Honoring the Life and Legacy of Shelly Simmons, Disability Rights Leader

Champion of Independent Living • Advocate for Dignity • Trusted Collaborator

Shelly Simmons, Executive Director of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia

It is with profound sorrow that Humanity Consideration Consultants (HCC) shares the news of the transition of Shelly Simmons, Executive Director of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia (SILCGA). Founded in 1995, SILCGA advances the vision of “equal participation of people with disabilities in their communities,” a vision Shelly carried forward with clarity, skill, and heart. In her statewide role, she partnered with agencies, community organizations, and the legislature to help shape effective, efficient policy that centers the lived experiences of Georgians with disabilities.

Shelly’s professional path reflected resilience and purpose. A graduate of California State University, Long Beach with a B.A. in Communications, she began in media production before health challenges led her to Vocational Rehabilitation and her local Center for Independent Living. With their support, she entered the Independent Living movement, serving as a Disability Navigator, Benefits Specialist, and Client Assistance Program Coordinator in California. After relocating to Georgia, she continued in Independent Living and served SILCGA as board member, vice-chair, and chair, before being appointed Executive Director in 2016.

Shelly was a treasured collaborator with Humanity Consideration Consultants. She spoke as a panelist during our 35th Anniversary of the ADA Roundtable, “The ADA at 35: A Covenant of Dignity, Still Holding.” Please hear Shelley’s contributions in her own voice.   

She also joined our HCC CEO in an executive mentorship and immersion (a practice-based mentorship combining observation, co-planning, and reflective coaching) position to broaden her ADA consulting toolkit. In every interaction, Shelly brought wisdom, kindness, and a fierce commitment to accessibility as a lived reality.

We mourn with Shelly’s family, friends, and the Independent Living community. We also commit to honoring her legacy in our work: centering humanity so that compliance becomes instinctive and dignity becomes culture.

With gratitude, in mourning, and in resolve,

Humanity Consideration Consultants LLC offers heartfelt condolences and celebrates a life devoted to opening doors and elevating voices. May Shelly’s legacy continue to guide our steps.

Shelly's memorial service will take place on Friday, September 12, 2025 at 11:00 am (ET) at Turner Chapel AME located at 492 North Marietta Pkwy NE, Marietta, Georgia 30060.

Donation in Shelly's memory can be sent to John and Loretta Simmons at 4385 Parkhurst Street SW, Powder Springs, Georgia 30127.

HCC's Proclamation - Shelly Simmons

HCC's Proclamation - Shelly Simmons