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Bryan Vaughan

Tallahassee, Leon County

Committees:

Bryan Vaughan is the Executive Director of Agency for Persons with Disabilities. Before that, Mr. Vaughan was appointed by Governor Charlie Crist to serve as executive director of the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities. He has a long history of political and disabilities involvement.

He obtained his bachelor of arts degree in political science from Mercer University, possesses a master of science degree in clinical psychology from Troy State University, and is a board-certified expert in traumatic stress. He was awarded the Outstanding Achiever Award by the Georgia Association of Rehabilitation Facilities for developing Georgia's Ex-Offender Employment Program, which assists released felons in securing permanent employment. During his successful career in law enforcement, he received numerous honors including the Silver Cross Medal, Bronze Cross Medal, Officer of the Year from the American Legion, and Certificate of Meritorious Service from the U.S. Customs Service.

At the height of his law-enforcement career, Mr. Vaughan was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Over the next few years, he was hospitalized many times due to exacerbations from the MS, leading to an 18-month period in a wheelchair. In 2001, the effects of the disease caused deterioration of his vision to the point that he was determined legally blind.

Since 1996, Mr. Vaughan has worked with a variety of clients—from ex-felons to persons with physical, mental, and emotional illnesses—to help them overcome barriers to employment. As a recipient as well as a provider of services, he has a personal understanding of the various difficulties faced by people with disabilities. Although he has visual and physical limitations, he has been able to thrive in work environments which are not traditional for persons with disabilities. He is a living example that a person with disabilities can progress beyond what society presently views as norms, achieve the exceptional, and live a life that is fulfilling and rewarding.