Accessible Audio for Making A Difference
Accessible audio for the magazine from the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities
Episodes
152 episodes
Spring Forward: Shaping GCDD’s Future Together
I always look forward to Spring – crisp morning air, blooming flowers, warmer-but-not-yet-hot weather, opportunities to renew and refresh, and the hope and plans that come when seasons change. For GCDD, we are moving forward with pu...
Disability Vote Counts: Why Your Voice Matters in Georgia
As Georgia prepares for the 2026 election cycle, one message remains true – the disability vote counts.For people with disabilities, their families, and those who support them, voting is more than a civic responsibility. It is on...
Your Input Needed! What Should GCDD Work on in the Next Five Years?
The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) completed its information gathering process for the 2027-2031 Five-Year Strategic Plan. The feedback collected from across the state helped build a new strategic plan aimed at creating sy...
Uniting for Change Educates Georgians with I/DD on the Importance of Voting
On April 2, 2026, Uniting for Change (U4C) held a voting workshop for self-advocates with disabilities across Georgia. The workshop helped people get ready for the May 19, 2026 primary election.The goal was to teach people with intellect...
Study Examines the Economic Impact of NOW/COMP Waivers
The Georgia Healthcare Policy Center (GHPC) at Georgia State University is researching whether the money spent on services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) is worth it. This is also known as the ret...
Letter from Leadership: Advocacy is About Being Yourself
My name is Martha, and I have a pretty amazing job. I am the first young woman with Down syndrome to work at the Georgia state capitol. Yes, you read that right. The first. And honestly? That is not just a fact. It is a gift.So ...
It's Election Season! Get Out the Disability Vote!
Election season is here! This year, Georgia voters will choose their next Governor, US Senator, US representatives, and many other leaders. These elections matter a lot for people with disabilities.First come the primary elections. In a ...
Fun Summer Activities for People with Disabilities in Georgia
As Georgia’s temperatures rise and summer approaches, families across the state begin searching for ways to enjoy the outdoors. But for many Georgians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), planning a day of summer fun often c...
Rethinking School Discipline: Keeping Students with Disabilities Connected to Learning
School discipline plays a big role in whether students stay in the classroom and are connected to learning. According to the Georgia Conflict Center (GCC), students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are disciplined more of...
GCDD’s Education Advocacy Day Highlights Key Priorities for Students with Disabilities
The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) works to support inclusive education, employment, housing, and advocacy for Georgians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). On February 4, 2026, self-advocates, parents...
Letter from Leadership: Georgia Urgently Needs 1217 NOW/COMP Waivers — The Data Proves It
Pop quiz! How many NOW/COMP waivers does Georgia *urgently* need?Between 50 and 500We don’t know1,217The answer is C. The state urgently needs 1,217 new NOW/COMP waivers.How do we know? Because ...
Out of Hand Theatre is Coming to Macon
Something special is happening in Macon, Georgia, on Sunday, April 12, 2026. An exciting event called Reimagining Schools, Neighborhoods & Faith Communities to Include All Children and Youth will take place from 2 to 4 PM at the Tu...
Public Policy for the People
Hello advocates, how in the world are you doing!!We’re excited to bring you the March edition of our Public Policy for the People article. Y’all… we are heavy in session. When the House and Senate are moving at full speed, it can feel li...
Why NOW and COMP Waivers Matter for Georgia Families
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a national campaign that began in 1987. It reminds us that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are important members of our communities and should be fully included...
Advocacy During the Legislative Session: What Matters and How You Can Help
Decisions made during Georgia’s legislative session affect the daily lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. These decisions shape whether someone can get help at home, whether a student can s...
Ask GCDD Anything
The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is launching a new feature column for Making A Difference magazine called “Ask GCDD Anything!” Through this column, GCDD will provide more education, information, and resources f...
Embrace What’s Possible at the Tubman Museum Disability Justice Journey Exhibit
Discover stories of courage, creativity, and leadership from people with disabilities in Georgia and beyond. Learn how disability justice connects to Harriet Tubman’s legacy of strength at the Tubman African American Museum in Macon.
Letter from Leadership: Urgently Needed! 1,217 New Waivers
For the past two and a half years, the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) has had the privilege of working alongside leaders across Georgia’s intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) community as part of the Georgia ...
Using AI to Expand Access and Independence for People with Disabilities
New technology is changing quickly, and many people find it hard to know how to use it safely or well. Tools powered by artificial intelligence (AI) can make everyday tasks easier and support independence. At the same time, they can raise conce...
What Being a Self-Advocate Means to Me
Being a self-advocate means speaking up for myself and for others. It means standing up for my rights and asking for what I need and want. It also means helping to make sure other people are heard, too.One of my first memories of advocat...
Four New Members Join Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities
The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is pleased to announce the addition of four new council members. These Georgians will bring new voices and ideas to the 28-member Council. These members will help make important decisions...
Jessica Cowell: Acting, Leading, and Speaking Up for Inclusion and Community
Whether she is acting, directing, or speaking up for people with disabilities, Jessica Cowell, who has cerebral palsy, knows how to use her voice. She loves being on stage and is dedicated to making sure everyone feels included and welcome....
New Year, New Possibilities
What if in 2026, we forget about resolutions? Instead, what if we embrace this year as one full of possibilities?Hear me out. A resolution sounds so ... limited. And likely to fail. Plus, why is there pressure to pick just one? I don’t k...
Project SETA: Building Georgia's Next Generation of Disability Leaders
Project SETA: Students Enhancing Their Advocacy is a one-year training program that helps young people build strong skills in speaking up for themselves and being leaders. It was first made for students in college programs that include everyone...
Public Policy for the People: Advocacy Is More Important Than Ever
My name is Charlie Miller, and I work at the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD). My job is to help people speak up for disability rights. I'm excited to share this January newsletter about what's happening in Georgia's governm...