Accessible Audio for Making A Difference

For many people with disabilities, finding independence, purpose, and a full life in the community can be a daily challenge. Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are community-based, non-residential organizations who help people who want to overcome these challenges. CILs are run by people with disabilities.  Their philosophy is to support the goals of people with disabilities to live independent...

The "Embracing Possibility: Georgia's Disability Justice Journey" exhibit opened this May at the Tubman Museum in Macon, GA. The opening celebration celebrated the exhibit's goal to change how people think about people with disabilities and honor the work that people with disabilities have done throughout Georgia's history. The opening welcomed hundreds of people from acro...

As we reach the midpoint of 2025, the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) continues to track federal policies that may significantly impact Georgians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Over the past few weeks, critical discussions have been unfolding in Washington, D.C. These talks could change Medicaid and the future of the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Ne...

Guardianship isn't always the answer. Supported Decision Making is an alternative to guardianship. Some people with disabilities might need limited guardianship or conservatorship. But many people with disabilities don't need it. There are often better ways to get support. My son was put under guardianship. This affected our whole family. Looking back, we didn't need guardianship at...

By Evan Nodvin - For the past 12 years, I’ve been proud to serve as a council member for the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD). Looking back now, I realize just how much I have grown, and how much the council has grown too. I want to share a little bit about what it meant to me. The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan go...

Every July, the United States celebrates Disability Pride Month. This month is a time for people with disabilities to feel proud of who they are, speak up about their rights, and celebrate being seen and heard in their communities. It is also a time to celebrate the history, strength, and experiences of people with disabilities. The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by...

As federal lawmakers debate sweeping budget cuts, Georgia’s disability advocacy leaders are working hard to get critical information to our community. What is at stake: the future of Medicaid including vital community-based services, and the network of organizations that have fueled decades of progress for people with developmental disabilities, including GCDD. The Georgia Council on Developmental...

Brook Kubik, a council member for the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, went to the 2025 Disability Seminar in Washington, D.C. She returned to Georgia with more than policy updates – she came back with a new understanding of the strength of relationships, the importance of advocating with heart and facts, and the power of telling stories that help people connect. The Georgia Council...

The Developmental Disabilities (DD) Network is a group of organizations that work together to improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities. This network was created by a law passed in 2000 to protect the rights of people with developmental disabilities. It is overseen by a federal agency called the Administration for Community Living. In Georgia, this includes: Georgia Council on De...

The Developmental Disabilities (DD) Network is a group of organizations working together to improve services and supports for people with DD in every state. This network is authorized under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act) with oversight from the Administration for Community Living (ACL). The DD Network is made up of three partners: State Councils o...

My Time on the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities Hi, my name is Dorothy Harris, and I am from Fitzgerald, Georgia. I have served as a Council Member for the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) off and on since 2015. I’m rolling off again now, and I’ll be honest, it feels emotional. This council has been a big part of my life. I came back to serve again on purpose. I kn...

Berry College, located in Rome, Georgia, launched the Berry College Program for Inclusive Learning the Fall semester in 2024—the first inclusive post-secondary education (IPSE) program offered by a private university in Georgia. This program opens new doors for students with intellectual disabilities by providing meaningful academic, social, and career development opportunities beyond high school....

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is in the final phases of gathering input for its 2027-2031 Five-Year Strategic Plan. Information gathered from stakeholders across the state will help GCDD form a strategic plan to create systems change for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. The final plan will guide projects that help th...

For many Americans with disabilities, Medicaid is more than just a healthcare program—it's the foundation for a life of independence, stability, and hope. Carla Geeslin, a self-advocate in Macon, GA, relies on Medicaid services and recently shared her story and the critical role this support plays in her life and the lives of countless others.  “Life’s been good,” Carla said. “I get to see a...

President Donald Trump signed an executive order March 20, 2025 titled Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities. The order seeks to advance a goal previously promised by the president: to close the Department of Education (ED) and give state education departments authority over education standards. The closure of the ED raises questions for students with developm...

The Advancing Employment Training and Technical Assistance Center at the  University of Georgia's Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD) is a long-running initiative of the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD). It is making major strides in creating more integrated workplaces for people with disabilities across the state. Now entering its seventh year, the initia...

Nandi Isaac reflects on her experiences while being a Council Member for the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities.  " I’ve been speaking up for people with disabilities for a long time. Before I joined the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD), I was already going to meetings and helping out. I was an ambassador for the Special Olympics, and that’s where I found what I...

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is excited to announce the upcoming ”Embracing Possibility: Georgia’s Disability Justice Journey” exhibit at the Tubman African American Museum in Macon, Georgia. The opening celebration will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at the museum, located at 310 Cherry Street, Macon, GA 31201. The exhibit, which will run from May...

The legislative session officially ended on Friday, April 4, 2025 at 10:30 p.m. It wrapped up earlier than usual and without much fanfare, but Georgia's disability community made great strides in advancing strong public policy for the entire state. Georgia has one of the shortest legislative sessions in the country — just 40 working days. That means any bill hoping to become law must be intro...

If I can give you one piece of advocacy advice for 2025, it’s get to know your Congressperson.  As I write these words, a flurry of activity is going on in Washington, DC. President Trump and the 119th Congress have the potential to make major changes to our society and life for Georgians with disabilities and their families. Some of the most important areas of potential change are Medicaid and th...

My name is Zoe-Rebekah Bostic, and I am an Autism Champion. I am more than my disability. I am a student, daughter, sister, content creator, cheerleader, soon-to-be published author, and a dedicated member of my community. I want to remind readers that you can do it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re not good enough. People with disabilities matter, we have a voice in this world, and we have t...

Competitive integrated employment ( CIE), defined in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act , is a term often used when talking about equal employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). But what does CIE actually look like? CIE means jobs where people with and without disabilities work together, earn fair wages, and have equal opportunities to a...

Everything, everywhere, all at once.  I have never seen the movie before, but that’s how I have been feeling.  Winter is typically our busiest season at the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD). Public policy is a big part of our work, and during Georgia’s 40-day legislative session this year, we are all in and all over the Gold Dome. I love it, and I am so proud of our community’s...

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) continues to seek public input for its 2027-2031 Five-Year Strategic Plan project. Information gathered from stakeholders across the state will help GCDD form a strategic plan to create systems change for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. The final plan will guide projects that help the C...

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is proud to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM) this March with the campaign We're Here All Year, emphasizing that community, accessibility, and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities should be recognized and championed every day—not just in March, but throughout the year.  The Georgia Council o...