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Media Briefing, Public Forum, Quarterly Meeting Set for Valdosta-Lowndes County

Media Briefing, Public Forum, Quarterly Meeting Set for Valdosta-Lowndes County

Georgia Governor’s Council Invites Media and Local Communities for Public Comment

ATLANTA, GA. (October 14, 2008)—What’s on the minds of people who live with disabilities and their families, neighbors and friends in your community?  Did you know that nationally one out of five children, adults and elderly persons are directly impacted by disability and this population is the fastest growing segment of our society?  Are you versed in the issues?

Too many Georgians in the Valdosta-Lowndes County community don’t live in their own homes, can’t get a good education, can’t find satisfying work or have a voice in their future – just because they have a developmental disability.

The Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) advocates for Georgians with developmental disabilities so they can live, learn, work, play and worship where and how they choose by engaging community and business leaders, lawmakers and the general public.

Local news and public affairs professionals are invited to attend a media roundtable briefing and luncheon, sponsored by the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce and GCDD, Wednesday, October 22, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 416 North Ashley Street, Valdosta, GA  31601

“The Missing Pages of Your Style Book,” offers an opportunity for news and editorial directors, reporters and other media professionals to connect with a rich source of ideas for news coverage, features and community outreach. Local disability related issues will be presented through personal stories. Updated style guidelines for portraying people with disabilities will be provided.  Media representatives are invited to reply by October 20, at (404) 657-2122 or .

In addition, Valdosta-Lowndes County residents are encouraged to share their thoughts about community life for people with disabilities and their families during a public forum on Thursday, Oct 23 - 5:30 pm-7:00 pm) at the Holiday Inn Hotel Conference Center, 1805 West Hill Ave. Council members will hear public comment about improving social services and public policy from community members and civic leaders.

The Valdosta-Lowndes County media round table and public forum are important outreach components of GCDD’s official quarterly session.  GCDD is a resource for leading, supporting, joining and developing welcoming communities across Georgia for people with disabilities and their families, friends and neighbors.

Med
ia professionals are asked to contact GCDD to confirm for the Wednesday, October 22, luncheon briefing. The public forum, scheduled for Thursday, October 23, is open to the public and the media is invited.

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