Policy Drives Change

By creating laws and policies that recognize the perspectives and rights of people with developmental disabilities, NACDD believes the entire community will benefit.

NACDD leads the national policy agenda for the DD Councils, and works with national coalition partners to address the most pressing issues for people with developmental disabilities at the federal level.

NACDD serves as a key adviser on issues such as the disability treaty, workforce, education and health for the media, policy advisers and lawmakers.

Click here to view the Public Policy Agenda for the 119th Congress

Download the NACDD Policy Priorities

Promote the Developmental Disabilities Assistanceand Bill of Rights Act (DD Act)

NACDD leads advocacy for all programs authorized by the DD Act. These historic programs champion the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities (I/DD) and work to advance policies that allow people with I/DD to live full, independent, and productive lives in their communities.

Expand Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) and End Medicaid Institutional Bias

NACDD leads advocacy to end Medicaid’s institutional bias and expand quality home and community-based services so that people with I/DD can live as independently as possible in their own homes and communities, rather than in institutions like nursing homes or hospitals.

Protect and Expand Medicaid for people with I/DD

NACDD leads efforts to improve Medicaid access and quality of services for people with I/DD. NACDD will oppose any efforts to limit access to Medicaid benefits, whether by placing limitations on those benefits, limiting eligibility to Medicaid or reducing federal funding for the program.

Education

NACDD advocates for accessible education for people with disabilities because it is essential to fostering inclusion, equity, and opportunity, to ensure that every individual has the resources and support needed to reach their full potential..

Employment

NACDD supports policies which ensure access to competitive and integrated employment for I/DD, promotes independence, economic self-sufficiency, and inclusion in the workforce, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Social Security (related to disability eligibility)

NACDD supports strengthening Social Security and reforming outdated asset limits for programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to reducing financial hardship and allow beneficiaries to save for emergencies, and promote long-term economic stability without risking their essential benefits.

Housing for People with Disabilities

NACDD supports policies that increase the supply of affordable and accessible housing ensures that individuals of all abilities and income levels have safe, stable, and inclusive places to live, fostering stronger and more equitable communities.

Disability Civil Rights

NACDD supports funding and improvements to civil rights enforcement for people with I/DD. NACDD firmly opposes all forms of discrimination and strongly advocates for the robust enforcement of existing civil rights laws to ensure people with I/DD have full and equal access to all aspects of community living.

Transportation

NACDD supports accessible transportation policies which are essential to ensuring that people with disabilities can travel safely, independently, and affordably, enabling full participation in employment, education, healthcare, and community life.ng.

Technology

NACDD advocates for equitable access to technology that empowers people with disabilities, enhancing their independence, inclusion, and quality of life.