PRESS RELEASE: More Than 700 Students with Disabilities to Explore Careers at Georgia National Fair in Perry

PERRY, GA – The Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) will welcome approximately 700 high school students with disabilities to the Georgia National Fair on October 14 for a day focused on career exploration, work-based learning and post-secondary opportunities.

The event, held in recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), will give students an opportunity to explore career pathways, learn about post-secondary education and training options, and gain firsthand exposure to careers in agriculture and related industries.

The event will feature interactive educational stations, live demonstrations and opportunities for students to connect what they are learning in the classroom to real-world career experiences. The day will culminate with a career-focused panel discussion at 1:30 p.m. in Reaves Arena.

Students will hear from professionals representing Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC), the Georgia Government and Georgia Farmers, providing insight into career opportunities within Georgia's agriculture industry.

“We are looking forward to welcoming students and giving them an opportunity to learn more about post-secondary education and career options,” said Brandeis Thompson, GVRA Community Engagement Manager. “Many of the students attending are rising juniors and seniors, so this experience will give them an opportunity to explore careers in agriculture, learn about the skills needed to succeed and see that they can pursue their goals regardless of disability.”

The agriculture industry plays a significant role in Georgia’s economy. According to the 2026 Feeding the Economy report, Georgia’s food and agriculture industries support 1,610,429 jobs and generate $335.13 billion in total economic output statewide.
In addition to hosting students, GVRA will engage fair attendees as part of a statewide educational outreach effort. GVRA staff will be available to provide information about the agency’s services and how GVRA helps Georgians with disabilities prepare for, obtain and maintain employment.

For additional information, please contact Carla Murphy, Public Affairs Director, at [email protected] or (470) 816-6501, or Jaylen Pope, Communications Specialist, at [email protected] or (404) 985-5857.

About the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency
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.