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About
About GCDD
Our mission is to bring about social and policy changes that promote opportunities for the wide spectrum of diverse Georgians with developmental disabilities and their families to live, learn, work, play and worship in their communities.

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The Council
Public Policy
Public Policy
Our public policy efforts encourage the integration between people with developmental disabilities, the people who support them, and the community as a whole. We foster change and public awareness that reflects the needs of people with developmental disabilities.

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Current Projects
Current Projects
The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) collaborates with, supports and funds many projects across Georgia that promote best practices demonstrating innovative programs and activities that create opportunities to enhance the quality of life for Georgians living with developmental disabilities (DD).

Learn more about our Current Projects
Diversity

Education

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News & Media
News & Media
Stay up-to-date on the latest news, events, and announcements that impact people with developmental disabilities and their families in Georgia.

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Making a Difference Magazine

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Funding
Funding Opportunities
We make funds available to increase the capacity and resources of public and private nonprofit entities and others to develop a comprehensive community system that responds to the choices, capabilities and needs of persons with developmental disabilities and their families.

Learn more about funding opportunities
Dottie Adams Scholarship Fund

Conference Support Funds

Notice of Funds Available
Resources
Other Resources
We provide access to resources to help you find developmental disabilities services, learn about the history of disability policy, and access papers written about disability issues.

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Developmental Disabilities Services and Supports

History of Disabilities Policy

White Papers

Making a Difference Magazine

The 2024 Disability Vote Matters

Fall Issue 2024

Collage banner with images of different people and it says "Olmestead A Look Through the Years"

Current Feature Stories

Get Out and Vote!

Oct 14, 2024 | Anna Freeman

November 5, 2024, voters across the country will have an opportunity to exercise their rights and make their voices heard by voting. The 2024 election is about more than choosing leaders. It’s abou...

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GCDD’s Fight to End 14(c) Certificates and Subminimum Wages: A Key Initiative for National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Oct 15, 2024 | Charlotte Densmore

Charlotte Densmore, GCDD Public Policy DirectorAs the month of October ushers in National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), organizations across the nation come together to recognize t...

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Current Topics

Viewpoint: Rebuilding Hope After the Storm

Oct 21, 2024 | D'Arcy Robb | Viewpoint

D'Arcy Robb, GCDD Executive Director“Honey, those are sopping wet,” I said as my daughter carried in the Halloween decorations the day before Hurricane Helene. “Go hang them in the laundry room to ...

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Expert Update: What Happens When a Person Leaves a Sheltered Workshop?

Oct 20, 2024 | Jacob Segura | Expert Update

Navigating the complex world of employment is a challenge that millions around the world face at one time or another. For Georgians with disabilities, the task can be all the more difficult,...

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Storytelling is a Part of Our Advocacy

Oct 19, 2024 | Maria Pinkelton | GCDD Impact

Maria Pinkelton, Public Relations DirectorIn late 2017, the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities’ (GCDD) late Public Policy Director Dawn Alford had an idea to support self-advocates shari...

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Georgia’s Global Impact on the Disability Movement Recognized at Seventh Annual Georgia Disability History Symposium

Oct 18, 2024 | Anna Freeman | In Your Community

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD), along with the Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, the University of Georgia’s Institute on Human Development an...

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Berry College: On the Move and Ready to Make a Difference Through New IPSE Program

Oct 17, 2024 | Anna Freeman | Include College Corner

Michelle Haney has one question. “Can we all agree that supporting students with higher support needs is a worthwhile investment?” Haney, the executive director of Berry College’s new inclus...

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Our Voice, Our Vote: Uniting for Change Moving the Disability Vote Forward

Oct 16, 2024 | Laura Owen, Michelle Schwartz | Self-Advocate Spotlight

Throughout the voting cycle this year, Uniting for Change has been and will continue to be committed to educating and engaging all people with disabilities in Georgia about the importance of voti...

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Cultivating Potential at Berry College