlanta-based, national organization focused on establishing home construction practices that welcome people with disabilities. The papers document her work to create visitable homes, in a move towards universal basic access, as well as her activism across a wide range of disability rights and justice issues.

To view more detailed information or to request materials, visit the collection's finding aid at https://purl.libs.uga.edu/russell/RBRL357/findingaid

 

George Washington Hitt Papers

3 Linear Feet

George Washington Hitt was an artist and writer from Toccoa, GA. Despite becoming disabled at an early age, Hitt had a remarkable career as a silhouettist from the 1930s through the 1950s. This collection consists of Hitt's silhouettes, as well as photographs, news articles, and memorabilia.

To view more detailed information or to request materials, visit the collection's finding aid at https://purl.libs.uga.edu/russell/RBRL468/findingaid

 

Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities Records, 1989-2016

2 Linear Feet 67 audiovisual recordings, 73.1 gigabytes

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities is a federally funded, independent state agency that works with legislators, other agencies, advocacy groups, organizations, and individuals to develop, influence, and support public policy on behalf of persons with developmental disabilities. The collection includes planning documents, reports, publications, photographs, and audiovisual recordings documenting the organization's public policy initiatives, advocacy, and outreach efforts.

To view more detailed information or to request materials, visit the collection's finding aid at https://purl.libs.uga.edu/russell/RBRL432/findingaid

 

Georgia Options Records, 1990-2000

2 Linear Feet

Georgia Options is an organization that supports people with disabilities to live in their own homes and to have typical life experiences. The records include materials related to the history and financing of the organization.

This collection is closed to research while it awaits processing.

 

Harriet Van Norte Papers, 1977-1999

2 Linear Feet

Harriet Van Norte worked as a Director of Community Residential Services for the Georgia Department of Mental Retardation and was the Director of Consumer Affairs for the Georgia Public Service Commission in the 1990s. Her papers document the creation of a separate division to serve individuals with developmental disabilities in the state of Georgia and her work with the Georgia ARC Network.

This collection is closed to research while it awaits processing.

 

John Chandler Papers, 1980s-2010s

1 Linear Feet

John Chandler has been the executive director of Star Choices, an organization that supports people with developmental disabilities in Macon-Bibb County, since 1985. His papers relate to his work with Star Choices, the Paulding County Retardation Association, the Macon-Bibb Housing Authority, and other groups. Includes annual reports, planning files, and news clippings.

To view more detailed information or to request materials, visit the collection's finding aid at https://purl.libs.uga.edu/russell/RBRL395/findingaid

 

Mark Johnson Papers , 1965-2016

14 Linear Feet 32 audiovisual items, 23.2 gigabytes

Mark Johnson is the retired Director of Advocacy at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta. He holds a Master's degree in Guidance and Counseling and has been an advocate and leader in the disability rights movement for over thirty years. His papers contain subject and chronological files, artifacts, t-shirts, and audiovisual materials related to his work as a disability advocate, organizer, and professional.

To view more detailed information or to request materials, visit the collection's finding aid at https://purl.libs.uga.edu/russell/RBRL349/findingaid

 

Mary Kissel Papers, 1990-2007

0.5 Linear Feet

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.

To view more detailed information or to request materials, visit the collection's finding aid at https://purl.libs.uga.edu/russell/RBRL354/findingaid

 

Mary M. Wood Papers , 1972-2011

3.5 Linear Feet

Mary M. Wood is an educator, researcher and founder of the Developmental Therapy Institute, which focuses on training, research, development and outreach in Developmental Therapy-Teaching (DTT). Her papers document her work to improve the lives of troubled children, teens, and their families through effective interventions and includes publications, research and grant files.

To view more detailed information or to request materials, visit the collection's finding aid at https://purl.libs.uga.edu/russell/RBRL381/findingaid

 

Our Stories, Our Lives: Georgia Libraries for Accessible Statewide Services (GLASS) Oral History Project

17 interview(s)

Our Stories, Our Lives is a collection of stories gathered by the Georgia Libraries for Accessible Statewide Services (GLASS) to preserve and document a more complete history of the disability experience, specifically that of people with print disabilities who are living in Georgia. This is an oral history project that works to both preserve and document the varying experiences of those with print disabilities through the stories of people who have lived/are living with a print disability, including visual impairment, physical impairment, blindness, or an organic reading disability such as dyslexia.

To view more detailed information or to request materials, visit the collection's finding aid at https://purl.libs.uga.edu/russell/RBRL451GLASS/findingaid

 

Patricia L. Puckett Papers, 1971-2011

2 Linear Feet

Pat Puckett is the Executive Director of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia (SILC) and an active member of many state and national organizations working to accomplish inclusive disability policy and services. Her papers document her advocacy for people with disabilities and efforts to influence the policies that affect their lives.

To view more detailed information or to request materials, visit the collection's finding aid at https://purl.libs.uga.edu/russell/RBRL342/findingaid

 

Reverend Calvin Peterson and Disabled in Action Atlanta Collection, 1967-2015

0.5 Linear Feet 2 oversize items, 7.4 gigabytes

Reverend Calvin Peterson is the founder and director of Disabled in Action, a non-profit organization with a mission to advocate, educate and empower people with disabilities living in poverty, their families and caregivers, and with an emphasis on equity and inclusion. The collection includes articles of incorporation, correspondence, press releases, news clippings, brochures, flyers, photographs, DVDs, and other materials that document Rev. Peterson and Disabled in Action's advocacy and activism.

To view more detailed information or to request materials, visit the collection's finding aid at https://purl.libs.uga.edu/russell/RBRL409/findingaid

 

Roderick L. (RL) Grubbs Papers, 1973-2014

3.5 Linear Feet

Roderick L. (RL) Grubbs (1959-2016) was an advocate for assistive technology, a disability rights activist, and a specialist in the Georgia Department of Community Health. His papers include subject files on a variety of disability-related topics and organizations and material related to Money Follows the Person, a state program.

To view more detailed information or to request materials, visit the collection's finding aid at https://purl.libs.uga.edu/russell/RBRL400/findingaid

 

Southeast ADA Center Resource Collection , 1990-2010

6.5 Linear Feet 16 megabytes

The Southeast ADA Center provides information, training, and guidance on the Americans with Disabilities Act and disability access for business, government, and individuals at the local, state, and regional levels. The collection includes materials created and distributed by the center for education, instruction and compliance with the ADA.

To view more detailed information or to request materials, visit the collection's finding aid at https://purl.libs.uga.edu/russell/RBRL377/findingaid

 

Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia Records, 1985-2013

4 Linear Feet 4.93 gigabytes

The Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia (SILC) is a private, non-profit corporation founded in 1995 to identify societal barriers to independent living and to collaborate with other organizations to remove those barriers. The SILC's records document the organization's work to increase opportunities for independent living through statewide planning and advocacy.

To view more detailed information or to request materials, visit the collection's finding aid at https://purl.libs.uga.edu/russell/RBRL343/findingaid

 

Susan Sherman Papers

3.3 Linear Feet

5 sound_recording(s)

1 moving_image(s)

0.0285 gigabyte(s)

From 1989-1993, Susan Sherman was responsible for coordinating Section 504/Americans with Disabilities Act implementation for the State of Georgia. This collection documents her work with both the public and private sector in adopting and complying with new guidelines and regulations established by the ADA and Section 504.

To view more detailed information or to request materials, visit the collection's finding aid at https://purl.libs.uga.edu/russell/RBRL568/findingaid