2020 Developmental Disabilities Council Surveys
As siblings, we are used to fighting a little harder to have our voices heard in the day-to-day systems we use to get what is best for our brothers and sisters. It can be exhausting, to say the least. However, here is one easy chance to be heard that can have a lasting and direct impact.
State developmental disabilities councils give you a chance to speak up for your community’s needs by running a survey every 5 years and 2020 is one of these years!
Most Developmental Disability Councils are currently running this year’s surveys to get your opinion. * This year’s surveys will determine how state Councils on Developmental Disabilities will work over the next 5 YEARS. The input will help guide how Councils improve public policy, services and resources to help shape positive change for people with disabilities in your community.
You can be a direct influence into how your state is improving the lives of your siblings and families, and how Councils understand the needs of siblings of people with disabilities.
These surveys won’t be complete without YOUR input!
Find a state-by-state list of all surveys and DD Councils to contact below.
What is a Developmental Disability Council?
A Developmental Disability Council, or DD Council, is a state council that is federally funded under the Developmental Disabilities Act. The responsibility of a state DD council is to identify and prioritize the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and families in their states or territories and create and enact strategies to meet those needs. These councils are self-governing and strive to advance systems change and policy to benefit our communities.
Emma Shouse, sibling and Public Information Specialist for the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities says, “The best part of DD Councils is that we look across the lifespan (from birth to aging services) and across all areas of life for people with disabilities and their families. We have such a broad scope of work (and each state Council targets different focus areas, according to local needs). We get to have a bird’s-eye view of the entire disability system. If you have an intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD) or a family member with I/DD, your voice is important to our work.”
Learn more:
The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities
Breaking Ground 102 – How Your Input Can Shape the Council’s Work for Change
Why This Survey Counts!
Your council will be writing a new 5-year plan to begin in 2021. This plan will outline goals to improve resources, policy and systems and be a guide to how these are implemented. If you want change in your community for the next 5 years, here is a great way to get it!
These surveys give you the chance to tell your DD council what services and supports you use, how well they are working, and where there are gaps. You can tell your DD council where they could better focus their work, and what changes are most needed. The more people who respond to the surveys, the better information your DD council will have to shape their next 5-year plan. Siblings should also feel free to reach out directly to their state council during this period, in addition to filling out and sharing the surveys, to share what kinds of supports that you believe siblings of people with disabilities need (so – not just what your brother or sister with a disability needs, but also share what would help you support your sibling more effectively!).
“We always talk about how sibling voices can be overlooked in disability systems or public policy – this opportunity is a perfect way to make sure that sibling perspectives are taken into consideration in your state, and to tell policymakers what you and your family need.”
– Emma Shouse, Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities
*Some states’ DD Councils have already completed and closed their surveys or have yet to begin. Please check the list below to find more information on your state or HERE for DD council direct contact information.
2020 Surveys and DD Councils by State
Click on your state below to take your state’s DD council survey or contact them for more information!
- Alabama:
- Alaska:
- American Samoa
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California: Completed & Closed
- Colorado
- Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
- Connecticut: Completed & Closed
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Guam
- Hawaii
- Idaho:
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Or request a paper copy at info@md-council.org
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota: Completed & Closed
- Mississippi
- Missouri:
- Montana
- Nebraska:
- Nevada:
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York:
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Puerto Rico
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee:
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virgin Islands
- Virginia:
- Washington:
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
