National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities
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National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities
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Governors in every state and territory of the US appoint a Council on Developmental Disabilities. NACDD serves as the national voice of those Developmental Disability Councils.

Website: www.nacdd.org
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1/ #Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities #ACDD is helping people with intellectual and developmental #disabilities (I/DD) live healthier, happier, and more supported lives by improving healthcare, mental health support, and school environments.

DD Councils: We're Here, All Year — For You!
Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities (ACDD) is working with KultureCity on a school-based project called “The Sensory Inclusion Certification and Training Partnership.” This program will train teachers and school staff across Alabama to better support students who are sensitive to sounds, lights, or other sensory input. The training will help schools create calmer, more inclusive classrooms so that all students, including those who are neurodivergent, can learn and feel comfortable.
January 24, 2026 at 1:00 PM
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The Bridging Aging and #Disabilities Network (#BADN) project in Texas is helping older people with disabilities stay independent with support.

Learn more about Texas’s work here: nacdd.org/state-profil...

Read about all of the BADN state programs and their impact here: nacdd.org/bridging-and...
Created and tested a way to help families during emergencies like storms. Made "Social Stories" to help people feel safe after a bad event. Put help for disabilities into the state's plan for citizens that are getting older. Worked with state emergency teams to make sure workers are trained to help.
January 22, 2026 at 10:00 PM
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Did you know?

A majority of DD council members (60%) are individuals with developmental #disabilities or family members. This is required by federal law to make sure the work stays focused on real needs.

Swipe through for more interesting Council facts!

DD Councils: We’re Here All Year — for you
60% or more of each State Developmental Disabilities (DD) Council must be people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) or their close family members. Councils believe that those who know what it’s like (those with lived experience) should always be included when finding solutions. DD Councils work to get rid of things that stop people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) from being involved, and help them be a bigger part of their community. Their work also involves teaching the public that including people with I/DD has a positive social and economic impact on communities. Including people with I/DD is good for everyone! In 1977, 84% of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) lived in big, hospital-like places called institutions. Now, it’s less than 8% — mostly thanks to the work of the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Councils and their partners. That's a huge change!
January 19, 2026 at 11:21 PM
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1/ Project Impact Highlight: Washington, DC

The Bridging and Aging Disabilities Network #BADN project in Washington, DC is helping people with #disabilities age with independence, dignity, and strong support.

Learn more about BADN and projects across the country: nacdd.org/bridging-and...
A map of the united states labeled NACDD's Bridging Aging and Disability Network Impact in Washington DC
January 16, 2026 at 11:00 PM
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#Disability Community Webinar: Advocate's Toolkit for Broad #MedicaidExemption Implementation

Learn how to protect #Medicaid from new federal budget cuts, and how states can keep #HCBS running and make sure people with disabilities don’t lose their health insurance

us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
January 12, 2026 at 12:00 PM
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Community Webinar Alert!

Topic: An Advocate's Toolkit for Broad #Medicaid Exemption Implementation

Date: Wednesday, January 14
Time: 4 - 5pm ET

Free to attend; registration required

Link to register: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

#disability #disabilityadvocate #selfadvocate #nacdd #disabled
New Medicaid community engagement rules in federal law could seriously harm people who are medically fragile, even though the law says they should be exempt. Experts from Justice In Aging will share a new toolkit to help advocates speak up now and throughout the rollout of these rules. The goal is to make sure states put safeguards in place to prevent people from losing coverage. Zoom captioning is available for this event. If you require other accommodations to participate, please detail them in your registration. We will have the most success fulfilling your accommodation requests if they are submitted by January 7th.
January 7, 2026 at 12:00 PM
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1/ Project Impact Highlight: Illinois

Read about work the #Illinois State Alliance Team (SAT) is doing: nacdd.org/state-profil...

The Bridging and Aging #Disabilities Network #BADN project in Illinois focuses on understanding challenges and improving coordination in Case Management & referrals
NACDD's Bridging Aging and Disability Network Impact in Illinois.
December 20, 2025 at 2:00 PM
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Meet Emma from #Texas!

On her YouTube channel “Talking Mickey Project” everyone is welcome - regardless of their abilities - to share in #Disney Fandom!

Read more We're Here All Year stories in our gallery: nacdd.org/2025-dd-awar...

#disabilities #disability #disabilityawareness #WereHereAllYear
A smiling woman stands in front of the train station at Disneyland. Her nametag reads Emma and she is an obvious Disney fan! She has on Disney themed clothes, accessories, and a mouse-ears headband.
December 19, 2025 at 4:01 PM
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Our 2025 theme, #WereHereAllYear emphasizes that community, accessibility & opportunities for people with developmental #disabilities should be recognized & championed

Developmental Disabilities Councils (often called DD Councils) work to support those ideals every day, in many different ways.
We're Here All Year DD Council Edition from NACDD What is a DD Council? A State Developmental Disabilities (DD) Council is a group of people who work to make life better for people with DD. Every state and territory in the United States has a council. These councils listen to people with DD and their families. They help make plans, support new ideas, and guide leaders in the state. What does a DD Council do? A developmental disabilities (DD) Council brings people together to look at problems across the state and find ways to fix them. The Council works with people with DD, family members, lawmakers, decision makers, service providers, and community leaders. They look at what is working and what is not working. Then they help create projects or programs that make the community better and more fair for people with DD and their families. Who is on a DD Council? Every developmental disabilities (DD) Council is made up of people with DD and their family members, who are appointed by the Governor of their state. Also, people who work in disability services, lawmakers, and other stakeholders are a part of the Council. 60% of members are people with disabilities or family members. This helps the council understand real needs in the state.
December 17, 2025 at 11:30 PM
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#Medicaid Webinar Alert!
12/17 4-5pm ET
Must register here: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

A look at Medicaid changes from the 2025 reconciliation law #HR1

@kff.org a non-partisan info org, will present their report "States' Management of Medicaid Home Care Spending Ahead of HR1 Effects"
NACDD National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities Community Webinar Series. States' Management of Medicaid Home Care Spending Ahead of H.R.1 Effects. Seats for this event are limited; register today!
December 16, 2025 at 8:24 PM
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#Medicaid Webinar Alert!
12/17 4-5pm ET
Must register here: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

A look at Medicaid changes from the 2025 reconciliation law #HR1

@kff.org a non-partisan info org, will present their report "States' Management of Medicaid Home Care Spending Ahead of HR1 Effects"
Please note: Zoom captioning is available for this event. If you require other accommodations to participate, please detail them in your registration. We will have the most success fulfilling your accommodation requests if they are submitted by December 10th.
December 12, 2025 at 4:52 PM
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1/ Meet Luis from New York!

Luis has been enjoying colors for years; he loves the idea of painting & coloring and also events that involve colors. He also uses art to help him feel calm!

Read more We're Here All Year stories in our gallery: bit.ly/WereHereAllY...

#ddawareness #disabilities #idd
A senior man in a yellow shirt sits in front of several coloring books. He is holding an orange colored pencil that was selected from a set of pencils on the table. He is preparing to color a page with leaf designs.
December 9, 2025 at 4:52 PM
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/1 Project Impact Highlight: Alabama + Bridging and Aging #Disabilities Network #BADN

They have trained 14 Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) on:
- disaster preparedness
- training
- volunteer coordination
- distribution of resources through Meals on Wheels
NACDD's Bridging Aging and Disability Network Impact in Alabama Trained 14 Aging and Disability Resource Centers on disaster preparedness, training, volunteer coordination, and distribution of resources through Meals on Wheels As resources allow, the State will also be expanding training opportunities through: senior centers (Phase 2) faith-based communities (Phase 3) The training will increase awareness and engagement of Older Americans Act (OAA) grantees with the target population, and likely foster future collaboration in other areas
December 7, 2025 at 4:07 PM
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Meet Keaton from #Missouri! He and his peers volunteer to cook meals for families staying at a local Ronald McDonald House.

Read more We're Here All Year stories: bit.ly/WereHereAllY...

Each week, we share a real story from a person with an intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD).
A young man with glasses and a hat uses a grater in a kitchen
December 4, 2025 at 5:25 PM
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32 leading #disability orgs including NACDD have released a joint statement expressing disappointment with changes to #CDC website


CDC website now says: “’Vaccines do not cause #autism’ is not an evidence-based claim.”

This is false.

Read the joint statement here:
nacdd.org/leading-auti...
Leading Autism and Disability Organizations Statement on CDC’s Vaccines and Autism. The [CDC] website now states: “‘vaccines do not cause autism’ is not an evidence-based claim.” This is false. Nearly three decades of scientific research, consisting of dozens of high-quality studies conducted around the world, surveying millions of people, has repeatedly confirmed there is no causal link between vaccines and autism. The limited studies that have suggested otherwise have not been reproducible and are consistently found to contain methodological flaws and, in some cases, have outright falsified evidence. Link to full statement in post. Access Ready Inc. Allies for Independence American Association on Health and Disability Association of University Centers on Disabilities Autism Science Foundation Autism Society of America Autism Speaks Autistic Doctors International Autistic People of Color Fund Autistic Self Advocacy Network Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network Dan Marino Foundation Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) Easterseals, Inc. Family Voices National Felicity House Hussman Institute for Autism Institute for Exceptional Care (IEC) International Council on Development and Learning (ICDL) Lakeshore Foundation Life’sPilot, Inc National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors (NACBHDD) National PLAN Alliance National Respite Coalition Organization for Autism Research Profound Autism Alliance SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, Inc. The Arc of the United States The National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health The Sibling Leadership Network (SLN) United Spinal Association We urge public leaders, institutions, and media to uphold scientific integrity and work together to strengthen the infrastructure of support for the entire autism community.
November 27, 2025 at 11:06 PM
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Meet Morgan, a 16 year old from #California!

She recently got a chance to learn how trains work, directly from an #Amtrak conductor himself!

Read more stories in our gallery: bit.ly/WereHereAllY...

#disabilities #disability #disabilityawareness #ddawareness #ddadvocacy #disabilityadvocate
An Amtrak train conductor smiles and waves as he stands on a train beside a teenage girl.
November 19, 2025 at 3:04 PM
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Upcoming Webinar:

From Numbers to Action: Using Data to Strengthen the HCBS Direct Care Workforce

Wed, Nov 19 - 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM EST

Register Here:
events.teams.microsoft.com/event/2ed5f1...
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November 18, 2025 at 3:58 PM
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Meet Robert from #RhodeIsland & his girlfriend Katie! They are interested in public speaking.

"My goal is to spread awareness in the student community about living our lives as a couple with Down Syndrome. We’ve been doing it in different colleges."

Find more stories here: bit.ly/WereHereAllY...
Robert and Katie smile for a photo. They are self-advocates who use public speaking to educate students at colleges about Down Syndrome.
November 13, 2025 at 8:00 PM
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1/ Council Highlight: #SouthCarolina DD Council

Through IMPACT SC & Equip programs, SCDDC is empowering people of all ages to become leaders & changemakers.

Read more here: nacdd.org/nacdd-insigh...

#disability #disabilities
NACDD Council Impact Spotlight: South Carolina Developmental Disabilities Council.
November 11, 2025 at 3:02 PM
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The October edition of Insight is here!

Swipe to see highlights of what we've been talking about this month, or click this link to get the full stories: nacdd.org/nacdd-insigh...

Have ideas and stories you want to share about your #DD #disability Council & community? Send to media@nacdd.org
Protecting Your Benefits: What to Know About Accepting Gifts. NACDD is concerned that many people may not be aware that some kinds of gifts could risk your eligibility to receive federal benefits that have income and asset limits as part of the eligibility criteria.​ To protect benefits, NACDD put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions that shares the basics of what you need to know about protecting your benefits when accepting gifts. State DD Councils Sign On Joint Statement to Express Concern over Recent Layoffs U.S. Department of Education and SAMHSA. These cuts affect key offices that make sure people with disabilities get the education, mental health support, and community services they are entitled to under the law. Advocacy Projects Empower People with Developmental Disabilities to Lead Change. By funding leadership and self-advocacy programs, the South Carolina Developmental Disabilities Council (SCDDC) builds statewide capacity and empowers individuals to transform the systems that affect their lives. Collage of images featuring people with disabilities that participate in the IMPACT SC program in South Carolina.
November 6, 2025 at 8:41 PM
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Virtual (Zoom) Town Hall
Tuesday, 11/4
4pm ET | 3 CT | 2 MT | 1 PT

IDEA guarantees education for students w/ #disabilities

Now they are at risk. Join to learn more & find out what YOU can do to help protect IDEA.

bit.ly/3Wvuj4q

For parents, educators, & #advocates for children w/ disabilities
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November 3, 2025 at 7:08 PM
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On 11/1, SNAP may be stopped due to the government shutdown, affecting 42m people, including many with developmental #disabilities

If you are a person with DD who receives SNAP, NACDD has a guide to help you find resources & know how getting help could affect SSI benefits.
Protecting your benefits during the SNAP suspension: What to know about accepting gifts. This guide includes: -What can I do if my SNAP benefits are stopped? - Can I accept money, cash, or gift cards to buy food? - What kinds of help are allowed? - What types of help could cause problems? - Will my Medicaid or SSI be affected right away if I take gift cards or cash for food?
October 29, 2025 at 9:56 PM
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Brookylnn Rose is building a community in Michigan!

She works as the Community Ambassador for Oakland Community Health Network. She goes to community events and tells others about the resources they can receive from OCHN, and the programs they have for people with developmental #disabilities.
A woman works behind a table at an event.
October 24, 2025 at 5:04 PM
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NACDD apprentice, Bryan Dooley, is back with another informative blog post! This time, Bryan shares his personal story about employment and his path to purpose, inclusion, and advocacy.

Read Bryan’s story & download his Breaking Barriers checklist for employees here:
nacdd.org/beyond-the-p...
October 22, 2025 at 8:22 PM
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Rachel, Ashley, and Ruth are roommates and entrepreneurs from Naperville, Illinois.

They’re serving up something special with their cookbook, Just A Dollop!

Check out their inspiring work (and maybe grab a cookbook for yourself!) at www.justadollop.org.
Three women with I/DD happily enjoy coffee at a cafe counter.
October 21, 2025 at 8:41 PM