Governor Nathan Deal recently announced that Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities Executive Director Eric E. Jacobson and GCDD Council member Parker Glick have been appointed to the Employment First Council, according to a press release.
Jacobson supports GCDD’s mission to collaborate with Georgia citizens, public and private advocacy organizations and policymakers to positively influence public policies that enhance the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities and their families.
“Eric continues to be a champion of the 1.3 million Georgians with disabilities, as evidenced by this appointment,” said GCDD Chairperson Mitzi Proffitt. “His decades of experience and fervor for our collective work will undoubtedly bring a rich perspective to the Council.”
Glick, who serves on the GCDD Council, is a media and outreach coordinator with the Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia. He is active with the National Council on Independent Living’s Queer Caucus, as well as the Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living’s Youth Leadership Council. Through his professional and volunteer efforts, Glick continuously strives for equal and fair access for all and prioritizes marginalized communities.
“Parker is a brilliant young mind who offers so much to our community,” said Jacobson. “I have so enjoyed collaborating with him at GCDD, and his appointment to the Employment First Council denotes Georgia’s commitment to intersectionality in its discussions around disability and employment.”
Chaired by the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency Executive Director Sean Casey, the Council will make recommendations to the Office of the Governor and the General Assembly for policies and legislation that align with inclusive, competitive employment for people with disabilities. The Council is comprised of individuals with disabilities, individuals with ties to the disability community and individuals who occupy roles in state agencies serving people with disabilities.
The Employment First Council was created as part of House Bill 831, known as the Employment First Act, which Governor Deal signed into law in May 2018. The legislation established employment as the first and preferred option for individuals with disabilities receiving public services who choose careers as a path to independence.
Information: www.gcdd.org
About the Author
