Media Roundtable on Developmental Disabilities Issues
News, Discussion Opportunity With Leaders About Community Life for Georgians with Developmental Disabilities
WHAT: Media representatives from Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson, Heard and Paulding counties have an opportunity to interact in a roundtable discussion hosted by the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) and the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce. Critical and timely issues impacting the quality of life for people and families living with developmental disabilities will be discussed, along with fresh, new ways for effective coverage. Questions and discussion is encouraged.
Topics include:
- an overview and update on “Real Communities,” a concept which creates communities that allow persons with developmental disabilities to participate in every aspect of life through Real Careers, Real Homes, Real Learning, Real Influence and Real Supports. GCDD is spearheading this concept in other parts of the state, using the ABCD model (Asset Based Community Development) as its core philosophy;
- GCDD’s legislative agenda and its work to enhance the quality of life for persons with disabilities through public policy, advocacy and community-building. As the legislative session wraps up in the Gold Dome, hear perspectives on the changes people with developmental disabilities can expect.
- “The Missing Pages In Your Style Book” – an introduction to “People First Language,” a style guide for writing and speaking about people who live with disabilities for journalists and other communicators.
WHY: One in five Georgians has a disability and greater than 50 million Americans have some type of disability as an occurrence of birth, injury or longevity. WHO: WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Publishers, Managing Editors, News Directors, Editorial Page Directors, Reporters
Tom Seegmueller, chairperson, GCDD Eric E. Jacobson, executive director, GCDD
The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD), a federally funded, independent state agency, is a leading catalyst for systems change for individuals and families living with developmental disabilities. Through public policy initiatives, advocacy programs and community building, GCDD promotes and creates opportunities to enable persons with disabilities to live, work, play and worship as integral members of society. A developmental disability is a chronic mental and/or physical disability that occurs before age 22 and is expected to last a lifetime. It may require supports in three or more of the following life activities: self-care, language, learning, mobility, self-direction, independent living and economic self-sufficiency. Visit gcdd.org for more information. WHEN: WED., APRIL 13, 2011: 11:30 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to: Valerie Meadows Suber WHERE: Carroll County Chamber of Commerce 200 Northside Drive, Carrollton, Georgia 30117 CONTACT: Valerie Meadows Suber, Public Information Director Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities 404-657-2122 (office); 404-226-0343 (mobile)
