Gcdd annual report 2014 by Georgia Council

Y • FRIENDSHIP • GRASSROOTS • HUMAN RIGHTS • INCLUSION • INTERDEPENDENCE • LOV AL LEARNING • REAL SUPPORTS • SOCIAL JUSTICE • VOTING RIGHTS • ACCESSIBILITY • AD ACTION • COMMUNITY • DISABILITY RIGHTS • ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT • EDUCATION RIGHTS • INCLUSION • INTERDEPENDENCE • LOVE • OLMSTEAD • REAL CAREERS • REAL CO • VOTING RIGHTS • ACCESSIBILITY • ADVOCACY • AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT • BE ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT • EDUCATION • EMPATHY • EMPLOYMENT • EQUAL OPPORTU • LOVE • OLMSTEAD • REAL CAREERS • REAL COMMUNITIES • REAL HOMES • REAL INFLUE OCACY • AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT • BELOVED COMMUNITY • CIVIL RIGHTS • CO • EMPATHY • EMPLOYMENT • EQUAL OPPORTUNITY • FAMILY • FRIENDSHIP • GRASSROOTS OMMUNITIES • REAL HOMES • REAL INFLUENCE • REAL LEARNING • REAL SUPPORTS • SOC ELOVED COMMUNITY • CIVIL RIGHTS • COLLECTIVE ACTION • COMMUNITY • DISABILITY R NITY • FAMILY • FRIENDSHIP • GRASSROOTS • HUMAN RIGHTS • INCLUSION • INTERDEPEN NCE • REAL LEARNING • REAL SUPPORTS • SOCIAL JUSTICE • VOTING RIGHTS • ACCESSIBI TS • COLLECTIVE ACTION • COMMUNITY • DISABILITY RIGHTS • ECONOMIC EMPOWERMEN GRASSROOTS • HUMAN RIGHTS • INCLUSION • INTERDEPENDENCE • LOVE • OLMSTEAD • R L SUPPORTS • SOCIAL JUSTICE • VOTING RIGHTS • ACCESSIBILITY • ADVOCACY • AMERIC UNITY • DISABILITY RIGHTS • ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT • EDUCATION • EMPATHY • EMP ON • INTERDEPENDENCE • LOVE • OLMSTEAD • REAL CAREERS • REAL COMMUNITIES • REA • ACCESSIBILITY • ADVOCACY • AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT • BELOVED COMMUN ERMENT • EDUCATION • EMPATHY • EMPLOYMENT • EQUAL OPPORTUNITY • FAMILY • FRIEN • REAL CAREERS • REAL COMMUNITIES • REAL HOMES • REAL INFLUENCE • REAL LEARNIN ERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT • BELOVED COMMUNITY • CIVIL RIGHTS • COLLECTIVE AC • EMPLOYMENT • EQUAL OPPORTUNITY • FAMILY • FRIENDSHIP • GRASSROOTS • HUMAN IES • REAL HOMES • REAL INFLUENCE • REAL LEARNING • REAL SUPPORTS • SOCIAL JUSTIC OMMUNITY • CIVIL RIGHTS • COLLECTIVE ACTION • COMMUNITY • DISABILITY RIGHTS • EC

2014 Annual Report

ANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT • BELOVED OMMUNITY • CIVIL RIGHTS • COLLECVE ACTION • COMMUNITY THE YEAR IN REVIEW • DISABILITY GHTS • ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT • DUCATION • EMPATHY • EMPLOYMENT • Letter from Director........................ 3 QUALExecutive OPPORTUNITY • FAMILY • FRIENDInfluence .............................. 4 HIP •Real GRASSROOTS • HUMAN RIGHTS • Real Careers ................................. 6 CLUSION • INTERDEPENDENCE • LOVE • Real Homes .................................. LMSTEAD • REAL CAREERS8 • REAL COMUNITIES • REAL HOMES • 14REAL INFLU2014 Budget................................. NCE GCDD • REAL LEARNING • REAL SUPPORTS Council............................ 16 Rep. Michelle Henson, Rep. Katie Dempsey and GCDD Public • Policy Planning Specialist Dawn Alford connect at SOCIAL • VOTING GCDDJUSTICE Staff ................................ 17 RIGHTS Disability Day at the Capitol 2014 in Downtown Atlanta. CCESSIBILITY • ADVOCACY • AMERIFunded and Supported – FY2014 ..................... 18 • BELOVED ANS Activities WITH DISABILITIES ACT Commissioners .......................... 19 • COLLECOMMUNITY • CIVIL RIGHTS VE ACTION • COMMUNITY • DISABILITY GHTS • ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT • DUCATION • EMPATHY • EMPLOYMENT • QUAL OPPORTUNITY • FAMILY • FRIENDHIP • GRASSROOTS • HUMAN RIGHTS • CLUSION • INTERDEPENDENCE • LOVE • LMSTEAD •Unlock REAL CAREERS On the cover: the Waiting Lists! was the • REAL COMRep. Winfred Dukes and Rep. Rusty Kidd demonstrate cry as advocates rallied before the State Capitol a welcoming spirit and show their support on Disability UNITIES REAL HOMES • REAL INFLUat GCDD• Disability Day 2014. Day at the Capitol. NCE2 • REAL LEARNING • REAL SUPPORTS SOCIAL JUSTICE • VOTING RIGHTS •

RespectAbility USA CEO Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi delivered the Disability Day keynote on employment issues and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.

GCDD Council Member Evan Nodvin and Rep. Jimmy Pruitt stand together to advocate for people with disabilities at the 2014 Disability Day at the Capitol.

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Harvard Professor Ronald Heifetz wrote that “leadership is mobilizing people to work on the hardest of challenges.” This brand of leadership was evident in the work of the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) during the past year. In the areas of employment and influence, GCDD worked with advocates statewide to create the necessary change for people with developmental disabilities to be more independent, productive, included and integrated in their community and selfdetermined in their lives.

GCDD Chair Mitzi Proffitt joins Executive Director Eric Jacobson to kick off the 2014 Disability Day rally.

At the 2014 Disability Day at the Capitol, more than 2,000 people heard Governor Nathan Deal announce the need for an Employment First effort in Georgia. His words were reinforced by Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency Director Greg Schmeig and Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi from RespectAbility USA who spoke about employment as a major step toward financial and social independence. GCDD followed through to organize the Employment First Coalition to mobilize people around the idea that individuals with developmental disabilities want to work as a first option and that there are policy changes needed to make this a reality. Also, progress on the employment front is being made by Project SEARCH, a GCDD sponsored High School internship and employment program. Project SEARCH continues to demonstrate that students and adults with developmental disabilities can get and retain good jobs through partnerships between local communities, schools, businesses, Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency and GCDD.

Georgia Council VISION The on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) envisions a state in which all persons are included in all facets of community life, have choices while exercising control over their lives and are encouraged to achieve their full potential. In addition, GCDD Disability Day 2014 featured the “I am Olmstead” StoryCorps project during the 15th anniversary celebration of the landmark Supreme Court Olmstead decision. This ongoing effort allows people to tell their stories and continues the pressure on the State to close all institutions that have warehoused and segregated people with developmental disabilities. 2013-2014 was an exciting year for GCDD as we focused on a range of social justice and quality of life issues that impact people with disabilities in their communities. We look forward to continuing our work with new and existing partners, within the disability community and beyond, to make this State a better place for everyone.

REAL INFLUENCE The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) takes pride in supporting and promoting coherent public policies for integrated life in the community for people with developmental disabilities and the people who support them. Annually, GCDD organizes advocates during the legislative session held at the Georgia State Capitol. In 2014, it advocated for employment, access to post-secondary education and the Unlock the Waiting

Olmstead plaintiff, Lois Curtis, greeted the crowd at the 2014 Disability Day. In 2014, GCDD commemorated the 15th anniversary of Olmstead.

Lists! Campaign. During the legislative session, GCDD held its 16th annual Disability Day at the Capitol that gathered over 2,000 advocates from across the State. The 2014 Disability Day saw support from legislators and included remarks from Governor Nathan Deal, who signed a proclamation declaring it Disability Awareness Day. “We All Have A Story … What’s Yours?” was the theme of the 16th annual

GCDD’s Real Communities Initiative Centenary United Methodist Church congregation in Macon worked to design quilts that display individual gifts and talents and explored how to use them to create inclusive communities.

Disability Day at the Capitol. The event also commemorated the 15th anniversary of the Olmstead decision and welcomed Olmstead plaintiff Lois Curtis who was in attendance. In the summer, GCDD also welcomed the National Center for Civil and Human Rights (NCCHR) to Downtown Atlanta. NCCHR includes in-depth displays of global social activism, including disability rights leaders and movements.

Governor Nathan Deal proclaimed February 20, 2014 as Disability Awareness Day at GCDD’s Disability Day at the Capitol.

GCDD welcomed the National Center for Civil and Human Rights to Downtown Atlanta. The center has been inclusive of disability rights within its offering of national and international exhibits.

Georgia Institute of Technologyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s AMAC Accessibility office works on assistive technology solutions for people with disabilities. With assistive technology, people with disabilities are able to participate in the workplace.

Edgar Victoria learned various skills at the Cartersville Medical Center through his time in Project SEARCH.

Bricio Marban works as a shipping loader after training at Rehabilitation Industries of Northeast Georgia.

Professional dance troupe, Full Radius, employs dancers with and without disabilities.

Cassidy Bradford from Project SEARCH is a full-time employee at Shaw Industries in Dalton, GA.

ACT • BELOVED COMMUNITY • CIVIL RIGHTS • ACTION • COMMUNITY • DISABILITY RIGHTS • EMPOWERMENT • EDUCATION • EMPATHY • EM REAL CAREERS • EQUAL OPPORTUNITY • FAMILY • FRIENDSHIP ROOTS • HUMAN RIGHTS •Developmental INCLUSION • INTER The priority of the Georgia Council on Disabilities (GCDD) Real Careers is to• continue a vision• where • LOVE • for OLMSTEAD REALpromoting CAREERS REAL C people with significant developmental disabilities can work by • REAL HOMES • REAL INFLUENCE • REAL LEAR replicating best practices such as “customized employment.” SUPPORTS • SOCIAL JUSTICE • VOTING RIGHTS During this fiscal year, GCDD focused on the alarming BILITY • ADVOCACY •with AMERICANS DISAB unemployment rate of people disabilities, whichWITH is currently COMMUNITY between 70 to 80%. GCDD advocated for employment BELOVED • CIVIL RIGHTS • COLL throughout the legislative session, and also by funding and • COMMUNITY • DISABILITY RIGHTS • ECONO supporting various projects to reduce this unacceptable number. MENT • EDUCATION • EMPATHY • EMPLOYMEN Through its advocacy and grassroots efforts, GCDD succeeded PORTUNITY •$390,000 FAMILY FRIENDSHIP GRASSRO in getting over for 50• supported employment•slots for people• with developmental disabilities in the 2014 legislative RIGHTS INCLUSION • INTERDEPENDENCE • LO session. STEAD • REAL CAREERS • REAL COMMUNITIES In addition, GCDD spearheaded the Employment First Initiative • REAL INFLUENCE • REAL LEARNING • REAL SU which promotes employment as the first priority and preferred SOCIAL JUSTICE • disabilities. VOTING RIGHTS ACCESSIB outcome of people with GCDD is also the•primary sponsor of First Georgia, a statewide resource VOCACY •Employment AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT promoting innovative, customized employment practices for COMMUNITY • CIVIL RIGHTS • COLLECTIVE AC people with disabilities. MUNITY • DISABILITY RIGHTS • ECONOMIC EM Advocating for life after high school for young adults with EDUCATION EMPATHY • EMPLOYMENT • EQU disabilities has• been a priority for GCDD. Supporting programs TY •such FAMILY FRIENDSHIP GRASSROOTS •H as Project•SEARCH, GCDD assists• community partners to ready students with disabilities for adult life and meaningful job • INCLUSION • INTERDEPENDENCE • LOVE • O experiences. REAL CAREERS • REAL COMMUNITIES • REAL 7 H INFLUENCE • REAL LEARNING • REAL SUPPORT

ES ACT • BELOVED COMMUNITY • CIVIL RIGHTS • COLCTIVE ACTION • COMMUNITY • DISABILITY RIGHTS • CONOMIC EMPOWERMENT • EDUCATION • EMPATHY • REAL HOMES MPLOYMENT • EQUAL OPPORTUNITY • FAMILY • FRIENDSHIP GRASSROOTS • HUMAN RIGHTS • INCLUSION • INTERDETo live in and contribute to communities of their choice, the Georgia Council on Disabilities (GCDD) people ENDENCE •Developmental LOVE • OLMSTEAD •believes REALthatCAREERS • REAL with developmental disabilities deserve decent, safe and affordable OMMUNITIES • REAL HOMES • REAL INFLUENCE • REAL housing as well as access to the necessary supports and services. ARNING • REAL SUPPORTS • SOCIAL JUSTICE • VOTING In 2014, the disability community celebrated the 15th anniversary of GHTS ACCESSIBILITY • ADVOCACY • AMERICANS WITH the• Olmstead decision, the landmark US Supreme Court case that found unjustified of persons with disabilities constitutes SABILITIES ACTsegregation • BELOVED COMMUNITY • CIVIL RIGHTS discrimination in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. COLLECTIVE ACTION • COMMUNITY • DISABILITY RIGHTS Olmstead activists came together to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Olmstead plaintiff, Lois Curtis, was present at 16th annual ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT •the EDUCATION • EMPATHY landmark US • Supreme Court decision last year. Disability Day at the Capitol, which is held during the legislative MPLOYMENT • EQUAL OPPORTUNITY • FAMILY • FRIENDSHIP session. Through advocacy, GCDD’s public policy team succeeded in having the Georgia General Assembly add more•Medicaid GRASSROOTS • HUMAN RIGHTS INCLUSION • INTERDEwaivers to allow individuals to move from facilities and institutions ENDENCE • LOVE • OLMSTEAD • REAL CAREERS • REAL to a community of their choice – the basis of the Supreme Court’s OMMUNITIES • REAL HOMES • REAL INFLUENCE • REAL Olmstead decision. ARNING • commemorated REAL SUPPORTS • SOCIAL • VOTING GCDD also the anniversary with a MakingJUSTICE a GHTS • ACCESSIBILITY • series ADVOCACY AMERICANS WITH Difference magazine guest column on Olmstead by • Talley Wells, the director of the Disability Integration Project at Atlanta SABILITIES ACT • BELOVED COMMUNITY • CIVIL RIGHTS Legal Aid Society. As one of the founding members of the Children’s COLLECTIVE ACTION • COMMUNITY • DISABILITY RIGHTS Freedom Initiative, GCDD continued to work with a coalition of ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT • ensures EDUCATION • EMPATHY • advocates that rallied behind the initiative that children are given the chance to live with permanent, loving families in a MPLOYMENT • EQUAL OPPORTUNITY • FAMILY • FRIENDSHIP community setting rather than institutions or facilities. Including advocacy for children, GCDD joined the Children’s Freedom Initiative GRASSROOTS • HUMAN RIGHTS • INCLUSION • INTERDEcoalition to allow children to live in loving homes in integrated communities. ENDENCE • LOVE • OLMSTEAD • REAL CAREERS • REAL 8 OMMUNITIES • REAL HOMES • REAL INFLUENCE • REAL

ES ACT • BELOVED COMMUNITY • CIVIL RIGHTS • COLCTIVE ACTION • COMMUNITY • DISABILITY RIGHTS • CONOMIC EMPOWERMENT • EDUCATION • EMPATHY • MPLOYMENT • EQUAL OPPORTUNITY • FAMILY • FRIENDHIP • GRASSROOTS • HUMAN RIGHTS • INCLUSION • TERDEPENDENCE • LOVE • OLMSTEAD • REAL CAREERS REAL COMMUNITIES • REAL HOMES • REAL INFLUENCE • EAL LEARNING • REAL SUPPORTS • SOCIAL JUSTICE • VOTG RIGHTS • ACCESSIBILITY • ADVOCACY • AMERICANS ITH DISABILITIES ACT • BELOVED COMMUNITY • CIVIL GHTS • COLLECTIVE ACTION • COMMUNITY • DISABILITY GHTSAttendees • ECONOMIC signed the petition at theEMPOWERMENT 2014 Disability Day at the Capitol. • EDUCATION • EMATHY • EMPLOYMENT • EQUAL OPPORTUNITY • FAMILY • RIENDSHIP • GRASSROOTS • HUMAN RIGHTS • INCLUSION INTERDEPENDENCE • LOVE • OLMSTEAD • REAL CAREERS REAL COMMUNITIES • REAL HOMES • REAL INFLUENCE • EAL LEARNING • REAL SUPPORTS • SOCIAL JUSTICE • VOTG RIGHTS • ACCESSIBILITY • ADVOCACY • AMERICANS ITH DISABILITIES ACT • BELOVED COMMUNITY • CIVIL GHTS • COLLECTIVE ACTION • COMMUNITY • DISABILITY GHTS • ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT • EDUCATION • EMATHYAdvocates • EMPLOYMENT • EQUAL OPPORTUNITY • FAMILY • Talley Wells and Olmstead activists from partner organizations gathered to mark the rallied for more and supports. RIENDSHIP •services GRASSROOTS • together HUMAN RIGHTS • INCLUSION anniversary of the law. INTERDEPENDENCE • LOVE • OLMSTEAD • REAL CAREERS 12 REAL COMMUNITIES • REAL HOMES • REAL INFLUENCE •

Undeniably, the progress toward equality and civil rights is marked by real and measured accomplishments.

GHTS • COLLECTIVE ACTION • COMMUNITY • DISABILITY RIGHTS • ECONOMIC EMPOWER CATION • EMPATHY • EMPLOYMENT • EQUAL OPPORTUNITY • FAMILY • FRIENDSHIP • GRAS UMAN•RIGHTS • INCLUSION • INTERDEPENDENCE • LOVE • OLMSTEAD • REAL CAREERS • R ACCESSIBILITY • ADVOCACY • UNITIESAMERICANS • REAL HOMES • REAL INFLUENCE • REAL LEARNING • REAL SUPPORTS • SOCIAL J WITH DISABILITIES OTING RIGHTS • ACCESSIBILITY • ADVOCACY • AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT • BELO ACT • BELOVED COMMUNITY UNITY ••CIVIL CIVILRIGHTS RIGHTS••COLLECTIVE COLLECTIVEACTION • COMMUNITY • DISABILITY RIGHTS • ECON OWERMENT • EDUCATION • EMPATHY ACTION • COMMUNITY • • EMPLOYMENT • EQUAL OPPORTUNITY • FAMILY • F GRASSROOTS • HUMAN • INCLUSION • INTERDEPENDENCE • LOVE • OLMSTEAD • DISABILITY RIGHTS RIGHTS • ECONOMIC EERS • REAL COMMUNITIES • REAL HOMES • REAL INFLUENCE • REAL LEARNING • REAL SU EMPOWERMENT • EDUCATION OCIAL JUSTICE • VOTING RIGHTS • ACCESSIBILITY • ADVOCACY • AMERICANS WITH DISAB • EMPATHY • EMPLOYMENT • BELOVED COMMUNITY • CIVIL RIGHTS • COLLECTIVE ACTION • COMMUNITY • DISABILITY EQUAL OPPORTUNITY • FAMILY CONOMIC EMPOWERMENT • EDUCATION • EMPATHY • EMPLOYMENT • EQUAL OPPORTUNI • FRIENDSHIP • GRASSROOTS • FRIENDSHIP • GRASSROOTS • HUMAN HUMAN RIGHTS • INCLUSION • RIGHTS • INCLUSION • INTERDEPENDENCE • LOVE • REAL CAREERS • REAL COMMUNITIES INTERDEPENDENCE • LOVE • REAL HOMES • REAL INFLUENCE • REAL LEARNING ORTS • •SOCIAL JUSTICE • VOTING RIGHTS • ACCESSIBILITY • ADVOCACY • AMERICANS W OLMSTEAD • REAL CAREERS • IES ACT •REAL BELOVED COMMUNITY • CIVIL RIGHTS • COLLECTIVE ACTION • COMMUNITY • D COMMUNITIES • REAL gcdd.org GHTS • ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT HOMES • REAL INFLUENCE • EDUCATION • EMPATHY • EMPLOYMENT • EQUAL O FAMILY • FRIENDSHIP • GRASSROOTS • HUMAN RIGHTS • INCLUSION • INTERDEPENDENCE • REAL LEARNING • REAL LMSTEAD • REAL CAREERS • REAL COMMUNITIES • REAL HOMES • REAL INFLUENCE • REAL SUPPORTS • SOCIAL JUSTICE REAL SUPPORTS • SOCIAL JUSTICE • VOTING RIGHTS • ACCESSIBILITY • ADVOCACY • AM • VOTING RIGHTS • ITH DISABILITIES ACT • BELOVED COMMUNITY • CIVIL RIGHTS • COLLECTIVE ACTION • CO (Photo on reverse) Lady Justice balancing the scales EMPOWERMENT of justice, the DISABILITY RIGHTS • ECONOMIC • EDUCATION • EMPATHY • EMPLOYMEN American disability flag and GCDD’s Disability Day at the Capitol – PPORTUNITY • FAMILY • FRIENDSHIP • GRASSROOTS • HUMAN RIGHTS • INCLUSION • INTE aligning symbols of social justice and disability rights. 10 • LOVE • OLMSTEAD • REAL CAREERS • REAL COMMUNITIES • REAL HOMES • REAL 11 IN ENCE EAL LEARNING • REAL SUPPORTS • SOCIAL JUSTICE • VOTING RIGHTS • ACCESSIBILITY • A

Undeniably, the progress toward equality and civil rights is marked by real and measured accomplishments.

2014 marked the 15th anniversary of the Olmstead decision, the landmark US Supreme Court case that declared people with disabilities have the right to choose to live in the community. At the 2014 Disability Day at the Capitol, StoryCorps recorded â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am Olmsteadâ&#x20AC;? stories documenting transition from institutions and facilities into communities.

2014 BUDGET EXPENDITURES PERIOD COVERED THIS REPORT: OCTOBER 1, 2013 SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 EXPENDITURES..................... EXPENDED COUNCIL ADMINISTRATION Real Council.................................. $506,106 Total Council Administration.... $437,975

GCDD Executive Director Eric Jacobson (left) stands before the crowd with Governor Nathan Deal and wife Sandra at the 2014 Disability Day at the Capitol, GCDDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual advocacy event.

PRIORITY AREAS Real Communities........................$658,381 Public Awareness..........................$436,337 Public Policy...................................$366,732 Self Advocacy.................................$149,165 Transition........................................$584,304 Publicly Funded System..............$264,330 Total Funds.............................$2,965,355 14

Andrew Furey speaks to reporters at the 2014 Disability Day at the Capitol.

Attendees advocate for employment, additional waivers, post-secondary education and more at Disability Day.

Lois Curtis, one of the plaintiffs of the Olmstead v. L.C., declares proudly “I am Olmstead.”

gcdd.org fall 2013

social justice:

defining •

a movement• See artIcle on page 8.

news for you:

march on washington anniversary: Interview with John lewis social Justice: defining a Movement for rights children’s Freedom initiative: Making coming Home a reality

Making a Difference Fall 2013

Making a Difference Winter 2014

GCDD.ORG SPRING 2014

Covers of Making a Difference magazine published during the time period of the annual report (right).

NEWS FOR YOU:

TRANSITION: What’s After High School OLMSTEAD: Landmark Case Turns 15 C.A.F.E.: Community Partnerships Add to Student’s Success After High School

Making a Difference Spring 2014

GCDD.ORG SUMMER 2014

NEWS FOR YOU:

DISABILITY HISTORY: National Center for Civil and Human Rights Opens EXPERT UPDATE: A Focus on Omlstead Settlements ARTS: Dance, Music and Photography Open Up New Avenues

Making a Difference Summer 2014

COUNCIL MEMBERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Mitzi R. Proffitt, Parent Advocate, Brooklet Thomas Connelly, Self Advocate, Albany Josette Akhras, Parent Advocate, Eatonton Geneice McCoy, Parent Advocate, Augusta Lisa Newbern, Parent Advocate/Advisory Member, Atlanta

GCDD Council Members (Row 1, l to r) Ruby Moore, Colleen Pirkle, Tom Connelly, Teresa Brenner, Kylie Moore, (Row 2, l to r) Teresa Johnson, Josette Akhras, Evan Nodvin, Teresa Ann Heard, Geneice McCoy, Mitzi Proffitt, Jason Bearden, GCDD Executive Director Eric Jacobson, (Row 3, l to r) Lisa Newbern, Deborah Hibben, Farah Chapes and Daniel Crimmins, (not pictured) Esma Campbell and Dr. Zolinda Stoneman.

Josette Akhras, Parent Advocate, Eatonton

Deborah C. Hibben, Parent Advocate, McDonough

Jason Bearden, Local Nonprofit/ Provider, Canton

Teresa Johnson, Parent Advocate/Advisory Member, Monroe

Teresa Brenner, Self Advocate/ Advisory Member, Bryon Esma Campbell, Parent Advocate/Advisory Member, Savannah

Geneice McCoy, Parent Advocate, Augusta Kylie Moore, Self Advocate/ Advisory Member, Roswell

Farah Chapes, Local Nonprofit/ Provider, Atlanta

Ruby Moore, Georgia Advocacy Office, Decatur

Thomas Connelly, Self Advocate, Albany

Lisa Newbern, Parent Advocate/ Advisory Member, Atlanta

Daniel Crimmins, Center for Leadership in Disability – Georgia State University, Atlanta

Evan H. Nodvin, Self Advocate, Atlanta

Deborah Gay, Georgia Department of Education, Atlanta Dorothy Harris, Self Advocate/ Advisory Member, Fitzgerald Teresa Ann Heard, Local Nonprofit/Provider, Albany

Mitzi R. Proffitt, Council Chair

Colleen Pirkle, Local Nonprofit/Advisory Member, Gainesville Mitzi R. Proffitt, Parent Advocate, Brooklet Dr. Zolinda Stoneman, Institute of Human Development & Disability – University of Georgia, Athens

Eric Jacobson, Executive Director

ICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT LOVED COMMUNITY • CIVIL R COLLECTIVE GCDDACTION STAFF • COMM DISABILITY RIGHTS • ECONOM Dottie Adams, Individual and Family POWERMENT • EDUCATION • Supports Director• EQUAL OPP • EMPLOYMENT Dawn Public Policy Planning • FAMILYAlford, • FRIENDSHIP • GRA Specialist • HUMAN RIGHTS • INCLUSIO Gary Childers, Chief Financial Officer TERDEPENDENCE • LOVE • OL Caitlin Childs, Organizing Director, REAL CAREERS • REAL COMM Real Communities Initiative REALEric HOMES • REAL INFLUENC Foss, Front Receptionist LEARNING • REAL SUPPORTS • Eric Jacobson, Executive Director JUSTICE • VOTING RIGHTS • A Jhai James, Public Information BILITYAssociate/Social • ADVOCACY • AMERIC Media Coordinator DISABILITIES ACT •Coordinator, BELOVED C Cheri Pace, Organizing Real Communities Initiative TY • CIVIL RIGHTS • COLLECT Kim Person-Hudson,•Executive • COMMUNITY DISABILITY R Assistant/Meeting Planner ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT • D’Arcy Robb, Public Policy Director CATION • EMPATHY • EMPLOY Sharon Strandberg, Grants Manager EQUAL OPPORTUNITY • FAMIL Valerie Meadows Suber, SHIP • GRASSROOTS • HUMA Public Information Director INCLUSION • INTERDEPENDEN and Making a Difference • OLMSTEAD • REAL CAREERS Magazine Editor-in-Chief 17 COMMUNITIES • REAL HOMES INFLUENCE • REAL LEARNING

FUNDED AND SUPPORTED ACTIVITIES - FY 2014

Student members of Partnerships for Success participate in social activities and community service projects to develop self-determination skills.

• 16th Annual GCDD Disability Day at the Capitol, Theme: “We All Have A Story ... What’s Yours?” • 2013 Annual Report • ASPIRE – Active Student Participation Inspires Real Engagement • CARE-M Georgians for a Healthy Future • Conference Sponsorships • Employment First Georgia Initiative • Georgia Microboards Association • GCDD Social Media: – Capitol Impact Database/List Serve & Advocacy Network – Facebook – Twitter – YouTube • GCDD Website: – Blogs – Events Calendar

– Funding Opportunities – Making a Difference Magazine online – Making a Difference Cartoon Gallery – Moving Forward Legislative Newsletter online – News & Media – Photo Gallery – Public Policy – Real Communities – Resources • Making A Difference Magazine print • Moving Forward Legislative Newsletter print • Partnership Funds • Partnerships for Success: – Barrow County – Bartow County – Bryan County – Cobb County

– Colquitt County – City of Decatur – Douglas County – Hall County – Thomas County – Walton County – White County – Whitfield County • People First Georgia • Post-Secondary Programs: – Columbus State University – East Georgia State College and Univ. – Inclusive PostSecondary Consortium – Kennesaw State Univ. Academy for Inclusive Education and Social Growth • Project SEARCH: – Albany – Atlanta (3) – Cartersville

– Dalton (2) – Douglas – Gainesville – Moultrie – Savannah (2) – Springfield – Thomasville – Waycross • Real Communities Initiatives: – Clarkston Global Growers – Centenary UMC, Macon – Forsyth Farmers’ Market, Savannah – Georgians For Alternatives to the Death Penalty – Korean Coalition – Women on the Rise • Youth Summit • SOPOS Housing Coalition • Unlock the Waiting Lists! Campaign

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES BELOVED COMMUNITY • CIVI • COLLECTIVE ACTION • COM COMMISSIONERS • DISABILITY RIGHTS • ECONO Commissioner Frank Berry, EMPOWERMENT • EDUCATION Georgia Department EMPATHY • EMPLOYMENT • EQ of Behavioral Health & OPPORTUNITY • FAMILY • FRIE Developmental Disabilities • GRASSROOTS • HUMAN RIG Commissioner David Cook, INCLUSION • INTERDEPENDEN Georgia Department of Community Health • OLMSTEAD • REAL CAREERS Commissioner Gretchen Corbin,HOMES COMMUNITIES • REAL Department of Community Affairs INFLUENCE • REAL LEARNING Commissioner Peggy Fitzgerald, SUPPORTS • SOCIAL JUSTICE Georgia Department RIGHTS • ACCESSIBILITY • AD of Public Health • AMERICANS Commissioner ClydeWITH L. Reese, DISABILIT III Esq., BELOVED COMMUNITY • CIVI Georgia Department of Human Services • COLLECTIVE ACTION • COM Commissioner Greg Schmeig, • ECONO • DISABILITY RIGHTS Georgia Vocational EMPOWERMENT • EDUCATION Rehabilitation Agency EMPATHY • EMPLOYMENT • EQ OPPORTUNITY • FAMILY • FRIE Photo: The American disability flag is • GRASSROOTS • HUMAN RIG waved proudly by Carol Jones over the crowd of advocates at the 2014 INCLUSION • INTERDEPENDEN Disability Day at the Capitol. 19 • OLMSTEAD • REAL CAREERS COMMUNITIES • REAL HOMES

MPOWERMENT • EDUCATION • EMPATHY • EMPLOYMENT • EQUAL OPPORTUNITY • FAMILY OLMSTEAD • REAL CAREERS • REAL COMMUNITIES • REAL HOMES • REAL INFLUENCE • REA AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT • BELOVED COMMUNITY • CIVIL RIGHTS • COLLECTIVE • EMPLOYMENT • EQUAL OPPORTUNITY • FAMILY • FRIENDSHIP • GRASSROOTS • HUMAN R • REAL HOMES • REAL INFLUENCE • REAL LEARNING • REAL SUPPORTS • SOCIAL JUSTICE • COMMUNITY • CIVIL RIGHTS • COLLECTIVE ACTION • COMMUNITY • DISABILITY RIGHTS • AMILY • FRIENDSHIP • GRASSROOTS • HUMAN RIGHTS • INCLUSION • INTERDEPENDENCE EARNING • REAL SUPPORTS • SOCIAL JUSTICE • VOTING RIGHTS • ACCESSIBILITY • ADVO ACTION • COMMUNITY • DISABILITY RIGHTS • ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT • EDUCATION • IGHTS • INCLUSION • INTERDEPENDENCE • LOVE • OLMSTEAD • REAL CAREERS • REAL CO • VOTING RIGHTS • ACCESSIBILITY • ADVOCACY • AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT • BE CONOMIC EMPOWERMENT • EDUCATION • EMPATHY • EMPLOYMENT • EQUAL OPPORTUN • LOVE • OLMSTEAD • REAL CAREERS • REAL COMMUNITIES • REAL HOMES • REAL INFLUEN • ADVOCACY • AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT • BELOVED COMMUNITY • CIVIL RIGHT DUCATION • EMPATHY • EMPLOYMENT • EQUAL OPPORTUNITY • FAMILY • FRIENDSHIP • G CAREERS • REAL COMMUNITIES • REAL HOMES • REAL INFLUENCE • REAL LEARNING • REAL DISABILITIES ACT • BELOVED COMMUNITY • CIVIL RIGHTS • COLLECTIVE ACTION • COMMU QUAL OPPORTUNITY • FAMILY • FRIENDSHIP • GRASSROOTS • HUMAN RIGHTS • INCLUSIO Office of Public Information EAL INFLUENCE • REAL LEARNING • REAL SUPPORTS • SOCIAL JUSTICE • VOTING RIGHTS • 2 Peachtree Street NW • Suite 26-246 • Atlanta, GA 30303-3142 IGHTS • COLLECTIVE ACTION • COMMUNITY • DISABILITY RIGHTS • ECONOMIC EMPOWE Voice 404.657.2126 • Toll Free 1.888.275.4233 • TDD 404.657.2133 • GRASSROOTS • HUMAN RIGHTS • INCLUSION • INTERDEPENDENCE • LOVE • OLMSTEAD • GCDD.org EAL SUPPORTS • SOCIAL JUSTICE • VOTING RIGHTS • ACCESSIBILITY • ADVOCACY • AME COMMUNITY • DISABILITY RIGHTS • ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT • EDUCATION • EMPATHY NCLUSION • INTERDEPENDENCE • LOVE • OLMSTEAD • REAL CAREERS • REAL COMMUNITI IGHTS • ACCESSIBILITY • ADVOCACY • AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT • BELOVED CO