2024 - 2025 Annual Report

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. – Margaret Mead

When I re-read that quote recently, it hit me – that’s us. We in Georgia’s disability community are the ones who stick together and show up to make meaningful change possible for Georgians with I/DD, their families, and communities. Amid the swirl of the past year, GCDD took time out to honor two exceptional community members – our own Kim Person-Hudson and longtime advocate Sheryl Arno. Remembering Kim and honoring Sheryl was a bittersweet moment that reminded us all that nothing matters more than the people by your side.

One of our proudest moments this year at GCDD was the passage of a law ending subminimum wages in Georgia. Efforts to end subminimum wage at the federal level have not yet succeeded, and most states still allow it. But as I’m proud to tell my colleagues around the country, Georgia’s bipartisan legislation creates a model for other states to follow.

And of course, employment is only one part of the picture. Our work at GCDD is about creating a Georgia where all people with I/DD carve their own paths in life. It’s about full inclusion in communities, for everyone. It’s about belonging.

GCDD staff and Council members closed out the year by seeking community input for our next five-year strategic plan. Thank you to the hundreds who shared their insights and ideas with us. In the spring, we’ll be sharing our draft plan with you. I’m eager to see what you think, and to get started on the next chapter of our work together.

I hope you enjoy this annual impact report and that you remain part of our group of thoughtful, world-changing citizens for years to come.

D’Arcy Robb
Executive Director, GCDD

Each year before the legislative session begins, GCDD asks for input on public policy priorities. This feedback helps guide GCDD’s advocacy efforts and ensures that the Council focuses on what matters most to Georgia’s I/DD community. This process helps make sure that GCDD’s work is people-centered and community-driven.

In 2025, GCDD led by working to:

• End the Waitlist: Advocate for funding for 2,400 new NOW/COMP Waivers.
• Create an I/DD Commission: Advocate for the creation of an I/DD Commission.
• End Subminimum Wages: Advocate for the end of 14(c) certificates

GCDD partnered with advocates and other organizations to:

• End Abuse & Neglect: Advocate for the creation of an abuse registry.
• Improve Police Training: Advocate for I/DD-specific police training to be included in the law.

GCDD engaged with others by:

• Being consulted on policies that affect our community.

We also saw the fruits of last year’s advocacy. During the 2024 session, GCDD partnered with the provider association SPADD to successfully advocate for an increase in payment rates in the NOW/COMP waiver.

In the News: Caregivers of Georgians with disabilities finally realize long-awaited pay hike (The Current, December 28, 2024)

During this year’s legislative session, Georgians with I/DD, family members, providers, and other advocates traveled from across Georgia to the State Capitol for GCDD’s Advocacy Days. They met with lawmakers to speak up on important issues that expand opportunities and support community living for people with I/DD.

Day 1: Employment Day

The I/DD community met with lawmakers about the benefits of competitive integrated employment and to end 14(c) certificates that allow people with disabilities to be paid less than minimum wage. Many advocates, including students from Georgia’s Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) programs, met with legislators to make their voices heard.

Result: The efforts of people with I/DD and others helped to pass Senate Bill 55, the Dignity in Pay Act. This is a huge win as employers are now required to phase out subminimum wages.

In the news: New bill passes requiring Georgia workers with disabilities to be paid minimum wage (95.5 WSB, March 18, 2025)

Day 2: Waivers Day

Waivers Day focused on bringing attention to Georgia’s long waitlist for the NOW and COMP waivers. More than 8,000 people with I/DD are waiting for these vital services that help them live and work in their communities. Advocates shared their stories on how the waivers are helping them or how they need a waiver to continue living in the community. The day ended with a press conference led by GCDD Executive Director D’Arcy Robb, who highlighted how waivers help people with disabilities and strengthen Georgia’s economy.

Result: 150 new waivers were included in this year's state budget, totaling just over $3.4 million in funding. While this is a step in the right direction, it barely scratches the surface of the need. Advocacy will continue during the next legislative session.

In the news: Bill to help Georgians with disabilities gains traction (NOW, February 8, 2025)

Day 3: Georgia Disability Strong Day

The final Advocacy Day brought together advocates, families, and partners to focus on key state and federal issues affecting people with disabilities. Participants met with legislators and joined a press conference led by GCDD Chair Lisa Newbern to highlight the importance of Medicaid, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Department of Education programs. Groups like Uniting for Change, SPADD, and GEEARS joined to show the power of working together for meaningful change.

Result: Secured disability representation on the Behavioral Health Reform and Innovation Commission.

Federal policy changes and proposed budget cuts created uncertainty for the I/DD community this year. GCDD worked to protect Medicaid, Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), and the federal Developmental Disabilities (DD) Network. It also monitored important issues in education and disability rights.

Throughout the year, GCDD made sure leaders in Washington heard Georgia’s needs and kept the I/DD community informed with clear updates through email updates. GCDD, the Georgia Advocacy Office, the Center for Leadership in Disability, the Institute for Human Development and Disability, and the Statewide Independent Living Council held multiple webinars that reached 375 advocates across the state, giving real-time updates on federal issues.

Protecting Medicaid and HCBS Services

Federal legislation and proposed policy changes raised serious concerns about the future of Medicaid funding. The proposed federal budget and other actions risked shifting more Medicaid costs to states and reducing oversight. Because Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) are considered “optional” under Medicaid law, they are especially vulnerable during budget cuts. In Georgia, HCBS funds programs, like the New Options Waiver (NOW) and the Comprehensive Supports Waiver (COMP), that help thousands of people with I/DD live, work, and participate in their communities.

Action taken:

• GCDD advocated to protect these vital services and mobilized others to do the same by meeting with U.S. Senators and members of Georgia’s congressional delegation to explain the impact of the proposed federal changes.
• Followed the federal budget and appropriations process while keeping people informed through GCDD’s Making a Difference magazine, email alerts, and social media.
• Encouraged Georgians with I/DD and their families to share their stories with their representatives and how the cuts would impact their lives.

The 2025 federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) bill was passed in July; however, it includes significant cuts to Medicaid over the next decade. None of those cuts is targeted at people with I/DD. But with the reduction of federal Medicaid funds, states will have to make hard choices, which means funds that support Georgians with I/DD are still at risk.

GCDD is committed to working in 2025-26 and beyond to protect Medicaid dollars that support Georgians with I/DD. GCDD calls upon our community to stay involved by joining in this critical advocacy.

Defending the DD Network

The proposed federal budget included major cuts to programs within the national Developmental Disabilities (DD) Network. The proposal would have reduced or eliminated funding for University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs), Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) programs, and State Protection and Advocacy (P&A) systems. These programs are critical for advancing advocacy, leadership, and the rights of people with I/DD. State Developmental Disability Councils, like GCDD, are also part of this network but were not at risk of losing funding.

GCDD worked with Georgia’s DD Network partners – the Georgia Advocacy Office (P&A), the Center for Leadership in Disability (UCEDD & LEND), and the Institute on Human Development and Disability at the University of Georgia (UCEDD) – to educate and inform lawmakers and the general public on the importance of the DD Network.

Action taken:

• Met with Georgia’s congressional delegation in Washington, D.C., to educate and inform on the vital role of the DD Network’s P&As, UCEDDs, and LEND programs and the state-level impact of the proposed cuts to the network.
• Released communications and alerts explaining what the DD Network does and why it is essential.
• Urged Georgians to contact their representatives to share their input on the impact of these cuts.

By the end of the federal fiscal year in September, there was encouraging news for the DD Network. Funds to continue support for the DD Network partners were added back into the budget during the federal committee process. But, as of December 2025, a final budget decision has not been made. However, the addition of DD network funds back into the budget is a great sign. Stay connected with GCDD to learn more as updates become available.

Protecting Education for Students with Disabilities

A temporary freeze on U.S. Department of Education funds raised concerns about how students with disabilities could be affected. The funding freeze threatened to delay or reduce access to critical educational supports that help students with disabilities succeed in inclusive classrooms.

New policies on school choice were also introduced, which threatened access to public education for students with disabilities. Staffing reductions at the federal Department of Education raised concerns about the department’s ability to oversee and enforce IDEA and Section 504 in public schools. Finally, conversations at the federal level about closing the Department of Education alarmed many advocates.

GCDD stayed engaged on these issues, tracking federal actions and keeping Georgia families informed about potential changes. The Council emphasized the importance of ensuring that every student with a disability has equal access to the supports and opportunities they need to learn and thrive.

Action taken:

• Monitored legislative developments following the signing of the budget bill.
• Provided updates explaining how federal funding decisions could impact students with disabilities in Georgia.
• Partnered with advocacy networks to share accurate information with families and professionals.

By the end of the year, federal funds to support students with disabilities were released to the states. But many questions about the federal role in education for students with disabilities remain up in the air. GCDD has adopted a focus on K-12 education as one of its top policy priorities for the coming year, and encourages advocates to be involved in that effort.

GCDD works with partners across Georgia to support and fund projects that improve opportunities and quality of life for people with I/DD. These projects try new ideas and show what works best to help people with I/DD be fully included in their communities. The results help GCDD share information with lawmakers, policymakers, and the public about why including people with I/DD in all parts of community life is important.

During the past year, GCDD’s projects have focused on accessibility and inclusion, education, systems change, and self-advocacy.

Expanding Educational Opportunity with the Georgia Coalition for Equity in Education

The Georgia Coalition for Equity in Education (GCEE) helps families advocate for students with disabilities in Georgia’s schools. With support from GCDD, the coalition of 30 organizations gives families the tools to speak up, including webinars, legal guidance, and ready-to-use letters and forms.

Now in its sixth year, GCEE has supported nearly 550 families and trained more than 1,300 educators, attorneys, advocates, and community members. Families are learning how to resolve school conflicts and influence policy, while advancing equity in education across Georgia. Read more about GCEE’s progress.

Advocates for Change: Building Leadership and Independence

Sangha Unity Network leads an initiative to build leadership skills of people with I/DD. The training helps people to speak up for themselves and take part in decisions that affect their lives. Participants learn how policy works, gain confidence, and share their stories directly with lawmakers and community leaders. Members of the self-advocacy network, Uniting for Change, put their skills into action at GCDD’s Advocacy Days at the State Capitol by speaking out on issues that matter to them, influencing policies that impact the independence and quality of life for themselves and others.

Advancing Inclusive Employment Opportunities

Now in its seventh year, the Advancing Employment Center at the University of Georgia’s Institute on Human Development and Disability continues to strengthen competitive, integrated employment for people with disabilities. The Center trains and supports staff who help people find jobs and provides policy guidance to the state. This year, it also advised on legislation to phase out subminimum wage. Advancing Employment is also continuing its work with former subminimum wage providers, helping them learn how to support people in fairly paid employment. Through training, advocacy, and systems change, the Center is helping build a more inclusive workforce for Georgia. Read more about this initiative.

IPSE Programs Provide Students with Disabilities a Promising Future

GCDD distributes State of Georgia funds to 10 universities/colleges/technical schools across the state to lead Inclusive Post Secondary Education (IPSE) college programs. These programs offer students with intellectual disabilities a variety of experiences and opportunities for growth as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives. One program, at Berry College, is in its second year and is the first IPSE program at a private university in Georgia. The Berry College program is viewed as a promising model for future growth of IPSE programs across the state, including historically Black colleges and universities.

Strategic Planning for Future Projects

Planning began for GCDD’s 2027–2031 Five-Year Strategic Plan early in 2025. The plan outlines what GCDD will work on to build a more inclusive, integrated Georgia for people with I/DD. GCDD held listening sessions and made a survey available for people with disabilities, families, caregivers, and others to give their input. The Council will review the comments as it determines its priorities for the next five years, building on themes from past plans such as employment, transportation, advocacy, innovation, eliminating waiting lists, rural access, and integrated housing.

Making a Difference is an online magazine published by GCDD to share news and stories about Georgia’s I/DD community, available in English, Spanish, and accessible audio. It includes articles about public policy updates, the impact of GCDD-funded projects, highlights from Georgia’s inclusive post-secondary education (IPSE) programs, and insights from the I/DD community. The magazine changed from a quarterly to a monthly publication. This allows GCDD to provide more timely articles and announcements.

A new column called, What’s Happening in Your Town, was added to the magazine this year. Guest writers with I/DD write about the barriers and advancements people with disabilities experience in their local community.

Guest Writer Ben Oxley from McDonough reflected on how his hometown is changing and why accessibility should be part of local planning. In Ben’s article, he emphasized how remembering community traditions can help create a future where accessibility and belonging go hand in hand. 

“Growth is good for the overall infrastructure of the community because it brings more tax revenue. At the same time, it also makes those of us with disabilities feel left out. Many feel that they are not considered in the planning for this growth.” 

Read Ben's story and the stories of many others throughout Georgia here: What's Happening in Your Town

Sheryl ArnoThe Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) recognized Sheryl Arno, Executive Director for the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta, with the first inaugural Spirit of Kim Unsung Hero Award on October 24, 2024, at its fall Council Meeting.

Kim Hudson PersonKim Hudson Person, GCDD’s former Office Manager and Membership Coordinator, served at the agency for 19 years before her untimely passing in July of 2023. Person demonstrated selfless service to Georgia’s I/DD community. The award highlights those making a real difference, often behind the scenes, in supporting inclusion, learning, work, and play for people with I/DD. Arno was recognized for her decades of work helping people with DD access opportunities in their communities.

“I am so honored to be the first recipient of this prestigious award. Kim Hudson Person was a beautiful person with a beautiful spirit,” said Honoree Sheryl Arno. “Her work embodied the hard work and spirit behind the work that I have done for the disability community over the past 30 years. I am grateful to the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities that I was nominated and am being recognized today for my work and service over the years. Thank you.”

GCDD shares news and updates with people in Georgia’s I/DD community through its website, emails, social media, and magazine stories.

Website

This year, GCDD launched a new and improved website at gcdd.org. The refreshed site makes it easier to find updates, resources, and announcements that are important to the I/DD community. It also works better on phones and tablets and meets accessibility standards. All content was reviewed to be clear and easy to understand.

Website visits: 76,000
Returning users average: 3,970

Email Outreach

82 emails sent
4,982 subscribers
39% open rate
323 new subscribers added

Social Media

GCDD is active on social media through its Facebook, Instagram, and Threads pages, along with a YouTube channel. All Social media channels are active, with nearly 10,301 followers combined on all channels.

Follower growth: +57%
Reach: 61,010

Media Coverage

154 mentions
713 million in reach

Top Stories: 

• Advocates warn that proposed Medicaid cuts threaten Georgia’s safety net programs - Rough Draft Atlanta
• Participation in Medicaid child dental care continues to decline in Georgia, audit finds - Georgia Public Broadcasting/PBS

Governor Brian Kemp and representatives from GCDD welcomed nine new members to the Council this year.

Our Members

GCDD’s activities are governed by a 28-member board, appointed by the Governor, with at least 60 percent of the members being individuals with DD and family members. Other members include key staff who represent various agencies and organizations having a vested interest in persons with I/DD. GCDD’s members represent different areas of the state of Georgia. This year, GCDD welcomed nine new members recommended by GCDD’s Membership Committee and appointed by Governor Brian Kemp from over 100 council membership applications.

Meet GCDD's Council Members

GCDD Staff

GCDD staff work in many capacities with the same purpose of supporting the goals of the Council to improve the lives of individuals with DD.

Meet our staff

Georgia's DD Network Partners

GCDD operates under the authority of the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act) and is part of a statewide DD Network that consists of three partners in each state and territory authorized under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (the DD Act) and administered by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD).

Georgia's DD Network includes:

• Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (Developmental Disabilities Council)
• The Center for Leadership in Disability (University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities)
• The Institute on Human Development and Disability (University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities)
• Georgia Advocacy Office, Inc. (Protection and Advocacy System)

October 1, 2024 - September 30, 2025