What is the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD)?

• The Council is an organization whose goal is to helping to improve the lives of all North Carolinians with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD).
• The Council wants to create a system that focuses on self-determination and increased self-sufficiency.
• Federal law creates a Council on DD in every state and territory in the US.
• The NCCDD has 40 members. The Governor appoints each member.
  • At least 60 percent of the members must be people with I/DD or family members.
  • Others members are legislators, top state agency officials and representatives of Local Management Entities/ Managed Care Organizations and service providers
• Federal law directs Councils to promote advocacy, capacity building and systems change activities.
• Council-funded activities change people's attitudes and the way that North Carolina uses it resources on behalf of people with I/DD. We call it "systems change."

What does the NCCDD do?

• Provides grants to carefully selected organizations for initiatives that advance the Council's goals.
• Brings people to North Carolina that have an expertise from which the state can benefit.
• Provides funds to help people with I/DD and their families increase their knowledge and understanding and become stronger partners in policymaking.
• Helps build capacity to deliver services and supports in communities across NC.
• Advocates on behalf of all North Carolinians with I/DD.

Can I have some examples?

• Partners in Policymaking™ - Teaches leadership skills to people with I/DD and their families. This includes developing positive partnerships with elected officials and other policymakers.
• Advancing Strong Leaders in Developmental Disabilities - Supports emerging, professional leaders and provides them with the information needed to become transformational leaders in the I/DD field.
• The State Employment Leadership Network – Helps NC put policies and practices into place that make getting jobs for people with I/DD the state's top priority ("Employment First").
• Policy Analysis and Research Reports – The NCCDD identifies barriers to change in laws, policies, regulations and programs. It educates others and offers solutions that are backed up by research; cost-effective; and advance the values and outcomes that people with I/DD and families want. The Council calls on leaders and citizens to take action to make needed changes.

That's awesome! How can I get involved?

• Visit our website to learn more: www.nccdd.org
• Join our email list and come to the next NCCDD meeting or NCCDD-sponsored event in your area.
• Give feedback every year on the NCCDD State Plan; it directs how we spend our funds. If you sign up for the email list, you'll receive alerts on when and how to do this.
• Share NCCDD's Position Statements with others.
• Apply to become a Partner in Policymaking or a Council member.

Download the PDF.