GAIPSEC PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS

GEORGIA COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is a federally funded independent state agency that promotes and creates opportunities to enable persons with disabilities to live, work, play and worship as an integral part of society. We accomplish this through three primary areas of focus: public policy, advocacy and program funding and implementation. Through collaboration with citizens, policymakers, public and private advocacy organizations, we work to promote increased independence, inclusion, integration, productivity and self-determination for persons with developmental disabilities. Our efforts include public policy research, analysis, and promotion, project demonstration, education, training, and dissemination of accurate public information.

GEORGIA VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AGENCY

At the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, it is about the people we serve. Our goal is to make Georgia the very best State in the Union for persons with disabilities regarding employment and independence.

VISION: To be nationally recognized for excellence in best practices for people with disabilities.

MISSION: To maximize employment opportunities and independence for Georgians with disabilities.

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION DIVISION FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION & SUPPORTS

The Division for Special Education Services and Supports includes programs and services that support local school districts in their efforts to provide special education and related services to students with disabilities.

These services focus on enhancing student achievement and post-secondary outcomes through implementation of regional and statewide activities for students, families, educators, administrators, and other stakeholders. Targeted areas for services and supports include accessible instructional materials, assistive technology, curriculum access and alignment, dropout prevention, family engagement, least restrictive environment, positive behavior supports, and transition.

Additional services include ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations for special education, collecting and analyzing data on educational services and outcomes, providing guidance and oversight of the budgets for state and federal special education funds, and coordinating dispute resolution requirements as required by state and federal regulations.

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

The mission of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is to provide and promote local accessibility and choice of services and programs for individuals, families and communities through partnerships, in order to create a sustainable, self-sufficient and resilient life in the community.

INSTITUTE ON HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND DISABILITY

IHDD works with others to create opportunities that will improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and their families. IHDD advances the understanding of the ability of all people through education, research and public service.

GEORGIA ADVOCACY OFFICE

Georgia Advocacy Office, Inc. (GAO) is a private non-profit corporation. Our mission is to work with and for oppressed and vulnerable individuals in Georgia who are labeled as disabled or mentally ill to secure their protection and advocacy. GAO’s work is mandated by Congress, and GAO has been designated by Georgia as the agency to implement Protection and Advocacy within the state.

DISABILITY LINK

disABILITY LINK is an organization led by and for people with disabilities and promotes choice and full participation in community life

Self Advocacy Focus

In a college setting, all the students will learn hands-on how to advocate for themselves in the classroom, workplace, and social settings. For a full resource guide on self-advocacy, visit the SARTAC website .

four students showing certificate and smiling
Four students smiling looking at camera for pictture