Cover Stories Archives - GCDD Making a Difference Magazine

Reflecting on 25 Years of the Olmstead Decision

June 22, 1999, marks a pivotal moment in the history of disability rights in the United States—the Supreme Court’s landmark Olmstead Decision was made into law. Two Georgian self-advocates Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson, who lived with developmental and psychiatric

Community Champions: Elite Squad Works to Change Perspectives on People with Disabilities

There are many aspects to consider when it comes to being a champion for the disability community, whether it is providing care and support, offering a social network, or strengthening the voices of people with disabilities. Elite Squad Inc., founded

Summer Fun! Camps Rise to the Occasion with Inclusive Summer Programs

For most kids, summer is one of the most wonderful times of the year. And one thing that makes it pretty awesome is summer camp. There was a time when children and young adults with developmental disabilities (DD) didn’t have

GCDD Helps Those with Disabilities Realize the Importance of Self-Advocacy

The State of Georgia kicked off its legislative session in January, and the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) was front and center to advocate for the disability community across the state. During the session, GCDD hosted its annual Advocacy

Public Policy for The People: GCDD’s Vision for Georgia’s Disability Community in the 2024 Legislative Session

Hello! My name is Charlotte Densmore. I joined the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) as the Public Policy Director in August 2023. My involvement in disability advocacy originated from my work as a mentor with the EXCEL (Expanding Career,

Graphic with the title New report suggests racial disparities for communities of color.

New Report Suggests Racial Disparities for Communities of Color in Obtaining Services for Georgia’s Waiver Waitlists

Families of adults with developmental disabilities (DD) often find themselves as primary caregivers because they do not want the relative to be institutionalized and alternative options are not always readily available. Individuals with DD who have been referred to a

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

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 something out of the 1800s when we didn’t have child labor laws and they had children working for six cents an hour. It’s just antiquated,” she said.

Cooper gathered her team to research the issue and discovered that low wages for people with disabilities isn’t just a common practice, it’s part of federal law.

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

“The world will be missing out if we don’t do what is necessary. And we clearly have shown that what is necessary are these Direct Support Professionals,” remarked Pam Walley, executive director of Georgia Options. “We’re going to miss out on the contributions of a lot of really talented, wonderful, giving, creative, amazing people,” she added.

Going Back to School – What Have We Learned Post-Pandemic?

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted individuals and families across the globe, disrupting daily life like never before. The reverberations of the pandemic were felt across every facet of our lives, especially in education.

Building an Advocacy Network

“There is such beautiful potential,” said Teresa Heard as she looked proudly at her son, Derek Heard. Teresa had recently helped Derek start his own graphic design business. “It’s just getting the doors open to get people to realize a person’s potential,” she added.