What is the DD Network?

The Developmental Disabilities (DD) Network is a group of organizations that work together to improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities. This network was created by a law passed in 2000 to protect the rights of people with developmental disabilities. It is overseen by a federal agency called the Administration for Community Living. In Georgia, this includes:

• Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD)
• University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs)
• Protection & Advocacy Systems (P&As)

These groups focus on training, advocacy, and making sure people with disabilities are included in decisions that affect them.

Center for Leadership in Disability (CLD) at Georgia State University

• Center for Leadership in Disability is one of Georgia’s two UCEDDs
• Trains future leaders and professionals to better support people with disabilities.
• Runs the LEND program, which has trained over 400 professionals since 2011.
• Offers the IDEAL program, giving students with intellectual disabilities a real college experience.
• Works with healthcare providers to improve access and inclusion.
• Helped train over 1,600 professionals, including 600 teachers in 2023.
• Collaborates with other DD Network partners to influence state policies.

Learn more about Center for Leadership in Disability (CLD) at Georgia State University.

Georgia Advocacy Office (GAO)

• The Georgia Advocacy Office is Georgia’s P&A
• Protects the rights of people with disabilities and investigates abuse or neglect.
• Has legal authority to enter institutions and ensure people are safe and treated fairly.
• In 2023, handled over 700 individual advocacy cases and supported over 10,000 voters with disabilities.
• Helps people keep essential services like Medicaid.
• Uses individual stories to push for bigger policy changes, like fixing the children’s mental health system.

Learn more about Georgia Advocacy Office (GAO).

Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD) at the University of Georgia

• Institute on Human Development and Disability is one of is one of Georgia’s two UCEDDs
• Works to ensure people with disabilities can live full lives in their communities.
• Focuses on jobs, relationships, and reducing isolation.
• Supports farmers with disabilities through programs like Farm Again, helping them stay on their land with assistive technology.
• Helps veterans with disabilities find purpose through farming.
• Tackles the shortage of direct support professionals by training and advocating for better jobs in the field.

Learn more about the Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD) at the University of Georgia. 

Georgia’s DD Network is making a big difference by training leaders, protecting rights, and creating opportunities for people with disabilities. Their work helps ensure that everyone has a chance to live a meaningful, included life.

For more detailed information, read The Impact of Georgia’s DD Network.