Getting to Know Spina Bifida
by Kim Gatewood Spina Bifida Awareness Month is observed every October to raise awareness, support individuals affected by Spina Bifida, and promote education. Spina Bifida is a condition that affects the spine and is usually apparent at birth. It is a difference in neural tube formation that may cause damage to the spinal cord and […]
How I Prepare
by Kim Gatewood September is National Preparedness Month. FEMA’s Ready Campaign has observed National Preparedness Month since 2004 to encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies. The month is a great time to take small steps to make a big difference in being prepared. Preparedness Starts at Home is the 2025 theme, with a focus on getting back to […]
Focus on Your Well-being
by Kim Gatewood We recently asked the community on social media, “How do you maintain your well-being?” This will be different for everyone. First, I want to share the meaning of well-being. Well-being is your overall feeling of comfort, health, and happiness. I thought it might help if I shared my answer with you. I […]
Thanks to the ADA
by Kim Gatewood Lots of laws affect people with disabilities and their families, and that is why we say, “all policy is disability policy.” However, there are a handful of laws that have made really big changes in daily life…laws that have helped me, and people with disabilities like me, live better lives and be […]
Self Determination – Our Life, Our Way
Are You Living Your Best Life, Your Way? What does your best life look like? At home, at work, and within the community. Self-Determination is the freedom to live as you choose, or to act or decide for yourself what you want or need. You have the same right to self-determination as anyone else (with or […]
We’re Here All Year
We’re Here All Year: Beyond Awareness Months by GCDD Staff Every March, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM) serves as a powerful reminder that with the proper supports and services, individuals with developmental disabilities are dynamic contributors to the community of their choosing. That individuals with developmental disabilities are valuable members of our communities and deserve […]
Building Relationships and A Career Path Through Supportive Mentors
by Lud Kozlowski At first, being identified by others as autistic offended me, whether it was by a doctor or just someone I met in passing. I knew there were times growing up and as an adult when I obsessed over a matter, and those times were awkward, but the thought of being autistic made […]
Disability Voting Rights Week
Disability Voting Rights Week (DVRW) is a nonpartisan movement hosted by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and the REV UP. DVRW is about advocacy, celebrating community, and building power. Learn more about DVRW here. In 2024, DVRW is the week of September 9-13. The REV UP Voting Campaign builds the power of […]
IRS Tax Credits and Accessibility
On July 26, 2024, the Americans with Disabilities Act turns 34 years old. The Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities. In addition to that protection, the ADA also guarantees that businesses that provide goods and services to the public […]
Video Advocacy
Video is being utilized as a powerful advocacy tool. Both professional and amateur filmmakers are using the power of video to change the world around them for the better. Videos are beneficial for advocacy campaigns because they are a simple and efficient way to convey the main points of an idea or project to many […]