What are Developmental Disabilities Planning Councils?
Creating an Independent and Productive Future
For People with Developmental Disabilities
All Across America
Developmental Disabilities Councils are present in every State and Territory of the US. They are governed by volunteers who are appointed by the state or territorial Governors. 60% of these volunteers must be people with developmental disabilities or family members or guardians of people with developmental disabilities. Councils are charged by federal law to identify the most pressing needs of people with developmental disabilities in their state and to develop innovative and cost-effective ways to meet these needs in a manner that respects individual needs for dignity and autonomy. Councils employ staff in order to carry out their mission including management of grant projects that support Council priorities.
What is the New Mexico Developmental Disabilities Planning Council?
Council members and a small staff work on ways to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities in New Mexico. The Council’s goal is to identify the support needs of children and adults with disabilities and to advocate for the quality and availability of those supports. The Council does not provide direct services. It acts as a planning and coordinating body for New Mexicans with disabilities.
The Council
Speaks out on issues affecting people with developmental disabilities
Advises and educates the Governor, legislature, State agencies and service providers about the needs of people with developmental disabilities;
Develops a five year state plan for Council activities;
Reviews state plans which affect people with developmental disabilities;
Funds a variety of small grant projects to increase our understanding and capacity to improve quality of life of persons with developmental disabilities
The Council also provides administrative support to four important programs:
The Office of Guardianship provides funding to appoint a legal guardian, when appropriate, to income and resource eligible adults who are not able to able to manage their affairs. Other services include technical assistance and training regarding less restrictive forms of surrogate decision making and training for volunteers who want to serve as guardians of family members or friends. The Office of Guardianship may be reached at (505) 476-7332 (Santa Fe).
The Information Center provides information through a statewide toll-free number for persons who need information and referral concerning services in New Mexico. The phone number is
1-800-552-8195 (In-State).
The Brain Injury Advisory Council (BIAC) is appointed by the Governor to promote, review and recommend policies that prevent traumatic brain injuries and to restore independent functioning after injuries occur. The BIAC phone number is (505) 476-7328 (Santa Fe).
The Center for Self Advocacy (CSA) provides outreach and training across the state to support and assist persons with developmental disabilities to develop and exercise skills in self-advocacy and increase independence in inclusion in the community. The CSA phone number is (505) 341-0036 (Albuquerque).
Why we need strong Developmental Disabilities Planning Councils
Before the passage of the original Developmental Disabilities Act in 1970, people with severe disabilities were almost always sent to state institutions for life. There was no requirement for public education; there was no expectation of life in a family or community, and certainly, no hope of ever getting a job. It was the era of “custodial care” when people often spent their life in unsanitary, unsafe and crowded institutions and wards with little support.
During the past 30 years, these dismal situations have been changing. More and more states are closing their public mental retardation institutions. New Mexico is one of eight states that had closed all of its mental retardation institutions by 1999. Individuals with disabilities are living on their own with supports, with family members or in small homes in the community. Most students with disabilities are educated in public schools and many are in the same classes as their peers. More young adults with disabilities are working in jobs that match their personal interests and skills, while receiving the supports they need.
The Developmental Disabilities Act and the programs funded through the Act have worked to create a paradigm shift that supports these and other changes positively affecting the quality of life of people with developmental disabilities and their families. At the same time, financial savings to the government have been tremendous. Developmental Disability Planning Councils have helped to bring these changes with an “investment fund” directed by volunteers appointed by Governors to meet the most pressing needs of people with developmental disabilities in each State and Territory.
