Macon Community Speaks Out: Living with Disabilities

Chamber of Commerce Hosts Media Briefing Luncheon–Oct. 14 Public Forum: Open Comments; Rule on Positive Behavior Supports in Schools–Oct. 15

Nearly fifty four million Americans are living with some type of disability – more than five million live in Georgia. This is the fastest growing segment of our society. Yet too many Georgians don’t live in their own homes, can’t get a good education, can’t find satisfying work or have a voice in their future – just because they have a developmental disability. Are you versed in the issues that impact the lives of your neighbors – the children, adults and elderly who live with disabilities in your community?

Positive behavior supports in schools, accessible housing, national disability employment awareness month, a successful youth leadership program at Rutland Middle and High Schools and the power of words are topics for discussion with local media on Wednesday, October 14, 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, at the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce, 305 Coliseum Drive, sponsored by the Georgia Council On Developmental Disabilities (GCDD).

“The Missing Pages of Your Style Book” is a media round table briefing and luncheon for media and public affairs professionals to examine editorial perspectives on responsible portrayals of persons with disabilities in news, human interest features, lifestyle coverage and through language. It includes the latest People First Language recommendations, many yet to be updated in the current Associated Press Stylebook. People First Language is a way of writing for greater accuracy that reflects knowledge and respect for people with disabilities.

Learn why GCDD has joined other advocacy organizations to urge the Department of Education (DOE) to regulate use of restraint and seclusion or “time-out” in schools. “We can all agree that every child should be safe at school,” explained GCDD Executive Director, Eric Jacobson. “We want a ban on dangerous practices that can lead to tragic accidents, and we want to help the community get involved,” he said.

Greater Macon residents and civic leaders are invited to participate in the State Board of Education rule promulgation process and share ideas for enhancing community life for people with disabilities at a public forum on Thursday, October 15, 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, at the Pilot International Foundation located at 102 Preston Ct.

Georgia Advocacy Office (GAO) Executive Director Ruby Moore said, “We applaud the Department’s decision to address this Issue…but more work is needed.” The Center for Leadership in Disability at Georgia State University and the Institute on Human Development and Disability at the University of Georgia are partners with GCDD and GAO in this effort to encourage positive behavior supports in Georgia Public Schools.

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.

Reservations are available for the October 14, “Missing Pages of Your Style Book” media round table luncheon briefing.