February 1, 2024

I wanted to share my thoughts with you about my experiences at the State Capitol. To be honest it wasn’t the first or second time I went there. The very first time I went to the State Capitol building in downtown Atlanta was during my high school years at Warren Technical School and it was a fun experience. I learnt so many things and the people who work there were amazing for how they contribute to their communities. The second time I went there was in 2021. I was at Georgia Tech in the EXCEL Program and had the same experiences as the first time, but a little different. It started with either in-person or virtual meetings for the Advocacy Training I received from EXCEL where I learnt how to get to the State Capitol and ask questions. After the meeting was over, everyone was ready to go. When we then went to the State Capitol for Advocacy Day, it was still a great sight to see. I started having some small talk with the assigned legislators, talking about our day and business networking with them. We also took pictures together. After the meeting with the legislators, the rest of the EXCEL students and teachers and I went to the Twin Towers cafeteria, which is on the other side of downtown, to have lunch.

The third time I visited the State Capitol was this year. When I arrived, I found my group and we walked around and talked to some legislators again. Many people had come from different IPSE programs to visit the State Capitol. My communications internship supervisor, James Hill, also came with us and took photos. I enjoyed the time with my classmates and meeting with the legislators.

The Reason Why Going to the State Capitol is Important

You may be wondering right now why it is so important to go to the State Capitol every year? Well, it is because of two reasons. Advocacy Day at the Capitol helps boost the legislators’ awareness of the importance of IPSE programs like EXCEL and gives students like me time to talk with the legislators and let them know how these programs are helping us prepare for employment and independent living.

The Current Situation with the State Capitol and EXCEL Program

Last year the state legislators passed the bill for almost 1 million dollars in scholarships for students who want to attend IPSE programs, and this pays for some of the tuition. Now we are asking for more money to help pay for tuition and programs fees. This is because EXCEL, for example, does not receive money from the state. They must do some fundraising to help with supporting all the work they do for us. Although EXCEL is successful in receiving money from different sources like the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, it would be very helpful to also receive money from the state so that programs like EXCEL can grow and expand. What I have learned from this experience at the State Capitol is that there are not as many financial resources such as scholarships for students who are in IPSE programs. That is why it is so important to advocate for such important changes so that everyone who is interested in going to college through a program like EXCEL have an opportunity to do so. I hope to inspire everyone who is looking forward to joining EXCEL or visiting the State Capitol.

My thoughts about Self-Advocacy

For my feelings about self-advocacy, it is more than learning independent living, it is also about learning what your limitations are and how to overcome them for yourself and others around you. For example, I self-advocate by letting my supervisors know that I can’t see and hear very well so I must sit closer to the computer and ask them to look directly at me when speaking so I am able to do my tasks. Self-advocacy comes in all different situations, big or small, depending on your likes and dislikes. If we find ways that work for you and other people, anything can be possible even if it looks like it is impossible. What self-advocacy means to me is that you need to keep moving forward no matter how hard the challenges you face along your journey. We all have our place in the world. We just must be patient with each other.