The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is excited to announce the upcoming ”Embracing Possibility: Georgia’s Disability Justice Journey” exhibit at the Tubman African American Museum in Macon, Georgia. The opening celebration will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at the museum, located at 310 Cherry Street, Macon, GA 31201.

Waddie Welcome and the Beloved Community Quilt by Beth MountThe exhibit, which will run from May 2025 through June 2026, aims to redefine how people with disabilities are perceived in society by showcasing their courage, creativity, and historic contributions. It highlights the rich history of disability justice in Georgia and beyond, inviting visitors to explore the strength and potential of individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID), their families, and communities. Each experience reveals a unique source of power, encourages creative and courageous action, and leaves visitors transformed by a new understanding of what's possible.

“Embracing Possibility” is made possible through the collaboration of GCDD, Derek’s Doodles, Inclusion Press, the Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD) at the University of Georgia, the Georgia Advocacy Office (GAO), Crimminz & Associates, the Center for Leadership in Disability (CLD) at Georgia State University, the Southern Poverty Law Center of Georgia, Sangha Unity Network, Walton Options, Wesley Glen Ministries, Dr. Beth Mount, and many other disability advocates throughout the state of Georgia.

Founded in 1981, the Tubman Museum strives to explore, celebrate, and share the rich art and history of African Americans. It serves as a center of social and civic engagement and a source of experiences that enrich cultural understanding and inspire positive change.

Harriet Tubman, known for her bravery and leadership using the Underground Railroad in the fight against slavery, also lived with a disability. She sustained a traumatic brain injury in her youth, resulting in lifelong seizures and narcoleptic episodes. Tubman's resilience in the face of barriers embodies the spirit of the disability rights movement and emphasizes the strength and capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

The Harriet Tubman Museum honors Tubman's legacy of fighting for freedom for enslaved people and women’s rights, despite barriers. Hosting the exhibit at this museum underscores the historical and symbolic connection between Tubman's legacy and the disability justice movement. It is a fitting venue for the exhibit on Georgia's Disability Justice History due to Tubman's own experiences with disability and her enduring legacy as a symbol of resilience and empowerment. This connection enhances the exhibit's impact and allows visitors to appreciate the contributions of individuals with disabilities.

For more information about the May 18th opening celebration, visit www.gcdd.org or connect with GCDD on our social media channels.

Ariel Edwards (LMSW), is the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities’ (GCDD) new Program and Policy Specialist whose role focuses on policy research, project management, and initiatives that support Georgians with developmental disabilities. Ariel oversees GCDD’s inclusive post-secondary education (IPSE) programs and the Georgia Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Consortium (GAIPSEC). In this role, Ariel will also analyze policies to inform recommendations for systems change that includes working with GCDD’s public policy team and oversee the implementation of Georgia as a Model Employer (GAME) in partnership with the State ADA Coordinator’s Office.

Ariel earned their BSW and MSW degrees from Georgia State University, with a focus on community partnerships in their graduate studies. They are also a 2024-2025 Georgia Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (GaLEND) Social Work and Self-Advocacy Fellow. Ariel brings a unique background in promoting and supporting disability and macro social work practice, shaped by their lived experience as a neurodivergent individual.

Ariel’s experience includes facilitating career discussions for neurodiverse students at Georgia State University and co-leading the development of a new peer mentorship program through GaLEND.

In their free time, Ariel enjoys being part of poetry club through myLIFE, connecting with their peer mentor and young adults through the Emory Best Buddies chapter, and attending art workshops at the High Museum.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is in the final phases of gathering input for its 2027-2031 Five-Year Strategic Plan. Information gathered from stakeholders across the state will help GCDD form a strategic plan to create systems change for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. The final plan will guide projects that help the Council influence public policy at both state and federal levels, support capacity building through technical assistance and grants, facilitate discussions on creating change, and promote public awareness of the needs of the disability community.

Currently, GCDD is gathering information through focus groups involving families, self-advocates, and providers. These focus groups are crucial for identifying where resources and programming are needed most. 

To ensure the plan reflects the needs and priorities of the community, GCDD is also collecting information from Georgians through an online survey. We are in the final weeks of the survey being open, and it is vital to include as many voices as possible in this data collection effort. Individuals with I/DD, their families, caregivers, and community advocates are encouraged to take the survey and share it with others. 

The survey, available in both English and Spanish, takes approximately 5-10 minutes to complete and closes soon. To complete the survey, click one of the following links below:

Take the survey:

English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/G8WYS8J

Spanish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GH3C2LY

The survey will end Friday, May 16, 2025. By engaging with the community and incorporating their feedback, GCDD’s goal is to ensure that individuals with I/DD are interdependent, included in their communities, and self-determined in their lives. For more information, visit www.gcdd.org.

Your participation is essential in shaping a future where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can thrive. Please complete the survey and share it widely to ensure that every voice is heard.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) continues to seek public input for its 2027-2031 Five-Year Strategic Plan project. Information gathered from stakeholders across the state will help GCDD form a strategic plan to create systems change for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. The final plan will guide projects that help the Council influence public policy at both state and federal levels, support capacity building through technical assistance and grants, facilitate discussions on creating change, and promote public awareness of the needs of the disability community. 

To ensure the plan reflects the needs and priorities of the community, GCDD is collecting information from Georgians through an online survey. Individuals with I/DD, their families, caregivers, and community advocates are encouraged to take the survey. Once you have completed the survey, please share it with others.

The survey, available in both English and Spanish, includes multiple-choice questions and opportunities for more in-depth responses, taking approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. To complete the survey, click one of the following links below:

• English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/G8WYS8J
• Spanish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GH3C2LY

Deadline to take the survey is Friday, May 16, 2025.

By engaging with the community and incorporating their feedback, GCDD’s goal is to ensure that individuals with I/DD are interdependent, included in their communities, and self-determined in their lives. For more information, visit our website.