Governor appoints alumna to state board

College of Education alumna Cheryl Harris was recently appointed to Georgia's Statewide Independent Living Council.

With this appointment, made by Gov. Nathan Deal, Harris (BSED '06, MED '07) joins a board of volunteers from across Georgia who share a vision of equal participation by people with disabilities in their communities.

Harris, of Lawrenceville, has a long history of working for the health and welfare of Georgia residents. She is the section manager for Access to Services through the Department of Human Services Division of Aging Services. Previous experience includes serving as the program manager for Georgia's Aging and Disability Resource Connection, and as the training coordinator for the Office of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman.

One of the main tasks of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia is to develop a State Plan for Independent Living every three years in order to receive federal funding as part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Goals of the current plan focus on assistive technologies and access to transportation, health care and affordable, accessible housing.