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 27-member board, known as “The Council.” They are appointed by the Governor and at least 60 percent are individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) and/or family members. 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 https://gcdd.org/about/the-council.html.
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.
GCDD has two ways to help fund learning opportunities or projects that improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities (DD).
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.
More information can be found here: https://gcdd.org/funding-opportunities.html.
The Administration on Developmental Disabilities, through the DD Act, funds three different types of organizations in each state and territory that make up what is called the Developmental Disabilities Network (DD Network). The DD Act encourages this network to collaborate. In Georgia, the DD Network partners include:
The Georgia Advocacy Office (GAO): A non-profit organization located in Decatur. Their mission is to organize GAO’s resources and follow their values and legal mandates in ways which substantially increase the number of people who are voluntarily standing beside and for people in Georgia who have significant disabilities and mental illness.
The Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD): This is an University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities located at the University of Georgia in Athens. IHDD works with people who have disabilities and others, to ensure that all people can achieve their highest capacity and quality of life.
The Center for Leadership in Disability: This is an University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities located at Georgia State University in Atlanta. CLD translates research into sustainable community practices that contribute to independent, self-determined, inclusive and productive lives for people with disabilities and their families.
An example of how the DD Network collaborates is through the Children’s Freedom Initiative. This has been an on-going collaboration between the DD Network partners with the goal to get children out of state institutions or nursing homes and into permanent homes of their choice. The work has included obtaining a resolution through the legislature, production of a booklet of stories, assistance in person-centered planning, and facilitation of a study for families and people with disabilities to see their options.
GCDD supports legislative activities that foster good quality home and community-based services (HCBS) for persons with developmental disabilities (DD). This objective is accomplished through:
- 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 .
Prior to the legislative session, GCDD invites people with developmental disabilities (DD), their families, organizations, and agencies to submit their legislative agenda or issues that they would like GCDD to consider to support. GCDD’s Public Policy Director reviews these recommendations and prepares background information for Council members to discuss. Decisions on placing items on the legislative agenda are based on the following criteria:
- Issues must directly or indirectly affect people with DD or GCDD’s work.
- The issue must align with GCDD's mission, vision, and values.
- There is the capability of developing a realistic plan for how to implement the policy position, communicate the plan to the appropriate people, and make use of the position in GCDD’s work.
Once consensus is made on what to include on the legislative agenda, the Council members rank the items in a tiered system.
- If the issue is something that GCDD needs to take the lead on, the item is a tier 1.
- If the issue is something GCDD needs to support, but some other organization is taking the lead, the item is a tier 2.
- If the issue is something GCDD is willing to support by lending their name, the item is a tier 3.
- If GCDD needs to remain neutral and not take a stand, the item is a tier 4.
- If GCDD needs to oppose the issue, the item is a tier 5.
The legislative agenda is then posted on our website. It is a working plan that is used to guide and direct GCDD’s time and resources during the legislative session. If an unexpected issue pops up during the legislative session, GCDD’s Executive Committee is consulted and provides guidance on how to respond.