Who We Are and What We Do

In 1971, Governor Meskill created the Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities and enabled Connecticut to receive federal funding for implementing a plan to meet the needs for services to persons with developmental disabilities.
 
The federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (The DD Act) authorized State Councils on Developmental Disabilities to engage in advocacy, capacity building, and systemic change activities that contribute to a comprehensive, coordinated, and self-determined system of individualized services and supports that is centered on and directed by individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
 

Executive Order 19 by Governor Malloy reauthorized the Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities, comprised of twenty-four citizens appointed by the governor, to undertake advocacy, capacity building and systemic change activities consistent with the DD Act.

The Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities currently invests in technology, training, public policy and new business development that address the following areas:

  • Enabling individuals who live with developmental disabilities to live great lives in their own homes in their own communities and encouraging the closure of state-run institutions.
  • Promoting self-direction and supported decision making in lieu of guardianships and paternalistic, institutional, custodial care.
  • Supporting self-advocacy through training programs and direct support of grass-roots advocacy groups such as the Cross Disability Lifespan Alliance, People First and CT KASA.
  • Assisting parents who live with developmental disabilities to be more involved in their children’s school and community activities.
  • Developing more effective means for individuals who live with developmental disabilities to enter the workforce in meaningful, gratifying employment.
  • Creating opportunities for individuals who live with developmental disabilities to pursue post-secondary education.
  • Increasing the availability of On-Demand Transportation for individuals who live with developmental disabilities for travel to work and leisure activities.

The Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities is funded by an annual federal grant to make investments in these areas.

Be a part of the solution! The Council is seeking partners who can contribute in any of these areas. For more information or to start a conversation, please contact:

Walter Glomb, Director, at walter.glomb@ct.gov, (860)418-6157.