By Khalen Wright, NACDD Intern Have you ever stopped to think about how much power one vote really has? I know I have. For a long time, I didn’t fully understand how much voting could impact my life as a person with a disability. Now I realize that voting isn’t just about Election Day—it’s about…
Protecting Access to Home Care and Community Living NACDD’s Response to the Department of Justice Opinion on Olmstead The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) is deeply concerned about a new legal opinion issued by the U.S. Department of Justice on June 18, 2026. For many years, people with developmental disabilities have fought for the right…
This March, NACCD is proud to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Month with the launch of We’re Here: Then, Now, Always campaign. The national campaign recognizes a simple truth: people with developmental disabilities have always been part of our communities — and always will be. The campaign builds on last year’s successful We’re Here All Year initiative and expands the message by connecting past, present,…
In this issue, read about: Year of Building Community Bridging Aging & Disability Network States Showcase Work for Communities We’re Here All Year: DD Council Edition! NACDD Launches Community Webinar Series Join us for our next webinar on January 14th! Stay engaged with the NACDD network! If you have ideas and stories you want to…
Disability advocacy is often framed around policy, access, and systems, and those things matter. They shape whether we can learn, work, participate, and move through the world with dignity. But as I have grown in my work and witnessed the legacy of disability justice leaders like Alice Wong, I have learned a deeper truth: Disabled…
Every state has a developmental disabilities council (DD Council) and these organizations receive federal funding to support policy change and programs that promote self-determination, integration, and inclusion for all people in the United States with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Below are stories from DD Councils on projects and programs underway to advance community living for…
In this issue, read about: Protecting Your Benefits: What to Know About Accepting Gifts State DD Councils Sign On Joint Statement to Express Concern over Recent Layoffs U.S. Department of Education and SAMHSA Advocacy Project Empowers People with Developmental Disabilities to Lead Change NACDD Celebrates 2025 Champions of Equal Opportunity Award Winners at National Leadership…
On November 1, 2025, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may be stopped affecting almost 42 million people across the nation, including people with developmental disabilities (DD). This is due to the current government shutdown. Friends, neighbors, and family may be reaching out and wanting to help people with disabilities who receive food assistance through the SNAP…
The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities and the undersigned State Councils on Developmental Disabilities are deeply concerned about the recent layoffs at the U.S. Department of Education and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). These cuts affect key offices that make sure people with disabilities get the education, mental health…
HARRISBURG, PA — October 22, 2025 — The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) proudly announced the winners of its 2025 Champions of Equal Opportunity (CEO) Awards during a special ceremony held at the Governor’s Reception Room in the Pennsylvania State Capitol on October 21. The awards, the Betty Williams Champion of Equal…