Bobby Dodd Institute

06/01/2026

We are looking for young people with disabilities who want to become strong self-advocates. The BDI Ambassador Program helps you understand your rights, express your needs, and speak up with confidence. As an Ambassador, you’ll build communication and leadership skills that empower you to take an active role in your community.

We are excited to announce that applications for our second cohort of the Ambassador Program are open until July 28!

We accept applicants from all 50 states aged 14 and up.

Kamala, an Ambassador Program graduate, expressed this after she took part in the program, "For me personally, advocacy is not just about speaking—it’s about connection. It’s about sharing my story, listening to others, and creating a space where people feel seen, heard, and valued. I believe advocacy can inspire change, build understanding, and help create a more inclusive world for everyone."

05/29/2026

Imagine feeling anxious about every single thing, even those that normally don't make you anxious. That is what it's like to have Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a disorder that causes constant and uncontrollable fear, stress, and worry about everything, including everyday things and even things that do not usually cause anxiety. GAD can develop at any age.

BDI offers disability awareness training to help organizations create supportive and inclusive environments for people with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and other disabilities.

Learn more: https://bobbydodd.org/speakers-bureau

BDI has a list of disability definitions on our website!

See here: https://bobbydodd.org/types-of-disabilities/

ID: A teal background with a white rectangular box in the center tilted slightly. At the top left, a dark blue banner reads “What is”. Inside the white box, bold navy text reads “Generalized Anxiety Disorder”. Below, smaller gray text explains: “Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a disorder that causes constant and uncontrollable fear, stress, and worry about everything, including everyday things and even things that do not usually cause anxiety. GAD can develop at any age."

05/28/2026

Have you ever wondered what it is like to experience childhood-onset mental illnesses? Read our most recent blog post, "My Childhood with Mental Health Challenges", written by Julia Bessey, the Assistant in Marketing and Communications here at BDI to dive into one of many experiences of mental illness during childhood.

by Julia Bessey Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this blog post are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of Bobby Dodd Institute. For as long as I can remember, I have struggled with persistent unwanted, distressing and involuntary thoughts called int...

05/27/2026

Female and LGBTQ+ students have unique challenges compared to male, cisgender, and heterosexual students. Studies show that they experience worse mental health and are at higher risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This can be for many reasons, such as discrimination at school, bullying, or depression. These can also overlap, making mental health even worse when they do.

This is why it's important to advocate for girls, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those with disabilities.

We encourage you to share this post with your friends and family and reflect on how you can advocate for the female and LGBTQ+ students in your communities!

05/26/2026

Independence is the foundation for adolescents', especially those with disabilities, transition to adulthood. Caregivers will not always be there for them, so it is important to start nurturing their independence with small steps. For example, taking a bath or making a sandwich can be the catalyst for an adolescent to start gaining confidence and do more for themselves.

The BDI Empowers Webinar series teaches people with disabilities and their caregivers essential information about many different topics related to the disability community. You can find and register for our webinars on our website, https://bobbydodd.org/bdi-empowers-webinar/. Be sure to register for one to learn more about important topics related to people with disabilities!

VD: A white background with a navy rectangular box on the bottom with a white audio wave symbol on it. At the top left, bold navy text reads “How Caregivers Can Nurture Independence in Their Loved Ones”. Underneath the bold navy text, smaller navy text reads “Blessing Udo.” Below that, smaller bold magenta text reads "PhD, RN." Below that, magenta text reads "KindTouch Healthcare Services, LLC". Below that, a magenta oval shape with a white speaker symbol and white text that reads "Audio" on it. To the right, a picture of a woman with teal circles around the image.

05/25/2026

Today is Memorial Day, a day to acknowledge and honor the brave people who have protected our country and freedoms. Our foundation and contributions as people of the United States were built on those who have given everything they have for it.

At Bobby Dodd Institute, we not only honor the US Armed Forces, but we proudly serve and hire veterans, including those with disabilities.

Visit our website to learn more about our services for veterans!

www.bobbydodd.org

Have a safe and meaningful Memorial Day!

05/22/2026

Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day is on May 24th. Schizophrenia is a condition that causes changes in how someone thinks, feels, and acts. Symptoms include hallucinations, sensing things that aren’t there, and delusions, persistent, strong beliefs that are not based in reality and therefore not true. Schizophrenia can also cause disorganized thinking, unusual behavior, and trouble functioning, which negatively affect their daily lives.

BDI offers disability awareness training to help organizations create supportive and inclusive environments for people with Schizophrenia and other disabilities.

Learn more: https://bobbydodd.org/speakers-bureau

BDI has a list of disability definitions on our website!

See here: https://bobbydodd.org/types-of-disabilities/

ID: A teal background with a white rectangular box in the center tilted slightly. At the top left, a dark blue banner reads “What is”. Inside the white box, bold navy text reads “Schizophrenia”. Below, smaller gray text explains: “Schizophrenia is a condition that causes changes in how someone thinks, feels, and acts. Symptoms include hallucinations, sensing things that aren’t there, and delusions, persistent, strong beliefs that are not based in reality and therefore not true. Schizophrenia can also cause disorganized thinking, unusual behavior, and trouble functioning, which negatively affect their daily lives."

05/21/2026

We are incredibly proud of our Elevate Academy graduates for their hard work and dedication throughout these eight remarkable months. It has been inspiring to watch them grow, build confidence, and prepare for the next step in their journey starting meaningful careers.

This achievement would not have been possible without the support of our valued employer partners, including the Atlanta Braves, HD Supply, Piedmont, and Milner. We are also deeply thankful to our generous funding partners: the Sara Giles Moore Foundation, Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency - GVRA, Truist, Georgia Health Initiative, and Aprio.

Graduation was a bittersweet moment for all of us. We will miss these talented young adults, but we are exceptionally proud that they have secured jobs and are confident in their ability to succeed.

We are excited to welcome our next cohort when the second group begins in July.

05/19/2026

Behavioral changes often signal to underlying emotional distress. If you or your loved one(s) are experiencing significant mood and behavior changes, there could be more to it than just acting out. Something else to look out for is an increase of worrying or anxious thinking. Seeking a consultation can help identify the cause of these changes and help you figure out what to do to address them.

The BDI Empowers Podcast episodes are uploaded on the first Tuesday of each month. You can find them on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. Be sure to subscribe to keep learning how to simplify your disability benefits!

VD: A white background with a navy rectangular box on the bottom with a white audio wave symbol on it. At the top left, bold navy text reads “Mood, Behavior, and Thought Changes: Signs of Emotional Distress”. Underneath the bold navy text, smaller navy text reads “Dana Smith.” Below that, smaller bold magenta text reads "Licensed Clinical Social Worker". Below that, magenta text reads "Bobby Dodd Institute". Below that, a magenta oval shape with a white speaker symbol and white text that reads "Audio" on it. To the right, a picture of a woman with teal circles around the image.

05/18/2026

26.7% of adult women in the US experience a mental health condition each year. This is more than 1 in 4 women. This percentage is significantly higher compared to men. Only 20% of men experience a mental health condition each year.

Providing support for the women in our lives with mental health conditions is more important now than ever. BDI supports all people with disabilities, which includes women with mental health conditions. Visit our website to learn more about our mission and services for people with disabilities!

https://bobbydodd.org/