Councils on Developmental Disabilities
Working on Goals for Change
Councils are given powerful direction and broad authority to set priorities in their individual states by the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act). Councils work toward public policies that promote several goals for people with developmental disabilities, including:
- Self Determination - Activities that result in individuals with developmental disabilities having the ability and opportunity to communicate and make personal decisions, exercise control over the type and intensity of supports and services they receive, the authority to control resources, opportunities to participate in and contribute to their communities, and support to advocate for themselves and others.
- Inclusion - acceptance and encouragement of the presence and participation of individuals with developmental disabilities, by individuals without disabilities, in social, educational, work, and community activities.
- Integration - exercise of the equal right of individuals with developmental disabilities to access and use the same community resources as are available to and used by other individuals.
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