Archives: Participant Stories
Learn More About Self-Direction
GT Independence Strengthens Leadership Team: Appoints Chris Karkenny as CEO
Karkenny joins a leadership team with deep expertise in self-direction, including President D. Pearl Barnett and John Carmichael, GT Independence’s founder and former CEO, who will continue to support the company as a member of the board.
September 1, 2026
GT Independence promotes D. Pearl Barnett to president
D. Pearl Barnett promoted alongside chief operating officer responsibilities
November 20, 2025
CommUNITY in Action: GT Independence Continues to Invest in Connecticut, Maryland, and Michigan
CommUNITY: It’s More Than a Theme—It’s a Core Value At GT Independence, we know that successful self-direction isn’t just about managing payroll and budgets. It’s about building strong, supportive communities…
October 15, 2025
GT Independence Makes Inc. 5000 List
With 255% three-year revenue growth, recognition in Inc. 5000 list underscores GT Independence's relentless commitment to people, process, technology.
August 19, 2025
The ADA: 35 Years of Influencing Self-Direction
The ADA has helped advance self-determination. All people, regardless of age or ability, have the right to make choices and have control over their own lives.
July 31, 2025
Why self-direction is gaining ground among people with disabilities and aging in place
Self-direction gives people autonomy in how they live their lives. It helps people avoid institutional care and remain in familiar home and community settings while receiving the support they need to thrive. Expansion of federal waiver programs and state plan services has increased access to self-directed services. As the uptake grows, more evidence is coming to light about the many ways self-direction is improving lives.
June 25, 2025
DDAM 2025: Strengthening Communities Through Full Participation All Year Round
DDAM 2025 reminds us that recognizing people with developmental disabilities shouldn’t happen during just one month. It should happen every month and every day of every month of the year.
March 31, 2025
Celebrating 20 Years of Helping People Live the Lives of Their Choosing
This October, our team will gather for our annual GT Week celebration, this time marking 20 years of supporting self-direction.
October 4, 2024
For the 6th year in a row, GT Independence has been named one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in West Michigan.
August 27, 2024