Check Out AADD's New Look! 

Dave Blanchard, Executive Director

We are proud to introduce the newly refreshed AADD brand! We have worked for more than 50 years to become Atlanta's preeminent provider of support services to families with developmental disabilities, and we hope our new look reflects our steady commitment to excellence.   

 

Our new brand reinforces the diversity of our network; the passions and engaging personalities of our participants; and the devotion of our staff and supporters.

 

Our new website is now live and we invite you to visit often.  AADD is poised to continue leading on the issues affecting the disability community.  Now, from the new look of our rebranded AADD brochures and letterhead to our rejuvenated e-newsletter and website, we look just as ready as we feel.  Check out our new website at AADD.org. 

 

Thank you for your continued support!

  

As of July 1, 2011, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities has implemented a new system of care for individuals with developmental disabilities who are experiencing a behavior related crisis. We encourage you to take the time to familiarize yourself with this new system and to pass this information within your networks.  

 

The link below will outline what caregivers should do in a crisis situation, the role of the mobile crisis team, and the support services that will be available for individuals in crisis.

 

For an overview of the Georgia Crisis Response system, click www.ddcrisis.com 

 

  

AADD Impact

Photo by pshone.com

In 2008, Antonio Barron was unjustly sentenced to 15 years, with seven to serve in prison, for robbery and possession of a firearm during a felony, after taking $12 from another person in his neighborhood.

 

Two local boys coerced Antonio into committing the crime and made deals with the district attorney to blame him when they were all arrested. 

 

Although Antonio was found to have intellectual disabilities and challenges, he was found competent to stand trial as an adult. After his conviction, AADD was contacted by the Fulton County Defenders office, and has worked with his family along with other advocacy groups to overturn the court's decision.

  

Last month, our efforts paid off! Antonio Barron's sentence was reversed and he was released from prison. 

 

"We're so happy to have him home," said Charlene Barron, Antonio's mother. "Watching him suffer in jail was painful because he was so young and incorrectly sentenced as a result of his disability."  

  

Although Antonio's story is a tragedy, it represents a pattern of unfair treatment of individuals with developmental disabilities in the criminal justice sentence.  AADD continues to advocate for the rights of those who have been caught up in a system, which was not designed to deal with their special needs.   

 

Stay tuned for more news on Antonio Barron's release and AADD's role that may be featured in future print and media publications.