Resources
The Georgia Coalition for Equity in Education often receives requests for support in advocating for an appropriate education at a child’s public school.
GCEE put together a list of resources with specific guidelines. In addition to the resources below, please visit the Lipson Advocacy Facebook page, where we often post advocacy links, stories, and statutes.
GNETS Facts and Figures
The Importance of Self-Advocacy During the IEP Process
Check out this article published by our good friends over at the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities where Leslie Lipson explains the impact of ableism on students and schools: "The truth is, we all live in an ableist society, and it is easy for us to unconsciously absorb a lot of those ideas,” explained Lipson. “We have to work hard to overcome ableist ideas in our daily lives, like the idea that intelligence is measured by a test, for example.”
New Mailing List Dedicated to Values-Based Training
Are you interested in Person-Centered Planning, Citizen Advocacy, Personal Growth and development, and Systems Change in Georgia? Do you want to learn more about Social Role Valuation (SRV) and improving the lives of people with disabilities? We are excited to announce the launch of a new mailing list dedicated to Values-Based Training.
Join this list for:
Events: Be the first to hear about upcoming training sessions, workshops, and events focused on Values-Based Training for people in Georgia.
Valuable Resources: Receive insightful articles, case studies, and tools to help you develop a deeper understanding of social roles and their impact on individuals and communities.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about creating a more inclusive and values-driven society.
Zaria’s Song Monthly Support Meeting
Where Leslie Lipson was honored for work on behalf of families and people with disabilities. Participated in a panel discussion about why and how we advocate and the power of families to change systems.
Filmed an Expert Update video for Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities Making a Difference to pair with an article on the return to school for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities: “Back to School” material for Fall 2021. Click to Watch on YouTube.
Presentations with Leslie Lipson
From Policy to Practice: The School Discipline Process
The Georgia Coalition for Equity in Education partnered with Parent to Parent of Georgia on May 2, 2024 for a virtual opportunity for families and related professionals to learn about The School Discipline Process with an expert panel including Currey Hitchens, Brandi Tanner and Maria Lanaspa.
From Confusion to Confidence: Hacking IEP Meetings
A co-presentation with Leslie Lipson and Jack Grote from Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Inc. at The Summit: Georgia’s Child Welfare Conference!
Exploring the Possibilities: IDEA, Vision, and Adolescence
Presentation by Leslie Lipson from The Georgia Coalition for Equity in Education on October 25, 2023
Securing the Future: Supported Decision-Making and Visioning the Journey
Presentation by Dana Lloyd from I Decide Georgia on October 25, 2023
Education Advocacy in the COVID-19 Era: Safe Schools, FAPE & Remote Learning
Presentation about Educational Advocacy, Trauma-informed Schools, Discipline and Covid-10 Educational Disruptions and recorded a session about advocating for students with disabilities for a virtual school fair that is predominately Black mothers to be viewed at their convenience.
GNETS Legal Case With The Arc of Georgia
Presentation by the Arc of Georgia with Shira Wakschlag, Senior Director, Legal Advocacy & General Counsel. Discusses the current GNETS case in which The Arc of Georgia is a organizational plaintiff and the advocacy work which supports The Arc chapters and membership. Presenters reviewed timeline of case, what resources available for families and what types of situations are problematic within the promise of educational equity.
From Confusion to Confidence: Hacking IEP Meetings
Presentation by Leslie Lipson as part of the 2021 Pro Bono March Madness. Over 30 advocates, parents, and attorneys attended to hear more about how COVID-19 educational disruptions have impacted students’ educational attainment. The curriculum also covered how to prepare for a virtual IEP meeting and how do folks understand and safeguard a parents’ voice in the meeting. Additionally, we discussed how to use strategy to narrow down the issues in an IEP meeting.
TASH: Advancing Inclusion Conference
Presented with P&A PADD Director at TASH conference: “Disability advocates have often ignored/avoided the dynamic interaction of race and disability in the lives of people who experience both. The concepts of racism and ableism are commonly addressed separately but they are inextricably linked, and this presentation will work to highlight these connections. This presentation will examine the unique intersection of racism and ableism through the lens of social role valorization. Advocacy cannot be effective without understanding the intersectional nature of devaluation. The presenters will guide attendees to raise their consciousness while offering an opportunity to gain language and skill in navigating this space.” There were 108 attendees and we highlighted the work of GCEE as a practice that implements the values and framework of intersectionality.
Oppressive Phenomena: Until I Am Free You Are Not Free Either
Presented with P&A PADD Director at the 5th Annual Social Justice Symposium, at University of Georgia, "Banding Together for Hope and Social Justice.”
PODCASTS
Life With the Spectrum Podcast Interview
Thank you to Gina Kavali for giving me the opportunity to be a guest on her podcast “Life on the Spectrum” to discuss the Georgia Coalition for Equity in Education and GNETS.
Three Live Radio Shows for: “On Point with Juandolyn Stokes” which airs weekdays from 10am – 1pm on News & Talk 1380 WAOK.
New Ruling in the GNETS Cases
February 15, 2021 | “On Point with Juandolyn Stokes” | Legalities in our School System and a discussion of educational inequity: Discussing the GNETS ruling and the impact of segregation and racism for Black students with Disabilities.
Legalities Within the School System
February 9, 2021 | “On Point with Juandolyn Stokes” | Legalities and COVID-19- discussion of the impact on educational equity of the disruptions.
Cobb Co School District Pressed Felony Charges Against Autistic Middle School Student Without the Parent’s Knowledge
June 23, 2021 | “On Point with Juandolyn Stokes” | With Marlyn Tillman of Gwinnett SToPP
If you or someone you know is affected by the GNETS system or you want to be involved in the work of the Georgia Coalition for Equity in Education (GCEE) contact the Georgia Advocacy Office by phone at (404) 885-1234 (or toll-free in Georgia at 1-800-537-2329) or by email at info@thegao.org.
The Department of Justice is interested in connecting with families with recent GNETS experiences. Please email GNETS.Feedback@usdoj.gov or call 1-833-305-0150 to share your story.