The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities
NACDD is the national association for the 56 Councils on Developmental Disabilities (DD Councils) across the United States and its territories. The DD Councils receive federal funding to support programs that promote self-determination, integration and inclusion for all people in the United States with developmental disabilities.
THE ROLE OF NACDD
Protect the IDEA.
NACDD has joined with various disability rights groups to remind Congress and the Department of Education that COVID19 is not a reason to ignore IDEA protections for students! Read the statement here.
COVID-19 Updates
NACDD is very sad to announce the cancellation of this summer’s Annual Conference which was to be held in Washington DC July 6-10, 2020. We have made this difficult decision in concert with the policies set forward by the Mayor of Washington, DC and policies of Governors across the country. At this time NACDD believes that it is simply not safe enough to host an in-person meeting. We will be bringing some portions of our Annual Conference online over the course of the coming months and hope you will stay tuned for updates on virtual events to come later this year.
“I am so sorry that the amazing members and friends of NACDD will not be able to gather as planned this summer in Washington, DC for our Annual Conference, something I look forward to each year. However, safety and health is above all else and our goal at NACDD will be to keep everyone connected and learning together through online platforms until we can safely be together in one room again. I shall miss you all but look forward to being with everyone virtually as we continue to honor the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of DD Councils through the DD Act and the 30th Anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act.” – Donna Meltzer, CEO
COVID-19 Resources
Many people with developmental disabilities are at a higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 (the coronavirus). DD Councils have been playing an important role in helping to share important and timely information from our government health agencies to individuals in their communities.
NACDD strongly recommends that you contact your state or territory DD Council for outbreak information specific to your community.
What is COVID-19? Why is it important? Read this plain-language guide from the Green Mountain Self-Advocates and the Vermont DD Council.
We also have a short list of COVID-19 federal agency resource pages. Most of these pages are being updated daily with new information created directly by government health officials, so we consider these pages to be the most accurate sources of information currently available. Please email [email protected] if you know of more resources that you think should be included.
Census Bureau 2020
Data of people with disabilities being added to the Census Bureau is crucial. The Census Bureau will collect the data to make statistics for America to see how disability is handled in the 50 states and additional territories. The statistics about American citizens will make way for government programs, laws and policies.
With the 2020 election, it is crucial now than ever to be added. The statistics will show where the voices of American citizens lie and how loud they are.
Go on the Civic Engagement page to see all of our resources.