Unlock Advocacy Days at the Capitol

Each session, the Unlock Coalition organizes a series of advocacy days at the Georgia Capitol. These events bring together advocates, families, and policymakers to focus on specific disability priorities.

Advocacy is at the heart of the movement to unlock waiting lists for Georgians with disabilities. When advocates come together, they amplify a message that cannot be ignored: every person deserves the opportunity to live, learn, work, and contribute to their community. The Unlock coalition brings together families, self-advocates, and allies who share a vision of a Georgia where long-term services and supports are rebalanced away from institutional settings and toward community-based options. By raising your voice at the Capitol, attending advocacy days, and contacting your legislators, you become part of a powerful force for change that can shift dollars, policies, and priorities.

Georgia's Medicaid waiver waiting lists remain a pressing issue for thousands of individuals and families seeking home and community-based services. These waivers are designed to provide supports that allow people with disabilities to live independently, pursue employment, and participate fully in community life. Yet the demand far exceeds available slots, leaving many to wait years for desperately needed care. The Unlock campaign works tirelessly to educate lawmakers about the human impact of these waiting lists, sharing stories of Georgians whose lives are on hold. Rebalancing the long-term care system means investing in community-based services so that no one has to wait for the support they need.

The Georgia Inclusive Postsecondary Education initiative represents a transformative opportunity for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. College-based programs offer young adults the chance to experience campus life, build career skills, and form lasting friendships alongside their peers. These programs open doors to meaningful employment and greater independence, yet access remains limited. Advocates are pushing for expanded funding and broader availability of inclusive postsecondary options across the state. When students with disabilities can pursue higher education, they gain not only credentials but also confidence, connections, and a clearer path to contributing to Georgia's economy and communities.

Legislative advocacy takes many forms, from attending hearing days at the Capitol to sharing personal stories with elected officials. The Unlock coalition provides accessible one-pagers and action alerts that break down complex policy issues into clear, actionable messages. These resources help advocates speak with confidence about waiver rates, service delivery, and the need for increased investment in community-based supports. Whether you are a seasoned advocate or new to the process, your voice matters. Lawmakers need to hear directly from constituents about the real-world impact of waiting lists and funding shortfalls. Each conversation, email, and visit to the Capitol builds momentum toward meaningful change.

Community and connection sustain the advocacy movement across Georgia. Families, self-advocates, and organizations come together through listening tours, coalition meetings, and social media networks to share resources and strategies. This sense of shared purpose transforms individual frustration into collective action. The Unlock campaign encourages everyone to stay connected, follow updates, and participate in events that highlight the urgent need to address waiting lists and expand access to services. When advocates support one another, the movement grows stronger and more resilient. Together, Georgians with disabilities, their families, and allies are building a future where everyone can live fully and contribute to their communities without unnecessary delay.