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September 3, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities Releases New Report Detailing Role of Developmental Disabilities Councils in Supporting People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities During COVID-19

Washington, DC - National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), through its Information and Technical Assistance Center for Councils on Developmental Disabilities (ITACC) released a new report, "State Councils on Developmental Disabilities COVID-19 Report: Council Activities, Initiatives, and Impact." This report highlights how the nation's State and Territorial Developmental Disabilities Councils used resources and connections to provide critical support to individuals and families with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to stay safe, healthy, and connected to community during this ongoing pandemic.

"The 56 State and Territorial Developmental Disabilities Councils are in a unique position to support individuals with I/DD during this pandemic," said Donna Meltzer, CEO of NACDD. "Councils can work swiftly to create change through policy and service delivery and many jumped in quickly to make sure that people received accessible information, had access to personal protection equipment (PPE), and technology to stay connected with others."

The paper, written by Brian Cox, former Executive Director of the Maryland Council on Developmental Disabilities, provides data with charts and graphs as well as brief highlights and examples from many states and territories explaining how they determined critical needs in their state and how they responded with innovative solutions. "By leveraging relationships, investing funding where needed most, and advocating for state policies and practices that effectively address the needs of individuals with I/DD, Councils have had a direct and significant impact on the lives of our fellow citizens with disabilities. This consequential work continues and will be needed for quite some time," said Cox, author of the report.
To read the full report click here<https://www.nacdd.org/resources>.

This paper was made possible through a contract funded by the Administration on Community Living, Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Robin Troutman
Deputy Director
National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities
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