Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Release

ATLANTA - More than 1200 supporters gathered at the Capitol steps to celebrate the 15th Annual Disability Day at the Capitol. Frank Berry, Commissioner for the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), joined the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) as well as Governor Nathan Deal and other advocates to address this year’s theme, “What’s Your Connection?”

Commissioner Berry acknowledged supporters holding signs that read, “We are just people,” and stated, “You know I disagree. You are not just people. You are awesome people.” He also praised DBHDD’s team for moving more than 900 people off the short-term planning list since July 1, 2012. The short-term planning list is comprised of individuals with developmental disabilities who are waiting for supports through the NOW and COMP waivers.

“People who were in desperate need of services have gotten services, but we will do better,” said Commissioner Berry. “Your voices are being heard, but we need to do even more in that building behind me,”
he said referring to the Capitol. “We have never had a governor and a legislature that have been more supportive of what we are trying to accomplish. We need to take advantage of this day.”

For more information about DBHDD services, please visit www.dbhdd.georgia.gov.