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Public Policy Priorities

The mission of the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is 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.

To be most effective in our advocacy, GCDD leads on several priority areas during each legislative session, while also supporting our partner organizations in their efforts.

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GCDD 2025 Public Policy Priorities

Lead

  • End the Waitlist: Advocate for funding for 2,400 new NOW/COMP Waivers.
  • Create an I/DD Commission: Advocate for the passage of a bill that would create an I/DD Commission.
  • End Subminimum Wages: Advocate for the passage of a bill that ends 14c certificates.

Partner

  • End Abuse & Neglect: Advocate for the creation of an abuse registry.
  • Improve Police Training: Advocate for I/DD-specific police training to be included in the law.

Engage

  • Council will be consulted on policies that affect our community.

Download a PDF version of our 2025 Proposed Legislative Agenda

GCDD Public Policy Vision: Disability in ALL Policy

GCDD promotes public policies that aim to advance the well-being of all Georgians with intellectual/developmental disabilities, their families, and all who love them, by supporting and advancing policies that create and maintain true community inclusion, such as:

Housing

GCDD supports policy solutions that provide the infrastructure and funding necessary to address the shortage of accessible, affordable housing options for people with developmental disabilities.

Health & Wellness

We are committed to advancing sound policies that improve the overall health (physical, mental, emotional, and sexual) of people with developmental disabilities and their loved ones.

Transportation

Reliable transportation options are critical to ensure people with developmental disabilities are truly included in all aspects of communities. GCDD supports policies that improve current transportation options.

Education

Inclusive education policies, starting with early childcare settings and continuing through postsecondary education, are necessary to assist Georgians with developmental disabilities in reaching their full potential.

Employment

GCDD supports Georgia's vision for a public system that funds employment supports first. We will work to advance policies that improve competitive, integrated employment options for Georgians with developmental disabilities.

State Budget

We believe Georgia's budget highlights our state's priorities, and GCDD strives to educate lawmakers on the importance of maintaining/increasing budget line items that impact Georgians with developmental disabilities.

Download the GCDD Public Policy Vision