GCDD e-news | September 2024

A Digital Newsletter from the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities

September 2024

Message from the Executive Director: Your Vote Counts!

D'Arcy Robb

GCDD Executive Director

No matter what I did, I could not escape the sign. There it stood, day in and day out, staring me in the face with its primary colors and simple block lettering. It might as well have been blinking neon – the election! The election! The election is coming, and you might lose! Well, not me. My dad.

I was six years old, my dad was running for mayor of my city, and the house across the street from my elementary school had a sign in the yard for my dad’s opponent.

Read more from D'Arcy

Public Policy for the People: Get Out the Vote!

We are officially counting down the days until the November election. With our state House and Senate seats, and our Presidential election upon us, this election is crucial.

It is important not only to be educated on who you're voting for but also how to plan to vote. This article will explain how you can make sure your voter registration is up to date and to ensure you know where your local polling station is located.

Learn more about preparing to vote

Georgians Celebrate ADA's 34th Anniversary

Georgia’s disability community gathered on July 26, 2024 at Friendship Baptist Church, located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia to celebrate the 34th anniversary of the Americans Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA was signed into law on July 26, 1990, transforming the landscape of rights and accessibility for people with disabilities. The celebration, called the ADA Anniversary Celebration Rally, was hosted by SHOWAbility,

Read more about the Celebration Rally

Georgia's Direct Support Professionals to Get Rate Increase

Woman talking with child who is in a wheelchair.

One of the most exciting outcomes of the 2024 legislative session was the allocation of $79 million in the state budget for the increase of direct support professional (DSP) wages in Georgia. DSPs play an integral role in the life of people with disabilities by providing essential assistance with daily living, personal care, and community integration. The rate that DSPs are paid (how much money per hour) is set by the state through Medicare. There is a long process for changing that amount as a result.

Read on for the full update

Calendar of Events

Check out our list of highlighted events happening in September and October!

Event topics range from advocacy and support group meetings, voting workshops, healthcare transitioning, and more!

Whether held online or in person, you can be certain to find an event of interest to you.

Find an event!

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