Public Forum In Carrollton to Discuss Developmental Disabilities Thurs, April 14

CONTACT:

Valerie Meadows Suber, Public Information Director

Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities

404-657-2122 (office); 404-226-0343 (mobile)

Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities Seeks Input From Carroll and Surrounding County Residents

ATLANTA, GA (April 6, 2011) – On Thursday, April 14, residents from Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson, Heard and Paulding counties are welcome to share their ideas and hear the latest on policy and programs which affect people with developmental disabilities. The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) (www.GCDD.org) will facilitate a public forum from 5:30 to 7 pm at the Carroll EMC, 155 N. Highway 113 in Carrollton. Advocates, neighbors and community leaders are encouraged to attend to interact directly with state and local officials and to take this opportunity to make public comment.

One in five Georgians has a disability and greater than 50 million Americans have some type of disability as an occurrence of birth, injury or longevity.

“When we meet with Georgians in their own backyards, something organic happens,” GCDD Executive Director Eric E. Jacobson said. “We learn what’s important to local residents and can then apply that grassroots information to advocate change that often benefits not only the area we visit, but communities across the state.”

GCDD collaborates with citizens, public and private advocacy organizations and policymakers throughout the state to enhance the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities and their families. In conjunction with the Council’s quarterly meeting, it holds public forums twice a year to hear directly from local communities and gather information at the grassroots level. GCDD has conducted public forums over the years in counties including Statesboro-Bulloch, Cordele-Crisp, Macon-Bibb, Dalton-Whitfield, Valdosta-Lowdes, and Toccoa-Stephens. Currently GCDD council members are developing the group’s five-year strategic plan.

Residents interested in presenting their ideas at the public forum are welcome to sign up to speak when they arrive at the event. Jacobson and GCDD Chairperson Tom Seegmueller will facilitate the public forum. Members of the public can learn more about the April 14th event by phone at 404-657-2121 or by email to .

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD), a federally funded, independent state agency, is a leading catalyst for systems change for individuals and families living with developmental disabilities. Through public policy initiatives, advocacy programs and community building, GCDD promotes and creates opportunities to enable persons with disabilities to live, work, play and worship as integral members of society. A developmental disability is a chronic mental and/or physical disability that occurs before age 22 and is expected to last a lifetime. It may require supports in three or more of the following life activities: self-care, language, learning, mobility, self-direction, independent living and economic self-sufficiency. Visit www.gcdd.org for more information.

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