Summer Issue of Making a Difference Covers the TIA, Looks into the Sibling Bond & Georgia's DD Network

ATLANTA, GA, July 26, 2011 – The summer edition of Making a Difference magazine was released this week and covers a range of topics including what the passage of the Transportation Investment Act (TIA), also known as HB277, means for transportation in Georgia. This issue also features the impact developmental disabilities have on the sibling bond and takes a look into the inner workings of Georgia’s DD Network. Transportation is vital to every day life, and with the passage of TIA in the 2010 Georgia General Assembly, the future of the State’s transportation system is in a critical stage for integrating improvements and more accessible transportation options across Georgia. The summer 2011 issue of Making a Difference provides background on TIA, outlines the process of how transportation projects will be chosen within the different regions across the State over the next year and addresses how this bill can affect the lives of all citizens in Georgia. This article gives insight into why Georgians need to pay attention to this issue and why now is the time for the disability community to join together and make their voice heard to help shape the future of transportation in Georgia. To learn more about the regional roundtables, visit http://www.it3.ga.gov/Pages/Roundtable.aspx. This edition also takes a look at how a disability can impact the relationship between brothers and sisters. There is a wide range of perspectives on how much a disability in the family affects the lives of siblings. This issue sheds light on the sibling bond and illustrates that there are some common issues siblings may face at some point in their life, but the amount a disability impacts the sibling relationship is very individualistic and varies from person to person. “Despite the important roles they will play in the lives of their siblings with special needs, even the most family-friendly agencies often overlook brothers and sisters,” says Don Meyer, director of Sibling Support Project, a national effort dedicated to the lifelong concerns of siblings of people who have special health, developmental or mental health concerns. In this edition’s expert update, he shares how Sibling Support Project provides peer support and opportunities for siblings to talk about issues they face in their Sibshop workshops. To learn more about the work of Sibling Support Project and the Sibshops, visit www.siblingsupport.org. This year celebrates the 40th anniversary of Georgia’s DD Network, and this edition gives a glimpse into the partnership between the four agencies— the DD Council: Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD), the Georgia Advocacy Office (GAO), the Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD) and the Center for Leadership and Disability (CLD). Eric Jacobson, GCDD executive director, affirms the close partnership and that “Georgia’s DD Network is successful and growing.” He says, “The leadership of the four agencies recognizes that we need to work together. We respect the roles and strengths of each agency in that process.” Other state leaders also share the missions, goals and accomplishments of each agency and explore how they work together to support the rights, independence and empowerment of people with developmental disabilities. Other topics in this Making a Difference edition include recognition of the 12th anniversary of the Olmstead Decision and news on legislation to establish state Individual Development Account programs. Don’t miss the Summer 2011 edition of Making a Difference. And be sure to mark your calendar for the first annual ReelAbilities Atlanta Disability Film Festival in October, 1-6, 2011 and GCDD’s quarterly meeting on October 21-22, 2011 in Gainesville, GA. Making a Difference is available online in accessible PDF and large print formats, as well as on audio for request. For more information, visit gcdd.org or call 888.275.4233 (ASK-GCDD).