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ABOUT

MISSION

Create change with and for persons with developmental disabilities so they can live, work, learn, and play in the community of their choosing.

VISION

Iowans with disabilities and their families are fully included in the communities of their choice.

LEADERSHIP

These dedicated individuals are leading our organization and making strides for change in Iowa.

Council Members and Staff Contact DD Council

ABOUT THE IOWA DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES COUNCIL (DD COUNCIL)

Iowa's DD Council was made by a national law called the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. This law makes sure that people with developmental disabilities get the help they need. It says they should choose their services and be in control. The DD Council is a group in Iowa that gets money from the national government. It advocates for Iowans with disabilities so they can live and be part of their community.


To do their job, the DD Council makes a plan every five years for the state. This plan looks at how to make the lives of Iowans with developmental disabilities better. Many people who care about disabilities help make this plan.


The goals of the plan are:


  1. Make strong advocates and leaders who can make the changes they want.
  2. Make rules and practices better for people with disabilities.
  3. Make communities stronger to help people with disabilities.


The Council works on these goals by:


  • Having meetings and events to teach people how to speak up for themselves.
  • Giving out grants for learning.
  • Having meetings to teach people how to be leaders.
  • Making materials to teach people about voting and having meetings for it.
  • Teaching and telling advocates about disability rules.
  • Helping small groups that speak up for themselves.
  • Teaching lawmakers about rules and how they affect people with disabilities.
  • Trying to get more jobs for people with disabilities.


The Council has 24 people who help and don't get paid. They talk for Iowans with disabilities and their families. This includes people from the state government and other groups that care about disabilities. These caring people lead the Council and make good changes in Iowa.

What is a developmental disability?

A developmental disability is a disability that manifests during the developmental years (before age 22) and has a significant ongoing impact on an individual’s life. Examples of a developmental disability include but are not limited to autism, intellectual disability, and cerebral palsy. For the federal definition of developmental disability, please refer to the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act.

Read the goals and objectives we’ve set to improve the lives of Iowans with developmental disabilities within the next five years.

Review the bylaws that govern and guide the DD Council, including details on the Executive Committee, leadership duties, and more.

See our current legislative agenda to learn the policy issues we are currently working on and meet some of the people who stand to benefit.

View minutes from past meetings plus additional supporting materials such as budgets, PowerPoints, agendas, and more.

PROGRAMS

Learn more about DD Council programs and how you and your family can get involved.

Community Living Ambassadors speak to people around Iowa about moving into the community of their choice from a state resource center, ICF, or other facility.

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YOUTH LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Youth Leadership Academy provides an introduction to leadership skills and civic engagement to youth with disabilities.

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IOWA FAMILY LEADERSHIP TRAINING INSTITUTE

The Iowa Family Leadership Training Institute provides parents and caregivers of children and youth with special health care needs the opportunity to develop leadership and advocacy skills. 

Learn More

Infographic: A Spotlight on the Innovative Work of the 56 State Councils on Developmental Disabilities (DD Councils)


ACL DD Council Fact Sheet
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