GCDD's Employment/IPSE Advocacy Day

Advocacy Days give members of Georgia's intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) community the chance to connect directly with state leaders. They are a great opportunity for both new advocates and seasoned ones to have a real impact on our state's policies for people with I/DD. There will be three Advocacy Days in 2025: January 29th, February 12th, and February 26th. See below for details and registration information.

• When: Wednesday, January 29, 2025 from 9am to 1:30pm EST
• Location: Paul D. Coverdell Legislative Office Building, 18 Capitol Square Southwest Atlanta, GA 30334
• Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gcdd-employmentipse-advocacy-day-tickets-1116547456499?aff=oddtdtcreator

Employment: Currently, employers at community rehabilitation programs in Georgia can legally pay people with disabilities less than the minimum wage. This is known as a 14(c) certificate and organizations holding one can pay people as little as 22¢ an hour. Advocates will meet with their legislators to call for a bill to end 14(c) certificates. This will ensure fair and livable wages for Georgians with disabilities. View our one-pager on 14(c) Certificates (PDF).

Inclusive Post Secondary Education (IPSE): Georgia has been leading the way in advocating for Inclusive Post Secondary Education programs. Currently, Georgia has nine schools supporting people with intellectual disabilities (ID) to go to school in Georgia. These programs serve as a pipeline for future skilled and talented candidates with disabilities in Georgia to learn skills and get education that can help them to enter the workforce and/or live independently after college. Advocates will meet with their legislators to thank them for last year’s investment of $1.5 million.

To help prepare for Advocacy Days, GCDD offers the following resources:

• An Advocates' Guide to the Ropes: How to speak to your legislators during session.
• Navigate Before You Advocate: How to get to the Capitol and Coverdell Legislative Office Building.
• Finding Your State Legislator: How to know who represents you under The Gold Dome.