|
Dottie Adams Tom Graf Award This award recognizes an individual whose efforts, in a professional capacity, or in an advocacy role, represent an outstanding achievement or contribution, which has benefited people with developmental disabilities. Dottie Adams has demonstrated her commitment, service, and dedication as an advocate for people with developmental disabilities for more than 30 years. Her passion and love for people drive her to help individuals with disabilities and their families find and get the services they need and deserve. Ms. Adams’ career began in 1977 as a case manager at the Barrow County Mental Health Center where she conducted assessments, developed individual service plans, and advocated for individuals and families. Beginning in 1984, she served as Coordinator of the Clinical Evaluation Team on the Northeast Georgia Community Service Board. She joined the staff of the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities in 2002 as the Individual and Family Support Director. Whenever there has been movement of people with disabilities out of institutions, Ms. Adams has been there. She coordinated person centered planning efforts and the move of 65 individuals from five institutions in Georgia under the SH/PF Class Action lawsuit. She helped pioneer early intervention services, family support, supported employment, person centered planning, and supported living in Georgia. She has also conducted numerous training sessions to develop person- centered plans and train providers to develop services that allow individuals to move or remain in the community. Ms. Adams has been a keynote speaker on person centered planning, individual service planning, circles of support, and PASS. Currently, Ms. Adams is working on promoting self-determination, workforce development of direct support professionals, and organizing navigator teams to help guide families to resources. Eric Jacobson, Executive Director of the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities has said, “If cloning were allowed, I would clone Dottie Adams because she helps families get what they need.” Friend and colleague Cheryl Rhodes asserts that there is no greater advocate for people with developmental disabilities and their families in Georgia. |
Dottie Adams
|
