Since its inception in 1971, the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD), formerly known as the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, has been a powerful advocate for more than 1.7 million Georgians with developmental disabilities (DD) and their families.
Our success is driven by the 27-member, Governor-appointed Council and the statewide DD community that have been integral in driving projects, partnerships and policy for Georgia’s DD community.
And to continue our work and impact, GCDD has launched a membership campaign to recruit new applicants interested in serving on the statewide Council that advocates on behalf of and funds initiatives to improve the lives of Georgians with DD.
The Council seeks to fill nine spots on the Council and applicants should fit into one or more of these categories:
- Individual with a developmental disability
- Family member of an individual with a developmental disability
- Representative of an agency/organization related to developmental disabilities
While applications are accepted year-round, the Council has immediate openings and is encouraging the DD community to get involved.
Your Council. Your Voice.
Being on the Council means that individuals with DD and their families bring their own voice and the voice of their community to advocate for and decide upon projects, policy and programs that directly impact the DD community across Georgia.
And, the Council understands issues that matter for the DD community vary across what region someone lives in, the communities they participate in, their ethnic backgrounds and more. Having voices from different backgrounds allows the Council to develop engaging and impactful partnerships and policy education around these issues.
What is the Council?
GCDD is one of 55 entities of its type in the United States and territories that report to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Administration for Community Living. It is authorized under Public Law 106-402, the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act Amendments of 2000.
Its activities are governed by a 27-member board, appointed by the Governor. The Council is made up of at least 60 percent individuals with DD and family members. Other members include policymakers who represent various agencies and organizations having a vested interest in persons with DD.
What does the Council do?
The Council is driven by its Five-Year Strategic Plan, which is developed with input from people with DD, their families and other key stakeholders from around the state. The plan is developed after the Council hosts listening sessions, distributes surveys and more to really understand what matters to the DD community across the state.
After we listen to the community, the Council develops its goals and objectives that it works on for the next five years. To meet these goals, the Council then distributes funding to various organizations and groups across the state that help drive these goals forward through projects, events and even research.
Apply for the Council
Applying for appointment to the 27-member Council is a true form of advocacy. If you are appointed to the Council, all members are responsible for attending four quarterly meetings, held virtually or in-person. Members are reimbursed for lodging, meals and mileage to attend meetings.
Applicants should have first-hand knowledge about DD in Georgia as well as experience in serving on committees, boards or organizations.
To apply, please complete this application and email it to membership@gcdd.org. GCDD accepts applications year-round, but we strongly encourage advocates to submit applications by March 15, 2024 to be considered for the upcoming application cycle and review.
If you have any questions regarding applying to the Council or completing this application, please email us at membership@gcdd.org.
Applications are available in English and Spanish at https://gcdd.org/blogs/3736-gcdd-council-member-application.html and can be submitted online; emailed to membership@gcdd.org with “Council Member Application” in the subject line; or mailed to the GCDD offices at:
Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities
Sloppy Floyd Building, West Tower
200 Piedmont Avenue SE
Suite 426, 4th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30334
Attention: D’Arcy Robb