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Written by: E. George
Published November 13, 2024 @ 4:35 PM ET
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. – Martha Haythorn, a 24-year-old woman from Decatur, is a force to be reckoned with in the world of disability advocacy. Driven by a deep commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities, Haythorn has already accomplished a great deal and shows no signs of slowing down.
This year, she was appointed by Governor Brian Kemp to serve on the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, a platform she plans to use to drive meaningful change.
Haythorn, who has Down syndrome, has made it her life’s mission to fight for the rights of people with disabilities. Throughout her life, she has demonstrated a tireless dedication to advocacy, whether through her work at the Georgia State Capitol, her involvement in the Special Olympics, or her leadership in local community programs.
One of Haythorn’s key priorities on the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities is advocating for the expansion of Medicaid. This is a particularly contentious issue, as Governor Kemp, who appointed Haythorn to the council, opposes Medicaid expansion.
Haythorn’s focus on healthcare access for Georgians with disabilities highlights her determination to ensure that people living with disabilities have the resources they need to live full and independent lives.
In addition to healthcare, Haythorn is passionate about addressing issues related to housing, minimum wage, and education for people with disabilities. She has already outlined a list of specific policy priorities that she hopes to tackle during her tenure on the council. For Haythorn, these issues are not abstract concerns—they are deeply personal.
Advocacy is not a new endeavor for Haythorn. As a child and young adult, she was taught to always speak up for herself and others. Her passion for advocacy led her to Georgia Tech, where she recently completed a four-year post-secondary program focused on public policy.
This program, known as the Expanding Career, Education, and Leadership Opportunities for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (EXCEL), is one of the major accomplishments of the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities. Haythorn, who hopes to one day receive a bachelor’s degree in public policy, says, “I live and breathe it,” when describing her commitment to the field.
In addition to her studies and policy work, Haythorn is an active participant in the Special Olympics, where she competes in swimming. Her athleticism and leadership are widely recognized, and her coach at the Decatur Family YMCA, Beth Costello, describes her as someone with the right perspective, creativity, and positivity to excel in everything she does.
“She loves to lead the pep rallies,” Costello said, noting that Haythorn’s infectious energy inspires those around her.
Haythorn’s passion for disability rights has taken her to the halls of the Georgia State Capitol, where she frequently participates in Advocacy Day events and meets with lawmakers to discuss policies that impact people with disabilities. According to Tianna Faulkner, media director for the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, Haythorn has been “vocal and constant in improving and educating herself around disability rights.”
Haythorn envisions herself continuing to advocate for people with disabilities nationally. “After college, I see myself at the U.S. Capitol, fighting for disability rights at the highest level,” she said. With her deep knowledge of public policy and her unwavering dedication to the cause, it’s clear that Haythorn’s future in advocacy is bright.
While advocacy is at the core of Haythorn’s life, she also enjoys a well-rounded range of interests and hobbies. When she’s not working on disability policy or competing in the Special Olympics, Haythorn can be found reading, singing, dancing, or enjoying time out with friends.
She works part-time as an adaptive programming specialist at the Decatur Family YMCA, where she plans activities such as pool parties and holiday gatherings for children with disabilities.
In this role, Haythorn can put her creativity and leadership skills into action. “You can succeed. You can do whatever you want to do,” she tells the young people she works with. Her colleague Beth Costello believes Haythorn is destined for great things, saying, “I know one day I am going to see Martha on Capitol Hill.”
Haythorn’s success can be attributed in part to the unwavering support she has received from her family. She currently lives independently in an apartment at the back of her parent’s home, a situation that allows her to maintain autonomy while still benefiting from her family’s close support. She credits her parents with instilling in her the belief that she can do anything she sets her mind to.
Her journey, however, has not been without challenges. But through hard work, perseverance, and an unshakable belief in her ability to make a difference, Haythorn has become an advocate not only for herself but for countless others with disabilities. Her commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities is a testament to her strength, resilience, and drive.
Martha Haythorn’s work on the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities is just the beginning of what promises to be a long and impactful career in advocacy. Whether she’s pushing for changes in public policy, competing in the Special Olympics, or leading community programs for people with disabilities, Haythorn continues to inspire those around her with her passion, energy, and commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible world.
For more information about the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, visit gcdd.org. You can also learn about Georgia Tech’s EXCEL program at excel.gatech.edu/home and discover more about the Decatur Family YMCA’s programs at decaturymca.org.
Haythorn can be followed on Instagram at Mᴀʀᴛʜᴀ Mᴀʏ & Tʜᴇ Mᴏɴᴅᴀʏs.