August 9, 2016
Mission: The Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) of the District of Columbia seeks to strengthen the voice of people with developmental disabilities and their families in DC in support of greater independence, inclusion, empowerment and the pursuit of life as they choose. We strive to create change that eliminates discrimination and removes barriers to full inclusion through our advocacy.
The District of Columbia Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) is pleased to disseminate the New Five Year State Plan (Plan) describing goals, objectives and activities for fiscal years 2017 through 2021. This Plan represents the DDC’s commitment to fulfilling our responsibility to our District residents with developmental disabilities and their families as authorized in the federal legislation, Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000. The Plan is based on extensive community outreach over the past several months through:
- Development and posting of an online survey tool on the DDC website that is available in English and Spanish.
- Collection of nearly 200 completed surveys from District residents with developmental disabilities, family members, friends and stakeholders representing all eight wards. Survey results are posted online.
- Meetings with District residents and the families involved with the Supporting Families Community of Practice, Project ACTION!, Parents Advocacy Leaders (PALS) Group, Georgetown University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Consumer Action Advisory Council, and other community stakeholders to solicit input and feedback; and
- Community forums at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library and at the R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center. Participants identified areas of emphasis for the DDC’s consideration: 1) Self-Determination, Advocacy and Leadership; 2) Employment; 3) Education; and 4) Community Living. Focus groups were conducted in support of these four areas of emphasis. Participants’ ideas, suggestions and activities were recorded and documented on the DDC website.
- Two individual public comment periods conducted: 1) May 6 – June 21, 2016 and; 2) June 24 – August 9, 2016.
The plan has five areas of emphasis: 1. Self-determination, advocacy, and leadership; 2. Employment; 3. Education; 4. Community living and; 5. Cross cutting. For full plan details, see the attached document.
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