Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities

Our offices are closed today in observance of Labor Day! We hope everyone is having a great holiday weekend!

D'Arcy Robb, GCDD Executive Director, shares her perspective on 1999 - the same year Georgia self-advocates Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson were making history.

Read more about their story in Making a Difference Magazine!

https://gcdd.org/news-a-media/making-a-difference-magazine/summer-2024/viewpoint-the-olmstead-decision-celebrates-25th-anniversary

Join our Team!
GCDD is hiring for 2 positions;

Public Policy and Advocacy Fellowship - The Public Policy and Advocacy Fellowship is a paid, 6-month opportunity at GCDD. The fellow will be responsible for supporting the GCDD Public Policy team in promoting public policy that creates an integrated community life for people with developmental disabilities, their families, friends, neighbors and all who support them.
Apply by September 6, 2024 by 11:59 P.M.

IPSE Data Analyst - This paid, twelve-month part-time consultant role is an exciting opportunity to support GCDD with coordinating data collection from each of Georgia’s 10 IPSE colleges & universities, as well as with the professional alliance known as the Georgia Inclusive Post Secondary Education Consortium (GAIPSEC). This 10-hour per-week role will be responsible for basic data collection & analysis, data visualization, data organization, and associated relationship management.
Apply by September 9, 2024 by 11:59 P.M.

Visit https://gcdd.org/about/job-openings.html for more information and to apply!

Mark your calendars for the third annual UCP Conference on Latinos with Disabilities from September 3 – 5, 2024!

This virtual event is a unique opportunity to explore the vital roles, contributions, and influences of Latinos within the disability community. Open to everyone and free of charge, this conference requires registration to participate.

Join us to delve into topics that resonate across the disability community, with a special focus on the unique experiences and impacts of Latinos with disabilities, their families, and service providers. Don't miss out on this insightful event!

Register now: https://ucp.org/2024cld/

Have you nominated someone for the Spirit of Kim Award? Nominations close August 31st!

The Spirit of Kim Award recognizes an individual who demonstrates selfless service to Georgia's intellectual/developmental disability (I/DD) community. The award is sponsored by the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities. The recipient of this award will embody the generous and dedicated spirit of GCDD's late Office Manager Kim Person who passed away suddenly in July 2023.

Learn more about this award and submit your nomination at https://gcdd.org/blogs/3755-gcdd-launches-spirit-of-kim-award-nominations-now-open.html

Join LIFE Inc. for a meaningful day dedicated to educating individuals with disabilities and their families. The day will focus on voter registration and civic engagement, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to make their voices heard and contribute to our community.

This is a drop in event and does not require registration. See you all there!

Hey Georgia Voters!

Today marks the FIRST DAY that you can officially request your absentee ballot for the 2024 general election! 🗳️ Voting by mail is your chance to make sure your voice is heard without the need to visit the polling stations in person.

📬 DON’T WAIT! By submitting your application early, you'll ensure you have ample time to receive, fill out, and return your completed ballot, avoiding any last-minute rush or potential postal delays.

To submit your application, visit: securemyabsenteeballot.sos.ga.gov and follow the easy instructions to get started.

Remember, every vote counts, and your participation is crucial in shaping the future of our state and country. Share this information with friends and family to ensure everyone has the opportunity to vote!

By immersing students in campus life and providing a robust support system of peer mentors, faculty, and staff, IDEAL enables students with ID to have the whole college experience. They join clubs, play sports, and participate in various campus events while on the college path to identify their long-term goals.



Learn more about IDEAL in this video -

Dreams in Focus: An IDEAL Journey The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Plan (2017-2021) goals of education; employment; self-advocacy; Real Communities; and formal and informal supports. The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities an...

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is seeking an individual to serve as its first Inclusive Post Secondary Education (IPSE) Data Analyst!

This paid, twelve-month part-time consultant role is an exciting opportunity to support GCDD with coordinating data collection from each of Georgia’s 10 IPSE colleges & universities, as well as with the professional alliance known as the Georgia Inclusive Post Secondary Education Consortium (GAIPSEC).

This 10-hour per week role will be responsible for basic data collection & analysis, data visualization, data organization, and associated relationship management. Basic website content updates (with training), alumni outreach, story collection, and other duties related to IPSE may be assigned as time allows and as the role develops. The IPSE Data Analyst will be a consultant compensated at $20 per hour for up to $10,400 over 12 months, paid once per month based on number of hours worked (up to 10 hours each week).

This role would be an excellent fit for graduate students (particularly those entering the disability, education, or public administration fields) seeking flexible part-time employment and experience with a state agency.

The role will begin on October 1, 2024. Applications are due on September 9th, 2024 by 11:59 PM. For more information, please visit https://gcdd.org/blogs/3756-apply-to-be-gcdd-s-ipse-data-analyst.html

Join Uniting for Change TOMORROW for an Empowering Voting Workshop!

Uniting for Change is excited to host Dana Lloyd (Georgia Advocacy Office) and Stacey Ramirez (RevUP) for an essential discussion on Georgia's voting laws and how to prepare to vote.

They’ll cover:
- Advocating for staff support in voting
- Your rights as a self-advocate

Date: Tomorrow, Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Don't miss out on this opportunity to empower yourself and your community! Register now: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEtdumppjsqG9ztbTN-a7ZQviHS_6CAI1RH #/registration

Meet Caroline O’Brien, a charismatic 18-year-old from Savannah, Georgia! Living with arthrogryposis hasn't stopped her from mastering technology and mentoring her colleagues. But this summer, she's taking a bold leap towards her true passion—acting! Caroline is leaving her job at the YMCA to attend the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles.

Read more about her exciting journey in Making a Difference Magazine: https://magazine.gcdd.org/issues/current-issue/caroline-obrien-main-character-energy/

Caroline O’Brien – Main Character Energy “I know none of you. I know none of you,” Caroline chants under her breath before she realizes she’s already on a “hot mic.” It’s an endearing moment belying the slightest amount of the jitters, inwardly suppressed, while outwardly portraying loads of charisma, or “rizz” as her gener...

🗳️ Important Election Dates Alert! 🗳️

📅 August 19: First day to request your absentee ballot!

📅 October 7:
- First day to send in your absentee ballot!
- Last day to register to vote for the November election!

🔍 Check and update your voter registration if you've moved! ➡️ [mvp.sos.ga.gov](https://mvp.sos.ga.gov)

Make your voice heard and be election-ready!

Register for Securing the Future: Vision, Decisions & Advocacy.

This annual FREE workshop is designed specifically for parents and advocates who support young adults on their journeys to have a full, meaningful, autonomous, and good life as they transition to adulthood. The workshop is Wednesday, August 28, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

Presenters will work with participants on leveraging typical pathways toward adulthood and what support people with disabilities need to stay on those pathways.

This workshop is designed for parents of young adults with disabilities ages 14–25 who are wondering what comes next in their child’s life. Whether it is entering high school, preparing to graduate, planning for work, or pursuing additional education, this workshop is a practical guide to help you navigate these transitions with confidence.

Space is limited; each attendee must register before August 23, 2024. The event is at a Metro Atlanta location, and lunch will be provided. Register at https://tinyurl.com/5n6r562f

This workshop is co-sponsored by the Georgia Coalition for Equity in Education, and I DECIDE GA, Georgia's Supported Decision-Making project with the Georgia Advocacy Office. Both projects were made possible with grants from the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities.

Lipson Advocacy: Educational, Legal and Strategy Specialist I Decide Georgia Georgia Advocacy Office

Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond for Georgia's I/DD community? The Spirit of Kim Award, sponsored by the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, honors those who embody the selfless and dedicated spirit of our late Office Manager, Kim Person.

Employees, volunteers, self-advocates, family advocates, or anyone demonstrating selfless service to Georgia's I/DD community can be nominated. We welcome self-nominations too!

Nominees should have made a significant impact, often behind the scenes, to help GCDD advance social and policy changes. These changes promote opportunities for people with developmental disabilities and their families to live, learn, work, play, and worship in their communities.

All nominations are due by 11:59 PM on August 31, 2024.
Visit our website at https://bit.ly/SpiritOfKim to learn more and submit your nomination today!

Did you know that since 1965, a dedicated center at the University of Georgia has been working to improve the lives of those with disabilities through research, education, and service?

Tracy Rackensperger, a faculty member of the University of Georgia (UGA) Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD), is an exemplary advocate for individuals with disabilities. Within IHDD, Rackensperger serves as the resource and outreach manager for the Advancing Employment program, a technical assistance center for best practices in employment support, particularly concerning employees with disabilities.

Learn more about Tracey and her work within the I/DD community at https://magazine.gcdd.org

The Georgia Council for Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) launched its virtual road tour and campaign, “G is for Georgia!” earlier this year. We are so excited to have the chance to meet with the disability community and share our work in advocacy for people with DD across the state.

Throughout the campaign, we have asked you to share your stories and tell us about yourselves.

Check out how McDonough-native, Ben Oxlely, advocates for all people with disabilities in Georgia >> https://bit.ly/GforGeorgia

This summer, Uniting for Change self-advocates are ramping up their GOTV efforts! Dedicated to championing voting rights for Georgia's disability community, they'll be hard at work all season long.

Don't miss out - find an event near you and get involved! Discover more at https://magazine.gcdd.org/issues/current-issue/advocacy-in-georgia-heats-up-in-the-summer/

UPDATE! Griffin has been found. Many thanks to the Metropolitan D.C Police and the Capitol Police for helping us quickly find him.

This morning the 16 year old son of our Council Chair Lisa Newbern left the Capitol Hilton hotel in Washington , D.C. and has not been seen since. If you are in the DC area and see him please contact Lisa at 404-784-1377 Griffin Brown is 5'2" tall and 115 lbs. He has blond hair and wears glasses. He was seen on hotel security cameras wearing a red, white and blue striped t-shirt, red shorts and blue Skechers sneakers.

If you see him DO NOT RUN TOWARDS HIM AS HE WILL THINK YOU ARE PLAYING A GAME OF CHASE. Approach him calmly and tell him that his mother and sister are looking for him then call his mom at 404-784-1377.

National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities DC Developmental Disabilities Council

GCDD is hiring!

The Public Policy and Advocacy Fellowship at GCDD is a paid, 6-month role starting November 1st. The fellow supports the Public Policy team in promoting inclusive policies for people with developmental disabilities. Responsibilities include aiding state and federal advocacy efforts during Georgia’s 2025 legislative session. Commitment to disability inclusion across various identities is essential.

The role is mostly remote, with some in-person duties. The fellow must have a computer and phone, and be available during work hours. It's a 20-hour per week position, typically Monday-Friday, 10 am-2 pm, with flexibility for policy events.

Pay starts at $15/hour, based on experience. Apply by 11:59 pm, September 6th, 2024. More info at https://gcdd.org/about/job-openings.html.

Dive into the Summer 2024 Edition of Making A Difference Magazine!

June marked the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Olmstead Decision, a landmark ruling that has profoundly impacted the lives of individuals with disabilities, securing their right to live in vibrant community settings instead of being confined to institutions.

The Making A Difference Cover Story shines a spotlight on the groundbreaking work of two Georgia advocates whose relentless efforts have transformed the landscape for disabled individuals, fostering inclusive and supportive communities where everyone can flourish.

Read Now at https://magazine.gcdd.org/summer-issue-2024/

Don’t forget! Tuesday’s with Tootle TONIGHT with special guest Randy Faigin, VoteRiders - Georgia

Join Randy and Tootle in a discussion about having our vote count and voice heard with Georgia's new voting laws.

Randy is a lawyer who helps make sure voting is fair in Georgia and across the country. She worked for the Georgia Democratic Party during the 2022 elections, helping over 25,000 voters and starting new programs to make voting easier. Before that, she worked with another group called Fair Fight Action. Randy is also a mom of four kids and wants to make the world better for them. She helps with local elections and has degrees from Brown University and Vanderbilt University School of Law.

Register now in advance at https://crimminz.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eaff6da1e6d2c8c6e365809f2&id=239f87966c&e=015a8faf92