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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
Accessibility & Inclusion

Education

Self-Advocacy

Systems Change

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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.

Browse our resouces
Developmental Disabilities Services and Supports

History of Disabilities Policy

White Papers

Making a Difference Magazine

The Next Generation of Advocacy

Spring Issue 2023

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

Current Feature Stories

The Next Generation of Advocacy

Apr 4, 2023 | Laura Schroeder

“Believe me,” said Javier Cremer, a second-year student at Georgia Tech University’s Excel program, “if I hadn’t become an advocate with a disability, I couldn’t find my true self right now.” Crem...

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Judy Heumann’s Legacy Lives On

Apr 13, 2023 | Maria Pinkelton

Heumann’s advocacy spirit was ignited by her parents, who fought for her access to quality education. That spirit became her advocacy voice as she gained awareness of the greater disabled experienc...

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Public Policy for the People: A Recap of Georgia’s 2023 Legislative Session

Apr 17, 2023 | Support Team

With approximately 25% of the representatives being new legislators during this session, a significant portion of the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) public policy work focused...

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Current Topics

Parent 2 Parent of Georgia Empowers Parents & Families

Apr 19, 2023 | Support Team | Expert Update

“My daughter was born with profound disabilities. I didn't know anything about anything at that point. And I found early on that the people from that I learned things from, and I needed to learn a ...

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Viewpoint: The Power of Advocacy

Apr 17, 2023 | D'Arcy Robb | Viewpoint

And this year, I have had the pleasure and opportunity to be at Advocacy Days as the new Executive Director of GCDD. One of the great privileges of being a DD council is we're charged with a...

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Practical Examples of Supported Decision-Making

Apr 17, 2023 | John McCarty Hannah Hibben | Living Independently

Supported Decision-Making is a way for people with disabilities to have control over their lives. People of all ages, all races, all abilities and all socioeconomic levels get support when they are...

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Uniting for Change – How and Why We Advocate

Apr 17, 2023 | Support Team | Self-Advocate Spotlight

I also helped to advocate for the closing of the institutions in Georgia. I am a public speaker and I am proud to be a part of Uniting For Change. I have been a part of the leadership collective si...

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GCDD Recognizes National Siblings Day

Apr 17, 2023 | Tianna Faulkner | Around The State

Mira Patel, who works for the DeKalb Community Service Board is a sibling advocate. Her brother Rahul has a developmental disability. Patel says being a sibling advocate has shaped her life and tha...

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Meeting GOALS of Students with Intellectual Disabilities

Apr 13, 2023 | Laura Schroeder | Include College Corner

In addition, he works in University Mail Center, earning an income while being part of a team. His supervisor notes that Harkins is ready to work when he enters the Center. Harkins is a stud...

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Building a Community with Intention

Apr 13, 2023 | GCDD | GCDD Impact

When the organization started is a moot point when you consider the impact it has had on mothers, fathers, and children across Georgia over the last 40-plus years. Everyone, including Arno, ...

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Watch

GCDD Advocacy Days - Waivers and Wages - Diversified Enterprises Team Spotlight

GCDD Advocacy Day at the Capitol Brings IPSE Students to the Spotlight

GCDD Advocacy Days - Waivers and Wages - We Dream in Black Team Spotlight

GCDD Advocacy Days - Wages and Waivers - Spotlight - St. Pierre Family