2,000 From Across Georgia Expected at 13th Annual Disability Day at the Capitol Thursday

WHAT: Disability Day at the Capitol, the largest public gathering and rally held annually during the official legislative session, underscores the need for community-based services and vital supports.  Over 2,000 Georgians have pre-registered and are expected to attend and advocate for improved services and greater community access for people with disabilities and their families. “Unlock The Doors To Real Communities” is the theme for this year’s Rally, celebrating the 40th anniversary of GCDD (www.gcdd.org) and the 1971 legislation which established councils on developmental disabilities nationwide.

WHO: Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD), Sponsor

(Tom Seegmueller, chair, and Eric E. Jacobson, executive director)

Capitol Rally at 11 am:

  • Governor Nathan Deal will address the gathering
  • Eric Jacobson will provide a snapshot of milestones in the disability rights movement since 1971
  • Over 2,000 supporters expected from throughout Georgia
  • State legislators and other elected officials

WHEN:  Thursday, February 24, 2011

9:00 amRegistration and activities, Georgia Freight Depot

  • View finalist entries in the “Credo for Friendship” high school video contest (student-produced videos highlight  ways the social climate has changed for people with disabilities and is sponsored by Partnerships for Success)
  • Constituents sign a huge banner noting their Georgia hometown
  • T-shirt pick up

11:00 am – Rally at the Capitol Steps

12:30 pmLunch (Legislators, Constituents, Advocates) Georgia Freight Depot

  • Special large screen presentation of Waddie Welcome & The Beloved Community featuring multiple voices of guest community readers:

o   Dottie Adams, GCDD

o   Marion Jackson, People First of Georgia

o   Mark Johnson, The Shepherd Center

o   Tom Kohler, Author

o   Pat Puckett, State Independent Living Center

o   Rep. Ann Purcell (R – District 159)

o   Denny Spears, GCDD

o   Nancy Vara, Georgia Microboards Association

  • “Credo for Friendship” high school video contest (view throughout the day)

WHERE: Capitol steps, Washington Street side and adjacent Georgia Freight Depot

WHY:  One in five Georgians has a disability.  Greater than 50 million Americans have some type of disability as an occurrence of birth, injury or longevity.  The annual rally promotes access, opportunity and meaningful community living for Georgians with disabilities and their families.

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Valerie Meadows Suber
Public Information Director
Editor-In-Chief, Making A Difference Magazine
Georgia Council On Developmental Disabilities
Suite  26-246
2 Peachtree Street, NW
Atlanta, GA  30303
(404) 657-2122 (direct)
(404) 657-2132 (fax)
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Visit our website:  www.gcdd.org