Dear Editor,

My family and I would like to express our thanks to our elected officials in this year’s Georgia legislative session for their role in providing supports for Georgians living with developmental disabilities.

A few years ago, the state budget did not consistently provide funding to meet the needs of this population. We watched the list of those waiting for help grow to more than 7,200 Georgians.

However over the past three years, our leaders have responded. In that time, 3,800 Georgians have received help from the governor and state legislators. None of this would be possible without advocates — like the Atlanta Alliance on Developmental Disabilities and the Unlock the Waiting Lists Campaign — working to increase the amount of help to families like mine.

Although the waiting list has come down, there are still 5,590 Georgians waiting for support. Our work is not finished, but we are encouraged.

As a parent of a child with a developmental disability, it is gratifying to know our voices are being heard.

Vicki Sumner
Rincon