Awareness Day at the Capitol Empowers Georgians with Disabilities

On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, local organizations gathered at the Georgia State Capitol to promote services available to the nearly 13% of Georgians who have disabilities. The event highlighted the organizations’ joint commitment to assisting Georgians with disabilities in gaining or retaining employment. 

Led by the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA), GVRA Day included Shepherd Center, AgrAbility, BlazeSports, Bobby Dodd Institute, CTI, fodac, the Georgia Association of Training, Government and Supports (GATES), Goodwill of Southern Rivers, and New Ventures. The organizations connected with state legislators and the public to raise awareness of vocational rehabilitation services and resources.

“One of the questions we get asked most often from our patients, many of whom have sustained injuries or survived illnesses that led to temporary or lifelong disabilities, is ‘will I be able to work again?’ or ‘when can I get back to doing the job I love?’” said Abigail Garcia, MBA, MHA, director of government relations and advocacy at Shepherd Center. “We gathered at the Capitol to make sure that people know how to access all of the resources available to them that can support them in leading a full and meaningful life.”

The event showcased resources available to individuals with disabilities, including job training, benefits navigation, counseling services, family support, assistive technology, and mobility devices, among others.

Vocational rehabilitation is a key component of rehabilitation at Shepherd Center. Shepherd Center’s unique hospital-based vocational rehabilitation program has prepared clients to return to their careers or explore new ones after an injury. The effort received a major boost in 2023, when GPC, a longtime Shepherd Center corporate donor, made a significant gift to the program, which was renamed the Genuine Parts Company Vocational Rehabilitation Program.