Georgia Community Trust of BDI Welcomed Two New Board Members

Emma Barry and Trace Brooks. The Georgia Community Trust of Bobby Dodd Institute logo in the bottom right corner.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE Atlanta, 16 October 2025 Two new board members have joined the Georgia Community Trust of the Bobby Dodd Institute (GCT of BDI). Emma Barry was introduced to BDI by current board member Kristen Lewis. As a person with a disability herself, Emma is passionate about sharing her experiences and serving the community. She […]

You Can’t Be “a Little OCD”

A person, covering her face with two hands.

Listen to this blog post: The names in this story have been intentionally changed. “I am a little OCD.” You’ve probably used this phrase. Well, here are some reasons you should stop. October is OCD Awareness Month. In this article, we cover the symptoms of OCD, available treatments, and some personal experiences with the condition. […]

BDI Continues Advocacy Efforts at SourceAmerica’s Grassroots Advocacy Conference

Agnes and Jim during one of their meetings in D.C.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE Atlanta, 15 October 2025 Representatives from Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI) attended the 2025 SourceAmerica Grassroots Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C., a national event that connects people with disabilities and disability advocates with federal policymakers to highlight the importance of employment inclusion and related issues. BDI was represented by team member Agnes Iwaye and […]

How to Succeed in College as a Student with a Disability

A graduate holding up a graduation hat, wearing a black gown with a blue and orange stole, smiling under a tree canopy.

Attending college was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. It taught me to be a strong self-advocate who could express my needs to others. During this journey, I met incredible people who shaped who I am today. I attended Reinhardt University in Waleska, Georgia, from 2006 to 2010 and received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

Bertha’s Story

Bertha working on her computer at the IRS mailroom

Listen to this blog post: It all started with a short announcement on the local radio station and a joke over a cup of coffee. This led to a 20-year career and continuing growth. She’s not just a supervisor—she’s a mentor and a friend. This is Bertha’s story. Twenty years and counting Bertha Holtzclaw’s career […]

Kaleb’s Story

Kaleb

Listen to this blog post: He is fascinated by numbers, and data is his passion. He is an artist and a huge dog lover. This is Kaleb. He’s in his twenties and one of the newest employees at Bobby Dodd Institute’s Contact Center. Close to graduation, like many young people his age, Kaleb wasn’t sure […]

Natalie’s Story

Natalie and her dad, Richard, at Natalie's home

Listen to this blog post: “How are you?” These were the first words Natalie said after her brain surgery when her brother, Rich, came to visit her. They were both small kids at the time. Almost 50 years after this experience, Rich gets emotional when memories strike him. They’ve always had a strong bond—always caring […]

Crystal’s Story

Crystal, a BDI service participant, working at the BDI warehouse as part of her one-week Pre-ETS camp

Crystal is remarkable—so beautiful in many beautiful ways. She experiences life differently, and that difference is not a limitation. This is how Crystal’s dad, Hosea, describes her.Roxana and Hosea always wanted a girl. When Crystal was born, it was a dream come true. Her mom and dad were overjoyed and filled with hope for the […]

Three New Board Members Join Bobby Dodd Institute’s Board of Directors

Erik Becker, Polly Nicholas, and Van Lear

IMMEDIATE RELEASE Atlanta, 28 August 2025 Three new board members joined Bobby Dodd Institute’s (BDI) Board of Directors with the start of the new fiscal year, which began in July. Erik Becker, Polly Nicholas, and Van Lear join forces with a group of established board members to help drive BDI’s mission forward. Erik Becker has […]

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