My Childhood with Mental Health Challenges
by Julia Bessey Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this blog post are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of Bobby Dodd Institute. For as long as I can remember, I have struggled with persistent unwanted, distressing and involuntary thoughts called intrusive thoughts and what I called “irrational […]
Can Authentic Stories in the Media Redefine Disability and Drive Social Change?
Approximately 1.3 billion people worldwide, or 16 percent of the global population, experience significant disability, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In the United States, one in four adults, or over 70 million people, report having a disability. 3 Yet, despite these numbers, characters with disabilities remain widely underrepresented in the media .9 Recent […]
2026 Luminary of the Year: Mark Crenshaw
One of Mark’s greatest passions is helping people with disabilities find their voices and become effective leaders in their communities. He is an influential advocate who has had a tremendous impact on the disability community in Georgia. Mark currently serves as the Assistant Director of the Center for Leadership in Disability (CLD) and the Director […]
2026 Luminary of the Year: AJ, Andrew, and Kyle
AJ Johnson, Andrew Stevens, and Kyle East started their careers in IT as students at BDI Bridge Academy. Exemplary students, all three consistently demonstrated dedication while excelling in the competitive and highly technical program. The classes prepared them for careers in the technology field, something each of them had always wanted. Today, the three work […]
2026 Luminary of the Year: Christine Dendy
Anybody can work and be accepted into the work environment, says Christine Dendy, 2026 Luminary Award Recipient. Christine’s story with Bobby Dodd Institute traces back decades. She began as a service participant, worked as a VA switchboard operator, and later as a contractor for the organization, holding various positions. Her dedication to the mission did […]
What’s the Difference Between Representative Payee and Trust Representative
At their core, both Representative Payees and Trust Representatives exist for one reason: to protect the well-being of the person with a disability. When these roles are understood and managed correctly, they support independence and stability and improve quality of life.
More than Employment
Listen to this blog post: by Winston Clements Jacqueline started working at Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI) nine years ago, and since then, she has been a late-night phone operator. She has utilized her position as a stepping stone for her confidence and belonging. Her path to BDI was shaped by resilience and a moment of […]
Steady Work, Clear Wins
Listen to this blog post: by Winston Clements In February 2025, Alison Kong stepped into a full time IRS mail clerk role through Bobby Dodd Institute’s AbilityOne contract. One month in, it was clear that this job was different to all her previous roles. The hours were consistent. The tasks were clear. The team was […]
How Meaningful Work Gave Me Confidence
Listen to this blog post: by Winston Clements When Robert talks about his job at the IRS mailroom in Atlanta, you can hear both pride and gratitude in his voice. Since 2008, he has been part of the team that keeps mail moving for one of the country’s busiest agencies. From processing packages to operating […]
How to Identify the Best Medicaid Waiver for Your Needs in 2025
As parents and caregivers of a person with a disability, it’s natural to worry about the future. We understand this well because we are all on a similar journey.