Four New Members Join Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is pleased to announce the addition of four new council members. These Georgians will bring new voices and ideas to the 28-member Council. These members will help make important decisions about services and support for people with disabilities in Georgia.

The new members are:

• Brooke Baumgardner, advocate, Johns Creek, GA
• Mariana Ortiz-Padilla, family member, Smyrna, GA
• Laraleigh Windom, family member, Cumming, GA
• Steven Wright, advocate, Carrollton, GA

GCDD is part of a network of 56 Councils across the United States. These Councils help people with developmental disabilities live better lives. The Georgia Council is made up of 28 members. At least 60 percent of Council members are people with disabilities or family members of people with disabilities. Other Council members are from state agencies and organizations that work with people with developmental disabilities. GCDD uses public policy and funding to improve the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities and their families. The Council helps people with disabilities be independent, included in their communities, and successful in their lives.

Meet the New Members

Brooke Baumgardner is part of Project SETA, a program at Georgia State University that teaches students with disabilities how to be advocates. Brooke graduated from Kennesaw State University’s Academy for Inclusive Learning and Social Growth inclusive post-secondary education program. Brooke wants to help people with disabilities belong to welcoming communities.

Mariana Ortiz-Padilla is a family member from Smyrna. She is a former LEND trainee at the Center for Leadership in Disability and a board member of SPECTRUM Autism Support, Inc. She helps Latino and immigrant families who have family members with disabilities. Mariana helps families with medical appointments, IEP meetings, and understanding Medicaid policies.

Laraleigh Windom is a family member from Cumming. She is a nurse, advocate and mother of a son with Phelan McDermid Syndrome. Laraleigh helps other families learn how to get services for their children. She is currently working on a new system to help families during crisis situations.

Steven Wright is an advocate from Carrollton. He brings his experience of living with autism and PTSD to the Council. He wants people to know that you can't always see someone's disability just by looking at them. Steven believes people with disabilities should speak up for themselves in doctors' offices and in public. 

What the Council Does

Council members meet four times each year. At these meetings, they work together to:

• Decide how to spend Council money on programs
• Plan ways to help people with disabilities
• Work on important issues like jobs, education, and community support

We are excited that these four new members bring different experiences and ideas to the Council. They will help make sure people with disabilities and their families have a voice in Georgia. Together, they will work to make Georgia a better place where all people with disabilities can live, work, and be part of their communities.

Learn more about the Council on our Council Members page.