2007 ANNuAL RePoRT GoVerNor'S CouNCil oN deVeloPMeNtAl diSAbilitieS reAl CAreerS reAl SuPPortS reAl leArNiNG reAl iNflueNCe reAl hoMeS We see a state in which all persons are included in all facets of community life, VAlueS VSiVStiirSoiANotNeGiC 1. Wd2ac.icnesoo3Wdafnvw.lmibeatnet4hrWixailmlmn.iuvtiiilibcnhebetafeuWdeui5ohnfelwlevcnpmoe.uirtmteseavocohirmeseaWtnfelobmrv,mwioceauynaacrhsmeaeado.mpemesihsdvmadarlnntitlesuavmsshtoaenb,disrtiuiaiaelarsmecehowlwidtaunlbaiatenesrhanaubinihisiboisscpdvner.celputki.ooltieoeihiwatgetetiwnnrelyrnviidt,olod.dhpeoodsioaaesaipopseweouneewsblticnellvveospcsioC-celmnnenedesaepewer'tolsmudtnaolsgsaaopaeeuipegtspdikntpnricdfinirhepwnaeeevdtmadbvcaspaornaerCilsiihbtanteretaitlciihnoeol,tcgndrecweeugtninistad,nidpsia,neivcfteugfaloschecsivpttcirutfeiloaaporlafornaonnfpttrt,dehtmeedeirntal have choices while exercising control over their lives and are encouraged to achieve their maximum potential. the Governor's Council on developmental disabilities for Georgia promotes activities and creates opportunities which enable people with developmental disabilities to exercise their right to live, learn, work and play in the place and manner of their choice. the mission of the Governor's Council on developmental disabilities is "to collaborate with Georgia citizens, public and private 6.fuWo7tiin.nutnehfr8Wsfoveare.otoraeslehuduiWm.allgaenauvnbreenletaadeaelydvlcciemoptlneovepopodugiaorwrdadnoltmeneuieeelopoolsnlsionssoobuepmpnplhmpfpeitamnnlaemiggouiiealntowvnpcunrectbiorifdtievdhstc,nooeciprlepunteaietohdirmswohbclhtntaleno,cdlifaletuniaim,ietyuaolmottleschu,sddsphilcmtvydeuloebtvehcotepipssprnfoihenumyopfl,tsorgraoifcatrsanriaoaateuauaaranpitikisbntcrcnnneltnctcm.eeeiltiiadesidycynilclcidhzl,tui.cieeitglhtytauopwpeysndih.Wtatlc,leasiahditheavvasoteewsteoieetincAo,erfivorethass,nciahfalgrtlalel.ehuytnshctedspaoepofcaftc,ity advocacy organizations and policy- makers to positively influence public policies that enhance the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities and their families. GCdd provides collaboration through information and advocacy activities, program implementation and funding and public policy analysis and research. MiSSioN Real Careers. Real Homes. Real Supports. Real Influence. Real Learning. Real Opportunities. GCDD Begins Implementing Five-Year Plan During Fiscal Year 2007, the members and staff of the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities began implementing a new five-year plan which included several new programs, underwent a federal audit of the organization and began the process of becoming a more independent organization. During the successful Disability Day at the Capitol, over 1,800 people joined on a "Beautiful Georgia Morning" to hear from former University of Georgia and Atlanta Falcon quarterback D.J. Shockley and various legislators. The crowd also heard from National Disability Institute Director Michael Morris, who spoke about the need for people with disabilities to join with others to make sure that people who live in poverty are able to access financial assets that will assist in breaking the poverty cycle. Taking the lead from this message, GCDD joined with Credit-Able (now known as the Center for Financial Independence and Innovation) to form the Asset Alliance of Georgia to address the barriers that currently inhibit Georgians with disabilities, their families and caregivers from accessing and maintaining financial assets. Eight people were part of the inaugural class of the Organizing Institute, whose purpose is to spur "people who are affected by a situation to take action together." Organizing allows individuals to come together and win real improvement in people's lives, make people aware of their own power and alter the relations of power. By working with Project South, participants in the Organizing Institute learned the skills necessary to become community organizers and worked to empower others. As this project evolves, GCDD hopes that people with disabilities and their families will begin to see a change in the balance of power, resulting in improved lives for all people. GCDD, together with the Georgia Advocacy Office, Institute on Human Development and Disability and the Marcus Institute were visited by the United States Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD); the federal agency which funds all or parts these agencies. The Monitoring Technical Assistance Review took place in July and each agency presented the programs they support and discussed challenges that they face. A team from across the United States that included staff from ADD, people with developmental disabilities, family members and directors of similar programs spent a week in Georgia. The outcome was that Georgia was recognized for its network collaboration and the excellence each agency provides to citizens with developmental disabilities in Georgia. Finally, this has been a year of transition as GCDD emerges from being administratively attached to the Department of Human Resources. In the future, GCDD will receive limited support from DHR. This has meant internal changes as the staff assumed increased roles in contract development and oversight of projects. This has been a year of reflection and a year to look ahead as we undertake new initiatives. While the organization is evolving, its members and staff are constantly learning and growing, and we continue to work toward a future that looks increasingly positive for GCDD and Georgia's citizens with developmental disabilities. Eric Jacobson executive director tom seegmueller chairperson GCdd fights for real opportunities The Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities has built its five-year plan around five main areas: reAl CAreerS: Help people with developmental disabilities go to work by replicating best practices, building relationships with businesses and advancing policies and practices that value people with disabilities in the workforce. reAl hoMeS: Fight for resources to help Georgians with disabilities acquire accessible and affordable housing, especially those who live in institutions. Promote policies that recognize housing is linked to income. reAl leArNiNG: improve access to effective transition planning for high school students; self-determination training; alternative diploma routes; professional collaboration; and, positive parental support. reAl iNflueNCe: increase awareness of GCDD activities and promote initiatives supporting its goal and mission. Support coalitions and advocates in promoting public policies that allow integrated life in the community. reAl SuPPortS: Continue efforts to increase funding for quality, home and community-based services. Ensure families have support to keep their children home instead of going to institutions. Real Careers. Real Homes. Real Supports. Real Influence. Real Learning. Real Opportunities. GCDD continually looks for projects and policies to support that will help it improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities in Georgia in these five areas, and in 2007 found a program that affects all five of these areas: the Asset Alliance of Georgia. "This is THE project we've been searching for that ties all our `real' areas together. People with disabilities predominantly live in a state of poverty. If we address poverty from different points, we can really increase opportunities for people with disabilities to be members of their communities," GCDD Executive Director Eric Jacobson said. Developed in conjunction with the National Disability Institute and Center for Financial Independence and Innovation (formerly Credit-Able), the Asset Alliance of Georgia has three goals: Develop an agenda focusing on three key public policy areas: income preservation, asset accumulation and financial education. Build the capacity of organizations that are currently helping low income workers advance their economic status to become more inclusive of individuals with disabilities. Provide continuing education for individuals with disabilities around issues related to savings and asset development, while educating financial institutions and Individual Development Account (IDA) providers about the most effective strategies to reach and serve people with disabilities. "There's an incredible excitement and energy surrounding this project. Bringing in new players and folks we haven't worked with in the past is very exciting to us," Jacobson said. "If we address poverty from different points, we can really increase opportunities for people with disabilities to be members of their communities." real careers real homes real learning real influence real supports leSuGCiSCleAStSieVSe dfiiSlAlbCiAliPtitYoAldVStorCeAetteSS 1W,F5Pmead0etdi0MherovpeosveeevMareofHermewacsodlnehosooPl6viipneelcugmpM5relltadao0rsmroaglmoaiegyttlitdinnehnorvhmBRunateBedecpinemyetailiuopartirlvnwtFyaveeli2tymso-drveoad4Ilderlurponeilpaandsoatldgapaesttewliiesbsrdctofgssohuaiwunrltegeltnieopdhitrtadtliora,eohetenemwessdarshitncmicotohenntrtol More than 1,800 disability advocates swarmed the Georgia Capitol february 22, 2007 for the 9th annual disability day. Atlanta falcons Quarterback d.J. Shockley told participants, "A lot can be done with good family support and through support of the Governor's Council on developmental disabilities as it continues to push for positive change that allows people with disabilities to participate fully as contributing members of society." Advocates asked legislators for employment opportunities and the ability to live where they choose. during the event, Kate Gainer, GCdd's advocacy director, was named the Natalie tumlin SelfAdvocate of the Year. reAl CAreerS. reAl hoMeS. reAl SuPPortS. reAl iNflueNCe. reAl leArNiNG. People Who Made a difference in 2007 leGiSlAtiVe leAderS of the YeAr: Sen. Renee unterman (R-Loganville) supported funding for Unlock the Waiting List! Rep. Tim Bearden (R-Carrollton) helped pass a bill to allow service animal trainers the same access to public spaces as people with disabilities to ensure animals are properly trained. outStANdiNG MediA ProfeSSioNAliSM: Alyssa Abkowitz, Creative Loafing, responsibly reported on the effect losing the Katie Beckett Waiver would have on families. The Waycross Journal Herald covered GCDD's public briefing and participated in its media roundtable despite the fact a brush fire was raging at the same time. Georgia Trend magazine included stories on grassroots disability advocacy and breaking down barriers people with disabilities face in the work place. AdVoCAte of the YeAr: Paulette Acevedo engaged fellow GSu students to work on the Unlock the Waiting List! campaign with legislators at the Capitol. CArl ANthoNY CuNNiNGhAM AWArd: Bruce Lindemann, chair of the GCDD Finance Committee, helped people better understand GCDD's financial data; helped the staff develop financial policies; and, supported the staff and council during the recent audit. Partners Club helps Smooth transition Hall County Schools is helping high school students with and without disabilities connect with each other in its innovative Partners Clubs. "The club helps transition students by decreasing their fear of friendship and increasing the network for a person with a disability," explained Hall County Program Coordinator Colleen Lambert. "Partners Club is about inclusion in school that carries over into the community," added Program Coordinator Cindy Saylor. Alternative Media offered to Students Students with physical, sensory and learning PAdAvoYcaScy otrafinifng aiCanpdwlhoavoclPsiGbaucrosotshoeerohnicrumalttdtmaaitmiptrtcrvdmcehtaipaymenoyorunemiougrncatdteurknerrhitanitnnnaaetineafksthiisnougdfnituineoewysnloggrilbsrpgnoyfeeilrmyneo,tgasGirphdvGrnGdagapertoegcuetaacoCoroeliloanrvtououprdiotrteignggodlhezgsmedrih,neisesiaan,aawd,yem'hmtagsdo'nhViiavrvtrnetistevoeehghonnaeiPtsagrcmsctdhctaenwaotaeaiteieratsriisitotinzivtikaurelnnntriieebitntkgengdaehiiger,el,gdf.aidsostitinregs print-related disabilities now have access to alternative formats through the Alternative Media Access Center (AMAC), an initiative of the University System of Georgia. AMAC provides academic media in multiple accessible formats to meet the needs of students and facilitates the implementation of universal Design for Learning. and much more. discovery day draws 100+ More than 100 business leaders and people with disabilities attended the seventh annual Making a Difference Discovery Day in September. Participants learned how hiring people with disabilities through Project Search helped emory Crawford Long Hospital improve its bottom line and discovered how they could tap into this valuable workforce. GCDD is working to help expand Project Search beyond the metro Atlanta area and hopes to have similar programs in place beginning in 2008. Georgia receives federal MfP funding Six hundred Georgians with developmental disabilities will now be able to leave institutions and move into the community of their choice. After extensive advocacy efforts by GCDD and the disability community, the state of Georgia applied for and received federal "Money Follows the Person" grant funding that allows Medicaid dollars to pay for services in the community, as well as support for short-term expenses as people transition between institutions and community settings. Real Careers. Real Homes. Real Supports. DSP Training Key to Community Living As Georgia begins to move people from institutions to the community, one of the biggest concerns is lack of support services, especially in rural areas. To help create a better, skilled workforce, GCDD supports a Direct Support Professional certification course that is offered across the state at the following schools: Central Georgia Tech (offers two classes), Griffin Tech, East Central Tech, Athens Tech, Lanier Tech and Savannah Tech. To date, 180 students have successfully completed the program. Medicaid Buy-In Removes Work Barriers Georgians with disabilities can now go to work without fear of losing their health coverage, thanks to the advocacy efforts of the disability community. Georgia created a Medicaid Buy-In program that will allow workers with disabilities to maintain their coverage by buying into the system, similar to regular health insurance. Previously, employees with disabilities would lose Medicaid benefits if they made over a certain salary. Many private insurers will not cover some of the extraordinary medical needs of people with disabilities, so in the past, employees risked not receiving the support they needed to continue working and maintain their independence. More Children Leave Institutions GCDD continues to be actively involved in helping children with disabilities move out of institutions and into real homes with real families through its work on the Children's Freedom Initiative. GCDD advocates for funding for this project and serves on the Oversight Committee. In addition, with its work with the Unlock the Waiting List! campaign, GCDD monitors where money to fund this initiative is coming from to ensure it isn't being taken from other programs that serve adults with disabilities. Parents Help Others Navigate Services Navigator teams of parents who have experience in accessing services for their children with disabilities are being put in place across the state to help other parents who may not know all the services available to their children. Teams identify community resources, contribute information to the Parent to Parent Roadmap to Services database, reach out to families who are unserved, link families with formal and informal supports, make sure needs of families are known in the community, disseminate information on services and more. gprcojdecdts GCDDOOEIVSUVEANERBGLCINOLIOLPITRMOI'NEESCSNTAL DD dd GrANt breAbKduoWNdofGet GDTVT fY 2007 budGet - exPeNditureS GiGmGCtlehleCpdPooSevafrdcPcdraeraofhCaagtnmCordvonrMlihwdaPelhleaeiWialdanldgafilrNonoyeldrurtstokSoidisrawuahtschnSrrleinArlhnvkarenikiunelleAgewiingpieldfcraGgfsppygnlna-ireisodtoqdeenfrnass'pdeoasisChrgwsicAtttdsguanoutviroecefikJoDshhfaoo.GdsrneintorrorpiSaaMtrdeirgyouasritttvvftdbalrundPfrdlePhr:uhilhtndesiaoarntSfssaiapdemsoofeeareiiiesthi,tsnPtokcrnpodfvpolisrosvlViyjaatdoWeoaftiviraitregieoejeoacuanmnteoCtioniererfynirbaemlooyracnnhaPrbgisddctpogoAcnPtcsmniaoCCintdatfiateptiaenAeepidhnSsbAlrmibeirlaooSSlmrlasfnglnorytMiir:tioilrdomnoeitlesketatllnipgsastCeeefueaiitamirsirhimahitetoaeuoiemlnentlfvaruesttySaargiCnsnrtfoceteggemspiaistdtefrtaaaiiClchsCaniet.ntoesdyrnszlvCetoyotsnntoseoagksireeftsdmoe'nncacao!ClfetCeuyohaleclrihWCiicronezttrCSahciieam,tadouonenodminncgomiticsecepraceidmaGtolsitivsngpereaanelrontyiytnPmdEgeXAeaCCArPnydToEodPitoiutMoNmPunrtAnoaDPudnTdiicdilunuIbictNooiTvvAtlribliCtUisiooildcarldtoiScRrolucmtPaaiEttPatciotVASiilrnrAynl/vYiliefoieclFAosyrrtaretirfmmteaxyiutodiailPoNtyiNneoodnNPCSAudtdbbivloiutoccbduPaeorGclryieecySt1, 2006 - SePteMber 30, 2007 EXPENDED $ 74,654 $ 481,651 $ 556,305 $ 432,447 $ 429,749 $ 829,251 $ 418,004 $ 2,109,451 $ 2,665,756 $ 2,665,756 Public Information Council Administrative Individual/Family T ON GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMEN TAL DISABILITIES GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISAB GOVERNOR TIES GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES GOVERNOR'S COUN N DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILI GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENT DISABILITIES GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES G ERNOR'S COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON DEVEL GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMEN TAL DISABILITIES JANUARy GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON DEVEFLEbORUPARMy ENTAL DISAB GOVERNOR TIES GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES Disability Day at the Capitol COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILI- MARCh Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day TIES GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES GAPORIlVERNOR'S COUN National Autism N DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON DEVELOAPwMareEneNssTMAonLth DISABILI ADAPT Anniversary GOVEERNvOR'SECOUNNCILTON SDEVELOPMENT MAy DISABILITIES GOVERNOR'S COUNJCUNE IL ON D 22 - Anniversary of the VELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES Olmstead vs. lC Supreme GOVERNCOourRt D'eScisCionOUNCIL ON VELOPMENATAMLeDsIsSaAgBeIfLrITomIESGGCOdVdE..R. NOR'S COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMEJ2U6Nl-yATnAnivLersDarIySofABILITIE Too many Georgians don't live in their own homes, can't get a the Americans with good education, can't find satisfying work or have a voice in their Disabilities Act future just because they have a developmental disability. The Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is a resource for leading, supporting, joining and developing AUGUST SEPTEMbER welcoming communities across Georgia for people with disabilities, families, friends and neighbors. OCTObER National Disability GCDD advocates for Georgians with developmental disabilities so they can live, learn, work, play and worship where and how they choose by engaging community and business leaders, lawmakers and the general public people like you and me. To this end, GCDD funds pilot projects, conducts public policy research and analysis, provides training and distributes public information. Awareness Month National Disability Employment Awareness Month Down Syndrome Awareness Month NOvEMbER DECEMbER 20Co0uN7Cil MeMberS SBMTTDrMouAaemcraNnledenDCenLyleioiaSnNniBnpdnGreeeeyam,PlarlL,yora,,eCnnTJFd,iaomeDTrmrl,aRFTSnSloicaseCohiertRr,egtirNmmi,CGJiumrciHleaklilinlAnTHes,rl:,,aeDxrroainns,dWera,tt SKCKeaaAithmhTilleelC,eDRhn,eiKlsLeteeyinrF,BseTZullocaTk,SmoStoauRnsstaeiemnGr, SaHDnhTa,ev:rJuimdliaeGnLl,aeJsaes,ime NRMoeonToeerPeF,iCeMldTemug aRNnei,cJDhuo:lilas, BGolwenenF,rRieudbmyan CfBSDoiCrJcNmuGiaoTamRMcAntLroamteelmNeRCinCFVLcnieCeirhltroiseaeientaehmreiekrdilraFenleameeerCNMmlHAAdooAaamnsuuNyMnsslnatnniChtngaMe,oenrrC,udimCshCteahetoinareMiptresepMresroisntonteeeTDBTxoJSeruNmauretnlrmeSiicLnaCcTevSueeeykeeaaBeusenALlamSHeHkootinglApawnearamieadrSerHelCValrekuenhMriuaAameesenlrraHlCaCmetyneeruono,rannemaCnMtrrehdmraSMiirtiptteertessoene Ruby Moore Steve Hall DBeruncney LSipnedaermann Nick Harris reAl hoMeS Don Watt Vallorie Butler Jim Risher reAl leArNiNG SMcoatrtleCnreaBinryar Julie Lee rBMeruiAcchleeLlilNeinAfdelumluthaeonNunsCe e MToemg NSiecehgomlsueller Tom Connelly reAl SuPPortS Julia Bowen Lee Tian Denny Spears Brian Dowds Steve Hall Ruby Moore Scott Crain David Glass 2 Peachtree Street, NW, Suite 26-246 Atlanta, Georgia 30303-3142 404.657.2126 www.gcdd.org StANdiNG, left to riGht: dee Spearman, dottie Adams, eric foss, eric Jacobson, lisa Montford, John dallas SeAted, left to riGht: Valerie Meadows Suber, Pat Nobbie, Kate Gainer, drelda Mackey, Kim Person StAff