Welcome!

Our Mission

"It is the mission of the Council on Developmental Disabilities to advocate for children and adults who have developmental disabilities."

 

 

Our Vision

"It is the vision of the Council on Developmental Disabilities that all children and adults who have mental retardation be included, empowered and valued in the community."

The Council completed a ten-month study of our name—a process in which many of you have participated.  After exhaustive study, input, and discussion, Council membership voted in October 2009 to change our name to “The Council on Developmental Disabilities, Inc.,” effective January 1, 2010.  

This change reflects our ever-expanding base.  Our new name more accurately describes constituents currently utilizing the services and programs of the Council, and those impacted by our advocacy.    As the world of disabilities becomes more sophisticated and precise, access to services becomes more complex.  Welcome improvements in diagnostic testing have, ironically, led to more challenges for families.  A diagnosis of mental retardation (now referred to as intellectual disabilities) is often only one of a number of diagnoses a child or adult might face—there may also be autism or cerebral palsy, Down syndrome or spina bifida, mental illness or sensory difficulties.  The name change allows the Council to extend its outreach to all of these people and many others who currently fall between the cracks of service delivery and to advocate on behalf of groups who currently have no voice.  

We are proud of any change that will bring HOPE to more people, assist the development of a VISION of possibilities, and encourage consumers and families to proudly give VOICE to their needs and accomplishments. 
 

The Council was founded in 1952 by parents seeking services for their children with mental retardation. In the early years, The Council demonstrated that children with mental retardation could learn and develop in school programs, and adults with mental retardation could work and contribute to the community. More recently, The Council has advocated for the development of a wide array of services that help adults and children with mental retardation live successfully and contribute their gifts to our community.

Your gift makes a real difference in the lives of thousands of families in our community.  Together we help families find HOPE for the future.  Together we create a VISION that all children and adults with mental retardation are empowered and valued throughout their lives.  Together we give VOICE to concerns of individuals and needs of a community.

Our New Online DONATION Option                         

 

 

 

Current Events:

Art From The Heart 2010 - Register Online Today!

  Mark Your Calendars for March 13, 2010

  January 2010 Newsletter

 

   Parent Jan/Feb Newsletter

 

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