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The State of Inclusive Education in Georgia: A Conversation with Leslie Lipson

As students head back to school, education is top of mind for parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. While special education provides opportunities for students to excel, there are often many obstacles that families and students face when

Real World Work Experiences Enable Inclusive College Students at Columbus State University to Emerge as Workforce Leaders

Students enrolled in the GOALS program at Columbus State University (CSU) are getting critical opportunities for real work experiences at the start of their inclusive college careers. Guidance and Opportunities for Academic and Leadership Success (GOALS) at CSU is a

Tips for Finding the Right Summer Camp for your Child with Developmental Disabilities

Summer is a time when children get a break from rigorous school schedules and academics. They usually have more time for self-directed, play-based activities that fit their strengths and interests. For parents of children with developmental disabilities, it can be

GCDD’s COVID-19 Initiatives & Updates

Two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is still actively collaborating with community partners and funding initiatives to support the developmental disability community throughout the state. Through education, outreach, and opportunity, GCDD is working

Public Policy for the People: Official Recap of Georgia’s 2022 Legislative Session

Georgia’s 2022 legislative session was defined by the effects of a lingering pandemic and looming elections. Most of our advocacy efforts and each of our three Advocacy Days were virtual. Although “the ropes” at the Capitol were not open to

GCDD Kicks Off New Five Year Strategic Plan

Starting October 1, 2021, the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) kicked off its new Five Year Strategic Plan that set the goals which the Council aims to complete between 2022-2026. The federal government requires all Developmental Disabilities Councils to

A Greater Sense of Independence

Living Independently is an article series by the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD). The series will cover self-determination and self-direction. Participant self-directed services are growing in popularity as an avenue that can offer an increased autonomy for some individuals

2022 Virtual Advocacy Days are Here!

Join advocates from across the state to learn about policies impacting people with disabilities and advocate for needed funding and legislation this year. The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) needs your help to educate Georgia’s lawmakers about topics important

State of Employment: How Shifts in the Economy Impacted Job Seekers with Disabilities

While the pandemic has played a key role in every aspect of life for the last 20 months, employment has been one of the most severely impacted elements. In a shifting economy, some workers have thrived, others pivoted, and many

A Desire for Independence

Living Independently is an article series by the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD). The series will cover self-determination and self-direction. Jenny Pryor lives an active life working in a Kroger supermarket, hiking on her off days or sometimes catching