Influential Georgian Promotes Inclusion for People with Developmental Disabilities - Eric Jacobson Earns Place on GeorgiaTrend’s Coveted List
ATLANTA, GA (January 25, 2007)— Eric Jacobson was recently selected to the Georgia Trend 2007 list of Most Influential Georgians. Jacobson is the Executive Director of the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) – the primary resource agency for people with developmental disabilities. The group strives to break down barriers and promote inclusion among people with developmental disabilities in addition to independence, education, advocacy and training.
"I am so honored by this distinction, and it gives me hope that Georgians are beginning to understand the important role people with disabilities play in our communities. People with disabilities contribute to our community, have gifts and talents, and need to be welcomed. I want to engage people across this state about the supports needed for people with disabilities to remain in our community," said Jacobson.
Jacobson's work impacts state and federal legislation and furthers the message. "For years, the GCDD has positively impacted public policy by providing legislative research and analysis to state and federal lawmakers and by supporting leadership and organizing training focused on teaching people how to advocate for themselves or a loved one," said Jacobson.
Jacobson's selection to the 9th edition of the 100 Most Influential Georgians is quite an honor as the influentials are "shaping the world we live in, and the way we feel and think" (Georgia Trend, January 2007).
Jacobson is past president and member of the executive board of the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, the national trade association representing Developmental Disability Councils. He has been a member of the Governor's Blue Ribbon Task Force on Home and Community-Based Services and served on the steering committee for implementation of the Olmstead decision. He is also a member of the Statewide Interagency Coordinating Council and a member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta's Disability Task Force. Before working for the Council, Jacobson spent four years as a Senior Planning Associate with the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. There, his responsibilities included examining community services for people with disabilities and older adults, and coordinating volunteer fund-raising activities. Jacobson received his Masters Degree in Urban Studies from Georgia State University in 1989 and he graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in Political Science.
The Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities serves as an advocate for all persons with developmental disabilities. The Council is charged with creating systems change for people with developmental disabilities and their families to: Increase independence, inclusion, integration, and productivity and self-determination for people with developmental disabilities through such activities as public policy research, analysis, and reform, project demonstrations, education, training and public information.
www.gcdd.org
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