The Council

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, also known as “Georgia’s DD Council” 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, Administration on Developmental Disabilities. It is authorized under Public Law 106-402, the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act Amendments of 2000.

Our activities are governed by a 27-member board, appointed by the Governor and comprised of at least 60 percent individuals with developmental disabilities and family members.  Other members include policymakers that represent various agencies and organizations having a vested interested in persons with developmental disabilities

Originally established as the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, our name was changed in July 2009 to the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, in accordance with legislation that ordered the reorganization of the Department of Human Resources (DHR), Department of Community Health (DCH) and the newly created Department of Behavioral  Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD).

Today, the GCDD continues to serve as an advocate for all persons with developmental disabilities. We are charged with creating systems change for people with developmental disabilities and their families by increasing opportunities for independence, inclusion, integration, productivity and self-determination.  Activities include public policy research and analysis, reform, project demonstrations, education and training.

Since our inception, 40 years ago in 1971, we have been a powerful advocate for more than 1.7 million Georgians with developmental disabilities and their families.

Council Members / Advisory Board Members

Commissioners