Media Advisory - Disability Day
February 16, 2012
Follow Updates via Twitter at #gcddday
2,500 Expected At 14th Disability Day at the Capitol - Gov. Deal and Perriello To Speak
WHAT:
The largest public gathering and rally held annually during the official legislative session emphasizes the statewide need for community-based services and vital supports for people with developmental disabilities. The biggest crowd ever - 2,500 pre-registered Georgians - is expected to gather for the 14th Annual Disability Day at the Capitol and advocate for improved services and greater community access for people with disabilities and their
families. "My Life is FOR REAL!" is the theme for this year's Rally.
Pre-registered guests include about 650 young people, including a group of 300 high school and middle school students from Hall County. Youth will have a variety of roles at Disability Day including staffing exhibits at the Georgia Freight Depot, gathering signatures in support of people with disabilities, and even introducing the Governor for his Rally keynote address.
WHY:
The state of Georgia is a focal point for disability rights.
- Many requirements from the October 2010 Department of Justice settlement with Georgia are being put into action. This movement aligns with GCDD's Real Communities initiative.
- Over 6,000 Georgians are on the waiting list to receive services - Unlock The Waiting Lists! is a campaign calling for funding of community-based services and vital supports.
- The Transportation Investment Act Referendum (TIA), which contains real benefits for people with disabilities, comes before a state-wide vote in July. (1% SPLOST)
- The Children's Freedom Initiative (CFI) is gaining momentum statewide to move children from nursing homes into real homes with families in the community. Disability Day participants will show support by signing the CFI Declaration
- One in five Georgians and about 54 million Americans have some type of disability as an occurrence of birth, injury or longevity.
- The annual rally promotes access, opportunity and meaningful community living for Georgians with disabilities and their families.
WHEN:
Thursday, February 16, 2012
9:00 am - Registration and activities, Georgia Freight Depot
11:00 am - Rally at the Capitol Steps
12:15 pm - Lunch (Legislators, Constituents, Advocates) Georgia Freight Depot
WHERE:
Capitol steps, Atlanta: Washington Street side and adjacent Georgia Freight Depot
WHO:
Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD, www.gcdd.org), Sponsor/Host, (Tom Seegmueller, chair, and Eric E. Jacobson, executive director)
Capitol Rally at 11 am:
- Governor Nathan Deal will address the gathering.
- Mark Perriello will lend a national perspective as head of AAPD, the nation's largest disability membership organization.
- Reverend Dr. Gerald L. Durley, Senior Pastor, Providence Missionary Baptist Church of Atlanta and recognized civil rights leader, will honor Fallen Soldiers.
- Over 2,500 supporters from Georgia, the largest group ever, have pre-registered.
- State legislators and other elected officials.
