By Erin Prangley, Director of Public Policy, NACDD As director of public policy for the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), I am acutely aware of the relationship between state and federal policy and day-to-day community living. In fact, when legislation is drafted and implemented with people with disabilities in mind, access…
By Nicholas Mastrella, NACDD Spring 2024 Policy Intern Hi, I’m Nick Mastrella. As a Policy Intern at NACDD during my last semester of my undergraduate education, I embarked on a journey that has been incredibly special and truly life changing. This internship experience is not just my first step into the world of politics;…
“REPOSTED WITH PERMISSION. ORIGINALLY APPEARED AT THE POLICY IMPACT PROJECT The federal Autism CARES Act, which has existed for the past 17 years, is due for renewal by September 30, 2024. This law authorizes funding and guidance for autism surveillance, training, and research programs. Before these programs began in the early 2000s, there was…
By Nicole LeBlanc, Chairperson for the 2024 Capitol Hill Developmental Disabilities Resource Fair Hello Everyone , My name is Nicole LeBlanc. I’m on the autism spectrum and a survivor of Low Expectation Syndrome. I’ve worked in the disability field for over 16 years. This year, the theme of Developmental Disability Awareness Month (DDAM)…
As we shift from Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to National Autism Acceptance Month in April, The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) remains committed to promoting acceptance of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those with autism. Throughout April, we join individuals, families, and communities in celebrating the value, contribution, and strengths…
The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) supports legislative efforts to update Supplemental Security Income (SSI) requirements that limit the amount of savings and ownership a person with disabilities can have without losing critical Medicaid services. The SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Restoration Act both improve the…
By Catherine Citta, JPKF Public Policy Fellow Jon Meyers, Executive Director for the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, participated in an interview with Catherine Citta, 2023 Public Policy Fellow with the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation, to discuss Arizona’s successful policy change for child and adolescent family caregivers. Arizona received a temporary extension in…
The Board of Directors of the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) is pleased to announce Jill Jacobs as NACDD’s next Executive Director. NACDD is the national membership association of the 56 Councils on Developmental Disabilities from across the United States and its territories. Jacobs will leave her post as Commissioner of…
By Catherine Citta, JPKF Public Policy Fellow The Biden-Harris Administration hosts state, local, Tribal and community leaders to the White House “Communities in Action” events to demonstrate how the administration is delivering results for the American people. In November 2023, Julianne Horntvedt, Executive Director for the North Dakota State Council on Developmental Disabilities was…
Dear Commissioner Allen: On behalf of the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), I would like to extend our congratulations to you on your appointment as the new Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). We commend your commitment to building partnerships with other Federal agencies and stakeholders, elevating community expectations for…