Legislative Priorities

The mission of the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is to bring about social and policy changes that promote opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities and their families to live, learn, work, play and worship in Georgia communities.

To be most effective in our advocacy, GCDD leads on 2-3 priority areas each session, while also supporting our partner organizations in their efforts. The following 2023 Policy Agenda is based on public input, and in support of our new Five Year Strategic Plan:

GCDD 2023 Public Policy Priorities

• Increasing state funding to reduce the over 7,000 person NOW/COMP waiver wait list because Georgians with developmental disabilities and their families are not currently receiving the critical supports they need to live meaningful lives in their communities.

• Increasing direct support professional (DSP) wages to address the staffing crisis. Professionals who support Georgians with developmental disabilities need to be paid a livable wage.

• Strengthening Employment First options and ending subminimum wage practices because Georgians with developmental disabilities want real jobs for real wages.

• Enhancing Georgia's Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) programs through scholarships because, unlike their peers, students with developmental disabilities have no state-funded scholarship pathway.

Download the 2023 Public Policy Agenda here.

GCDD Public Policy Vision: Disability in ALL Policy

GCDD promotes public policies that aim to advance the well-being of all Georgians with intellectual/developmental disabilities, their families, and all who love them, by supporting and advancing policies that create and maintain true community inclusion, such as:

+ Health & Wellness

We are committed to advancing sound policies that improve the overall health (physical, mental, emotional, and sexual) of people with developmental disabilities and their loved ones.

+ Housing

GCDD supports policy solutions that provide the infrastructure and funding necessary to address the shortage of accessible, affordable housing options for people with developmental disabilities.

+ Transportation

Reliable transportation options are critical to ensure people with developmental disabilities are truly included in all aspects of communities. GCDD supports policies that improve current transportation options.

+ Education

Inclusive education policies, starting with early childcare settings and continuing through postsecondary education, are necessary to assist Georgians with developmental disabilities in reaching their full potential.

+ Employment

GCDD supports Georgia's vision for a public system that funds employment supports first. We will work to advance policies that improve competitive, integrated employment options for Georgians with developmental disabilities.

+ State Budget

We believe Georgia's budget highlights our state's priorities, and GCDD strives to educate lawmakers on the importance of maintaining/increasing budget line items that impact Georgians with developmental disabilities.

Download the GCDD Public Policy Vision here.

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