In accordance with the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act 2000, the DC Developmental Disabilities Council is required to develop and implement a Five Year State Plan.
The Five Year State Plan identifies the most pressing needs of people with developmental disabilities in the District of Columbia. The State Plan focuses on several areas of significance, including but not limited to employment, education and early intervention services, housing, transportation, self determination and advocacy, health, recreation, community based services and supports, and cross cutting activities. The DDC addresses these needs through systems change and capacity building efforts that promote self-determination, integration and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities.
The Five Year State Plan for the District is mandated by ADD, and the development of the proposed plan is based on extensive community outreach over several months. Four community outreach forums were conducted between February and April. Nearly 200 self-advocates with developmental disabilities, family members, and friends representing all 8 District wards shared their thoughts and concerns regarding the services available to them or their loved one. Additionally, over 130 surveys were collected from community members to identify the needs and gaps in services for people with developmental disabilities.
The Five Year State Plan for Fiscal Years 2022 to 2026 focuses on several areas of significance to the developmental disabilities community. Highlights include concrete goals and outcomes regarding employment, developing self-advocacy and determination skills, housing, recreation, and connecting parents to early intervention services.
Five Year State Plans for Past Fiscal Years: