GVRA Collaborates with Berry College’s Inclusive Learning Program for Person-Centered Planning Day

The Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) recently collaborated with Berry College’s Inclusive Learning Program during its Person-Centered Planning (PCP) Day. This meeting is held each semester and brings together instructors, counselors, and students to better understand each student’s individual goals and their plans for transitioning after college.

During these meetings, students discuss their personal aspirations and future pathways. These plans may include pursuing additional educational opportunities, securing internships, or preparing for employment. Berry College’s Program for Inclusive Learning is designed for individuals ages 18–26 with intellectual disabilities who want to continue developing academic, social, and career skills while contributing meaningfully to their communities.

“Ben Dell has been very helpful to Ann and me in learning more about GVRA’s Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) program. Because of that connection, we now have a formal partnership with GVRA,” said the Director of Berry College’s Inclusive Learning Program.

This semester’s PCP Day included six students, each participating in an hour-long meeting. Students were encouraged to invite additional supporters such as family members, fellow Berry College students, employers, and GVRA Counselor Dante Smith.

Smith was invited by one of the students to attend as a community partner. During the event, he was able to answer questions from both parents and students about GVRA’s IPSE program and other Pre-Employment Transition Services.

“Everyone’s voice matters. People like Ellie and every student in this program have a voice and an important message,” said GVRA Counselor Dante Smith. “It truly takes a village. At Berry, I’ve actually seen that village in action, and it will continue to flourish.”

Person-Centered Planning serves as the core foundation of these programs because it creates opportunities for collaboration and partnership. These connections ultimately help students with disabilities successfully transition into employment, continued education, and independent living.

Students in the program are already thriving. Some have taken entrepreneurship courses as they work toward starting their own businesses, while others are pursuing interests in computer science and agriculture-related fields.

A special thank you goes to GVRA team members Ben Dell, Megan Brooks, and Dante Smith for their ongoing support of Berry College. Appreciation is also extended to Program Director Michelle Haney and IPSE Program Coordinator Anne Bice for their leadership and continued partnership with GVRA.