Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities

The Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD or Council) promotes integration, inclusion and independence for Arkansans with developmental disabilities (DD). We do so by identifying the most pressing needs of the DD community in our state and addressing those needs by conducting outreach, fostering change and supporting capacity-building efforts. The Council works to improve the independence and productivity of Arkansans with developmental disabilities and to ensure their integration into the community. Key activities include: • Increasing and strengthening self-advocacy participation across the state • Supporting programs to identify and remove barriers to information, services and support • Advocating for policy changes to increase competitive, integrated employment • Developing and supporting coalitions • Encouraging advocacy to keep policymakers informed about disability issues The Council consists of 23 members, appointed by the governor. Members include: • Individuals with developmental disabilities • Family members of individuals with developmental disabilities • Directors of state agencies that serve people with disabilities • Representatives from nonprofit and private organizations that provide services and support for people with disabilities The Council’s purpose is to connect people with developmental disabilities to the resources and programs they need to be independent, be productive and be integrated and included in all parts of community life. GCDD, along with our network partners, works to implement the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act in Arkansas to assure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of community services that allow increased opportunities to live and work locally.