Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities Sponsors Open Forum to Share Ideas for Progress and Family Options as Middle Flint Behavioral HealthCare Cordele Center Closes
In time to give voice to the recent closing of the Middle Flint Behavioral HealthCare Cordele Center, the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) will host a public forum to share ideas and discuss critical issues impacting the quality of life for persons and families living with disabilities.
Residents of Crisp, Dooly, Dougherty and nearby counties are invited to attend and offer public comment at the regional-focused forum, Thurs., April 15, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at the Conference Center of Lake Blackshear Resort, 2459-H US Highway, Cordele, GA 31015. The meeting is designed to foster an open discussion and create a greater understanding of the needs and opportunities within the disability community. Disability advocates, elected officials and community leaders are also invited.
“The closing of the Cordele Middle Flint Behavioral HealthCare Center is just an example of the challenges people with developmental disabilities and their families are currently facing due to cuts in the state budget and where we are in this economic recession,” said Eric Jacobson, executive director, GCDD. “However, this is a perfect time to explore how we address the issue of providing services at levels needed and how we work within our hometowns and legislature to create real communities with real supports for those living with disabilities.”
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. With the support of its partners and through coalitions, GCDD is working to help people with disabilities live “real lives” by accomplishing goals in five areas: Real Careers, Real Homes, Real Learning, Real Supports and Real Influence.
GCDD is a federally funded, independent state agency that meets quarterly throughout Georgia to collaborate with citizens, public and private advocacy organizations, and policy makers to positively influence public policies that enhance the quality of life for persons with developmental disabilities and their families.
