Rita Young assumes role of Director of the Division of Public Policy and Education at AADD

With Dave Blanchard, assuming Executive Director position effective July 1st, Rita Young will step into the position of Director of the Division of Public Policy and Education at AADD

“I am thrilled that AADD was able to promote from within its own staff to fill the this position, Rita has a proven track record over reliability and integrity over the last six years as Manager of Advocacy and Training. She is committed to our mission: to help build communities of support, acceptance, and opportunity for individuals and families living with developmental disabilities,” said Blanchard.

Rita Young has been Manager of Advocacy and Training at AADD (formerly Atlanta Alliance on Developmental Disabilities) since 2003, providing leadership training on disability issues, and working on public policy, legislative, and education activities. She led the Partners in Policymaking project at AADD that has trained hundreds of Georgians to be advocates and self-advocates on disability issues. Ms. Young has offered significant support for the Unlock the Waiting Lists Campaign. The mother of two sons affected with autism, Rita’s goal is to support families in gaining the knowledge, resources, and skills to become effective advocates. Before joining All About Developmental Disabilities, Young was with Parent to Parent of Georgia as a resource coordinator and has worked with Dale Carnegie of Georgia as an instructor and facilitator.