Macon Magazine

opportunity to experience the pool for aquatic therapy," said Allison Hawkins, GAB support specialist. "In this case, the water is used as a tool to help students reach new milestones and achieve goals. The buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure of the water provides a sensory feedback that helps support learning and skill development. This is helpful for our students with a variety of challenges, from decreased mobility to sensory processing difficulties." Being in the water is highly motivating for the students. "They are typically having so much fun, they don't realize how hard they are working. It's amazing to have this opportunity for them to improve their body awareness and achieve goals," she said. The Willie Frank Reynolds Auditorium is named in honor of Frank Reynolds, the longest-serving employee in Georgia state government. "He has been the director of residential services at the Academy for more than 40 years and a state employee for more than 50 years," Gibson said. "He has been here throughout the great history of the auditorium." GAB's role in the community continues to be strengthened by the partnerships the school is forming here, too. Over the years, a number of local GLORIA GARDINER was sent to the Georgia Academy for the Blind from South Korea by her parents, who valued independent living skills and problem solving as part of her education. Gardiner participated in dual enrollment through Macon's Central High School and Mercer University. Upon graduation, she received her first degree at Georgia College and State University and subsequently a doctorate from Nova Southeastern University. She has taught special needs and Braille at GAB for about 17 years and is married to Michael Gardiner of Macon. EDDIE ENGLISH came to GAB from Swainsboro, attending from first grade through high school. After graduating from high school in Swainsboro and receiving his teaching degree from Georgia Southern University, English taught and coached in Lamar County, then at Elam Academy for 16 years. He said that GAB helped him find his confidence and a "can do" attitude. Now a special needs high school teacher at GAB, English said he is here to "pay forward what was given" to him. KIMBERLY PATAT was a Bibb County student who attended GAB from seventh grade through graduation. After graduating, she worked at GAB as an instructional aid before attending Gardner Webb University. After returning to Macon to care for a family member, Patat eventually found her way back to GAB, where she is now a paraprofessional. Wanting to help kids with her disability, Patat said working at GAB is like "coming home." and regional agencies and organizations have partnered to provide services for students. Among them are Magnolia Soapbox Derby, Community Foundation of Central Georgia, Macon Rotary Club, Georgia State Society Southern Dames of America, Kroger, Mulberry Street Methodist Church, Macon Outreach, Middle Georgia Easter Seals, Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, the Methodist Home, Wesleyan College, MidSouth Federal Credit Union, Middle Georgia State University and Georgia College and State University. The Academy has made a lasting impact not only on the community, but of course on its students, too. More than a few GAB alumni have come back to either volunteer or work at the school. "Currently, there are four former students employed or volunteering at the Academy," Gibson said. "Two of the four hold graduate level degrees from higher educational institutions. Each is a story unto himself or herself." ABOVE: WITH THE AQUATICS PROGRAM, STUDENTS ARE USUALLY HAVING SO MUCH FUN, THEY DON'T REALIZE HOW HARD THEY ARE WORKING, SAID GAB SUPPORT SPECAILIST ALLISON HAWKINS. 6 4 MACONMAGAZINE.COM | D E C E M B E R / J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0

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