I had abdominal spasms that were so intense I was ready to call 911. However, just as quickly, they subsided. Thinking it was a bad urinary tract infection, I self-medicated, trying to continue on with my day and ignore the symptoms as best I could. Eventually, things got bad enough that I...

I joined the GCDD staff in 2009 as the first director of the Real Communities initiative. I came with over 10 years of community organizing experience, an unwavering commitment to social justice and a strong willingness to get my hands dirty, learn, grow and co-create with other Georgians. I...

Lately I’ve been in a number of states as they work on amending waivers and program offerings for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In each location, we seek to move systems from “care-taking” models to services that encourage and support employment and independent or...

GCDD hosted Advocacy Days at the Capitol during the legislative session this winter to let people with disabilities, their families and other stakeholders meet legislators and discuss what is important to them. Making A Difference followed up with advocates who participated in the initiative...

An Interview with AIDD Commissioner Aaron Bishop The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, along with all nationwide DD Councils, is currently working on building a new Five Year Strategic Plan to serve the developmental disability community in the State. The plan, once completed and...

There is an excitement in the air for people with disabilities. This is our year. This is our election year. It will be our election year if we take it for our own. Last month the President began his final chapter at the State of the Union. It was apparent people with disabilities owe much to...

Celebrating 18 years of disability advocacy, the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) hosted its final Disability Day at the Capitol on February 18 at Liberty Plaza in Downtown Atlanta. Over 3,000 people with disabilities and their allies came to draw upon the attention of their...

The following is a transcript of the remarks given by Gov. Deal at Disability Day. Your theme this year is The Disability Vote –Feel The Power. That is an appropriate theme to have in this election year cycle. I would encourage all of you to register to vote and then to use that power to vote...