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Georgia's Developmental Disabilities Community to Convene at State Capitol for Three Critical Advocacy Days

Written by GCDD on .

Disability Advocates Expected to Urge Legislators to Address Waiver Wait Lists, Special Education Needs, and Medicaid Protections

ATLANTA, GA – The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) announces its 2026 Advocacy Days series, bringing together families, self-advocates, educators, and community members at the Georgia State Capitol to address pressing policy issues affecting Georgians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

The three-part advocacy series will take place during the 2026 legislative session, providing opportunities for direct engagement between constituents and their elected representatives on critical disability policy matters.

THREE ADVOCACY DAYS SCHEDULED

NOW/COMP Waivers Advocacy Day – January 28, 2026
With over 7,800 Georgians currently waiting for NOW/COMP waivers that provide essential care services and community supports, advocates will meet with legislators to address the urgent need for increased waiver capacity. These waivers offer pathways to employment, financial stability, and full community participation for individuals with I/DD.

This day will be followed by a press conference with Senator Drew Echols, disability advocates and GCDD on the urgent need for 1,217 new waivers for the disability community.

Education Advocacy Day – February 4, 2026
Parents, educators, self-advocates, and community members will gather to share firsthand experiences about special education in Georgia's public schools. Participants will educate legislators on the challenges and opportunities facing students with disabilities and their families throughout the state's K-12 system.

No Cuts to Care: I/DD Medicaid Advocacy Day – March 4, 2026
Advocates will meet with members of the Georgia legislature to emphasize Medicaid's critical role as a lifeline for thousands of Georgians with I/DD. Participants will share real stories about how Medicaid supports independence, employment, health, and quality of life through personal care, therapy, medical equipment, and community-based services.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES

Each Advocacy Day presents compelling storytelling opportunities as constituents from across Georgia share their personal experiences with state legislators. Media are invited to cover:

  • Opening sessions with GCDD staff and volunteers (times to be announced)
  • Direct meetings between advocates and legislators at the Georgia State Capitol
  • Interviews with families, self-advocates, and community members
  • Responses from legislators on these critical policy issues

"Advocacy Days support GCDD's mission to bring about social and policy changes that promote opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities and their families to live, learn, work, play, and worship in Georgia communities," said D’Arcy Robb, Executive Director, GCDD. "These events give our state leaders the opportunity to hear directly from their constituents about what's working and what needs to change."

Each Advocacy Day features preparation and training from GCDD staff and volunteers, ensuring both new and seasoned advocates can effectively communicate with their legislators on these important issues.

ABOUT GCDD

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities works to bring about social and policy changes that promote opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities and their families. GCDD collaborates with, supports, and funds projects across Georgia that create opportunities to enhance the quality of life for Georgians living with developmental disabilities.

For more information about Advocacy Days 2026, including registration details and media access, visit gcdd.org/public-policy/gcdd-advocacy-days or contact GCDD at 404.657.2126.

Registration Information:

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