By: Maxwell Barrows, Outreach Director of Green Mountain Self-Advocates I first got involved in self-advocacy when I was graduating from high school. It all began when Green Mountain Self-Advocates supported students with disabilities to come together to form a local self-advocacy group. Self-Advocacy has made me discover strengths that I
Why Self-Advocacy Matters – – CELEBRATING AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH
“Loving my Skin” – Celebrating African-American History Month
By Shari Cooper, Advocate from Ohio Having a disability poses its challenges. Being a black woman with a disability is a whole different ball game. I learned early in life by being the youngest of six “Super Coopers” children, that for me to get my wants and needs met, I
Disability Community Fears Paper Ballot Mandate Will Hurt Voters with Disabilities
NACDD has joined the National Disability Rights Network and nearly twenty national disability organizations to express our concerns. Today, most voters in the U.S. cast their ballot by marking a paper ballot by hand or by Ballot-Marking Device (BMD), with some use of Direct Recording Electronic (DRE) voting machines. No
NACDD on Medicaid and Appendix K
NACDD has written and sent a letter to the Center for Medicaid and Medicare on behalf of the Taskforce on Emergency Medicaid Waivers. The letter includes the perspectives of states on the benefits and risks of flexibilities authorized under 1915 (c) Appendix K emergency waivers. To read our full letter,
NACDD on the Inauguration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and Kamala Harris
Donna Meltzer, NACDD CEO NACDD is proud and honored to join with millions across our nation today as we celebrate the inauguration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr. as president and Kamala Harris as Vice President of the United States. We hope that the day will be one of respect and
NACDD Honors and Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
by Rafael Rolon-Muniz, NACDD Program Coordinator “The time is always right to do what is right.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is a nationwide effort to transform the federal holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. into a day of community
Voting Rights and the For the People Act
With the 117th Congress being sworn in just days ago, H.R. 1, the For the People Act package has been reintroduced in Congress today. The For the People Act expands Americans’ access to the ballot box, reduce the influence of big money in politics, and strengthen ethics rules for public
NACDD statement on the passing of Richard Thornburgh
Richard “Dick” Thornburgh, former Pennsylvania Governor and United States Attorney General under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush, passed away on December 31st outside Pittsburgh. NACDD mourns the passing of a key figure who was instrumental in passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and
NACDD on Human Rights Day
By NACDD Public Policy Intern, Ada Chung The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) joins The United Nations in commemorating Human Right Day. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UNDHR) states that in order for the world to have freedom, justice, and peace, EVERY human being, including people
Prioritizing COVID-19 vaccines for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
The world is currently experiencing a global health challenge brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies have shown that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are three times more likely to die of COVID-19 compared to people without these conditions. Currently there are three companies that have created a vaccine
NACDD on International Day of Persons with Disabilities
The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) celebrates the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on December 3rd. The annual observance of IDPD was proclaimed in 1992 by United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. IDPD aims to promote the rights and well-being of people with I/DD in
NACDD on National Family Caregivers Month
This November, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) celebrates National Family Caregivers Month (NFCM) as a time to recognize and thank family caregivers across the country. NCFM offers an opportunity to raise awareness of caregiving issues, educate communities, and increase support for family caregivers. We honor those
NACDD on National Native American Heritage Month
National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities celebrates the culture and heritage of the remarkable Americans who deeply enrich the quality and character of our Nation. For almost one hundred years, Native Americans and Alaska Natives, and Non-Native Americans have urged that there be a permanently designated, special place on
Supreme Court, Disability Rights, and ACA
By Ada Chung, NACDD Intern Supreme Court Justice Ginsburg wrote the decision of the Olmstead v. L.C., the case that held unjustified segregation of people with disabilities was a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This decision paved the way for people with disabilities to escape institutions and live
NACDD Welcomes President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris
Looks forward to working together to strengthen the rights of people with disabilities WASHINGTON, DC — The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities congratulates President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris. In his speech on Saturday, President-Elect Biden emphasized the importance of the disability community and highlighted his
Learning Disabilities Awareness Month: Growing up with ADHD
by Emily Kranking Not everybody knows that October is Learning Disabilities Awareness Month. So, let me shine on this month by talking about my learning disorder. All of my life, I have had ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). ADHD is the most common learning disability with 6 million students diagnosed with it. The type of ADHD that I have is attention-deficit. Symptoms of attention-deficit ADHD include being distracted & zoning
NACDD Encourages People with Disabilities to Vote
WASHINGTON – As millions of Americans cast ballots in advance of Election Day, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) urges all people with disabilities to exercise their right to vote by mail or in-person. “Do not be deterred from voting, no matter what you hear about long
NACDD Commemorates 50 Years of DD Council Success
Congress amended the Mental Retardation Facilities and Community Mental Health Centers Construction Act of 1963 in the Developmental Disabilities Services and Facilities Construction Amendments of 1970,[6] a law that introduced the term “developmental disability” and expanded the population covered under the law beyond individuals with mental retardation to include individuals with
NACDD on Learning Disabilities Awareness Month
October is Learning Disabilities Awareness Month. Learning Disabilities Awareness Month aims to educate, raise awareness, and celebrate the unique differences of various learning disabilities including dyslexia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and other executive functioning difficulties. According to the U.S. Department of Education, approximately 2.5 million students have
NACDD on National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2020
October 1st commemorates the start of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the various contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. 2020 is an exciting year, as it marks the 75th anniversary of NDEAM
When I Feel Like No One Speaks My Language as Someone With Dysarthria
by Emily Kranking Originally posted on The Mighty When I was in eighth grade, my last school musical was “Annie.” I was hoping to land the role of Grace Farrell, Daddy Warbucks’ secretary and one of Annie’s caretakers. Alas, the morning of the callback, the list was posted and as
National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities to Host Virtual Townhall on Medicaid Managed Care in Collaboration with Aetna Better Health
Washington, DC – National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) is teaming up with Aetna Better Health, a CVS Health Company, to host a virtual townhall to explore Medicaid Managed Care (MMC) for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). The townhall-style event, which will be held on September
NACDD Statement on the Passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
“We the people” lost a larger-than-life champion for equality on the Supreme Court this weekend. For 27 years, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg helped move the Supreme Court into a new century of jurisprudence with thoughtful and contemporary decisions and dissents. While she will be remembered primarily for her work on
Direct Support Professional Recognition Week 2020 Statement
Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week (September 13-19, 2020) is an amazing opportunity to feature the committed, groundbreaking direct support labor force that is at the heart and soul of assistance for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) recognizes and
Resources for this election season!
With election season underway, One Vote Now has put together a resource list with all of the organizations that have provided information on everything you may need to make an informed decision this November. This information has been collected from the websites listed, so please refer to each website for
Deidre Davis Butler: A champion and Advocate for Disability Rights
On Friday, August 7th, Deidre Davis Butler, a champion for disability rights and a leader in the fight for the passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act passed away. At the age of 6, Davis Butler was diagnosed with a spinal tumor and lost the ability to walk as a
Advocates Speak on How to Stay Happy & Healthy While Social Distancing
From the Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma The Utah Developmental Disabilities Council has put together a YouTube Channel called Advocates as Leaders Speakers’ Network. It is a series of videos from self-advocates that share their views on how to stay happy and healthy while social distancing through this pandemic. Robert
Celebrating the Centennial: (Women’s Equality Day Celebrations on August 26, 2020)
By Donna A. Meltzer, CEO, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities “THE RIGHT [TO VOTE] IS OURS. HAVE IT, WE MUST. USE IT, WE WILL.” – ELIZABETH CADY STANTON, 1848 Women battled for 72 years to gain the right to vote. This year, August 26th marks 100 years since
One Vote Now with Donna Meltzer and Easterseals
Our CEO Donna Meltzer chatted with Easterseals about One Vote Now and what this year’s unexpected election process means for people with disabilities. Listen to the interview now.
Census Day of Action: August 2020
By Rafael Rolon-Muniz The accuracy of the Census is important for people with disabilities, but a history of low response rates remain a concern for us all. Recently, a decision was made to extend deadlines of the 2020 Census in recognition of the disruption of activities due to COVID-19. While
‘Come as You Are’ — Unless You Are an Actor Who’s Disabled
Originally written for The Mighty This past Thursday, the new movie “Come as You Are” became viral on Twitter after the trailer dropped. The film, which had a limited theatrical release in February, was recently released digitally and is available to rent or purchase on Amazon. “Come as You Are” is
NACDD CEO Donna Meltzer on the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
“Together, let’s use the platform of DD Councils to fill gaps, innovate change and end discriminatory practices.” Press Release
Financial Security and Self-Determination for People with Disabilities During COVID-19
By Sam Miller As COVID-19 continues to spread across America, it has exposed the many ways in which public health crises disproportionately affect the most vulnerable populations in our society. One such population, people with intellectual disabilities, has been hit particularly hard by the pandemic. According to an analysis of data collected by NPR, people with intellectual disabilities in Pennsylvania and New York
Can Classes Stay Virtual after COVID-19?
By Emily Kranking As an actress with cerebral palsy, I have two needs: Acting lessons for training and transportation to take me there. I have recently moved to Frederick, MD. Back when I lived in Burtonsville, I was much closer to Washington DC, the place to study acting in this heart of America. But, it doesn’t mean Uber trips
DD Awareness Blog – Quarantine
I use public transportation to work and back. I take the Metro Red Line from Shady Grove to Farragut North. The stations can be dirty, and any of the people I sit next to, behind, or in front of could have a slight cold. Yes, I can catch that. And don’t get me started on the crammed bus that
DD Awareness Blog – COVID-19
Stay inside… REALLY! One person is all it takes. No one in this world can stress this enough. Trust me. This morning, I learned that I may have possibly been exposed to the coronavirus, even though I was around healthy people all weekend. I am now not going to my friend’s show this weekend (even though it’s likely to be
DD Awareness Month Blog
DDAM Kicks Off! by Emily Kranking Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is a time where our great nation reflects on the achievements of people who have developmental disabilities. Developmental disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism, muscular dystrophy, Down syndrome, or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder affect one’s growth and/or cognition. As of
Call for Proposals for our 2020 Annual Conference
NACDD invites individuals with disabilities, their families, educators, researchers, service providers, employers, policymakers and others involved in supporting individuals with disabilities to submit ideas related to this year’s theme: Driving Disability Advocacy for the Next 50 Years. We are looking for presentation topics that are innovative, impactful, and inspiring.
Episode 77: Making Our Elections Accessible: Equal Access for Voters with Disabilities
Tune in for this episode of ADA Live! as they discuss voting access for people with disabilities with Jennifer Levin, Senior Attorney with Disability Law Colorado. Ms. Levin will share the role of Protection and Advocacy in ensuring equal access and, specifically, the Protection and Advocacy for Voting Access (PAVA) initiative. Federal
Register2Vote.org | Check, update, & register to vote in under 2 minutes
On Tuesday March 3rd (Super Tuesday), people in 14 states, American Samoa and Democrats Abroad will cast votes in the Democratic and Republican Primaries. 1/3rd of the total population of the United States will have an opportunity to vote on March 3rd. Texas is one of the 14 states that
Impact Report on Intelligent Lives
The documentary Intelligent Lives had success in both reception and above all: Opening minds of people. 98% of viewers indicated that INTELLIGENT LIVES helped them understand the concept of “presuming competence” —that everyone has talents and is a full and valuable participant in society. 97% of viewers indicated that INTELLIGENT LIVES helped
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
ACL’s Commissioner for the Administration on Disabilities Authored New Blog from the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM)
ACL’s Commissioner for the Administration on Disabilities Julie Hocker authored a new blog from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) about American businesses hiring workers with disabilities and ACL’s Disability Employment Challenge. “Today in America there are more than seven million unfilled jobs. And there are also more than ten
Check out some of the great work our councils are doing in a special report on ABLE and Employment:
Click HERE to read the full report.
NACDD honors 2019 Award Winners and inducts 2019 Class of Self-Advocate Leadership Circle
Press Release: NACDD honors 2019 Award Winners and inducts 2019 Class of Self-Advocate Leadership Circle NACDD was pleased to present Champions of Equal Opportunity (CEO) Awards to two outstanding self-advocates alongside a national policymaker at our annual conference in July. Former U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu was given the CEO Policymaker
2020 NACDD Board of Directors Announced
NACDD is excited to announce the new names that will be joining the NACDD Board of Directors for Fiscal Year 2020! First, we’d like to say thank you to current Board President Shannon Buller (WY), who will be completing her tenure at the end of the fiscal year and transitioning
National Disability Voter Registration Week
REV UP: Register, Educate, Vote, Use your Power “We are actively fighting for the fair and civic inclusion of people with disabilities in every political, social, and economic front. We know the disabled community has experienced violence beyond imaginable, been overly institutionalized, been denied access to competitive employment, and have often had their rights trampled
Survivor Justice is Disability Justice
“Survivor Justice is Disability Justice” Schools Must Protect Students with Disabilities from Sexual Harassment NWLC RESOURCE Survivor Justice Is Disability Justice FACT SHEETS Download Survivor Justice is Disability Justice Fact Sheet PDF Schools Must Protect Students with Disabilities from Sexual Harassment Supporting students with disabilities means addressing sexual harassment, including
Ohio DD Council Member Shari Cooper receives the 2019 Edgar J. Helms Award for Graduate Staff
” Congratulations to Shari Cooper for receiving the 2019 Edgar J. Helms Award for Graduate Staff, a national award from Goodwill Industries International! Shari received the award “for her outstanding efforts to serve and advocate for people with disabilities.” Shari, a former member of the Ohio DD Council, currently works
MD DD Council announces next Executive Director
Rachel London named next Executive DirectorBrian Cox Retiring After 26 years with the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, including 19 years as the Executive Director, Brian Cox is retiring at the end of August 2019. Brian’s leadership of the Council has capped a career that started 38 years ago when he
FOR HIRE: North Carolina DD Council Executive Director
The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities is seeking applicants for the position of Executive Director. For more information: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/northcarolina/jobs/2268618-0/executive-director-council-on-developmental-disabilities
NACDD congratulates Easterseals on 100 years!
Happy Birthday Easterseals! NACDD congratulates Easterseals on 100 years! We are proud to work together with Easterseals at the national level through the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities CCD and at the state level through the Councils on Developmental Disabilities across the country. For more information: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=878488825821894
The Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council is recruiting for an Executive Director
THE POSITION https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pabureau?keywords=executive&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs&fbclid=IwAR2uxF5BhWsLdPudfo16turgKF4oo_u7it_oSkmx2zVKgC4HdNHGa6XYaAI&jobId=2400245&jobName=executive-director-developmental-disabilities-planning-council&tab=1 Are you seeking a high-level leadership opportunity in supporting full and meaningful lives for people with developmental disabilities? Do you enjoy using your skills in critical thinking and collaboration to achieve positive change for all? Do you have a strong understanding of the history of disability and
Midwest Leadership Institute Opportunity
Are you interested in becoming a leader, or a better leader, in your organization and the intellectual and developmental disabilities field? If so, the Midwest Leadership Institute is a great opportunity for you. This intensive, week-long Leadership Institute is being offered in Kansas City, Missouri, April 7-12, 2019. A select
NACDD Mourns the Loss of Rep. John Dingell
The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) mourns the passing of former Representative John Dingell of Michigan. The longest serving United States Representative, Dingell was a vocal advocate and proponent of accessible and comprehensive health care. Dingell devoted his considerable legislative talents to promoting the passage of Medicare,
NACDD Call for Proposals for Annual Conference 2019
NACDD invites individuals with disabilities, their families, educators, researchers, service providers, employers, policy makers and others involved in the disability community to submit ideas for sessions related to this year’s theme: Jazz it Up! Building on Our Potential. We are looking for presentation topics that are innovative, impactful and inspiring.
NACDD Thanks Sponsors of the Raise the Wage Act of 2019
All workers deserve equal pay for equal work and minimum wage protection. Today, NACDD joined our DD Act sister organizations (AUCD, NDRN) and more national partners to thank the sponsors of the Raise the Wage Act of 2019 for advancing economic security for workers with disabilities. Read the sign on
Jermaine Alerta Announced as New Executive Director of Guam DD Council
Jermaine Alerta has been announced as the new Executive Director of the Guam Developmental Disabilities Council. Mr. Alerta has many experience working with private and non-profit organizations. He worked under previous administrations including working for the 27th to 28th and 31st through 34th Guam Legislature and served in many roles
Free Webinar: “Who’s on Your Team: Connecting Your Goals with Great People.”
Youth & young adults – it’s time to figure out who is on YOUR TEAM with our partners at the #IntelligentLives Opening Doors campaign. Their Young Adult Engagement Consultant @LeDerick is hosting a second FREE Webinar on Tuesday, 1/15 (1pm ET), “Who’s on Your Team? Connecting Your Goals with Great
NACDD Statement on the Passing of President George H.W. Bush
WASHINGTON – This past weekend, the disability community lost a very important advocate, President George H.W Bush. Today, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) joins the country in recognizing a national day of mourning for the loss of such an esteemed man and visionary leader. In
Ways Congress Can Show Gratitude for Nation’s Caregivers
Annual Thanksgiving traditions in American households present an opportunity for giving thanks for the love and support of our family members.
NACDD Announces New Partnership with “Intelligent Lives” Film
NACDD is thrilled to announce our partnership with award-winning director Dan Habib on his new film, “Intelligent Lives.” This film is a catalyst to transform the label of intellectual disability from a life sentence of isolation into a life of possibility for the most systematically segregated people in America.
North Carolina Council on DD Seeks Executive Director
The North Carolina Council on DD Seeks applicants for the Executive Director position.
DD Councils Addressing Sexual Abuse Report
The month of October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In 2017, NACDD and ITACC compiled a report on the work that many of our Councils are doing on Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse in people with Developmental Disabilities.
Emergency Preparedness Planning Resource
The Guam Developmental Disabilities Council has put together a checklist and guidebook for Emergency Preparedness Planning.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month!
Spread awareness and utilize resources for National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
2018 NACDD Annual Conference Wrap-Up!
Thank you to everyone who attended the 2018 NACDD Annual Conference and Associated Meetings! This year’s events were a huge success and we couldn’t have done it without all of YOU! On Wednesday, July 11, NACDD held the annual Champion of Equal Opportunity (CEO) Award Luncheon, hosted by Optum. During
NACDD Statement on the Federal Government’s Role in Responding to Hate Crimes
June 11, 2018 Catherine E. Lhamon, Chair United States Commission on Civil and Human Rights 1331 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20425 Re: The Federal Government’s Role in Responding to Hate Crimes Dear Chair Lhamon and Commission Members: On behalf of the National Association of Councils on Developmental
NACDD Statement on OIG Report
For Immediate Release January 17, 2018 CONTACT: Donna Meltzer, CEO, dmeltzer@nacdd.org US DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES REPORT ON HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES SHOWS NEED FOR GREATER INVESTMENT AND OVERSIGHT WASHINGTON – Today, the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of Inspector
115th Congress DD Act Partners Policy Priorities
The Association of University Centers on Disabilities, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities and National Disability Rights Network released the Policy Priorities for the 115th Session of Congress for 2017. To view the Policy Priorities, click here.
DD Councils Addressing Sexual Abuse and Neglect
Dear DD Council Network members, We are pleased to announce the availability of a special publication about the work of DD Councils in the area of Sexual Abuse and Neglect. We would like to thank the following Councils for their collaboration on this important project: Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Virginia,
HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2019
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2019 proposed rule is now on display for public inspection at: https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection. The rule will publish on November 2, and the comment period will close on November 27.
NACDD Releases DD Councils Impact Report
NACDD released an impact report about the statewide practices of the 56 DD Councils between FY 2012 and FY 2016.
NACDD Statement on President’s Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2018
Statement on President’s Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2018
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 2017!
Learn More about Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and register for an informational webinar today!
NACDD Gives Self-Advocates New Tools with E-Publication & Web Site
NACDD and Optum release self-advocate book