National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities

March is 31 days. But having a disability? 24/7, 365. NACDD is excited to kick off March with a year-round disabilities awareness campaign that reminds everyone that “We’re Here All Year.” Community, accessibility, and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities should be recognized and championed every day—not just in March. Through this campaign, you will meet people from across the United States and learn about their everyday life and why their community is a better place when they can contribute to it. Share Now: https://lnkd.in/gzCSk9r5 Meet us, know us, involve us. #WeReHereAllYear #NACDD #DDAwareness

What’s Medicaid called in your state? Drop your answer below — and don’t worry, we’ve got you covered if you’re not sure. Swipe to see what Medicaid is called in every state. See the full list here: https://lnkd.in/gJafyeVx

Dismantling the Administration for Community Living (ACL) threatens to undo years of progress that have improved access to services for older adults and people with disabilities. ACL’s streamlined approach has reduced administrative overhead and improved community living outcomes. NACDD urges decision-makers to reject this harmful proposal. Strengthen ACL—don’t dismantle it. Read our full statement with link in post!

Medicaid provides key resources that empower individuals to thrive. Because Medicaid is managed at the state level, its name and specific benefits can vary across the country. Curious about what Medicaid is called in your state and how it supports people with developmental disabilities? Read the full article to learn the top five ways Medicaid makes a difference and find out what it’s called where you live.

When people with developmental disabilities have access to education, employment, and full participation, they contribute to their local community like everyone else. NACDD kicks off DD Awareness Month with the “We’re Here All Year” Campaign to bring to light the positive impact of people with developmental disabilities in their communities. Read the NACDD blog on embracing year-round support for people with developmental disabilities here: https://lnkd.in/gzCSk9r5 #WeReHereAllYear #NACDD #DDAwareness

NACDD is deeply concerned about the recent Executive Order dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. This decision threatens essential services for students with disabilities, including IEPs, vocational rehabilitation, and civil rights protections under IDEA. Without strong federal oversight, students with disabilities may face significant barriers to accessing the education and support they are guaranteed by law. The Executive Order offers no clear plan for how these critical services will be maintained. NACDD remains committed to advocating for policies that protect and empower students with disabilities. Read full statement now!

NACDD is excited to kick off March with a year-round disabilities awareness campaign that reminds everyone that “We’re Here All Year.” And, they want to hear your story and see you in your community! NACDD is taking submissions for the We’re Here All Year Photo Gallery that will be unveiled in April! Submit your photos and the stories behind the photo of you, your friends, and family members living, playing, and working – and enjoying their community! To learn more about the campaign and submit your story, visit: https://lnkd.in/ge4EwbE9 Meet us. Know us. Involve us. #WeReHereAllYear #NACDD #DDAwareness

COUNCIL HIGHLIGHT: West Virginia Developmental Disabilities Council welcomed a new group of Council Members who are eager to engage at every level of the process. Their enthusiasm and commitment to advocacy have been truly inspiring! In addition, 42% of the governor-appointed Council Members, including a group of five special education students and their teacher attended Disability Advocacy Day. After participating in a self-advocacy training in early February, they were so excited about what they learned that they asked their teacher to take them to the event. These students met with their Legislators and even had the opportunity to share their voices publicly—one of them even did a radio interview! Moments like these highlight the power of advocacy and the impact of raising voices at the state level. The future is bright with passionate leaders stepping up to make a difference! Read WVDDC's legislative priorities here: https://bit.ly/3QOoyM7

NACDD se complace en comenzar marzo con una campa?a de concientización sobre discapacidades durante todo el a?o que les recuerda a todos que "estamos aquí todo el a?o". ?Queremos escuchar tu historia y verte en tu comunidad! ?NACDD está aceptando presentaciones para la galería de fotos Estamos aquí todo el a?o que se dará a conocer en abril! Envía tus fotos y las historias detrás de la foto de ti, tus amigos y familiares viviendo, jugando y trabajando, ?y disfrutando de su comunidad! Para obtener más información sobre la campa?a y enviar tu historia, visita: https://lnkd.in/ge4EwbE9 Conócenos. Inclúyenos. #WeReHereAllYear #NACDD #DDAwareness

"Keep [the Medicaid] lifeline accessible for all, regardless of disabilities. No caps. No cuts." That's just one of the key issues on the mind of Kevin Nu?ez, Council Member of NJ D.D. Council who was invited by Senator Andy Kim to join him for the Joint Address to Congress tonight. As a dedicated leader, Kevin is raising awareness about the critical need to protect disability services—because access to care isn’t a privilege, it’s a right. Watch the video to hear Kevin’s powerful message.