GCDD 2019 Annual Report
Voting is one of our most important rights and civic duties as citizens living in a democracy. In Georgia, more than one million people have disabilities and approximately 652,000 are of voting age. GCDD educated voters with disabilities with an informative guide before the November 2018 midterm election. Check out why the disability vote counted.
In October, GCDD thanked Governor Deal on behalf of the all Georgians with developmental disabilities and their families for his support over the last eight years. He attended six Disability Day events at the Capitol and his heartfelt words brought hope and encouragement that Georgia can be a better place to live for all people. Read more about Governor Deal.
In November 2018, Georgia elected Brian Kemp as its new governor, succeeding Nathan Deal. GCDD requested individuals across the state submit ideas and issues that they’d like the new administration to work on that affect individuals with disabilities in letters or emails addressed “Dear Governor ...” Many responses were received and are included here.
Over 280 advocates attended GCDD’s Third Annual Advocacy Days in February and March during the Georgia General Assembly legislative session. Important topics covered were the DD Waiver waiting list, employment, inclusive post-secondary education, direct support professionals and home and community-based services.
Launched in the summer of 2019, GCDD’s Storytelling Project paints a picture of the complex systems of support that enable people with developmental disabilities to live their best lives. Spanning Georgia’s 56 state senate districts, this advocacy project features over 60 stories and an interactive map that shows the reach of the project. Read our stories.
In July 2019, GCDD unexpectedly said goodbye to an amazing, hard-working advocate for people with developmental disabilities. Dawn Alford, GCDD’s Public Policy Director, left a legacy on disability rights and established strong long-lasting relationships with legislators and people across the state. GCDD honored Dawn and her impact in photos and memories.
In 2019, GCDD continued to impact the State of Georgia in ways that benefit everyone. Initiatives included advocacy trainings to community building to educational programs. Check out our interactive map to see the locations of these initiatives, which GCDD supported through targeted funding and strategic collaboration.
Amount per year GCDD spends to support people with developmental disabilities in Georgia
(Period covered: Oct 1, 2018 - Sep 30, 2019)
GCDD continues to serve as an advocate for all persons with developmental disabilities. We are charged with creating systems change for people with developmental disabilities and their families by increasing opportunities for independence, inclusion, integration, productivity and self-determination. View our current Council here.
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Click here to download a pdf of the GCDD 2019 Annual Report
