GCDD 2016 Annual Report

GCDD 2016 Annual Report

 

Message from the Executive Director

The mission of the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is to bring about social and policy changes that promote opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities and their families to live, learn, work, play and worship in Georgia communities. For a message from GCDD Executive Director Eric Jacobson, click on the video.

In 2016, we worked with our partners, Council members, advocates and community to continue achieving inclusive and integrated communities in Georgia. Here are some highlights of the year, and if you want to learn more, click on the links provided in each section for a more detailed look on how GCDD’s work impacts the lives of people with developmental disabilities:


Created New Five Year Strategic Plan Goals

Five Year Plan Goals: 1 Education, 2 Employment, 3 Formal/Informal Supports, 4 RealCommunities, 5 Self-AdvocacyThe New Five Year Strategic Plan for 2017-2021 was completed and approved by the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDD). The goals laid the framework for the Council’s work from 2017-2021 that will address services and supports across the State for people with developmental disabilities. Click here to read more about the final plan.


Georgia's First Take Your Legislator to Work Day (TYLTWD)

Kicked off in October 2015 to raise awareness about the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities. The initiative was an exercise in advocacy to bring together legislators with people with developmental disabilities and employers who are supporting this effort in their districts. Read their stories here.

40 Legislative Visits Took Place for the first TYLTWD. Photos of people with developmental disabilities and their employers


18 years of Disability Days

18 Years of Disability Days at the Capitol remembered.

GCDD celebrates their final Disability Day in Atlanta and moves the focus to Advocacy Days to build stronger advocates. The 2016 Disability Day video provides an overview of this 18 year legacy. GCDD cannot be successful in its legislative advocacy without the voices of people with disabilities, their families and other allies.


7 Advocacy Days held at the Capitol

7 Advocacy Days held at the GA State Capitol
GCDD hosted Advocacy Days at the Capitol during the 2016 legislative session to let people with disabilities, their families and other stakeholders meet legislators and discuss what is important to them. Read what some of these advocates thought about their first-hand experience telling their stories to legislators and why this is such an important means of advocacy for GCDD.


6 Real Communities Partnerships

6 Real Communities Partnerships

inclusion award

  • Al Tamyoz Community Building/Basmat Ahmed
  • Centenary United Methodist Church
  • D.A.S.H. for LaGrange, Inc.
  • Forsyth Farmers’ Market
  • Georgians For Alternatives to the Death Penalty
  • Peacebuilders Camp at Koinonia Farms

Real Communities Partnerships seek to support communities who welcome and utilize the gifts of everyone, including those historically marginalized and create avenues toward reciprocity, interdependence and social change. Read about our award-winning concept.


Expanded Project SEARCH

Expanded Project SEARCH sites in 14 Georgia Cities. Project SEARCH is a business-led, high  school-to-work  transition program,  serving students  with developmental  disabilities with the goal  of integrated employment. Click on graphic to more about it.

7 Inclusive post-secondary education (IPSE) programs

7 Inclusive post-secondary education (IPSE) programs in Georgia

  • Kennesaw State University
  • East Georgia State College
  • Columbus State University
  • Georgia Institute of Technology
  • Albany Technical College
  • Georgia State University
  • University of Georgia

* Inclusive post-secondary education (IPSE) programs provide students with intellectual disabilities a college experience. GCDD is the legislative lead for the Georgia Inclusive Postsecondary Education Consortium who seeks opportunities for these students.


19 GCDD Funded and Support Activities

19 GCDD Funded and Supported Activities FY2016, photos from Project SEARCH, Disability Day and Real Communities
GCDD supports a variety of activities from Project SEARCH to Advocacy
to Real Communities Partnerships. Click here to see the full list.

26.9 Million Budget

GCDD Budget 2016 - $2.69 Million - Amount per year GCDD spends to support people with developmental disabilities in GA. Real Council: $575,310.00, PRIORITY AREAS: Real Communities: $582,056.00, Public Awareness: $296,381.00, Public Policy: $385,391.00, Self-Advocacy: $196,430.00, Transition: $445,347.00, Public Funded System: $209,244.00, Total Expenditures: $2,690,159.00

Period covered Oct 1, 2015 - Sep 30, 2016


Council Members

Thanks to the our over 50 Council Members, Partners and Staff
who continue to serve as advocates for all persons with developmental disabilities by increasing opportunities for independence, inclusion, integration, productivity and self-determination. View our current Council here.


Click here to download a pdf of the GCDD 2016 Annual Report

© GCDD 2016 Annual Report • GCDD Office of Public Information • 2 Peachtree Street NW, Suite 26-246, Atlanta, GA 30303-3142 • 404.657.2126