All About Developmental Disabilities Names Madeline Griffin Family Support Center Coordinator

ATLANTA - July 16, 2014 - PRLog -- All About Developmental Disabilities (AADD) today announced that Madeline Griffin has been named the nonprofit agency’s Family Support Center (FSC) Coordinator. Griffin will be responsible for all of the organization’s community workshops, partnerships and programs.

Every year AADD (www.aadd.org) provides support services, advocacy and training to more than 2,000 individuals and families living with developmental disabilities.

The FSC is designed to serve individuals and families living with developmental disabilities in metro Atlanta and across Georgia, offering assistance during difficult life transitions.  The Center is initially funded to serve more than 1000 people annually, but the non-profit organization plans to expand its services as funding allows.

“Madeline Griffin brings to AADD an extraordinary depth of knowledge of the issues facing individuals with developmental disabilities,” said Kathy Keeley, AADD’s executive director. “Her rich work history in this area makes her highly qualified to navigate complex bureaucracies to achieve great results for families living with developmental disabilities.”

As Family Support Center coordinator, Griffin will oversee many of AADD’s community programs and services including:

●    Post High School Transition - Helping developmentally disabled young adults and their families make the move from the support of the school years to more independence

●      Coordination of corporate partnerships and lunch and learn programs for employees.

●   Access to Futures Planning and Special Needs Trusts - Supported through AADD’s network of attorneys, financial advisors and CPAs

●      Supported Employment Program Information - Includes career coaching, job assessment and job placement

●   Recreation and Wellness Programing - Includes activity groups and fitness programs in specific communities

●     Workshops/Seminars/Community Discussions - Various topics including special needs trusts, guardianship issues and dating

As the parent of two children, one of whom has Down syndrome, Griffin has been involved with the developmental disability community for more than 30 years. She was the first female Assistant District Attorney in DeKalb County, and served as a Judge of the Juvenile Court. She also taught a course on the juvenile justice system at Georgia State University.

As the parent mentor for special education for the DeKalb County School District, she worked one-on-one with parents, created and presented trainings for parents and teachers, and collaborated with various agencies.

Griffin received her bachelor of arts degree in English from Cornell University, and her juris doctorate from the Emory University School of Law. She lives in Atlanta.

About All About Developmental Disabilities

Founded in 1956, All About Developmental Disabilities (AADD) is an Atlanta-based non-profit organization dedicated to providing support, advocacy and training opportunities for individuals and families living with developmental disabilities. Developmental disabilities are defined as severe chronic disabilities that limit three or more critical functional abilities.  Examples include Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, autism disorders, fetal alcohol disorders and intellectual disabilities.  These disabilities often manifest early in life (before age 22) and last a lifetime.

Georgia relies on a disjointed system of services and support that cannot be sustained long-term.  Economic uncertainties are reducing funding support, even as the number of people in need increases.  AADD offers a range of services focusing on Family Support, Public Policy and Advocacy and Community Engagement.  For more information, go to www.AADD.org or call us at (404) 881-9777.

Contact: Mitch Leff, mitch@leffassociates.com, (404) 861-4796