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ATLANTA, GA – Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency’s (GVRA) proudly announces that Ricky Alewine, GVRA’s Deaf Services Coordinator, was a featured speaker at the Georgia Association of the Deaf (GAD) 2025 Biennial Conference, held June 20–22 in Atlanta. Alewine’s presentation focused on empowering the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and DeafBlind communities through vocational rehabilitation and was well-received by attendees from across the state.
Alewine led an engaging and interactive session, during which several audience members joined him onstage to share their experiences and ideas. His presentation provided information about GVRA’s wide array of services and initiatives, including the educational opportunities available at the Roosevelt Warm Springs residential campus and the Bud McCall Post-Secondary Grant. He also introduced case studies that examined topics such as pre-interview coaching, the use of assistive technology, and the use of speech-to-text apps.
In a special ceremony on Sunday, Alewine was officially named Secretary of the GAD Board, with a term extending through 2027.
“I’m excited about being named secretary,” Alewine said. “It’s an honor to serve the Deaf community in this role, and I look forward to the great accomplishments ahead for the Georgia Association of the Deaf.”
Also representing GVRA were members of the District 11 Sensory Team, who were on-site to share information about the services GVRA offers to individuals who are Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, DeafBlind, and others with disabilities across Georgia.
GVRA Executive Director Chris Wells praised Alewine’s presentation and new role, while also recognizing the importance of GVRA’s partnership with GAD.
“Our partnership with the Georgia Association of the Deaf is vital to ensuring we stay responsive and connected to the needs and aspirations of the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and DeafBlind communities across the state,” said Wells. “Additionally, we’re incredibly proud of Ricky’s appointment as Secretary of the GAD Board, and we know he’ll be a strong advocate and leader in this new role.”
For more information about GVRA services, visit gvs.ga.gov.
Established in July 2012, the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) operates five integrated and interdependent statutory programs that share a primary goal - to serve Georgians with disabilities to empower them to live independent lives.