About the Council
The Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council is made up of people from every region of the state who are appointed by the governor to develop and implement a five year plan to address the needs of persons with disabilities. Membership includes persons with developmental disabilities, parents, advocates, professionals, and representatives from public and private agencies. Several members rotate off the Council each year in October and nominations for new members are always welcomed.
Developmental Disabilities Councils were founded in 1970 as a result of the passage of the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. Councils were created to promote capacity building and systemic change through advocacy activities. Councils are committed to the development of an individual and family-centered, comprehensive system and a coordinated array of culturally competent supports and services designed to promote self determination, independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion into the community for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Read the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (PL 106-402) – pdf
Council’s Mission
To ensure all individuals with disabilities benefit from supports and opportunities in their communities so they achieve quality of life in conformance with their wishes.
Advocates crowd the Capitol steps to show support for HB 1324, the Money Follows the Individual Act of 2004
More Information About the Council
- Definition of Developmental Disability
- Orientation Presentation for New Council Members (Power Point Presentation)
- Policies and Procedures Manual – pdf 60 kb
- Values and Vision
Pictures from a recent DD Council Meeting- Jan. 09
