Accessible Audio for Making A Difference

Every election is a big deal. This one brought so much change; it’s an extra big deal.

I feel like I’ve been a broken record in my Letters from Leadership this year, talking so much about the importance of learning about candidates as our state prepared for a change in leadership. Now that the dust is settling, some of yesterday’s candidates will be our state’s leaders in a few short months. Which means our work as advocates shifts into a new season.

While our values at GCDD haven’t changed, the results of this election have changed the environment we will be working in. The national environment has changed, with the federal House and Senate shifting from Republican to Democratic leadership. Starting in January, we will have new leaders in every single constitutional office in Georgia – including Governor-Elect Bottoms, Lieutenant Governor-Elect McLaurin, Attorney General-Elect Miller, State School Superintendent-Elect Powell and Labor Commissioner-Elect Porcher. All of them participated in GCDD’s fall candidate forum, and I encourage you to give it a watch to learn about their plans for Georgia’s disability community.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and family members, will work through various advocacy and capacity building activities to build a more interdependent, self-sufficient, and integrated and included disability community across Georgia.

This project was supported, in part by grant number 2001GASCDD-03, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.

Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is excited to welcome Kaylon Day as its new Public Policy Director. Day has spent years working with lawmakers and hearing from Georgians about issues affecting their everyday lives. She hopes to bring those experiences and relationships to the intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) community.

The public policy director is “a resource for people with I/DD and the lawmakers who serve them,” said Day. She will spend much of the legislative session at the State Capitol. There she will share people’s lived experiences and help lawmakers understand how their decisions affect Georgians with I/DD.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and family members, will work through various advocacy and capacity building activities to build a more interdependent, self-sufficient, and integrated and included disability community across Georgia.

This project was supported, in part by grant number 2001GASCDD-03, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.

When the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) traveled to Savannah in October, we did more than hold a meeting. We opened our doors to local leaders and disability advocates.

As part of our October Council meeting, GCDD hosted a community luncheon at the Hotel Indigo Savannah in the city’s historic district. We welcomed disability advocates and elected officials to talk about issues that affect people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families.

Leaders in attendance included Rep. Jesse Petrea, who represents House District 166, and Rep.-elect MiQuan Green, who will begin representing House District 165 in January. They sat down with Savannah-area residents and Council members for face-to-face conversations.

The biggest topic of conversation was local accessible transportation options.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and family members, will work through various advocacy and capacity building activities to build a more interdependent, self-sufficient, and integrated and included disability community across Georgia.

This project was supported, in part by grant number 2001GASCDD-03, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.

Charlotte Foster Williamson, owner of the Atlanta Dance Central, is the recipient of the 2026 Spirit of Kim Unsung Hero Award. The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) gives this award to individuals who have made a difference for Georgia’s intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) community. Their work often happens behind the scenes.

The award honors the legacy of GCDD’s late office manager Kim Person, who served the Council for 19 years. It celebrates people who share Kim’s spirit of selfless service and dedication to creating more opportunities for people with I/DD and their families to live, learn, work, and play in their communities.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and family members, will work through various advocacy and capacity building activities to build a more interdependent, self-sufficient, and integrated and included disability community across Georgia.

This project was supported, in part by grant number 2001GASCDD-03, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.

The Georgia Disability Policy Alliance (GDPA) is a statewide coalition that brings families and advocates together to improve disability services. GDPA helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families learn how to speak up for their needs and find services. The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) supports this work through its Family Advocacy Coalition Grant. Crimminz & Associates helps lead and manage the coalition’s work.

GDPA’s goal is to build a lasting network of advocates across Georgia. The coalition wants families and people with I/DD to have the knowledge, skills, and connections to help improve disability services and policies.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and family members, will work through various advocacy and capacity building activities to build a more interdependent, self-sufficient, and integrated and included disability community across Georgia.

This project was supported, in part by grant number 2001GASCDD-03, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.

You don’t have to travel to the Capitol to make a difference.

Public policy decisions made at the Georgia Capitol affect the everyday lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. From Medicaid and NOW/COMP waivers to housing, employment, and community supports, the decisions legislators make matter. And the voices of people with I/DD and their families need to be part of those conversations.

But traveling to the Capitol isn’t possible for everyone. Transportation, work schedules, caregiving responsibilities, and other barriers can make in-person advocacy difficult. That’s why the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is launching Hometown Advocacy—an initiative designed to make advocacy accessible to more Georgians. Through virtual advocacy trainings, participants can learn how to contact elected officials, share their experiences, and influence public policy without leaving home.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and family members, will work through various advocacy and capacity building activities to build a more interdependent, self-sufficient, and integrated and included disability community across Georgia.

This project was supported, in part by grant number 2001GASCDD-03, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.

Georgia voters made their choices on Nov. 3, and the state will soon have many new leaders. GCDD congratulates all of those who have been elected to serve. These results are unofficial until they are certified.

Here are the winners for statewide offices:

• Governor: Keisha Lance Bottoms
• Lieutenant Governor: Josh McLaurin
• Attorney General: Tanya Miller
• Secretary of State: Judge Penny Brown Reynolds
• State School Superintendent: Dr. Lydia Powell
• Labor Commissioner: Nikki Porcher
• U.S. Senate: Jon Ossoff (reelected)

Bottoms will be Georgia's first female and first Black governor. She will also be the first Black woman to serve as governor of any U.S. state.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and family members, will work through various advocacy and capacity building activities to build a more interdependent, self-sufficient, and integrated and included disability community across Georgia.

This project was supported, in part by grant number 2001GASCDD-03, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.

Everyone has something they look forward to during the holidays, from favorite foods to family traditions. We asked GCDD Council Members and staff to share their holiday favorites and weigh in on one very important question: Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? 

Hear what Council members Lisa Newbern, Martha Haythorn, Jessica Cowell, Steven Wright, and Tais Keyser, and staff member Fanta Mitchell had to say!

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and family members, will work through various advocacy and capacity building activities to build a more interdependent, self-sufficient, and integrated and included disability community across Georgia.

This project was supported, in part by grant number 2001GASCDD-03, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.

What’s going well in your community?
 
Accessibility is more than a ramp.
 
When I take my daughter Aysia into our community, I do not just think about whether a place has an accessible entrance. I think about the entire experience.
 
Aysia is 24, uses a wheelchair, needs significant assistance with her daily care, and communicates without words. She has a voice. We have simply learned how to listen to her.
 
I am encouraged by the accessibility improvements happening in Gwinnett County. Discovery Park in Lawrenceville is being developed with an inclusive playground, accessible pathways, trails, parking, and restroom facilities. I truly celebrate that progress.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and family members, will work through various advocacy and capacity building activities to build a more interdependent, self-sufficient, and integrated and included disability community across Georgia.

This project was supported, in part by grant number 2001GASCDD-03, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.

Monday, October 5 — Last Day to Register to Vote
Today is the last day to register to vote or update your address for the November 3 General Election. Georgia does not have same-day voter registration.
Register or check your status at the Georgia My Voter Page: mvp.sos.ga.gov

Tuesday, October 6 — Our Voice, Our Vote 2026
10 a.m., online (Zoom)
Hosted by Uniting for Change
Learn more: uniting4change.org/calendar

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and family members, will work through various advocacy and capacity building activities to build a more interdependent, self-sufficient, and integrated and included disability community across Georgia.

This project was supported, in part by grant number 2001GASCDD-03, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.