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About
About GCDD
Our mission is to bring about social and policy changes that promote opportunities for the wide spectrum of diverse Georgians with developmental disabilities and their families to live, learn, work, play and worship in their communities.

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Annual Reports

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The Council
Public Policy
Public Policy
Our public policy efforts encourage the integration between people with developmental disabilities, the people who support them, and the community as a whole. We foster change and public awareness that reflects the needs of people with developmental disabilities.

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Current Projects
Current Projects
The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) collaborates with, supports and funds many projects across Georgia that promote best practices demonstrating innovative programs and activities that create opportunities to enhance the quality of life for Georgians living with developmental disabilities (DD).

Learn more about our Current Projects
Diversity

Education

Self-Advocacy

Systems Change
News & Media
News & Media
Stay up-to-date on the latest news, events, and announcements that impact people with developmental disabilities and their families in Georgia.

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Making a Difference Magazine

En Español

Archived Making a Difference Magazine

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Funding
Funding Opportunities
We make funds available to increase the capacity and resources of public and private nonprofit entities and others to develop a comprehensive community system that responds to the choices, capabilities and needs of persons with developmental disabilities and their families.

Learn more about funding opportunities
Dottie Adams Scholarship Fund

Conference Support Funds

Notice of Funds Available
Resources
Other Resources
We provide access to resources to help you find developmental disabilities services, learn about the history of disability policy, and access papers written about disability issues.

Browse our resouces
Developmental Disabilities Services and Supports

History of Disabilities Policy

White Papers

Making a Difference Magazine

Diversity At Work

Fall Issue 2023

Collage banner with images of different people and it says "Olmestead A Look Through the Years"

Current Feature Stories

Saving the Direct Support Professional: The Heartbeat of The I/DD Community

Sep 28, 2023 | Mara Waldruff

Georgia Options Executive Director, Pamela Walley, and daughter, Callie, pose for a selfie“The world will be missing out if we don’t do what is necessary. And we clearly have shown that what is ne...

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How Policy and Advocacy is Changing Employment for People with Developmental Disabilities

Sep 29, 2023 | Arlinda Smith Broady

When Georgia legislator Sharon Cooper, R-Marietta, heard from a constituent that there were residents making as little as 22 cents an hour, she had to do a double take. “It seems like that is some...

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Current Topics

In Your Community: Are You Ready to Vote?

Oct 10, 2023 | Maria Pinkelton | In Your Community

The state of Georgia's 2023 November elections has significant importance as they will determine the direction and leadership of communities across the state. While they are not as high-profile as ...

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EAGLE Academy Allows Students with Intellectual Disabilities to Soar

Oct 9, 2023 | Mara Waldruff | Include College Corner

“I always told my parents I want an actual normal college life,” said Hannah White, a first-year student at the EAGLE Academy of Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia. “I want to get t...

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Public Policy for The People: The Next Legislative Session is Almost Here!

Oct 9, 2023 | Charlie Miller | Public Policy For The People

Hello Advocates! How in the world are you doing? My name is Charlie Miller and I am the Legislative Advocacy Director for the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD). We are excited to...

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Viewpoint: A Golden Opportunity to Build Georgia’s Workforce and Economy

Oct 4, 2023 | D'Arcy Robb | Viewpoint

D'Arcy Robb, Executive Director of GCDD I was one of those college students who had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. So, after graduation day, I worked a variety of different jobs. ...

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Expert Update: Untapped Pool of Talent

Oct 4, 2023 | Jacob Segura | Expert Update

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) interviewed Emily Myers, region director at Briggs & Associates, a supported employment company that assists people with disabilities wi...

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Georgia Self-Advocates - How We Contribute

Sep 29, 2023 | Uniting for Change Collective Leadership Team | Self-Advocate Spotlight

Self-advocates across Georgia work and contribute to their communities as individual citizens and as members of the growing self-advocacy network, Uniting for Change. When we focus on how everyone ...

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Emergency Preparedness Grant Supports Listening Sessions Across Georgia

Sep 28, 2023 | Mara Waldruff | GCDD Impact

Naomi Williams (right), leader of Exceptional Living 101Life can change in an instant. From a loved one falling ill, to a natural disaster in your hometown, to a pandemic shutting down the world, e...

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Cultivating Potential at Berry College