March 2025

Georgians with developmental disabilities, family members, providers, and DD network partners traveled from across the state of Georgia to join the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) for its annual Advocacy Days event series at the Georgia State Capitol. The purpose was to meet with lawmakers to champion the rights and well-being of Georgians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

GCDD hosts three Advocacy Days each year during the legislative session, where each day focuses on a pivotal issue dedicated to increasing community living and opportunities for people with I/DD, fostering meaningful dialogue and relationships with key decision makers. This year GCDD and stakeholders participated in meetings with lawmakers in offices and at the House and Senate ropes, attended and were recognized in the House and Senate galleries during shout outs, and had opportunities to speak and talk about their lived experiences during press conferences.

Employment Day – January 29, 2025

On January 29th, the I/DD community came to the Gold Dome to educate and inform policymakers about the advantages of competitive integrated employment. Employment Day focused on the imperative to abolish 14(c) certificates, which permit employers to pay workers with disabilities less than the minimum wage. GCDD also called for the state of Georgia to join other states in phasing out subminimum wage practices, emphasizing the need for competitive, integrated employment opportunities that offer fair compensation. Georgia’s disability community, including students from some of Georgia’s Inclusive Post Secondary Education (IPSE) schools, showed up in great numbers and made an impact by meeting with their elected officials during in-office meetings and at the ropes.

The disability community was also recognized during the House and Senate shout-outs and shared personal testimonies during the Employment Day press conference. State representatives who participated in Employment Day included Representatives El-Mahdi Holly (District 116) and Katie Dempsey (District 13), and Senator Billy Hickman (District 4). During the press conference, Senator Hickman and stakeholders discussed the importance of the Dignity and Pay Act for Georgia’s disability community. Additionally, the day featured testimonies from employees and professionals, underscoring the benefits of integrated employment practices for both individuals and the broader community.

Waivers Day – February 12, 2025

Advocacy Day two addressed the pressing issue of the waitlist for Georgia’s New Option Waiver (NOW) and Comprehensive Supports Waiver Program (COMP). With over 7,900 Georgians with I/DD awaiting the essential services that the NOW and COMP waiver programs provide, GCDD urged legislators to allocate funding for 2,400 new waivers, a recommendation from the I/DD Senate Study Committee in 2022. These waivers are crucial for providing supports, such as in-home personal care assistance, therapies, and employment support, that enable individuals with disabilities to live independently in their communities.

On Waivers Day, Georgia’s disability community and GCDD stakeholders went to the capitol to visit their state representatives at the ropes to share the importance of funding waivers to increase community living access. Representative Teddy Reese (District 40) and Dewey McClain (District 109) were just a few of the legislators that advocates met and shared the importance of making more NOW/COMP waivers available to the community.

The day ended with a press conference led by D’Arcy Robb, executive director of GCDD, who called for more waivers to support those eligible for NOW/COMP Waivers and the return on investment the waivers have on the community at large. “This case study shows that waivers can give a positive return on investment for communities because people work, families work, taxes are paid, and money is spent in the community,” added Robb. The number reflects daily life expenses such as rent, clothing, transportation to work, and more. Additionally, having a waiver and the right supports, a family member is also able to continue working and contribute to the local economy through standard ways of living.

GCDD has estimated that 2,400 new waivers would cost the State of Georgia approximately $65 million into its annual budget. Currently, Governor Brian Kemp has only allocated a budget for 100 new waivers.

Senator Sally Harrell (District 40) not only spoke of the importance of the NOW/COMP waiver programs, but also introduced and rounded up support for the I/DD Innovation Commission Bill, a piece of legislation aimed at addressing longstanding issues in the I/DD community. The bill would create a comprehensive long-term plan for people with I/DD by bringing key stakeholders to the table.

Rep. Marvin Lim (District 98) who supports reducing the waitlist, emphasized the need for people with I/DD to live in their own communities. “We must commit to getting these waivers,” he said to the crowd.

Rep. Scott Hilton (District 48) rallied the crowd during his speech and reminded advocates to, “talk to your legislators and let’s push [this ask for 2,400 waivers] through!”

Closing out Waivers Advocacy Day was parent advocate Tais Kayser, who has worked hard for her sons to receive services and supports that they benefit from today.

Carla Geeslin, a self-advocate from Macon, GA, is an adult with a disability who lived with her mother for years but now lives independently. She shared, “We need funding help to have folks live in their own homes. We need our legislators' help.”

GCDD is committed to ending the waitlist.

Georgia Disability Strong – February 26, 2025

GCDD’s final Advocacy Day at the Georgia State Capitol during the session was called Georgia Disability Strong. On this day, GCDD’s stakeholders and community partners focused on state and federal issues that currently affect Georgians with disabilities. GCDD stakeholders and partners met with state legislators at the ropes and participated in a press conference, led by GCDD Council Chair Lisa Newbern, to bring attention to three federal issues critical to Georgians with disabilities, including Medicaid, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the United States Department of Education programs. Participants at the press conference included representatives of Uniting for Change, Service Providers Association for Developmental Disabilities (SPADD), Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students (GEEARS), self-advocates, and family members. This day exemplified the power of collective advocacy in driving policy change. By bringing together diverse voices and focusing on actionable solutions, these events laid the groundwork for significant advancements in the rights and services for Georgians with DD.

Details about policy updates and milestones achieved at the 2025 Advocacy Days will be featured in the April 2025 issue of Making a Difference Magazine.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is excited to announce the start of its 2027-2031 Five-Year Strategic Plan project. The plan is created using input from stakeholders across the state and it sets how the Council will allow opportunities to create systems change for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. The final document will guide projects that help the Council influence public policy at both state and federal levels, support capacity building through technical assistance and grants, facilitate discussions on creating change, and promote public awareness of the needs of the disability community. 

To ensure the plan reflects the needs and priorities of the community, GCDD will collect information from Georgians through an online survey and virtual townhall and focus group listening sessions. Using these tools, GCDD will gather input from individuals with disabilities, their families, caregivers, and community advocates. The survey, available in both English and Spanish, includes multiple-choice questions and opportunities for more in-depth responses, taking approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. 

The feedback collected will be instrumental in shaping GCDD’s next Five-Year Strategic Plan. Key themes that have emerged from these discussions in prior plans include employment, transportation, advocacy, innovation, elimination of waiting lists, coalition building, transition planning, peer support, technology, advocacy training, expanded services in rural areas, and integrated housing.

By engaging with the community and incorporating their feedback, GCDD’s goal is to ensure that individuals with I/DD are interdependent, economically self-sufficient, included in their communities, and self-determined in their lives. Complete the survey today:

• English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/G8WYS8J
• Spanish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GH3C2LY

To register for a GCDD virtual town hall meeting:

• March 11th from 6:00pm to 7:30pm: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/BLLvC6EETtC2Bn7Y7lZD_A
• March 20th from 1:00pm to 2:30pm: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/mDv34Rz8SCKbvqBaMwDmLA

For more information, visit www.gcdd.org or follow us on social media for upcoming focus group dates.

I just returned home from the Senate Insurance and Labor Committee hearing, where I spoke about my support for Senate Bill 55, known as the Dignity and Pay Act. Excitingly, the committee unanimously voted to move the bill forward. If, or even better when, the Georgia General Assembly votes to approve, this law would end the use of 14(c) certificates in Georgia. The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) has invested significant time and energy to ensure Georgians who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) receive fair compensation for their work, something long past due for our country and now a close reality for Georgians.

Passing this bill is especially timely as we greet March, which is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. The National Association for Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) selected “We’re Here All Year” as this year’s theme to encourage people in and beyond the disability community to meet the people and know the work of NACDD, and to involve NACDD as appropriate in initiatives that promote self-determination, integration and inclusion for all people in the U.S. who have developmental disabilities. We are fortunate to have a strong relationship with our NACDD colleagues as well as priorities that align, such as our work to end 14(c). Together, we can and must overcome this antiquated rule to remove barriers people with disabilities still face and to create a world where everyone can succeed.

With success top of mind, I am pleased to share GCDD’s updated mission statement now includes “lead” – GCDD’s mission is to bring about social and policy changes that promote opportunities for the wide spectrum of diverse people with developmental disabilities and their families to live, learn, LEAD, work, play and worship in their communities. We are fortunate to have so many among us leading the way, and it was time for our mission to reflect their success and inspire others toward leadership in our communities and state.

I am humbled by the commitment of our community, inspired by GCDD’s history of success and motivated by the opportunities before us. Please let me know what more I can do as GCDD’s chairperson to represent the Council and you, to further our work and collaborations, and to ensure we continue Making a Difference in your community, Georgia and beyond.

Lisa Newbern
GCDD Council Chair

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.

This month reminds us that individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) are valuable members of our communities and deserve full participation in all aspects of life, including education, employment, recreation, and civic engagement.

Established in 1987 by President Ronald Reagan, DDAM highlights the importance of fostering a society where people with disabilities are empowered to contribute to their communities. While March provides an opportunity for heightened awareness, true awareness happens when we commit to creating accessible environments and productive opportunities year-round.

"Georgians with developmental disabilities are our neighbors, friends, coworkers, and family members. They are us," said D’Arcy Robb, executive director, GCDD. “This campaign will allow us to meet the community and showcase how they enrich our communities with their talents, perspectives, and contributions.”

The “We’re Here All Year” campaign, led by the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), is seeking photo submissions to show everyday life of people with DD across the nation. GCDD encourages Georgians with DD to submit one (1) photo of themselves in the community – whether it is getting a coffee, going to work, hanging out with family or friends, etc. – and telling their story behind the photo. Submissions are being accepted through March 31, 2025 and will be unveiled in an online photo gallery later this spring. Submit your photo and your story here.

"Through the 'We're Here All Year' campaign, we want to share that people with developmental disabilities are working, going to school, volunteering, and participating in their community – just like all of us,” said Jill Jacobs, executive director of the NACDD. “When they are engaged and involved in their local community, it is a win-win for everyone.”

About GCDD

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is led by 25 council members, 16 of which are Governor appointed council members made up of individuals with developmental disabilities and family members. The remaining nine are agency members. Three more Governor appointed members will join the council this summer. With their leadership, our DD Council has made improvements across the state for the disability community.

Some of GCDD’s impact in Georgia includes hosting three Advocacy Days during the Georgia legislative session each year, serving as technical advisors on legislation such as Georgia as Model Employer (GAME) and the Dignity and Pay Act, and sponsoring programs like the Georgia Technology Education Initiative.

Community members are encouraged to participate, learn, and take action toward making their communities more inclusive.

In May of 2024, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed Senate Bill 384, which seeks to develop and administer the State of Georgia as a Model Employer (GAME) Program. The GAME Program establishes a formalized, statewide framework for Georgia state agencies to develop hiring plans, reporting mechanisms, and accountability measures to increase employment and retention opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Stacey Valrie Peace, Esq., State ADA Coordinator“One of the first steps was to read the legislation and to understand the different components and to determine what responsibilities fall on our office as administrators of the bill and what responsibilities fall on the state agencies,” said Stacey Valrie Peace, Esq., who serves as the state ADA coordinator. “We also had to create a job description for the GAME employment specialist. We’re a very small office, especially before the bill passed, and we needed somebody with an HR specialist skillset to be the lead for GAME.”

In her role as state ADA coordinator, Peace will play a significant role during the implementation of GAME legislation, which includes developing the program, offering guidance and training resources for agencies, providing oversight to ensure compliance, and submitting reports to the governor’s office to demonstrate the program’s progress. Her goal is to ensure that each agency receives the necessary training and tools to recruit, hire, and retain qualified individuals with disabilities.

The training process for state agencies will begin in March. According to Peace, the training will consist of four modules:  

1. Be a GAME Changer: Outlines GAME requirements, timelines, and the reporting process. 
2. The ADA, Title I, and the Interactive Process: Explains the legal framework for GAME, the mandates of Title I, the interactive process, and best practices for recruiting, hiring, and retaining individuals with disabilities.
3. Federal Laws, Rules, Regulations, and Guidance: Covers additional regulations established by federal entities with enforcement powers over Title I of the ADA and how they may impact and inform GAME implementation.
4. Emergency Evacuation and Disability Inclusive Procedures: Teaches HR professionals how to properly plan and execute the evacuation of workers with disabilities during emergencies.

“We are not limiting this training to just HR managers,” Peace clarified. “Although the bill calls on HR managers, we feel it is important to make sure that HR directors, ADA coordinators, and executive leaders are clued in too. We encourage HR directors and ADA coordinators to share this information with everyone that may have some responsibility under GAME, so they are fully knowledgeable about what to expect.”Brad Vaughan, Legislative Director and Counsel, Lieutenant Governor’s Office

Although the implementation of the GAME Program is still ongoing, some entities have already expressed intentions to practice and uphold the legislation. Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones listed Senate Bill 384 as one of his office’s legislative priorities with hopes of being able to create and maintain a stable workforce in Georgia.

“One of the first things Lt. Gov. Jones did as President of the Senate was establish and appoint members of a Senate study committee on expanding Georgia’s workforce,” said Brad Vaughan, legislative director and counsel for the lieutenant governor’s office. “A big subject of discussion was around increasing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, and we wanted to find ways to get rid of the barriers that stand between Georgians with disabilities and meaningful employment.”

The lieutenant governor’s office has already taken steps to support the implementation of the GAME program in their hiring of Martha Haythorn in the Georgia Senate Ante Room.

Martha Haythorn, GCDD Council Member“We are thrilled to work with Martha Haythorn; she is a delight,” said Vaughan. “In addition to her work as the assistant manager in the Ante Room, she has demonstrated a strong interest in public policy. She also helps with the Senate’s bill tracking system. We are happy to offer her a place to draw out her experience and give her a deeper insight into the legislative process.” 

Haythorn also currently serves as a Council member of the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD).

Although the GAME Program is still in its beginning stages, the efforts of state agencies and legislators offer hope that Georgians with disabilities will have an ever-growing supply of opportunities to find meaningful employment moving forward.

Learn more about Georgia as a Model Employer (GAME).

“What’s Happening in Your Town” features the perspectives of people with developmental disabilities about their own experiences in their communities. The column gives them a space to freely share their own opinions and their lived experiences with others. Interested in writing an article? Send an email to Tianna Faulkner, Editor-in-Chief at .

My name is Leslie Kate Thornton. I'm from Saint Mary's, Georgia, near the Georgia/Florida state line. Beautiful coastal landscapes and a strong sense of community are all around me. Living near Florida allows me to experience the best of both states, from the charming southern hospitality of Georgia to the vibrant culture and beaches of Florida. I have always been passionate about community engagement and assisting individuals to make a positive impact. Throughout my career, I have worked with various organizations and initiatives that aim to create meaningful change. I am excited to share my experiences and insights with you. I want to inspire others to act in their communities.

One of the most significant barriers is education. Professionals think they have all the education they need to know about what I am incapable of. I have realized through my experience that it seems these professionals are trained to deal with non-disabled people, and that customization and fairness are such foreign concepts to many educators that it seems incomprehensible to them.

My goal in life goal is to let people know they are wonderfully made, loved, and have a purpose. Additionally, my goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of physical or mental abilities, is afforded the same opportunities to live their best life. I’m passionate about people with disabilities having real lives, jobs, genuine relationships, and making real decisions. A key aspiration of mine is to introduce viable and accessible services to southeast Georgia, enriching the lives of individuals in our community. We have a rather large community of people with disabilities without access to services. I want to break the graduation-to-couch cycle. I believe that everyone deserves the chance to thrive and contribute to society in meaningful ways.

By providing accessible services in southeast Georgia, we can help individuals with disabilities to live fulfilling and independent lives, breaking the cycle of limited opportunities and dependence. As someone who represents myself and my community, I am steadfast in my commitment to fostering an environment that includes and is more supportive for individuals with disabilities. By coming together through collaboration, encouragement, and support, we can strive to build a society that is fair where everyone can achieve their full potential. With conviction, I believe southeast Georgia has the potential to become a model that includes and gives everybody access, inspiring other Georgia communities to follow suit.

Together, let's remove barriers and promote understanding to create a more welcoming and supportive environment for all individuals to thrive. While this community has many proactive individuals, raising awareness remains a significant challenge that we must address. Let's work to increase awareness and education about the needs and abilities of individuals with disabilities to assist our community to make meaningful changes that benefit everyone. Additionally, providing resources and support for individuals with disabilities can help ensure that they have equal opportunities to participate fully in community life. Together, let's work to foster a culture of acceptance and including everyone to build a stronger, more cohesive community that values and embraces all its members.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my passion for including and ensuring everyone in southeast Georgia has access. I hope to set a new standard for fairness that includes everyone in our community.

Ariel Edwards (LMSW), is the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities’ (GCDD) new Program and Policy Specialist whose role focuses on policy research, project management, and initiatives that support Georgians with developmental disabilities. Ariel oversees GCDD’s inclusive post-secondary education (IPSE) programs and the Georgia Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Consortium (GAIPSEC). In this role, Ariel will also analyze policies to inform recommendations for systems change that includes working with GCDD’s public policy team and oversee the implementation of Georgia as a Model Employer (GAME) in partnership with the State ADA Coordinator’s Office.

Ariel earned their BSW and MSW degrees from Georgia State University, with a focus on community partnerships in their graduate studies. They are also a 2024-2025 Georgia Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (GaLEND) Social Work and Self-Advocacy Fellow. Ariel brings a unique background in promoting and supporting disability and macro social work practice, shaped by their lived experience as a neurodivergent individual.

Ariel’s experience includes facilitating career discussions for neurodiverse students at Georgia State University and co-leading the development of a new peer mentorship program through GaLEND.

In their free time, Ariel enjoys being part of poetry club through myLIFE, connecting with their peer mentor and young adults through the Emory Best Buddies chapter, and attending art workshops at the High Museum.

Find out what's happening in March! Here are some events that may be of interest to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. 

GCDD Virtual Town Hall Meetings
March 11, 2025 and March 20, 2025

These virtual meetings will take place to get participants to provide feedback regarding GCDD’s Five-Year Strategic Plan for 2027-3031. Register for for meeting:

• Tuesday, March 11, 2025 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/BLLvC6EETtC2Bn7Y7lZD_A
• Thursday, March 20, 2025 from 1:00pm to 2:30pm: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/mDv34Rz8SCKbvqBaMwDmLA

Parent2Parent (P2P)
Tuesday, March 4, 2025 from 11:00am to 12:00pm

Virtual training: Crossing the Medical Bridge Transition to Adult Healthcare for Children and Youth 

The Emory Down Syndrome Parent & Caregiver Research Symposium
Saturday, March 8, 2025 from 8:00am to 5:00pm

Location: The Emory Conference Center, 1615 Clifton Road, North East Atlanta, GA, 30329 (map)

For more info: https://med.emory.edu/departments/human-genetics/research/down-syndrome/2025_conference.html

Focus of Georgia - Saturday Respite
Friday, March 8, 2025 from 10:00am to 2:00pm

You deserve a break today!  Enjoy a few hours to run errands, lunch with a friend, or take a nap! A nurse is at each location to manage G-tube feedings, seizures, and other medical care. Caregivers at each location are knowledgeable and experienced in caring for children with special needs. The ratio of caregiver to child is 1:4, but community volunteers are often on hand to help and play. It’s a wonderful time for the children to enjoy free play, music, and extra attention from FOCUS caregivers and volunteers. Oh, and the parents enjoy the break! 

Register here: https://focus-ga.org/event/extra-special-saturday-respite-9/

Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta: Dad's Night Out Athens!
Friday, March 14, 2025 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Location: Terrapin Brewery, 265 Newton Bridge Road, Athens, GA, 30607 (map)

To register: Complete a RSVP

Find more events here