What a Turnout!

In yesterday morning’s warm sun, a crowd of over 2,000 gathered and closed down Washington Street outside the Capitol to show support for people with disabilities at the 13th Annual Disability Day at the Capitol.  From Valdosta to Ringgold, Savannah to Columbus people planned for this day for months and, in fact, for the first time ever, GCDD had to close registration.  Still, 2,040 came through the Freight Depot, making signs and banners, picking up t-shirts and enjoying lunch after the Rally.

At the rally, speakers addressed the sea of people in green and blue GCDD t-shirts.  Governor Deal address brought applause when he stated:   “I promise you that I will work with others here to make sure we expand the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all Georgians in the disability community.”

Marion Jackson from People First in Fitzgerald won Georgia’s Outstanding Self-Advocate of the Year Award and Eleanor Smith, founder of Concrete Change won the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Eric Jacobson, GCDD Executive Director, closed the Rally as everyone joined in the chant:  “Unlock the doors to real communities!  Unlock the doors to real communities!”

Watch for more photos and photo links to be posted soon in our Newsroom section.


Governor Deal Addresses the Disability
Community at the Capitol