Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities

The Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, Georgia's DD Council, is the state planning council created by a federal mandate through the Developmental Disabilities Act. The Council is a separate state agency attached to the Georgia Department of Human Resources for administrative purposes. The Council is charged with creating systems change for people with developmental disabilities and their families to: Increase independence, inclusion, integration, and productivity for people with disabilities through such activities as public policy research, analysis, and reform, project demonstrations, and education and training.

The Council provides a forum and resources to promote its vision, values, goals, and mission. It continues to influence the direction of public policy at both the state and federal levels, to foster changes in service provision, to reflect the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities, and to promote public awareness of those needs. It does not provide direct services to individuals with developmental disabilities. Instead, the Council often acts as a convener for agencies, together with consumers, parents, and advocates to develop coordinated public policies. The Council often uses its resources to commission research on policy issues and fund model programs. The Council also funds projects to inform decision makers, legislators, and the general public about developmental disabilities.

The work of the Council is implemented through an executive committee, committees, and task forces to address special issues.