GCDD’s Newest Staff Member: Ariel Edwards

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.