DD Act and Other Major Federal Legislation
The Developmental Disabilities and Bill of Rights Assistance Act (DD Act) 1963, 2000
The DD Act, most recently updated in 2000, was originally created in 1963 under President John F. Kennedy as the Mental Retardation Facilities and Community Mental Health Centers Construction Act of 1963. The initial goal was to address problems in state-run institutions for people with disabilities. Over time, the goal has evolved to “assure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of and have access to needed community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion in all facets of community life…” [Sect 101, DD Act of 2000]. To achieve this broad goal, the DD Act reauthorized three programs that operate in each state and territory (UCEDD, DD Councils, and PADD) known as the DD Network. The DD Act leads the work of the DD Councils and the key piece of overarching legislation that guides the policy work of NACDD.
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 oversees federal vocational rehabilitation services for people with disabilities. The law’s regulations and reauthorization still hold key relevance to employment policy for people with developmental disabilities. Importantly, the Rehabilitation Act was the first federal law to create and extend civil rights to people with disabilities and became the foundation for creating the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
The Americans with Disabilities Act is the most sweeping federal legislation on the civil rights of people with disabilities. The law prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for people with disability in employment, state and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities and transportation. The law was amended in 2008 to clarify its original intent and confirm its expansive protections.
