GaLEND Alumna Appointed to Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities

Martha Haythorn is a driven and compassionate 25-year-old woman with Down syndrome who symbolizes hope and inspiration. After graduating from the EXCEL Program at Georgia Tech—an innovative four-year college program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)—she earned two certificates while studying Public Policy. As a passionate advocate for her community, Haythorn is proud to be an alumna of the Georgia Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (GaLEND), a university program at the Center for Leadership in Disability at Georgia State University.

Photo credit: Ruby Rainbow

This past summer, she was honored to be appointed by Governor Brian Kemp to the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, where she serves as a council member and actively contributes to the Public Policy Committee. In addition, Haythorn is involved with Best Buddies Georgia, attending social events and nurturing connections within the I/DD community.

With a lifelong passion for advocacy, Haythorn channels her dedication into organizing social programming for YMCA members with developmental disabilities in Decatur, making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Haythorn also participates actively in the Special Olympics, where she competes in swimming.

State Senator Billy Hickman successfully implemented the Georgia as a Model Employer (GAME) Program, which the Senate passed during the 2024 Legislative Session. Haythorn was hired as a Special Operations Assistant. Her hiring is the first placement under the GAME Program within the Georgia Senate during the 2025 Legislative session.

“Her work exemplifies the value individuals with disabilities bring to the workplace,” Hickman said. “The State of Georgia is leading by example in supporting the recruitment and retention of individuals with disabilities. I hope this initiative will inspire similar efforts across our private business sectors.”

Martha, you were sworn in this past summer to the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCCD) by Governor Kemp. What made you want to apply to be a member of the Georgia Council on Development and Disabilities?

Well, I've been following the Georgia Council for a while. I wanted to focus on disability issues, rights, and post-secondary education. I love how everyone is committed there. I want to not only advocate for myself but also be an individual advocating for the large issues the disabled community is facing, putting my voice out there and talking about dignity and the things we need.

What was it like when you got sworn in by Governor Kemp?

It was a dream come true. When I was sworn in, Governor Kemp mentioned that I would be part of the council and work to the best of my abilities. I said I would work to the best of my abilities, but I knew it would be even more extraordinary. It was a big moment; I told myself I wouldn't let my disability get in the way; I could do it and put everything into it.

When you went to your first official meeting with the GCDD, your colleagues elected you vice chair of the council. Can you talk about what it means to have been elected to the vice chair position of the council by your peers?

Well, I get to be part of the executive committee meetings. We get to discuss every committee, including the policy, state plan, and DEI committees. We also talked about what everyone in the speech committees is doing to make everything they do happen. And it's cool hearing the debrief from the other committees and knowing what they're doing. And I'm also on the public policy committee. I can ask who wants to give an update from the public policy committee. It's great to be part of both worlds at the same time and to be that voice.

What are some of the other awards or honors you've received recently?

I was awarded the Laura Lee Leadership Award from the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) at the State-of-the-Art Conference for my advocacy and work on inclusive post-secondary education.  The story behind the award is that Stephanie Smith Lee (NDSC Policy & Advocacy Co-Director) had a daughter with Down syndrome. Her daughter passed away, but her spirit carries on through the work of other self-advocates with Down syndrome. I was so touched when I learned I was the award recipient. I was excited to walk up, receive my award, and give my speech. It was like everything I had done; I was feeling at that moment. I could see many advocates like me going through the programs and knowing that I did something right, and I know that I did.

I received the 2025 Luminary of the Year Award from the Bobby Dodd Institute. I received an email that said, “Congratulations, Martha. You have won the Luminary of the Year” award, and I said, “Oh my God, for the year! I was so surprised, like, for the whole year.”

I also received the Champion of the Year Award from Best Buddies in Georgia. It’s a huge honor to be the Champion of the Year! I helped fundraise and advocate for Best Buddies, along with my campaign manager, Hannah Jenkins, who helped me with emails, fundraising, and social media. I had no idea how much money I was making, but it turned out that I had made close to $30,000. My parents and I were shocked. We were so excited, it was great. If I can become Grand Champion, so can anyone with or without a disability.

Please share what it meant to be involved in GaLEND and what you learned.

I was a junior in college when I entered the 2022- 2023 cohort. When I was in Georgia LEND, I think what I've taken away was my core leadership values with disability. Adults with and without disabilities can learn about leadership values and understand the meaning of disability, life, and policy together. Also, understanding what it means to people with disabilities and the fact that they can be in leadership roles and have value. I didn't know I could do more until I came to LEND. I love being a leader. I wanted to improve my leadership skills, making me much more confident and prouder. Because of Georgia LEND, I became more of an adult.

What values are important to you as a leader?

Communication is key. My work ethic and public speaking skills are also essential because I am not shy. I enjoy speaking in front of people and have no fear of it. I love being a voice for myself and others, a combination of advocacy and self-advocacy.

For more information and to apply for the 2025/2026 GaLEND cohort, visit cld.gsu.edu/lend.