GCDD is a federally funded independent state agency that promotes and creates opportunities to enable persons with developmental disabilities (DD) to live, work, play and worship as an integral part of society. We accomplish this through three primary areas of focus: public policy, advocacy and program funding and implementation.
Through collaboration with citizens, policymakers, and public and private advocacy organizations, we work to promote increased independence, inclusion, integration, productivity and self-determination for persons with DD. Our efforts include public policy research, analysis, and promotion, project demonstration, education, training, and dissemination of accurate public information.
A developmental disability (DD) is a severe, chronic, mental and/or physical disability which occurs before age 22 and is expected to last a lifetime. People with developmental disabilities will require supports in three or more of the following life activities: self-care, language, learning, mobility, self-direction, independent living and economic self-sufficiency.
GCDD is one of 56 Developmental Disabilities Councils established across the country and its territories under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 1971 and authorized under the federal law, PL 106-402 (2000 Amendment).
Since its inception in 1971, GCDD has been a leading resource for public information, advocacy, and public policy efforts. Originally, and according to state legislation, GCDD was created as the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. GCDD’s name was changed in July 2009 to the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, in accordance with legislation that ordered the reorganization of the Department of Human Resources. This is the same legislation that established the new Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD). GCDD is attached to the DBHDD for administrative purposes only.
GCDD’s work is based on three areas of focus: public policy, advocacy, and program funding and implementation. The Council and GCDD staff promote activities and create opportunities that enable people with developmental disabilities (DD) to exercise their rights to live, learn, work, play and worship in the place and manner of their choice.
GCDD often uses its resources to commission research on policy issues and to fund model programs. GCDD funds projects to inform decision makers, legislators, and the general public about DD. There are many efforts made to advocate and educate the various audiences about critical issues affecting people with DD through publications such as GCDD’s Making a Difference magazine, the GCDD e-newsletter, and events such as Advocacy Days at the Capitol and Take Your Legislator to Work Day.
GCDD is governed by a 28-member board, known as “The Council.” At least 60% of our members are individuals with developmental disabilities and/or family members, who are appointed by the Governor. Other members include policymakers who represent various agencies and organizations having responsibilities in serving and supporting people with DD.
To learn more about The Council, including a list of current Council member and how to apply to become a member, go to The Council page.
GCDD does not provide direct services to persons with developmental disabilities (DD), as federal funds from the Administration on Developmental Disabilities are not allowed to be used for that purpose.
However, GCDD collaborates with agencies, individuals, parents and advocates to support families and persons living with DD by promoting good public policies and creating innovative projects. In addition, GCDD assists individuals with DD and their families with sharing their stories and making sure their voices are heard.
Projects throughout the state of Georgia are determined by our five year plan and funded by GCDD. Competitive opportunities to apply for our projects are found on our Notice of Funds Available (NOFAS) page.
The Dottie Adams Scholarship Fund was established in honor of Dottie Adams who provided over 30 years of service dedicated to helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The fund awards small grants (not to exceed $2,500) that help individuals with DD and their families attend advocacy, learning events, and conferences.
Conference Support Funds co-sponsor and/or provide support to organizations providing conferences, meetings, and workshops for education, training, policymaking, and advocacy activities in the DD community. Only government agencies, colleges and universities, and 501c3 non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for Conference Support Funds.
GCDD advocates for public policy on the state and federal level that supports people with DD and their families to live, learn, work, play, and worship in their communities. Examples of how we do this are:
- Monitoring and making recommendations for the state budget on HCBS supports that impact people with DD.
- Keeping legislators informed on the challenges families face in caring for their loved ones with DD.
- Assisting people with DD and their families in telling their own stories to their legislators.
GCDD advocates for public policy on the state and federal level that supports people with DD and their families to live, learn, work, play, and worship in their communities. Examples of how we do this are:
- Monitoring and making recommendations for the state budget on HCBS supports that impact people with DD.
- Keeping legislators informed on the challenges families face in caring for their loved ones with DD.
- Assisting people with DD and their families in telling their own stories to their legislators.
GCDD holds Advocacy Days at the Capitol during every Georgia Legislative Session to highlight key disability-focused issues. We invite the public to participate in those and our weekly Public Policy for the People calls that also happen during this time. You can also advocate by calling your local legislator to share your personal story and advocate for issues on which the Council is working. You can find a comprehensive list of state and county legislators and contacts in Congress, the Senate and the House at pluralpolicy.com.
For more information on GCDD public policy efforts, contact Charlotte Densmore, Public Policy Director at .
You can also sign up for our Advocacy & Policy Alerts.
The members and staff of GCDD are continually seeking and taking feedback from Georgia's DD community about the issues that are most important to them. We annually conduct a widely-distributed survey asking Council members and community members to identify the issues that they believe GCDD should work on. Staff and council members use this information to inform our legislative agenda, which is voted upon by Council. The legislative agenda is a working plan used to guide and direct GCDD's time and resources. When unexpected issues arise, GCDD's Public Policy Committee and/or Executive Committee are consulted and provide guidance on how to respond.