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Greg Bolling
He speaks softly, but carries a big stick called persistence. Greg
Bolling, a quadriplegic since 1985, has endured the frustrations of living in a
wheelchair. He also endured more than a year of what he calls
But his determination — fueled by the advocacy and guidance
of
Access
Center’s rural independent living specialist, Danny Overstreet —
has helped him achieve his goals.
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Imagine what it must be like to rely on someone to shop for your groceries, someone to turn on the television or radio for you, someone to hold you up while you bathe or shower. It’s not easy, nor is it pleasant, to visualize. But every day, thousands of Georgians rely on others — mostly family members — to help them accomplish these seemingly unremarkable tasks. Imagine, also, how a person’s self-esteem soars when they can perform these feats of independent living themselves. According to the most recent state census, 25 percent of Georgia’s residents report having some sort of disability. That’s more than one million people. The Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) of Georgia helps make sure that disabled people have opportunities to live as independently as possible. A nonprofit organization formed in 1995, SILC of Georgia promotes independent living and advocates that people with disabilities should have equal opportunities to make decisions about their own lives and pursue activities they enjoy. By making grants to Centers for Independent Living throughout the state, SILC of Georgia helps to empower people with disabilities and encourages them to help themselves and help others. SILC of Georgia helps empower Georgians citizens with disabilities by —
SILC of Georgia also acts as a voice for people with disabilities as Medicaid is reformed, welfare is redefined and independent living services are transitioned from state-run programs to SILC of Georgia. Centers for Independent Living benefit from SILC of Georgia, its funding and its opportunities for training and development. Without these agencies and their valuable services, many of Georgia’s citizens with disabilities would never know about or benefit from the guidance, support and programs available to them. Most important, however, is that Georgia’s residents with disabilities benefit from SILC of Georgia and its relationships with agencies situated across the state. Grants from SILC of Georgia allow independent living programs to help disabled people in their region live more independently and lead fuller lives. These grants also help them contribute to their families and their communities while boosting their confidence, self-esteem and quality of life. |
OANH DANG
Acute scoliosis makes sitting up, and even breathing, difficult for Oanh Dang. But it doesn't dampen her enthusiasm for learning the English language. Born in south Vietnam shortly before the war, Oanh and her family suffered extreme poverty. The bare ground she slept on intensified the pain caused by her curved spine. She was so disabled, Oanh did not leave her house for more than 10 years. However, peer supporter and English teacher Lee Ann Pendergrass referred her to Friends of Disabled Adults - and agency that serves Atlanta residents. FODA has helped make her life much more comfortable. Outfitted with a wheelchair, Oanh moves about her home without assistance. And grab bars and a lowered shower nozzle in the family's bathroom have made her more independent. FODA also provided a wheelchair ramp. |