1997 annual report of the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities for Georgia [1997]

trh
&630,1)4
Al
1191
The 1997 Annual Report of The Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities for Georgia

In response to federal Developmental Disabilities Services and Facilities Construction Amendments of 1970, (P.L. 91-517), the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities was established in 1971. The Council is a twenty-three member Board appointed by the Governor, dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities and their family members. The Council creates a unique opportunity to bring together the perspectives of people with disabilities, advocates, universities, and state agencies to help shape public policies regarding people with disabilities. The Council is comprised of six family members of people with disabilities, and six people with disabilities. The Council also includes representatives from seven state agencies serving people with developmental disabilities, a representative from the state's University Affiliated Program, a representative from the state's Protection and Advocacy System, and a representative from higher education training facilities.
T he Mission of the Council is to collaborate with consumers, their families, advocacy organizations, and policy makers to enhance the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities and their families through advocacy, education, funding and project implementation, and research and analysis.
The Council is located at: 2 Peachtree Street, NW Suite 3-210 Atlanta, Georgia 30303
You may call us at: 404-657-2126, 888-ASK-GCDD; or 404-657-2133TDD. Our fax number is: 404-657-2132. You may access our website at http:// www.ga-ddcouncil.org. We can provide alternative formats for our publications. This publication was made possible through grant number G-9801GABS 11 from the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Administration on Developmental Disabilities.

From Our Chairperson and Executive Director. ..

Dear Friends:

Justin Dart once said, "The purpose of human society is to empower every individual to live life to his or her God-given potential." In order for people to achieve their potential, we must have neighborhoods, cities, counties, and a state that welcomes all of its citizens. The Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities is helping create those communities and supporting persons with developmental disabilities and their families to live to their fullest potential. We are working toward this goal by sponsoring activities that promote the independence, productivity, integration and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities. As you will read, we have taken many positive steps during this past year to create communities that support people with developmental disabilities and their families.

During this past year, the Council supported a number of projects that we believe will result in: 1) more opportunities for independent living and inclusive education; 2) a cadre of future leaders comprised of people with disabilities and their family members; 3) people having access to information; 4) communities that embrace diversity; and, 5) public policy that results in positive actions for people with developmental disabilities and their families. The Council could not have succeeded in any of these activities without the commitment and support of individuals and organizations throughout the State. We have welcomed the opportunity to work with individuals with disabilities, family members, advocacy groups, policy makers, providers and others throughout the year. Within each project described in this Annual Report, there is an effort beyond just the Council. There is a collaboration in which all those involved created a vision about the project and how it could best enhance the lives of people with disabilities. We want to thank all those who worked with the DD Council and helped us to design each project and achieve shared accomplishments.

Even with these successful projects, the Council does not believe that our work is complete. We spent this past year completing our next three year plan that will guide our work into the year 2000. Many of you helped us on this journey. You shared with us your vision for yourself, your child, your family member, and for Georgia. You shared with us your ideas about how Council can best use its resources to promote a State in which "all persons are included in all facets of community life and have choices while exercising control over their lives." We have used these valuable thoughts to build on what is already in place and to work with others to move forward. This vision for Georgia will require each of us become a leader in our neighborhood, county, or state. As leaders, we will have to demand that each and every community allow us to live to our fullest potential and that each community be prepared to help us achieve that promise.

If we work as partners, we can create a State that allows every individual to live to his or her capacity. We can be a significant force in Georgia and across the country to create change and a society that values all of its citizens. As Nelson Mandela wrote, "Our deepest fear is not that we're inadequate but that we are powerful." We must get beyond our fears and realize the force behind our power. We must learn to use our power to create the kind of state where all people want to live and all are accepted for who they are. The Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities will do its part to support these efforts into the next millennium and beyond. This is our commitment to you.

Sincerely,

.

br/M) tMdOUX - W~

Gina Alday Wolden Chairperson

~2(J~A~S~
EricE.~s:n
Executive Director

"A vision is a point on the horizon that will be reached
only at some date in the
future, a statement of what
will be created years or decades ahead. To create
visions, leaders must become preoccupied with the future. They must be able to project themselves
ahead in time. "
--James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner The Leadership Challenge

Introduction
I n 1997,the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities for Georgia underwent many changes. Having just rewritten our mission, values and goals, we began to look deeper into what would make Georgia a better place for people with developmental disabilities and their families. We knew when we embarked on this journey, that while we were at the very end of our three-year plan, we had to look forward and decide how a Georgia that was inclusive, welcoming, empowered, and which fostered good educational practices and independence for its citizens with disabilities would look. However, toprepare adequately for the new millennium, we had to review the old year. This is what we saw.
A Quest for Independent Living
" The purpose of human society is to empower every
individual to live life to his or her God-given potential. "
Justin Dart.
The Council continued to support opportunities for people with developmental disabilities not only to live in the communities of their choice, but also to reach for the highest level of independent living they can attain. Thus, the Council endorsed programs that made communities more accessible, homes more affordable, employment more realizable, technology more available, and gave families more peace of mind about their loved ones with disabilities.
Unified Transportation Pilot Projects. The Department of Transportation and the Department of Human Resources' Aging and Disabled Transportation Task Force funded five pilot projects across the state to test a Unified Transportation System Model. This model is an inclusive transportation system operated independently and shared between service providers. The Council funded a program to market the Unified Transportation System in one of these pilot sites with the intent to replicate it, if successful. The site was in rural middle Georgia, and included a collaborative system among five counties. The goal of the marketing plan was to build awareness about the new system and encourage ridership by people with developmental disabilities. The program was implemented through community development strategies and a voucher distribution program. Positive results came from this

project: a 13.92% voucher usage was demonstrated by the end of the contract. ($68,864).
National Home of Your Own Alliance (HOYO). In their third year to increase home ownership opportunities in Georgia for people with developmental disabilities, five communities established expertise teams comprised of housing experts, real estate professionals, banking/lending institutions, and people with disabilities and family members. To qualify for participation in the project, each team was required to initiate a coalition among disability organizations and low income housing organizations; complete a community survey on the inclusion of people with disabilities' housing resource programs; commit to integrated (scattered site) housing as opposed to project-based "disability" housing, and pledge to assist at least two "most-in-need" individuals with disabilities in securing their own homes. Five people with disabilities were able to purchase their own homes with assistance from the expertise teams. In addition, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs promised $1 million for the establishment of a mortgage initiative for people with disabilities. Moreover, the Fannie Mae Corporation pledged $600,000 to help 10 people with disabilities purchase their own homes. ($25,607).
Community Trusts for People with Developmental Disabilities. In 1996, the Georgia legislature passed and the Governor signed into law a bill that allows nonprofit organizations to create and manage community trusts for people with disabilities. The purpose of the project was to provide education about community trusts to nonprofit organizations and family members with disabilities. The trusts allow families to set aside money to help individuals purchase services without having an impact upon Medicaid or SSI funds after family members die. Family members who establish the trust can put aside money to be used to purchase services, provide medical or dental care, education, training, or recreational opportunities. A brochure was developed and distributed to 5600 consumers and 1000 disability-related organizations, plus over 500 constituents were reached through conference presentations, and individual and group meetings. In all, about 16,000 brochures were disseminated. It is expected that the first trust will be established in 1998. ($29,520).
Expanding Employment Capacity Project. This was the third year of a project to influence the business community's understanding of the benefits of hiring individuals with developmental disabilities. Considerable time and effort were spent working with representatives of the service delivery system, both at the state and local levels, to identify barriers to employment within the system and potential strategies to overcome these barriers. Information was gathered from employers who have experienced the benefits of hiring people with disabilities. Effective ways of sharing this perspective with other businesses, utilizing means as well as novel approaches, were identified. Over 175 employers, service providers, state agency representatives, and legislators participated in training opportunities. ($69,961).

Assistive Technology Projects. The Council funded three projects to help people with developmental disabilities and their families gain increased access to assistive technology. Two projects were aimed at providing assistive technology to older adults with developmental disabilities who reside in rural areas. The projects consisted of providing information about the availability of assistive technology and helping to remove barriers in the home. In one case, grab bars were installed, allowing one person more independence in bathing. Nineteen people were served through this project. The third project enabled people with developmental disabilities and their families to attend the Touch the Future Conference, which provides information about best practices in assistive technology, and was attended by over 1000 individuals. ($30,028).
Building Leadership for Today and Tomorrow
, , No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new heaven to the human spirit. " Helen Keller.
The Council has a made a strong commitment to leadership development for people with developmental disabilities and their families. Whether active in creating new and powerful alliances with constituent groups or broadening its outreach with more encompassing versions of its successful Partners in Policymaking program or granting scholarships for educational activities, the Council excelled in providing opportunities for consumers, families, and community organizations to work together to increase the independence, dignity and self-esteem of people with developmental disabilities.
Advocacy Alliance. In 1996, the Council began a project to create advocacy efforts in communities statewide. This project was to create an effort to assure that the 13 regional boards understood the needs of people with developmental disabilities and created policies and practices to meet those needs. The Council contracted with a coalition comprised of the Georgia ARC Network and People First to undertake this effort. The goal was to develop a coalition in each of the 13 regions created when the Division of Mental Health,
Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse reorganized. Regional boards were formed that were appointed by local county commissioners and were comprised of at least 50% consumers or family members. Through legislative forums, resource fairs, and attendance at regional board meetings, participants in this program were able to influence the direction of policy in Georgia.
The first year was spent organizing efforts in each region

and finding ways to recruit members and understand local needs. Currently, there are grassroots efforts in each of the regions, and each region has created a work plan that has identified the needs and alternatives to addressing needs in each area. In nine of the regions, there is a point person who coordinates all activities. As a result of this project, parents were better educated about Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and were directed to resources that resulted in 12 parents having Individual Education Plans that better met their expectations. In addition, one individual got a job as a result of a resource fair in Washington County. ($82,600).
Partners in Policymaking Program. The fifth class of Partners in Policymaking, a program to train people with disabilities and their family members to become proactive advocates, was completed with 24 graduates--5 self-advocates and 19 parents. In the post-graduation evaluation, the following outcomes were achieved:
There was an 85% increase in the number of participants who made presentations to advocacy groups, thereby demonstrating greater roles in leadership and policy-influencing positions;
Communications by phone and by personal visits with elected officials increased collectively by over 25%, concluding the training made Partners more confident in their abilities and skills to influence decision makers on state and national levels;
In a pre-training self assessment instrument, 32% of the class ranked their advocacy skills and activity as Good (from a choice of Excellent, Good, Fair or Poor); at post-training, 63% had indicated their skills were Good.
Approximately 50% of Partners implemented projects in their communities (such as initiating efforts for accessible school playgrounds, and implementing policy in a school wherein students with disabilities receive the accommodations needed in the classroom) that will create noticeable change in societal perceptions and inclusion of people with disabilities. ($144,575).
Regional Partners in Advocacy. Regional Partners in Advocacy was a pilot project designed to provide basic leadership/advocacy training to constituents on a local level in rural areas. The idea was to present an opportunity that did not require the time and travel or resource commitment that a program like Partners in Policymaking required. Doors to potential advocacy and advocates were opened to previously unserved individuals. Six small cities around the state served as the locales for surrounding rural areas. The course included four full training days and one evening public forum on legislative issues. Eightyone participants enrolled--61 family members and 20 people with disabilities. Sixty-eight people completed the training and were awarded certificates of graduation. ($131,553).

Partnership Funds. The Council awarded funds to organizations which sponsored over 500 constituents from across the state to attend 42 educational and policy making events. The evaluations submitted by recipients of funds indicated that, to a large extent, without this scholarship program, they would never get the education and/or peer or parent support they need to be proactive in their own or their child's education or community inclusion. Providing an avenue for them to secure funding to attend these types of events gives constituents an opportunity to network, bring back information to their peers and communities, and motivates them as advocates. ($71,241).
Gaining the Power of Information
, , We never stop investigating. We are never satisfied that we know enough to get by. Every question we answer leads on to another question. This has become the greatest survival trick of our species. " Desmond Morris.
To constituents in Georgia, information is power. In an effort to reach more constituents and other interested citizens, the Council expanded its publications, developed a web site, held a large and successful conference, created lunch and learn programs designed to educate people across the state, and conducted discussions with medical residents. In providing information that was so eagerly sought, the Council continued to empower individuals across Georgia.
Colloquia with Emory Residents. The Council staff met with pediatric residents and family practitioners from the Emory Medical School on a monthly basis. These future doctors spent one month at the Marcus Developmental Center examining children with disabilities, but had not spent any time discussing the history of the disability movement, issues that are important to family members, and other issues of concern to people with disabilities. In 1997, forty-five students participated in this program.
Refocusing the Future. The Council sponsored Refocusing the Vision, a conference to discuss the future of the disability movement in Georgia. Initiating the first steps to bring together stakeholders to create a common vision for disability advocates in Georgia, the conference mobilized advocates to action through information, coalition building, and recognition for constituent work. Participants had a choice of five tracks on advocacy, independent living, aging, employment, and diversity, with at least 4 breakout sessions each. Over 200 people, including 100 scholarship recipients who were individuals with disabilities or their family members, heard national speakers on a variety of topics. This was the first time Georgia sponsored a conference of this magnitude and scope. ($73,478)

Lunch and Learn Programs. The Council funded six lunch and learn programs throughout the state to bring advocates together in a "round table" format to learn about current issues, the impact these issues have on the state, and possible responses to current developments. Three programs were held in metropolitan Atlanta, while the other three were held in Americus, Columbus, and Athens. Topics included: family-centered support, universal design, aging caregivers, assistive technology recycling and financing, and reauthorization of the reform of the mental health, mental retardation, and substance abuse system. An average of 100 people ( including people with disabilities, family members, and professional advocates) attended each of these sessions. These programs gave the Council an opportunity to reach a larger audience on a face-to-face basis and to develop partnerships with the sponsoring advocacy groups. ($17,947).
The Expansion of Council Publications and Contacts. The Council continued to publish its Community Calendar, which was received by over 4,000 people in Georgia, the United States, and other countries. The Council broadened the circulation of its bimonthly publication which addresses a broad variety of topics, the Council Updater, to a list of over 450 interested readers. In addition, the Council attended health fairs across the state to distribute information to people and to gain participation on its mailing list.
The Web Site. The Council created a website that has become a focal point for people across the state to access 'information. The site highlights the Council's mission, values and goals. It also provides a forum for seeking feedback on such matters as the legislative agenda, and provides the monthly Community Calendar in an alternative format, as well as Council and constituent publications such as the Resource Directory. Through the web site, the Council conveys the latest activities on disability issues during the legislative session through alerts and the Moving Forward newsletter which is uploaded every week during this time. The web site provides advocates with easier, quicker access to timely information. They are better informed, and the people they share the information with are also better informed. ($6,900).
Embracing Diversity
, 'There needs to be a revolution of the heart in our country. The revolution needs to begin deep inside each of us. It needs to sweep down like a mighty fire of justice, abroad in our land. " Dorothy Days.
Georgia is a robust, culturally diverse state. According to the 1990 census, some of the counties and cities in the state are ranked nationally high for their cultural and ethnic diversity. To meet the particular exigencies of underserved and unserved people with disabilities, the Council has developed strategies and programs to bridge the gap. For over five years, the Council, together with the University Affiliated Program and the Georgia Advocacy Office, has sponsored an effort to examine the needs of people with color with developmental disabilities.

Training for Service Providers on Cultural Competency. After much discussion, the Task Force recognized the need to train service providers about cultural competency. The Council contracted with Columbus College to develop a curriculum to teach issues of concern for people with disabilities targeted at service providers and state agencies, which was still in progress at the end of 1997. Staff conducted focus groups and have been working on completing the curriculum. The curriculum will result in a series of video tapes to teach those issues. ($12,700).
Diversity Conferences. In 1997, the Coalition, in cooperation with the Council, sponsored two conferences on disability and diversity. The main objective of the conferences was to ensure increased participation of individuals with and without disabilities from ethnic, rural, and low income communities into the disabilities network. In addition, these conferences were opportunities to disseminate information on the disabilities network, and encourage linkages among organizations that serve people at high risk because of their poverty, gender, or ethnicity. The first conference focused on high risk factors associated with disabilities in unserved and underserved communities, including: teen pregnancy, violence, substance abuse, mental illness, aging, and education. Participants were provided with information about these issues and the resources available in their communities. In addition, state agency representatives learned about the needs of these populations.
The second conference focused on information about best practices from around the United States concerning the high risk factors identified at the first conference. National speakers presented information about the demographics of disabilities and the changing diversity of the United States. Over 150 people attended the two conferences. ($27,820).
Evaluation of Council's Efforts on Promoting Cultural Competency. The Multicultural Assessment Project was created to assess the outcomes of the four projects funded by the Council to promote culturally competent services for people with disabilities. The four projects funded since 1993 are: 1) The Atlanta Regional Commission Disability Outreach program; 2) the Albany State College

project to identify persons of color with disabilities in southwest Georgia; 3) the Columbus College Cultural Competence Curriculum project; and, 4) the University Affiliated Program's Diversity Conferences. The results of this effort will be known in 1998. ($8,000).
Taking Positive Action
" Now is the time to seize the moment, to feel our own power, our own power in numbers, conscience, and in
heart, and to let others know that we will not go back. We
will not go back to the time when access to personal assistance and assistive technology were seen as a sheer luxury, rather than the absolute and inviolate necessities and fundamental human rights they truly are. " Ed Roberts.
In 1997, the Council continued to follow and shape public policies that have a deep impact on the lives of Georgians with developmental disabilities and the people who care about them. While many sensitive issues arose in this year with far-reaching impact for people with disabilities--potential funding cuts that would have left many people without much-needed services and resources, the challenge of the decision to close Brook Run, opposition in the legislature to basic access issues, a chance to have an impact on the changing face of Medicaid, an opportunity to assess the Community Care Services Program, and the excitement of a closer partnership with the deaf community--the Council and advocates across the state faced whatever came with conviction.
Resolutions 97. In 1996, the Council began an effort to promote public policy issues that were important to people with disabilities. After conducting focus groups acro'ss the state to identify potential legislative issues, the Council adopted a series of public policy issues, and provided information to advocates and policy makers about these issues through fact sheets and the distribution of the weekly newsletter, Moving Forward. This effort was continued into 1997. Over 200 people with developmental disabilities and their families learned about the legislative process and met with their legislators to discuss issues and concerns. Priorities for the 1997 session included passage of: Basic Accessibility/"Visitability" in New Home Construction--H.B. 514; The Long Term Care Choice Act--H.B. 512; The Technology-Related Assistance Trust for Individuals with Disabilities; Monitoring Medicaid Reform and Advocating for the Inclusion of Certain

Principles; and Securing Budget Increases for Community-based Services.
In preparing for the 1998 session, the Council solicited public opinion, researched potential issues, conducted 10 community workshops and dialogues, facilitated the development of agenda items, developed fact sheets, and made plans to widen the distribution of the Moving Forward newsletter. The 1998 public policy agenda items include support for the passage of: The Long Term Care Choice Act; The Basic Bathroom Standards Act of 1998; The Mental Health Parity Bill; Legislation to Reauthorize Reform of the Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse Service System; Monitoring Medicaid Reform and Advocating for the Inclusion of Certain Principles; Securing Budget Increases for Community-based Services; and Supporting Passage of Federal Legislation--H.R. 2020 and S. 879. ($110,377).
Basic Access. Because of a near-success in 1996 to pass legislation requiring that the door to one of the bathrooms in new home construction be 32 inches wide, the disability community was keen to keep the momentum going to obtain passage of this legislation in 1997. This project involved providing strategic support and technical assistance to legislators, people with disabilities, their families and others regarding this issue. ($5,576).
Public Forums about Brook Run. In December 1996 and January 1997, the Council convened a task force comprised of 50 consumers, family members and advocates who were concerned about the future of Brook Run, an intermediate care facility for people with mental retardation. The Council's goal was to create a safe environment that allowed individuals dedicated to supporting people with developmental disabilities and mental retardation to have an honest exchange of ideas. After four intense meetings, the work group reached consensus on several broad principles. Two publications were created and distributed to policy makers, consumers and advocates: Lives in the Balance: A Background Paper--Supports for People with Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities in Georgia and Lives in the Balance: A Principles ofSupports for People with Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities in Georgia. Also, in partnership with the Georgia Advocacy Office, (GAO), the two organizations brought experts to Georgia who shared their experiences with state policy makers, parents, consumers, regional board staff, providers, and interested others. ($5,500).
Watching Changes in Medicaid. In 1995, Georgia began an effort to bring managed care into the Medicaid program. During these discussions, a coalition was formed to educate people statewide about these efforts and to help them see the impact of managed care on services. The coalition consisted of advocates for people with disabilities, older adults, low income mothers and children, and others concerned about potential changes to the Medicaid system. In 1997, Healthcare for a Lifetime continued its effort to educate people about managed care and monitor legislative activities. ($20,000).

Analysis of the Community Care Services Program. To help people with developmental disabilities and their families gain increased access to public and private sources of funding for services, the Council funded an analysis of the Community Care Services Program (CCSP). The CCSP is a Medicaid waiver program targeted primarily to older adults. Over the last few years, increasing numbers of individuals with developmental disabilities have applied for and received services through the CCSP; currently, 524 people with disabilities are served by this waiver. ($25,000).
Advocacy Skills Development for People who are Deaf. Following the 1997 legislative session, representatives of the deaf community requested that the Council provide technical assistance and strategy development on effective advocacy for public policy changes at the state level. Thus, the Council participated in a work group to develop a process for creating a strategic plan for Georgians who are hard of hearing or who are deaf. The Council contracted with an advocate and member of the deaf community to facilitate additional strategic planning meetings. Representatives of the Governor's Budget Office, Department of Human Resources, and Division of Rehabilitation Services participated in the discussion and planning meetings. This project will continue in 1998. ($4,810).
Continued Support for Constituents who are Deaf. The Council funded several projects aimed at supporting advocacy efforts for persons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. These projects were a direct result of the Council having the opportunity to meet with this population and their advocates for the first time. The Council sponsored leadership training and Kids of Deaf Adults workshops at the Georgia Association of the Deaf's Biannual-Conference. Over 135 people who are deaf or hard of hearing and family members attended this conference. ($3,440).
Reaching Potential Through Inclusive Education
" ... inclusion means recognizing our interdependence.
Inclusion means recognizing that we are one even though we are not the same. Inclusion means fighting against
exclusion and all of the social diseases it gives birth to:
racism, sexism, and handicapism. " Shafik Asante.
The Council's aim is to eliminate barriers to education that stand in the way of inclusion, self-advocacy, and ultimately, empowerment. Each child who is included makes for a stronger Georgia. When children with disabilities are included, they bring strengths, ideas, and contributions with them that help children without disabilities and their teachers make potential new friends, and gain understanding and insight. By making inclusion an ongoing priority, the Council continues to battle the stigma that sometimes faces children with disabilities in a regular classroom.
Better All Together III. Because two previous conferences had been so overwhelmingly received, the Council sponsored Better All Together III during 1996-97. The purpose of the Conference was to provide information to teachers, parents and administrators about best

practices for including children with disabilities in the classroom. Participants were expected to use information they had received in the Conference's workshops in their own schools. Over 500 teachers, administrators, and parents attended this Conference. ($74,363).
Youth Achiever, Essay and Art Contests. The Council sponsored the 11 th Annual Youth Achiever, Essay, and Art Contests, which are statewide contests held in schools for grades 1-12. The intent of the contests is to build awareness and foster understanding and sensitivity of disability issues among students and challenge their beliefs by having them respond to the theme, "More the Same than Different." The contests are also a tool to create greater interaction between people with and without disabilities and between regular classroom and special education teachers. By highlighting the efforts and successes of the Youth Achiever and promoting the contests and winners of the essay and art contests, the Council is able to secure the attention of students and teach them to be open to people who are different from themselves, and to appreciate the differences as well as the likenesses. This was the first year the contest was expanded to include private schools. ($40,000).
Training for Sign Language Interpreters in Schools. The Council sponsored a three-day training for sign language interpreters in the public school system. The purpose of this project was to educate interpreters about the needs of their students. Seventy-five participants statewide, including interpreters in educational settings and family members of people with sensory impairments, discussed how to help students with hearing disabilities. ($4,900).
And What About the Next Millennium?
, , ... we must not rest until America has a national disability policy based on three simple creeds:
inclusion, not exclusion; independence, not dependence; and empowerment, not paternalism. " President Bill Clinton.
In 1997, the Council finished its third year of its three-year plan. The organization concentrated its efforts on embarking on a quest for independent living for Georgia's constituents, building leadership, sharing information that would empower individuals with disabilities and their families, embracing the richness of the diversity of Georgia's population, taking positive action in providing advocacy for the state's citizens, and seeking to reach every

child's potential through inclusive education. From 1998 to the year 2000, the Council will endeavor to open more doors for people across the state to attain self-empowerment, systems change, community education, employment and childhood development. As we go into the next millennium, the Council will not rest until Georgia is a better place for people with disabilities and their families.

Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities
1996-97
Council Members Gina A. Wooten, Chairperson* Albert S. Duncan, Ph. D., Vice-Chair* Lynnette Bragg* Paulette Bragg C. Anthony Cunningham, Esq. * Gordon Drennen Judith Hagebak Jeraline Harven, Ph. D. Pearlann Horowitz Tom Lamar* Rudy Magnone Sonny Morgan Evelyn Okhi Helen Parker Thorn A. Peters Peggy Rosser Rob Saxon Cathy Spraetz* Zolinda Stoneman, Ph. D. Kathy Stump Dr. Kathleen Toomey William E. Turnipseed, Esq. * Richard Uhlir, Ed.D. *
Staff
John E. Crews, Executive Director Alethea Alford Leigh Anne Clark Gary Childers Marcey Dolgoff Suzanne Goins Eric Jacobson Felicia Johnson Sharon King iris Mdlvaine Carol Potter
Interns Lisa Norris Joshua Schactman Kerry Stewart
* Denotes Executive Committee members

From a leader of tomorrow:
1997 More the Same Than Different Essay Contest Private Middle School Winner: Melissa Voynich School: St. Anne School, Columbus Teacher/Sponsor: Sylvia W. McCutcheon
I smelled cut grass, looked at the trees, looked around, and saw that girl. I worked on schoolwork, took all my tests, looked around, and saw that girl. I always stared at that girl; she always stared back at me Yes, the girl in the wheelchair. One day, I was outside, I looked around, and saw that girl
She turned her head; I should not have been staring. She looked back at me.
I walked over there, under her tree, and asked what she did out here. Yes, the girl in the wheelchair.
I was shocked when she said: She smelled cut grass, looked at trees, looked around, and looked at
me! She apologized for staring. I don't stare at that girl anymore. We sit under our tree; we smell cut grass,
look at trees . Yes, the girl in the wheelchair .....
And me.