Viewpoint: The Next Five Years
Once long ago, an advocate yelled at me because the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) was calling to get input into our strategic Five-Year Plan. I was told that we already knew the answers and should not waste her time and others when it was apparent what the needs are and what GCDD should do about it.
I shared one of my favorite tales from Alice in Wonderland: when Alice comes upon the Cheshire Cat, she asks about which path she should take? The Cheshire Cat replies, “that depends on where you are trying to go.”
GCDD spent most of this past fall gathering information from people with developmental disabilities, family members, advocates and providers about the destination and the path that we want to take over the next five years. Over 225 people attended 11 public forums representing 63 communities. In addition, over 400 people participated in an online survey. Thank you to all those who took time out of their very busy schedules to either attend a forum or complete a survey.
Council members and staff reviewed those comments and ideas in October and are using them to determine what will be in the next strategic Five-Year Plan. Once the recommendations are ready, you, the readers of Making a Difference and others will have the opportunity to give us your input into whether we are on the right path and working toward the best destination.
This edition of the magazine will focus on the results of the forums and survey. In addition, we present our legislative agenda for the upcoming General Assembly featuring the findings of the recent legislative study committee that discussed inclusive post-secondary education options and Employment First. I know that many of you with older adult family members with disabilities are concerned that an Employment First policy will result in your loved one not having the option to go to a day center or workshop. However, we believe the focus of Employment First policy will be most beneficial to students transitioning from high school. Once formal schooling has been completed, parents of today’s young adults expect their child to work and they hope they have a job that pays at least minimum wage.
Finally, to support Employment First, GCDD sponsored Take Your Legislator to Work Day. Like the original concept created by the Wisconsin Developmental Disabilities Council, people invited their legislator to spend the day with them on their job. We have heard wonderful stories and connections about legislators and individuals.
I also want to congratulate Sukie Glick, Dorothy Harris, Nandi Isaac, Heidi Moore, Brenda Liz Muñoz and Madeline Petrone, who were all appointed to GCDD by Governor Nathan Deal. We look forward to working with you.
Remember that GCDD is here to assist you. Check out our website and join our advocacy network so that you can stay informed. We hope you enjoy reading this magazine and we want to hear from you. Let us know your thoughts and comments about the magazine by writing to .
Eric E. Jacobson
Executive Director, GCDD
Read more from the winter 2016 edition of Making a Difference:
Tags: GCDD, Making a Difference