August 2025

When it comes to inclusive education in Georgia, the Georgia Coalition for Equity and Education (GCEE) is changing how families advocate for children with disabilities in schools. This organization is making sure their voices are heard. 

Leslie Lipson, Lipson AdvocacyLed by longtime disability rights attorney Leslie Lipson, founder of Lipson Advocacy, GCEE was launched in 2015. The launch came in the wake of a major civil rights investigation into Georgia’s segregated school program known as GNETS, or Georgia Network for Educational and Therapeutic Supports. The U.S. Department of Justice found that the program violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a historic first for the country.

“The launch of GCEE came from that fight,” said Lipson. “But it wasn’t just about the lawsuit. We asked: so what? What’s the real-world impact on families, schools, and communities? That’s what GCEE was created to answer.”

Now in its sixth year with support from the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD), GCEE combines legal expertise, public policy awareness, and community-based advocacy. The organization gives families the tools they need. Whether it's hosting webinars, sharing guidance, or giving template letters and comment forms, the initiative has provided support or educational opportunities to approximately 550 families. GCEE has also trained another 1,300 individuals, including educators, attorneys, advocates, and stakeholders. 

GCEE also hosts or has co-sponsored at least 15 webinars or events focused solely on inclusion and equity in education. It has also presented to various community groups, legal organizations, and family-led initiatives across Georgia.

Families also receive training on how to identify unfairness in their child’s education journey. They learn how to take action when problems arise. For parents just beginning the journey, Lipson offers three key pieces of advice:

First, look at a typical school day: If your child is in fourth grade, ask what any other student’s day looks like in the same grade. “How many hours of reading? How much recess? Clubs, electives, social opportunities? Then compare that to what your child is getting. That’s your yardstick,” advises Lipson.

Second, follow your child’s strengths and interests: “We often focus so much on fixing what’s ‘wrong’ that we ignore what’s right,” said Lipson. “If your child is great at reading or obsessed with LEGO, nurture that. Find ways to connect your child with others so they can increase friendships and belong.”

Finally, communicate urgently and clearly: “When something’s not working, document the impact in writing. Don’t just say, ‘The bus pick-up is too early,” said Lipson. “Say, ‘My child is missing 130 hours of instruction this year due to early pickup, and it’s affecting instructional time and experiences with friends.’ That’s how you shift the narrative.”

Lipson has seen firsthand how this approach makes a difference. Examples include parents who use GCEE’s tools to resolve conflicts at school and public comment campaigns that influence state policy. 

“This work is about building bridges—between families and systems, between frustration and solutions,” she adds.

Through GCDD’s continued support, GCEE is making equity in education not just a goal. The organization is turning it into a practice. 

The coalition is made up of approximately 30 different organizations across Georgia. These organizations include Atlanta Legal Aid Society, DeKalb County Child Advocacy Center, Georgia Advocacy Office, Georgia Voices for Children, Georgia STOP, I DECIDE Georgia, Parent to Parent of Georgia, Sangha Unity Network, Attachment and Trauma Network, Truancy Intervention Project, The Carter Center, Voices for Georgia’s Children, Georgia Legal Services, and The Arc of Georgia – to name a few.

Securing the Future: Vision, Decisions & Advocacy

GCEE’s next event, Securing the Future: Vision, Decisions, and Advocacy, will be held on August 12, 2025, in Macon, GA. This workshop is designed for parents of young adults with disabilities aged 14-25 who are wondering what comes next in their child’s life. This workshop is for you if your child is entering high school, preparing to graduate, planning for work, or thinking about more education. The event will be held from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. For more information and to register, visit https://bit.ly/STFMacon2025 

To learn more about GCEE, go to https://www.gaequityed.com/. 

Session is out and we are in the middle of summer, but the perfect time to advocate is now.

We’ve experienced many changes over the past few months. These include funding shifts at the federal level to key developments within the Department of Education. Now is the time to speak up for what matters most. Speak up for both federal and state issues. Georgia has started talking about how to handle the problems that are coming. This is especially important because no one knows exactly what will happen next.

The Georgia state legislature has finished their work for the year. Since then, the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) has been working hard to inform advocates about what's happening at the federal level. On July 4, 2025, the President signed into law the Big Beautiful Bill (HR1). We have been examining how this legislation will impact Georgia’s disability community. One immediate concern is the recent federal freeze on funds allocated to the Department of Education. These funds directly support students with disabilities. This pause could significantly affect students who rely on essential educational and support services.

Adding to this concern, the Office of Planning and Budget (OPB) recently sent a memo to all state agency leaders. That message told them to prepare for potential cuts in federal funding. These funds support critical programs. These programs include Georgia’s Medicaid waivers, which help people with disabilities live more independently and with dignity.

Over the past few years, there has been encouraging momentum in Georgia. The 2023 Senate Study Committee was formed to address the Medicaid waiver waitlist. More recently, the state passed the Dignity in Pay Act. This act ensures that people with disabilities are paid at or above minimum wage. These are huge wins, but now they need to be protected and expanded.

That’s where you come in. Now is the perfect time to remind your state lawmakers how vital these services are for Georgia’s disability community. One unique thing about Georgia’s legislators is that they are considered “part-time legislators.” This means they spend much of the year in their home districts. This makes them more accessible to people living in their districts. Especially those who cannot travel to the State Capitol in Atlanta.

If you’d like to contact your legislator but do not know who that is, GCDD’s Advocacy Tool makes it simple. Once you log in, the tool identifies your elected officials. It then provides a message you can customize and send.

Most lawmakers may not be fully aware of how these issues affect the disability community. Who is better to educate them than you? You are the expert in your own life. Your story matters. Legislators value firsthand experiences, and your voice can drive real change.

GCDD is here to support you every step of the way. We can help you get ready for meetings or come with you when you need support. We want to help you speak up for yourself in the best way possible.

So, while school may be out, advocacy is very much in. Let’s make this summer count!

There is a bridge my daughter crawled across as a baby. It is a playground bridge. Back then, I wanted her to play like a big kid. So I would help her crawl across. Now as I am writing this, she is walking across it in a few steps. She is a tween enjoying the summer days.

This year I especially need these sweet, warm evenings. They bring me peace. 

No matter how you feel about this presidential administration, there is no denying that they are moving fast to change American society. Here at the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD), much of our attention this year has been on the federal budget. We especially watch Medicaid. At the same time we’re working on our new strategic plan. We are preparing for new members to serve on our Council. We are moving forward with our public policy, projects, and communications. So - where are we now? And what happens next?

• Medicaid - Medicaid is a joint state-federal program.When you see big movement on one side, you will see changes on the other side too. Now that the federal budget has been signed into law, it is time for each state to break down that budget. Do not panic. But be sure to follow GCDD on our social media platforms and digital communications. More decisions and choices are coming at the state Medicaid level and we want you to be aware of them. (See the article Fight for Medicaid & What's Next in this issue of Making a Difference.)
• Our sister agencies - Many people think the federal budget fight is over now that the big budget bill has passed. This is not true. More budget decisions remain. These happen in what is called the appropriations process. Cuts are proposed for GCDD’s sister agencies. These include the Georgia Advocacy Office (GAO), the Center for Leadership in Disability (CLD), and the Institute for Human Development and Disability (IHDD). We will watch the process closely and let you know  about opportunities to get involved. (See the article The Impact of Georgia’s DD Network from the June issue of Making a Difference).
• Our strategic plan - We want to give a huge thanks to you! Hundreds of you took part in our strategic planning process. Here is a quick preview - the number one issue in our survey responses was services and supports. Sixty-two percent of people said this as one of the greatest areas of need for Georgia’s developmental disabilities community. We’re now reviewing and breaking down a lot more data with our Council members. We will keep you updated in the coming months on more opportunities to help shape our five-year strategic plan. 
• Membership - Over the past few months, you have heard from three powerful advocates in this space. They are Evan Nodvin, Nandi Isaac, and Dorothy Harris.  They are stepping down after years of Council service. This summer, we are excited to welcome a new cohort of members on board. Watch for more news soon!
• New projects - Exciting things are on the way! GCDD is getting ready to roll out a new project around housing. Also, we are currently seeking applicants for a new project on exclusionary discipline in school settings. Learn more and how to apply for this project on our Notice of Funds Available (NOFA) page.

We here at GCDD believe that we are stronger, better, and smarter when we work together. We will continue to work hard to give you the information and resources you need to get involved in the ways that matter most to you.

That said - don’t go all work and no play. Maybe you like sweet sticky summer evenings. Or maybe you’d rather be splashing in the pool or chilling in the AC. Either way, don’t forget to find your joy, this and every season.

D’Arcy Robb
GCDD Executive Director

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) thanks Georgia families and self-advocates for their hard work. You used your voices to speak for other Georgians during a big federal budget debate. House Resolution 1 (HR1) passed. It is also called the Big Beautiful Bill. This article gives you a brief overview of the bill. Its focus is on Medicaid and how it affects Georgia's communities.

The President signed HR1 into law this past July 4th. This important law will change Medicaid in Georgia. Right now, Georgia spends about 2.3% of all U.S. Medicaid money. That is $17 billion per year.

Georgia's Medicaid program covers more than 2 million people. This includes over 200,000 people with disabilities. Medicaid pays for important services. These include NOW/COMP waivers. These waivers provide Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Medicaid also pays for TEFRA/Katie Beckett Waivers. These cover tests and treatment for children with significant disabilities. 

HR1 does not directly cut Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). But history shows us something important. When Medicaid faces budget cuts, optional services like HCBS are often cut first.

What will Medicaid changes look like in Georgia?

Medicaid is a joint state-federal program. This means not all decisions are made at the federal level. Because of this no one can tell you exactly what HR1 means for Georgians on Medicaid right now. HR1 cuts the Medicaid budget. This means states must look closely at HR1. They will use it to make future decisions about their Medicaid programs.

These cuts will not start until 2027. At GCDD, we will focus on what Medicaid changes mean for Georgians with disabilities. We will keep you informed. We will tell you what is happening and what you can do to advocate.

Remember this as Georgia moves forward. When it comes to Medicaid changes, the details matter. Medicaid is a state-federal program. This means Medicaid already looks different in every state. So changes that states make because of HR1 will not look the same from state to state.

Changes will look different across the different parts of Medicaid in Georgia. For example, we think there will be more frequent eligibility checks. These will happen under Georgia's "Pathways to Coverage" program. This is the partial Medicaid expansion that began in 2023. But we do not think there will be more frequent eligibility checks in waiver programs.

Bottom line – stay tuned. We are keeping our ears close to the ground. We will keep sharing important information for Georgians with developmental disabilities.

Attention! Big federal decisions to come

Not all federal budget decisions were made in the big budget bill. More decisions are coming. This includes possible cuts to GCDD's sister agencies.

We told you last month about possible budget cuts. These cuts could affect the Georgia Advocacy Office (GAO). They could also affect the Center for Leadership in Disability (CLD) at Georgia State and the Institute for Human Development and Disability (IHDD) at UGA. The President's budget request proposes cutting funding to all these agencies.

Are they cut or not? We do not know yet. Congress will make these decisions. They will work through Appropriations committees.

Have you or a loved one benefited from GAO, CLD, or IHDD? Now is a great time to call your Congressperson. Tell them about the funding risk to University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities like CLD and IHDD. Tell them about the funding risk to Protection & Advocacy agencies like GAO. And tell them what those agencies and their work mean to you.

So, what can you do about it?

Now, more than ever, we must protect Georgia's core Medicaid population. We must expand the workforce. We must strengthen families by investing in the disability system.

We urge you to contact your state legislators. Remind them how important it is to increase funding for Medicaid waivers at the state level. Remind them that funding Medicaid waivers is an investment. It helps Georgia's families and communities.

We did a case study last year. It was about Mia Nobbie. She is a Georgian with a disability who gets a Medicaid waiver. Mia can hire support staff. Those staff members then pay taxes. This helps the local economy. Mia also works a part-time job at a local hospital. She stays engaged in the community. Because of her waiver support, her mom can work at a well-paying job.

The waiver support helps Mia live with dignity and independence. It also helps her give back over $70,000 each year to the state. This comes from wages, taxes, and spending. The value of her total contributions to the community cannot be measured. It makes good business sense to invest in Georgians with disabilities. And of course, it is the right thing to do.

There is a saying in the legislature: "The budget is a moral document." Let's make sure it reflects an investment. We want investment in the lives, dignity, and future of the disability community.

“What’s Happening in Your Town” features the perspectives of people with developmental disabilities about their own experiences in their communities. The column gives them a space to freely share their own opinions and their lived experiences with others. Interested in writing an article? Send an email to Tianna Faulkner, Editor-in-Chief at .

My name is Natasha Nelson, and I was born in 1989 as the oldest of seven children to Ruby Miller, a single mother living in Rome, Georgia. In kindergarten, I was evaluated and put in the gifted and talented program. But my childhood was a confusing, scary, and lonely time. 

I was a surrogate mother to my siblings while my mother worked to provide for all of us. I was surrounded by people but never understood. I read fiction to escape the reality of my own life. I did this so much that I would walk two miles to the library with all my siblings regularly. I would even walk while reading and sometimes fall into ditches!  

I was socially awkward and had different habits. For example, I sucked my fingers well into adulthood. Despite all this, I did not get a diagnosis until 2023. At that time, my children were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and were referred to the early intervention program at the SPARK Foundation for Research. It was then that I was blessed to be diagnosed with ASD, Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Obsessive-compulsive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Somatic Symptom Disorder. 

Today, I am a disability advocate. I am certified as a:

• Positive discipline educator in the home, classroom, and early childhood education center;
• Family support group facilitator for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI); and
• Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences (HOPE) facilitator.

I currently serve as the Georgia ECHO Autism Stat Early Diagnostic Model Family Advocate. I am a highly decorated veteran and the mother to two autistic Black girls. I am also the founder and CEO of Supernova Parenting. 

Supernova Parenting is a national nonprofit based in Stone Mountain, Georgia. We support families of color who are raising children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), mental health needs, or who are neurodivergent. Our goal is to help these families live better lives. We do that by providing education, easy-to-use resources, and strong support. We work for disability justice and fight against racism and ableism at home, in schools, and in the workplace. We believe all families deserve to feel included, respected, and supported. 

Through our innovative NEED System, we work to create a supportive, caring, empathetic, and respectful environment. Our approach has four parts:

• Networking with organizations and advocates; 
• Supporting caregivers of families of color. These families are navigating neurodivergence, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and mental health disorders. We help through both personal and policy advocacy; 
• Empathizing with caregivers' concerns across diverse cultures; and
• Educating through evidence-based information that uses diverse theories and personal stories. 

In 2022, I was chosen by the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network as its 2022 recipient of the Creating Community Together Award. I am a 2023-2024 Georgia Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities program trainee graduate. Recently, the Association of University Centers on Disabilities chose me as one of their Emerging Leaders for 2024-2025. 

Finally, my family and I played a prominent role in the highly honored documentary "Navigating Autism in Communities of Color.” This documentary was produced and directed by the School of History and Sociology and the School of Literature Media and Communication at Georgia Tech, in collaboration with The Color of Autism Foundation. 

You can learn more about Supernova Parenting at https://supernovaparenting.org/. 

The disability rights movement lost one of its visionary leaders when John O'Brien passed away on June 27, 2025. For decades, O'Brien and his wife Connie Lyle O'Brien championed a simple belief: that every person deserves to be fully included in community life. His groundbreaking work changed how we think about disability. It moved goals beyond basic accommodations to pursue full community belonging. Belonging in schools, neighborhoods, and everyday conversations. He emphasized the importance of listening to people with disabilities and their families and learning from their experiences.  

This trailblazing way of thinking became the foundation for the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities’ Real Communities projects. These projects were intentionally inclusive and welcomed the gifts and talents of community members with disabilities. These person-centered methods continue to guide disability advocates worldwide. 

His legacy lives in countless communities where inclusion is not an ideal, it's a reality. Members of the disability community shared their memories of O’Brien and what he meant to them.

Jack Pierpoint, Co-Director of Inclusion Press

John was an amazing listener who crafted those stories into workshops, exercises, articles, and books. His wisdom shepherded thousands of us to join the battles for de-institutionalization. Our world is in a challenging phase, but because of the life of John O’Brien, the world is a better place for all of us.

Lynda Kahn, Co- Director of Inclusion Press

John was generously curious to learn more about what you cared about and why. I never stopped taking notes when together with John. His questions were fateful and insightful.

I am still learning about what love and tenderness and care for one another looks like from Connie and John. John is still teaching me quiet, steadfast ways of friendship.

This thought is guiding me now; we need to up our game in John’s name.

Beth Mount, Social Change Artist

John developed and shaped many of the person-centered planning methods used internationally. These methods continue to influence thousands of folks; families, facilitators, and human service workers, who keep asking “What more is possible?” against all odds. John prepared us to have the courage to challenge and overcome practices, structures, and values that lead to segregation, devaluation, and underestimation in contrast to people living with true purpose and belonging in real communities.

Brittany Curry, Graphic Facilitator/Statewide Citizen Advocacy Advisory Committee

Beyond all I’ve learned from John intellectually, the most important lessons have come from witnessing how he moved through the world. He listened deeply—through all the noise—and got people thinking about the right QUESTIONS to ask, rather than the ANSWERS to cling to. He modeled curiosity when most in the world seek certainty. He taught how to thoughtfully and respectfully challenge limiting beliefs. Time spent with John always left me seeing things a little more clearly.

Jessica Mathis, Community Builder, Voting Access Champion

The first time I met John O’Brien was at the Georgia Winter Institute. John and Connie O’Brien laid the foundation and the groundwork for helping me and so many in the disability community become more empowered. They taught us about mutual respect and what it meant to include people with disabilities in community decision making. I still carry a great deal of the things that he taught. We will miss you.

Learn more about the life, work and impact of John O’Brien on the Inclusion Press website.

Find out what's happening during August! Here are some events that may be of interest to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. To submit an event for GCDD’s Calendar of Events, email .

Uniting for Change: Community Strong

Community Strong, led by self-advocates for self-advocates, is a weekly Zoom gathering about having fun and spending time with each other!

When: August 4th, 11th, and 25th from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where: Online via Zoom

Zoom link: https://www.uniting4change.org/event-details/community-strong-2025-08-04-16-00 

Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities - Summer Council Meeting 

The members of the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) meet quarterly to learn what is happening in Georgia and around the nation for people with developmental disabilities and their families. These meetings are open to the public and public comments are heard on the second day of the meeting.

When: August 7-8, 2025 starting at 10:00 a.m.

Where: Online via Zoom

Registration and more information: https://gcdd.org/about/gcdd-meetings

FOCUS of Georgia - Summer Family Camp

Many times, children with significant disabilities cannot attend other camps. FOCUS Family Camp is for you! Escape with your family to the fully adaptive Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, Georgia. FOCUS Family camp prioritizes inclusivity, making sure that everyone in your household is a part of the family fun! To make this experience available to as many families as possible, FOCUS limits family camp to one family camp per household per year.

When: August 8, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. through August 10, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.

Where: Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, Georgia

Registration and more information: https://focus-ga.org/event/summer-family-camp/

Securing the Future: Vision, Decisions, and Advocacy

This workshop, presented by the Georgia Coalition for Equity in Education (GEEC), is designed for parents of young adults with disabilities aged 14-25 who are wondering what comes next in their child’s life. Whether it is entering high school, preparing to graduate, planning for work, or additional education, this workshop is for you. 

When: August 12, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Where: Tubman African American Museum, 310 Cherry St, Macon, GA

Registration and more information: https://bit.ly/STFMacon2025 

Corky Kell-Dave Hunter Classic

Score Atlanta invites the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta to the Corky Kell-Dave Hunter Classic on Saturday, August 16th. Come watch high school football and walk on the field to help flip the coin at the start of the game. Score Atlanta covers the cost of the tickets for the Down Syndrome community.

When: August 16, 2025, from 12:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Where: Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta

Registration and more information: https://www.dsaatl.org/eventcalendar/corky-kell-2025