Lauren Lee | Feb 2, 2026 - Atlanta, GA

After thirty-two years of supporting students with disabilities across the University System of Georgia, Captioning and Described Media Services Manager Dr. Sheryl Ballenger retired at the end of January. Her departure marks the close of an era shaped by her dedication to service, her deep respect for the disability community, and her unwavering belief in the power of access.

Ballenger's connection to CIDI began long before she joined the organization. Early in her career, she served students with disabilities in college settings—often arriving early, staying late, and doing whatever was required to ensure that course materials were accessible. “There was so much manual work to be done,” she recalls. 

That changed when CIDI—then AMAC—first launched accessible, digital textbook production from a small dorm room on the University of Georgia campus. She remembers traveling from Rome, GA, with a colleague for an all‑day NEON training session. That trip became one of her most cherished memories.

“Ordering the first professional accessible materials in Georgia changed everything,” she says. No more hours spent enlarging textbooks by hand or recording chapters overnight. Instead, she witnessed a new model of service. That moment became foundational to her work: “The spirit of service we felt that day is my favorite memory, and what I have always tried to pass on to all other accessibility staff.”

Over the course of her career, Ballenger has watched not just CIDI evolve, but the entire field of accessibility. She describes the profession in “generations”: the early pioneers who first interpreted the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the second‑generation specialists who built programs in the wake of the ADA—including herself—and the third generation now leading the way. 

This newest generation, she says, is refining long‑established practices while navigating rapidly advancing technologies and complex new responsibilities. Through all this change, she notes, CIDI has remained at the forefront, shaped by the same values that first inspired her: innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to providing access for all.

Associate Director of Research Operations Guy Toles thinks of Ballenger as both a mentor and a friend. “She has helped me better understand the challenges faced by disability service providers, taught me how to effectively represent our work at conferences, and reminded me of the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.”

As Ballenger steps into retirement, she does so with excitement—not for rest, but for a new season of life filled with family, creativity, and long‑delayed passions. With several children and grandchildren, she plans to show up for everything: school plays, field trips, sports, concerts, and anything else she’s invited to. “Never will I say, ‘Oh, no, I’m sorry, I have to work that day.’”

She also plans to write—perhaps a cookbook, a children’s story, and maybe even a future best seller—alongside learning new skills such as playing an instrument, gardening, beekeeping, and dog training. “Many things,” she says with joy.

Before she leaves, she offers one final piece of advice—words shared with her early in her career by Deaf community leader Russell Fleming: stay. “Serving people with disabilities is a personal calling,” she says. “The ways in which services may be completed will change, but the heart to do this out of love for people is always going to be required.”

CIDI is profoundly grateful for Sheryl’s heart, her leadership, and her legacy. She will always be part of our story.