Take Your Legislator to Work Day Opens, Focuses on Self Advocacy
October 30, 2019 (Georgia) – The fifth annual Take Your Legislator to Work Day (TYLTWD), hosted by the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD), is officially open to encourage employees with developmental disabilities to educate and inform their legislators about the benefits of competitive integrated employment.
The annual employment advocacy event provides an opportunity for employees with disabilities to invite their legislator(s) to visit them at work. It allows legislators and decision-makers to see the far-reaching benefits to employers, employees and communities alike of hiring people with disabilities.
This year, GCDD puts the power in the hands of the self-advocates. Providing a step-by-step guide, the Council is encouraging employees with disabilities to connect and coordinate a visit from their local legislator.
“We are always encouraging self-advocates to build connections and relationships with their legislators,” said Eric Jacobson, executive director of GCDD. “By individuals inviting their legislator to come to their workplace, legislators are able to see the benefits of employment not only for the individual, but also the employer. It’s an important conversation to have and we want employees with disabilities across Georgia to participate.”
TYLTWD kicked off in October, which is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and runs till the first week of December. Since its inception, GCDD has coordinated and supported over 50 visits across the state.
The Do It Yourself (DIY)-TYLTWD Guide is available online. The Council requests that people also complete the visits and share their stories with GCDD for its upcoming publications.
For more information, visit GCDD’s Take Your Legislator to Work Day webpage.
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
MEDIA CONTACT:
Hillary Hibben, Media Relations Director
Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities
404.657.2121 (office) | 470.698.3062 (cell)
