Governor Declares Support for Georgians with Disabilities As New Momentum Emerges from the Legislative Session

The impact of the 2011 legislative session on Georgians with developmental disabilities and Governor Deal’s keynote address to more than 2,000 disability advocates are just two of the stories featured in the most recent issue of Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities’ (GCDD) Making a Difference quarterly news magazine. See a full transcript of the Governor’s Disability Day at the Capitol remarks in the latest edition which is now available online – click here.

New momentum emerged from the legislative session in the wake of the recent landmark settlement between the US Department of Justice lawsuit and the State of Georgia (see Making A Difference, Winter 2011) that is expected to transform the lives of people with disabilities. The settlement provides support for Georgia residents with developmental disabilities and mental illness to move out of institutions and into the community with necessary supports. It is part of a national movement that has deep roots right here in the State of Georgia where the lawsuit began, leading to the Supreme Court’s Olmstead Decision in 1999.

And the cost to taxpayers? Home- and community–based supports for Georgians with disabilities has been shown to cost less than institutionalized care.

The current issue of Making A Difference also considers how state-funded inclusive Pre-K classrooms benefit children with and without disabilities, and showcases Partnerships for Success (PFS), a program that affords high school students with and without disabilities the opportunity to work together for community service and develop leadership skills.

What’s happening in your local community?
For more story ideas and photos, read the magazine or contact GCDD.

Note:  All articles in Making A Difference magazine are available to Georgia newspapers, magazines and online publications for reprint.

Calendar: GCDD’s next Quarterly Meeting is scheduled for July 21-22, 2011 in Atlanta.  Visit the GCDD Events Calendar for more community calendar items.