Press Releases

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Brings Attention to Power of Disability Community in Georgia

March 11, 2019 (Georgia) – The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) recognizes March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, highlighting the many ways in which people with and without disabilities come together to form strong, diverse communities.

Governor Brian Kemp officially joined in and declared March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in the state. Governor Kemp’s proclamation brings attention to the widespread work being done across Georgia that promotes inclusive and integrated housing, employment, education and more.

“We’re grateful to Governor Kemp for acknowledging the ongoing efforts through which the Council collaborates,” said Eric Jacobson, executive director of GCDD. “We look forward to continuing to work to improve the quality of life for the more-than 185,000 Georgians living with developmental disabilities.”

At GCDD, there are over 20 projects that focus on education, employment, advocacy, public information and its signature program, Real Communities.

The Council also leads various advocacy initiatives such as Advocacy Days and Take Your Legislator to Work Day, along with community efforts such as Mixed Greens to bring attention to food equity in Savannah or increasing access to higher education for students with disabilities.

“People with developmental disabilities are contributing members of society, just like you and me,” added Jacobson. “This is what we want the community-at-large to take away throughout the month of March. Our work continues all year, but Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is a great way to jumpstart these valuable conversations.”

The annual campaign, spearheaded by the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, seeks to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all areas of community life, as well as awareness to the barriers that people with disabilities still sometimes face in connecting to the communities in which they live.

About the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities: The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is the State's leader in advancing public policy on behalf of persons with developmental disabilities. Its mission is to bring about social and policy changes that promote opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities and their families to live, learn, work, play and worship in Georgia communities. www.gcdd.org