Those who know her believe that Decatur’s Martha Haythorn will one day work the halls of the U.S. Capitol, lobbying for laws that can make life better for people with disabilities.
Haythorn took a step toward that goal this summer when Gov. Brian Kemp named her to the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities.
The 24-year-old, who was born with Down syndrome, has a long list of issues she’d like the council to address dealing with housing, minimum wage and expansion of Medicaid.
But advocacy isn’t new for Haythorn — it’s her life’s passion and work.
This year, she completed a four-year postsecondary program on public policy at Georgia Tech. One day, she hopes to walk across a college or university stage to receive a bachelor’s degree in her field.
“I live and breathe it,” she said of public policy.
Credit: Robin Henson
Credit: Robin Henson
“She has always been vocal and constant in improving and educating herself around disability rights,” said Tianna Faulkner, media director for the council.
When she’s not advocating at the state Capitol, Haythorn may be in the pool or out pursuing one of her many interests — reading, singing, dancing and going out to dinner or a movie with friends.
She’s a longtime member of the Decatur Family YMCA swim team and has competed for 14 years in the Georgia Special Olympics. She recently placed first in the 100-meter at the Special Olympics and was elated by the crowd’s response.
On the council, she joins a powerful network. By law, 60% of its members have to be people living with a developmental disability or have a close family member with a disability, giving a strong voice to the community they represent. One major accomplishment of the council was the creation of Georgia Tech’s EXCEL program, the specialized program that Haythorn completed earlier this year.
Haythorn lives independently in an apartment in the back of her parents’ home and gives them credit for her can-do spirit.
She works part time at the Decatur Family Y as an adaptive programming specialist, planning everything from pool parties to holiday gatherings for about 60 young Y members with disabilities.
HOW TO HELP
Share your opinion with the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities about laws and policies that need to be changed to improve the lives of people with disabilities:
Sloppy Floyd Building, West Tower
200 Piedmont Ave. SE Suite 426, 4th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30334
(404) 657-2126 or (404) 657-2133
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