Accessible Audio for Making A Difference

Berry College, located in Rome, Georgia, launched the Berry College Program for Inclusive Learning the Fall semester in 2024—the first inclusive post-secondary education (IPSE) program offered by a private university in Georgia. This program opens new doors for students with intellectual disabilities by providing meaningful academic, social, and career development opportunities beyond high school.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities an...

The Advancing Employment Training and Technical Assistance Center at the  University of Georgia's Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD) is a long-running initiative of the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD). It is making major strides in creating more integrated workplaces for people with disabilities across the state.

Now entering its seventh year, the initiative continues to grow in both scope and influence — thanks to a focused commitment on systems change, ongoing education, and stakeholder engagement.

“We really take seriously that phrase, ‘continually improving,’” said Doug Crandell, Public Service Faculty and Director of the Advancing Em...

President Donald Trump signed an executive order March 20, 2025 titled Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities. The order seeks to advance a goal previously promised by the president: to close the Department of Education (ED) and give state education departments authority over education standards. The closure of the ED raises questions for students with developmental disabilities and their families, who rely on various programs and services offered by the ED. What does this change mean?

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and...

For many Americans with disabilities, Medicaid is more than just a healthcare program—it's the foundation for a life of independence, stability, and hope. Carla Geeslin, a self-advocate in Macon, GA, relies on Medicaid services and recently shared her story and the critical role this support plays in her life and the lives of countless others. 

“Life’s been good,” Carla said. “I get to see a doctor and I have a place to live.” 

Routine healthcare and stable housing are things many take for granted, but they are made possible by Medicaid. In a heartfelt conv...

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is in the final phases of gathering input for its 2027-2031 Five-Year Strategic Plan. Information gathered from stakeholders across the state will help GCDD form a strategic plan to create systems change for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. The final plan will guide projects that help the Council influence public policy at both state and federal levels, support capacity building through technical assistance and grants, facilitate discussions on creating change, and promote public awareness of the needs of the disability community.

The Georgia Council o...

Nandi Isaac reflects on her experiences while being a Council Member for the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities. 

"I’ve been speaking up for people with disabilities for a long time. Before I joined the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD), I was already going to meetings and helping out. I was an ambassador for the Special Olympics, and that’s where I found what I love to do –   help others. My mom was an advocate too, and I’ve followed in her footsteps..."

The Georgia Council on Developmen...

The legislative session officially ended on Friday, April 4, 2025 at 10:30 p.m. It wrapped up earlier than usual and without much fanfare, but Georgia's disability community made great strides in advancing strong public policy for the entire state.

Georgia has one of the shortest legislative sessions in the country — just 40 working days. That means any bill hoping to become law must be introduced, debated, and voted on within that tight window, and there are many steps between a bill’s introduction and the governor’s signature.

In this article, we’ll review some of the key legislat...

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is excited to announce the upcoming ”Embracing Possibility: Georgia’s Disability Justice Journey” exhibit at the Tubman African American Museum in Macon, Georgia. The opening celebration will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at the museum, located at 310 Cherry Street, Macon, GA 31201. The exhibit, which will run from May 2025 through June 2026, aims to redefine how people with disabilities are perceived in society by showcasing their courage, creativity, and historic contributions.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve servic...

My name is Zoe-Rebekah Bostic, and I am an Autism Champion. I am more than my disability. I am a student, daughter, sister, content creator, cheerleader, soon-to-be published author, and a dedicated member of my community. I want to remind readers that you can do it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re not good enough. People with disabilities matter, we have a voice in this world, and we have the power to make a difference.

Listen to more about Zoe-Rebekah.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year...

If I can give you one piece of advocacy advice for 2025, it’s get to know your Congressperson. 

As I write these words, a flurry of activity is going on in Washington, DC. President Trump and the 119th Congress have the potential to make major changes to our society and life for Georgians with disabilities and their families. Some of the most important areas of potential change are Medicaid and the federal Department of Education. 

Listen for more information from D'Arcy Robb, GCDD Executive Director

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driv...

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) continues to seek public input for its 2027-2031 Five-Year Strategic Plan project. Information gathered from stakeholders across the state will help GCDD form a strategic plan to create systems change for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. The final plan will guide projects that help the Council influence public policy at both state and federal levels, support capacity building through technical assistance and grants, facilitate discussions on creating change, and promote public awareness of the needs of the disability community. 

Learn how you can take t...

Competitive integrated employment (CIE), defined in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, is a term often used when talking about equal employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). But what does CIE actually look like?

CIE means jobs where people with and without disabilities work together, earn fair wages, and have equal opportunities to advance. CIE recognizes that people with disabilities bring value to the workforce. 

Listen to learn more.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services a...

Everything, everywhere, all at once. 

I have never seen the movie before, but that’s how I have been feeling. 

Winter is typically our busiest season at the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD). Public policy is a big part of our work, and during Georgia’s 40-day legislative session this year, we are all in and all over the Gold Dome. I love it, and I am so proud of our community’s advocacy work and accomplishments, but it is an intense time. 

And this year, the federal landscape is unprecedented.

Listen...

Georgians with developmental disabilities, family members, providers, and DD network partners traveled from across the state of Georgia to join the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) for its annual Advocacy Days event series at the Georgia State Capitol. The purpose was to meet with lawmakers to champion the rights and well-being of Georgians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged with creating...

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is proud to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM) this March with the campaign We're Here All Year, emphasizing that community, accessibility, and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities should be recognized and championed every day—not just in March, but throughout the year. 

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and family members, wil...

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is excited to announce the start of its 2027-2031 Five-Year Strategic Plan project. The plan is created using input from stakeholders across the state and it sets how the Council will allow opportunities to create systems change for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. Learn how you can be a part of shaping this plan.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I...

GCDD Council Chair Lisa Newbern shares her thoughts on GCDD and current changes that will make a difference for people with developmental disabilities. 

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and family members, will work through various advocacy and capacity building activities to build a more interdependent, self-sufficient, and integrated and included disability community across G...

Ariel Edwards (LMSW) is the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities’ (GCDD) new Program and Policy Specialist whose role focuses on policy research, project management, and initiatives that support Georgians with developmental disabilities. Learn more about Ariel.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and family members, will work through various advocacy and capacity building activities to build a more interdependent, self-sufficient, an...

“What’s Happening in Your Town” features the perspectives of people with developmental disabilities about their own experiences in their communities. The column gives them a space to freely share their own opinions and their lived experiences with others. This month, Leslie Kate Thornton shares about herself and where she lives in Saint Mary's, Georgia.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabi...

In May of 2024, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed Senate Bill 384, which seeks to develop and administer the State of Georgia as a Model Employer (GAME) Program. The GAME Program establishes a formalized, statewide framework for Georgia state agencies to develop hiring plans, reporting mechanisms, and accountability measures to increase employment and retention opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Learn more about the GAME Program.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged...

Georgia self-advocate Leslie Kate Thornton shares information about her and the community she lives in for the March 2025 issue of GCDD's Making a Difference magazine.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and family members, will work through various advocacy and capacity building activities to build a more interdependent, self-sufficient, and integrated and included disability community across Georgia.

This...

Public Policy for the People feature article for the Winter 2025 Making a Difference magazine.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and family members, will work through various advocacy and capacity building activities to build a more interdependent, self-sufficient, and integrated and included disability community across Georgia.

This project was supported, in part by grant number 2001GASCDD-03, from the...

Public Policy for the People feature in the Winter 2025 issue of Making a Difference Magazine.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and family members, will work through various advocacy and capacity building activities to build a more interdependent, self-sufficient, and integrated and included disability community across Georgia.

This project was supported, in part by grant number 2001GASCDD-03, from...

The Viewpoint feature article from the Winter 2025 edition of Making a Difference Magazine, a publication of the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and family members, will work through various advocacy and capacity building activities to build a more interdependent, self-sufficient, and integrated and included disability community across Georgia.

This project was supported...

The In The Community feature article from the Winter 2025 edition of Making a Difference Magazine, a publication of the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and family members, will work through various advocacy and capacity building activities to build a more interdependent, self-sufficient, and integrated and included disability community across Georgia.

This project...

The Self-Advocate Spotlight feature article from the Winter 2025 edition of Making a Difference Magazine, a publication of the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and family members, will work through various advocacy and capacity building activities to build a more interdependent, self-sufficient, and integrated and included disability community across Georgia.

This project was...

The GCDD Impact feature article from the Winter 2025 edition of Making a Difference Magazine, a publication of the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and family members, will work through various advocacy and capacity building activities to build a more interdependent, self-sufficient, and integrated and included disability community across Georgia.

This project was...

The Expert Update feature article from the Winter 2025 edition of Making a Difference Magazine, a publication of the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and family members, will work through various advocacy and capacity building activities to build a more interdependent, self-sufficient, and integrated and included disability community across Georgia.

This project was...

The Include College Corner feature article from the Winter 2025 edition of Making a Difference Magazine, a publication of the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and family members, will work through various advocacy and capacity building activities to build a more interdependent, self-sufficient, and integrated and included disability community across Georgia.

This project...

Cover story for the Fall edition of GCDD's Making a Difference magazine.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and family members, will work through various advocacy and capacity building activities to build a more interdependent, self-sufficient, and integrated and included disability community across Georgia.

This project was supported, in part by grant number 2001GASCDD-03, from the U.S...

Article from the Fall 2024 edition of the Making a Difference magazine for the Expert Update feature.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and family members, will work through various advocacy and capacity building activities to build a more interdependent, self-sufficient, and integrated and included disability community across Georgia.

This project was supported, in part by grant number 2001GASCDD-03...

Message from GCDD Executive Director D'Arcy Robb. 

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and family members, will work through various advocacy and capacity building activities to build a more interdependent, self-sufficient, and integrated and included disability community across Georgia.

This project was supported, in part by grant number 2001GASCDD-03, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department o...

Article from the Fall 2024 edition of the Making a Difference magazine for the Self-Advocacy Spotlight feature.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and family members, will work through various advocacy and capacity building activities to build a more interdependent, self-sufficient, and integrated and included disability community across Georgia.

This project was supported, in part by grant...

Article from the Fall 2024 edition of the Making a Difference magazine for the Public Policy for the People feature.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and family members, will work through various advocacy and capacity building activities to build a more interdependent, self-sufficient, and integrated and included disability community across Georgia.

This project was supported, in part by...

Article from the Fall 2024 edition of GCDD's Making a Difference Magazine from the Include College Corner feature.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and family members, will work through various advocacy and capacity building activities to build a more interdependent, self-sufficient, and integrated and included disability community across Georgia.

This project was supported, in part by grant number 2001...

Article from the Fall 2024 edition of the Making a Difference magazine for the GCDD Impact feature.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and family members, will work through various advocacy and capacity building activities to build a more interdependent, self-sufficient, and integrated and included disability community across Georgia.

This project was supported, in part by grant number 2001GASCDD-03...

Article from the Fall 2024 edition of the Making a Difference magazine for the In The Community feature.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and family members, will work through various advocacy and capacity building activities to build a more interdependent, self-sufficient, and integrated and included disability community across Georgia.

This project was supported, in part by grant number 2001...

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and family members, will work through various advocacy and capacity building activities to build a more interdependent, self-sufficient, and integrated and included disability community across Georgia.

This project was supported, in part by grant number 2001GASCDD-03, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees...

Elite Squad Inc., founded in June 2023 by Dorinda Peterson and Amy Hines, is an advocacy and social connection group in metro Atlanta dedicated to changing societal perspectives on how people interact and engage with people with disabilities. The group accomplishes its mission by hosting and leading various social events for people of all backgrounds to meet, learn various life skills, and have a great time.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities...

Tracy Rackensperger is faculty member of the University of Georgia (UGA) Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD). She 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. The program aims to transition workers out of subminimum wage jobs in sheltered workshops into competitive integrated employment (CIE). Through her work, Rackensperger addresses systemic issues, promotes legislative change, and empowers disabled workers in Georgia to achieve economic independence and meaningful careers.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven...