The Georgia Senate has implemented the Georgia as a Model Employer Program to enhance employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Senator Billy Hickman of Statesboro introduced Martha Haythorn as a Special Operations Assistant under the initiative, according to the Georgia State Senate Press Office.
Martha, born with Down Syndrome, is the first member of the Georgia as a Model Employer Program to join the Senate team, setting a new standard for inclusion in the workplace. The Georgia as a Model Employer Program, created by Senate Bill 384 and signed into law by Governor Brian P. Kemp in May 2024, helps state agencies hire and support people with disabilities. Senator Hickman said, "It is inspiring to see the GAME Program come to life, and I am thrilled to welcome Martha to the Senate team," recognizing her role in promoting a more inclusive employment culture, as reported by the Georgia State Senate Press Office.
Senator Hickman addressed the integration of the Georgia as a Model Employer Program into government operations as an important step for workforce inclusion. He stated, "The State of Georgia is leading by example in supporting the recruitment and retention of individuals with disabilities, and I hope this initiative will inspire similar efforts across our private business sectors," as stated by the Georgia State Senate Press Office.
