Parent Mentors Embrace Possibilities

Three former and one current parent mentors have close connections to the “Embracing Possibilities” exhibit at the Tubman African American Museum in Macon.

Anne Ladd, who serves the Georgia Department of Education’s Division for Exceptional Children/Outreach Unit as a Family Engagement Program Specialist, oversees the Georgia Parent Mentor Partnership. Prior to her job at the GaDOE, Ladd served as a parent mentor in Gwinnett County. Prior to that, she had close ties to the renowned artist and Georgia disability advocate, the late Lois Curtis, who is remembered not only for her creative works, but as being the lead plaintiff in the 1999 US Supreme Court case which resulted in the historic Olmstead decision.

“I first met Lois Curtis in 2004. Though I already knew who she was and felt deep gratitude for the way the Olmstead decision would shape the life my own son, Matthew. Over the years, I had the privilege of helping Lois share her art and her voice – whether through selling her artwork, assisting her with presentations across the country or traveling with her to the Smithsonian for the celebration of the 25^th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Lois’s presence and courage touched countless lives , including mine, and I will always cherish the moments we shared.” — Anne Ladd

James Butler, served as a parent mentor for Lamar County, but now does teacher trainings on MAP and PATHS and serves on a number of statewide advocacy organizations. He has been among the small army of organizers of this exhibit. “We were surprised they would let us do this,” Butler said, of their meeting with the museum. “We were looking for a place to inform and educate people. We are hoping to change people’s perspectives around people with disabilities.”

Stacey Ramirez, served as a parent mentor in Cobb County and, since that times has served in numerous leadership and advocacy roles with the Center for Leadership in Disability and, as the Georgia Director for ARC. She is currently a founding partner in Crimmintz and Associates, which focuses on disability advocacy.

Kathy Simmons, in Dodge County, who is currently one of the longest serving parent mentors, and currently serves on stakeholder groups focused on NOW/COMP waiver Person Directed trainings and support and, also has just become a member of the Parent to Parent of Georgia board of directors. She has a deep connection to this exhibit because one of her former students, Jeremiah Jackson, from Eastman Georgia, who now works for Easter Seals, “was one of my Champions…” (a recognition program highlighting the accomplishments of people with disabilities) and his story is being shared as part of the exhibits.