Accessible Audio for Making A Difference

Imagine a Georgia where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are not just present in their communities but truly belong.

Where people have friends, meaningful relationships, and opportunities to contribute. Where families feel connected and supported. Where young people leaving high school can see a future filled with possibilities. Where people with I/DD have a real voice in decisions that affect their lives—and where that voice is heard.

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.

For ten years, I lived in a nursing home.

When people hear that, they often assume it was because I was old or because I needed medical care that could only be provided in an institution. That wasn't the case. I lived there because I didn't have access to the community supports I needed to live in my own home.

Like thousands of people with disabilities across Georgia, I wasn't waiting for a miracle. I was waiting for the right support.

Today, I'm writing this from my own home.

It's still hard to believe.

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.

Welcome to August in Georgia. That time of year when it feels like sticky soup outside and yet the kids are back in the classrooms. It’s always felt to me like a time of transition. Which is extra fitting this year, because we are living through a time of major transitions. 

In less than three months, we Georgians will be heading to the polls to elect our next Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, U.S. Senator, and many more. For most of the top jobs, the person who holds the office now is not running again. So, no matter who wins, we will have many new state leaders.

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 Makes My Week Work” is a new series in GCDD’s Making a Difference magazine. The goal is to share advocacy and success stories from self-advocates across Georgia. They talk about what helps their week go well and what needs to improve so people with disabilities can live and participate fully in their communities, as promised by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Olmstead Decision. Would you like to share your story? Complete this form.

This month, LJ Young and Sheila Jeffrey, a married couple living in College Park, Georgia, share what makes their week work.

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.

On June 16th, the Embracing Possibility – Georgia’s Disability Justice Journey exhibit at the Tubman Museum in Macon, Georgia, ended its run. After a year of engaging conversations, collaborations, and community gatherings, this exhibit, which focused on what is possible for Georgians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), concluded. 

Many groups worked together to make the exhibit happen. They included the Center on Human Development and Disability at the University of Georgia, the Georgia Advocacy Office, the Sangha Unity Network, Uniting for Change, the Center for Leadership in Disability at Georgia State University, Crimminz and Associates, and the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD).

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 ADA’s Promise: Progress Made, Challenges Remain

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law 36 years ago on July 26, 1990. It protects the civil rights of people with disabilities and helps make sure they have the same opportunities as everyone else.

The ADA says that people with disabilities should be able to participate fully in their communities. This includes having access to public places and services, equal opportunities at work, accessible housing and transportation, and communication services for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities. The law also protects people from discrimination based on disability. 

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 people hear the words “public policy,” they often think about legislation, committee meetings, or debates under the Gold Dome. They think about bills and resolutions. I understand why. But for me, public policy has never been about paperwork. It's always been about people.

I joined the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities in 2024, and now I serve as chair of the Public Policy Committee. My role is to stay informed about issues affecting people with disabilities, help respond when legislation moves quickly, and show up wherever I can, whether that's during the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities’ (GCDD) Advocacy Days, legislative hearings, or community conversations.

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 Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) invites you to ask our team questions about legislation, supports, services, or other topics that are related to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD). The following is this month's question and answer.

The Question: GCDD community member from Alpharetta asked: Please provide information about programs where an unemployed caretaker is paid for a caregiving role.

The Answer: Georgia operates programs that allow family members to get paid for providing care. Both programs are funded through the Medicaid waiver system and are for people who are actively enrolled in Medicaid. 

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.

Last month, parents, family members, educators, and friends celebrated the newest college graduates of the Class of 2026. 

Across the 10 inclusive post-secondary education (IPSE) programs in Georgia, graduates wore their cap and gown to mark an important life milestone - graduating from college. This year, the IPSE program at Berry College also marked an important milestone. Their first cohort was launched in 2024. This year, it welcomed its first graduates. Berry College’s IPSE program is the first of its kind at a private college or university in Georgia.

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.

This summer, I want to encourage every Georgian with a developmental disability — and every family member, caregiver, and advocate — to engage with your elected officials.

Significant decisions are being made right now in our state legislature, in state agencies, and in Washington. These decisions involve funding levels, program structures, and policies that will directly affect the lives of people with developmental disabilities in Georgia for years to come. The people making those decisions need accurate, firsthand information about what those impacts look like on the ground.

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.