Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities e-news, 2020 March

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Read the Latest GCDD e-news - March 2020
Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities <info@gcdd.org>
Thu 3/5/2020 9:00 AM To: Georgia Documents <gadocs@uga.edu>
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A Digital Newsletter from the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities March 2020
A Message from the Executive Director
Though we are still in the first quarter of 2020, it has already proven to be a year full of political intrigue. Here is what we know so far: we know this is an election year, and we will elect a US president, every member of the US Congress and every member of the Georgia General Assembly. We know that the Georgia General Assembly passed an amended fiscal year 2020 (AFY 2020) budget that reduced many of the cuts that Governor Brian Kemp attempted to implement in his AFY 2020 budget recommendations. Read more from Eric E. Jacobson.
Public Policy for the People Hello DD Awareness Month!
The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is proud to recognize March as Developmental Disabilities (DD) Awareness Month. The goal for this month is to create awareness about developmental disabilities, teach the importance of inclusion within every aspect of life and to share the stories of individuals with a disability to show that a successful life is possible. Find out more about celebrating DD Awareness Month.
Public Policy for the People Great Start to Advocacy Days!
Georgia's advocacy community has been hard at work! At GCDD's first three Advocacy Days, the Council welcomed over 400 advocates and over 50 team leads who collaborated to build relationships and educate lawmakers about home and community-based services, Gracie's Law and post-secondary
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education! Check out some of our photos of advocates from the past three Advocacy Days!

Public Policy for the People Two More Advocacy Days!
Advocates, GCDD will host its final Advocacy Days on March 9 and March 18, wrapping up a great advocacy season! March 9 - Competitive, Integrated Employment Advocate for policies that improve competitive, integrated employment options for Georgians with developmental disabilities. March 18 School-to-Prison Pipeline (SToPP) Advocate to keep African American males in special education classes from being pushed out of school and into the criminal justice system. Join advocates from across the state in speaking with elected officials about these very important issues. Register for Advocacy Days.
Rodriguez Pens Blog Series, Kayla's Corner
GCDD's Public Policy and Communications intern Kayla Rodriguez has worked at GCDD for the past four months learning all the ins and outs of disability policy and communications. To document her experience, Kayla started her own blog series, Kayla's Corner, to share about her experience in her first job out of college, her own personal and professional growth and what she'd like other young adults with disabilities like her to know about employment. Read more of Kayla's blogs.
Updates on Competitive, Integrated Employment for Georgians with Disabilities
Written by GCDD Executive Director Eric E. Jacobson In 2018, the Georgia General Assembly, along with the governor, approved the passage of House Bill 831, Georgia's Employment First Act. Georgia's Employment First Act was signed into law by Governor Nathan Deal on May 8, 2018, and declared Georgia a state in which competitive, integrated employment is the first and preferred option for citizens with disabilities, regardless of the severity of the disability. To promote and implement this mission, Georgia's Employment First Council (Council) was created. Read more about competitive, integrated employment.
Enrollment Open for Co-op Academy
The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, Synergies Work and Green Worker Cooperatives have
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launched a co-op academy to empower and educate entrepreneurs with developmental disabilities to build successful businesses. The first of its kind, the virtual co-op academy will guide entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into successful cooperative businesses. Learn more about the Co-Op Academy.

Two More Advocacy Days Left!
Monday, March 9, 2020 - Competitive, Integrated Employment (CIE) Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - School-to-Prison Pipeline (SToPP) REGISTER HERE.

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Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) | 2 Peachtree Street NW, Suite 26-246, Atlanta, GA 30303
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