Calendar of Events: October 2025

Find out what's happening this month! 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, send an email to .

Atlanta Buddy Walk - Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta 

The Atlanta Buddy Walk is one of the most meaningful days of the year for the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta. It’s more than just a walk—it’s a celebration of our families, our stories, and the incredible individuals with Down syndrome and a chance for our community to come together, lift each other up, and be seen, heard, and celebrated. This year’s theme is “Redefine Possible.” 

When: October 4, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Where: Kennesaw State University, Marietta, GA

For more information: https://www.dsaatl.org/eventcalendar

Institute on Human Development and Disability: Georgia Disability History Symposium

Annually, the event brings together disability advocates, scholars, researchers, archivists, public officials, and organizations to highlight Georgia’s significant contributions to the disability rights movement and explore important topics in disability rights history. This year’s symposium will celebrate 50 years of the landmark Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IDEA, originally passed in 1975, transformed education by guaranteeing free, appropriate public education for children with disabilities.

The event will include a full day of presentations around inclusive education and transitioning into adulthood, including a presentation by this year’s keynote speaker, Emmy award-winning documentarians Dan and Samuel Habib, directors of “The Ride Ahead” and “My Disability Roadmap.” The symposium will bring together both emerging and established Georgians who have made important impacts around the state.

When: October 15, 2025, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Where: Richard B. Russell Library, 300 S. Hull St. Athens, GA

For more information: https://www.fcs.uga.edu/ihdd/2025-disability-symposium.

Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities: Fall 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. During these meetings, members spend time discussing best/promising practices, hearing from projects funded by GCDD, and conducting business to be an effective and efficient organization. The public is invited to attend and make public comments.

When: October 23 & 24, 2025

• Thursday the 23rd, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Friday the 24th, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Where: Tubman African American Museum in Macon

For more information: https://gcdd.org/about/gcdd-meetings

Advancing Employment at the University of Georgia: National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) 

This year’s theme is “Work is Great for Everyone.” In celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), Advancing Employment will host a virtual webinar every Thursday at 2:00 p.m. in the month of October leading up to the NDEAM event in Macon. The goal is to help people with disabilities get work. 

When: October 28, 2025,  9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Where: Tubman African American Museum in Macon 

RSVP for the October 28th event

For more information: https://www.advancingemployment.com/projects-6.

Georgia Association of People Supporting Employment First (GA APSE): Georgia APSE Conference

Join us this October for the Georgia APSE Conference 2025—a powerful two-day event dedicated to advancing competitive, integrated employment for people with disabilities.

APSE is the only national organization dedicated solely to advancing inclusive, competitive employment opportunities for people with disabilities. At Georgia APSE, we are committed to the Employment First philosophy—believing that real work for real pay should be the expectation for all.

When: October 28 & 29, 2025

Where: Tubman African American Museum, Macon

For more information: https://georgiaapse.org/