In this issue, read about:
- NACDD Launches Photo Gallery of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
- Nevada DD Council Wins Four Emmy Awards for “Our World in Our Words
- NACDD Policy Insights
- Bridging Aging and Disability Networks’ Article Published in Leading Journal
- NACDD Launches New Apprentice & Intern Program
- Stay engaged with the NACDD network!
If you have ideas and stories you want to share about your DD Council and community, send them at media@nacdd.org.
NACDD Launches Photo Gallery of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
In March, NACDD asked you to share your stories of your everyday life. We received over 200 photos and 100 stories of moments that capture what it’s like when people with developmental disabilities live, work, play, and contribute to their community.
This Disability Pride Month, NACDD is excited to unveil the gallery YOU helped us build. Presenting the “We’re Here All Year” Photo Gallery! These are stories, and snapshots of moments that remind us the people with disabilities are contributors to their communities and live full lives when given access.
These are more than just photos. This is a reminder that We Are Here All Year.
Nevada DD Council Wins Four Emmy Awards for “Our World in Our Words
The Nevada Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities brought home four Emmy Awards for its documentary, Our World in Our Words.
The documentary won the following awards:
🏆 Audio Recording, Mixing, and Design
🏆 Editor – Long Form Content
🏆 Photographer – Long Form Content
🏆 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
“This project was created with heart, honesty, and the voices of those who are too often left out of the story. Winning in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion category is especially meaningful. It reinforces our commitment to representation and authentic storytelling,” said Catherine Nielsen, Nevada Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities Executive Director.
This powerful film was brought to life by the incredible voices of Dora Martinez, Alexis Jones, Cindi Swanson, and Santa Perez, who bravely and beautifully shared their lived experiences. Their authenticity, strength, and advocacy are at the heart of this project.
Watch Our World in Our Words here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73U2OnhSehs
NACDD Policy Insights
NACDD’s Policy Team brings you the latest insights on what is happening in public policy and how it can impact people with developmental disabilities, their families, and the community at large.
Read the latest insights on:
- Policy Insight: The Republicans’ Budget Bill: “One Big Beautiful Bill”: The “Big Beautiful Bill” has passed the House and Senate and has been signed into law by the president. This is the largest cut to Medicaid in the program’s history. So what do we do now?
- Department of Labor’s Rule on Phasing Out 14(c): On July 7th, the Department of Labor withdrew its proposed rule to phase out 14(c) certificates. This rule had previously completed the public comment process, with disability advocates across the country supporting this decision. Read more on what this means for the disability community.
- Key Takeaways from Dr. Susan Monarez’s CDC Nomination Hearing: On Wednesday, June 25th, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions conducted a hearing on the nomination of Susan Monarez, Ph.D., for the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The director of the CDC is an incredibly important position. She influences vaccination schedules, disease research, the direction of departments, and public perceptions of health and science. The director will also determine the direction of the CDC’s research on disabilities and illnesses. Read more.
Bridging Aging and Disability Networks’ Article Published in Leading Journal
The Bridging and Aging Disability Network’s article, Bridging Aging and Disability Networks to Support Aging Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Family Caregivers, was published in the Public Policy and Aging Report released by the Gerontological Society of America.
The article states that as people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are living longer, their needs – and those of their aging family caregivers – are becoming more complex. Yet most still live at home, supported by aging parents or relatives. Despite overlapping needs with the broader aging population, this group often falls through the cracks due to gaps between the disability and aging service systems.
A recent policy analysis by Joe Caldwell and Joshua Gladstone underscores the urgency and promise of bridging these historically siloed networks. While the IDD system is mainly supported through Medicaid waivers and advocacy programs, the aging network, centered around the Older Americans Act, offers a range of community-based supports. But coordination is lacking.
Bridging and Aging Network is a Project of National Significance led by the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities.
Read the article here: https://academic.oup.com/ppar/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/ppar/praf003/8161644?redirectedFrom=fulltext
NACDD Launches New Apprentice & Intern Program
NACDD is excited to launch its new Apprentice and Intern Program starting Summer 2025! This initiative offers a hands-on opportunity for individuals, especially people with developmental disabilities and their families, to build skills, contribute to national disability advocacy, and gain experience in public policy, nonprofit strategy, and systems change.
The pilot version of the program – which will offer both in-person and virtual opportunities – began in June 2025.
Apprentices and interns will receive mentorship, work on real NACDD initiatives, and help shape policies that impact their communities.
Stay tuned for updates as we kick off this exciting new effort to elevate emerging leaders from the disability community!
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