Two Milton representatives were among the participants in the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities two-day workshop discussing Asset Based Community Development, or “building a community.”

 

Council Member Tina D'Aversa, chairman of the Milton Disability Awareness Committee Ann Coggins, and MDAC member Sharon Lockwood, attended the conference in Atlanta June 2-3. Their goal was to engage members of GCDD, share ideas and collaborate on the needs of Milton.

 

“We in the City of Milton are lucky in that we get to start off in the right direction in regards to ADA versus older cities that have to go back to that and rethink their programs,” said Mayor Joe Lockwood. “I’m confident that our work with GCDD and neighboring communities will result in a successful plan.”

 

“We wanted to attend this conference because our efforts on ADA compliance are on-going,” said Council Member Tina D’Aversa. “Milton continues to strive for an inclusive environment for all people. Through the efforts of our Milton Disability Awareness Committee, we are well ahead of other cities, especially young cities. I am very proud of the volunteers, City Staff and citizens.”

 

Asset Based Community Development is about local people working together for the well-being of their community. Its goal is to organize groups and people to act together for the common good. Their focus is building power and acting effectively through relationships.

 

“Our focus of the conference was to reach out to local communities and help them to be more effective with their goals,” said GCDD’s Public Information Officer Valerie Meadows Suber. “We are looking for a way to help communities connect and build off each other’s success.”

 

MDAC was founded in 2007 by D'Aversa and former Council Member Neal O'Brien in collaboration with concerned citizens. The MDAC mission  is “to promote the inclusion of persons of all abilities in every aspect of community life through education, advocacy, and influence on public policy.”

 

Incorporated on December 1, 2006, the City of Milton is a distinctive community that embraces small-town life and heritage while preserving and enhancing the city’s rural character. The City of Milton is committed to maintaining the unique quality of life for its residents while efficiently delivering essential services to residents and businesses in an interactive community environment. For more information, visit www.cityofmiltonga.us, or call 678.242.2500.