State Councils on Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

Federal law requires the establishment of state advisory councils to develop, implement, and monitor comprehensive plans which meet the needs of developmentally disabled citizens. Described herein are the components and activities of these councils, their successes and failures over the past 3 years. It is evident that 90% of the councils are productive. An increasing number are broadening their initiatives, shifting from competitive grant-giving organizations to developmental styles of resource planning. Prominent contributions include advocacy activities, client tracking systems, program evaluation models, and progressive legislation on behalf of the handicapped. The developmental disabilities councils' concept has resulted in more effective state and local accountability and responsibility for service program operation, as well as a growing respect on the part of state and local agency personnel for the contribution of the consumer.