For the uninitiated, the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council is a program funded by The federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (also known as The DD Act). Every state has a DD Council that is allocated federal funding to pass on to non-profit organizations and agencies to further the goals described in the DD Act:
...to support State Councils on Developmental Disabilities ...in each State to—
1. engage in advocacy, capacity building, and systemic change activities that are consistent with the purpose described in section 101(b) and the policy described in section 101(c); and
2. contribute to a coordinated, consumer- and family-centered, consumer- and family-directed, comprehensive system of community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance that enable individuals with developmental disabilities to exercise self-determination, be independent, be productive, and be integrated and included in all facets of community life.
Members are appointed by the Governor.
One thing that is important to understand about DD Councils is that they do not fund direct services to people with developmental disabilities, although people with DD may benefit indirectly from DD Act funded programs. The Michigan DD Council provides grants to nonprofit organizations, agencies, and other groups and is a major source of funding for advocacy organizations such as the ARC Michigan. One area of comment that is not often mentioned but that I think is very important is whether the groups that receive funding are acting in your best interests.
For reference, this is the current Michigan DD Council 5-year plan for 2012-2016. What would you change, add, or subtract from the current plan?
This is the notice for Community Conversation in Detroit. Other meetings are linked below.
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Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council
Community Conversation
Friday, April 10, 2015
9:30am-2:00pm
Greater Grace Temple
23500 W Seven Mile Rd.
Detroit, MI 48219
Lunch will be provided
The DD Council wants to hear from YOU!
Are you a person with a developmental disability, a family member of a person with a developmental disability, or an advocate for persons with disabilities?
The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council is gathering information for its next 5-year state plan. This is your chance to tell us what’s important to you and what you want the DD Council to do about it. Join us to share your story, explore the challenges that effect your life and talk about the issues that are important to you.
Advanced Registration is Required
To register please click here
Registration Deadline:
Monday, March 30, 2015
Organized by the Washtenaw Association for Community Advocacy
For more information or help registering contact: Jen Gossett at 734-662-1256 ext. 206 or Jgossett@washtenawaca.org.
Link to other meeting announcements in Gaylord, Plainwell, Lansing, and Marquette here . These announcments include additional links for registration.
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