National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities

Happening Now! The Administration for Community Living and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights are honoring 35 years of progress since the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This event is bringing together individuals with disabilities, families, advocates, and leaders in a shared commitment to the inherent dignity and worth of every person. Together, the event will reflect on how far we’ve come, hear powerful personal stories that illustrate the impact of that progress, and reinforce the shared commitment to shape an even better future for all people with disabilities. The event is being livestreamed from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM from the Great Hall of the HHS headquarters building in Washington, D.C. Tune in here: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/gPxrnEPt

News Highlight: Bridging Aging and Disability Networks (BADN) Explains How to Better Support Aging Adults with IDD and Their Caregivers A new article called “Bridging Aging and Disability Networks to Support Aging Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Family Caregivers” was published in the Public Policy and Aging Report by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA). The article explains that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are living longer, and their needs — along with those of their aging family caregivers — are getting more complicated. Most still live at home with support from aging parents or relatives. Even though they have many of the same needs as other older adults, they are often overlooked because aging and disability services don’t always work together. You can find the full BADN article in the latest edition of NACDD’s Insight newsletter: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/gbhXbW4V

We Need Your Voice: Help Protect Disability Services Speak up today: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/dxMgzpaW The federal government’s 2026 budget plan could cut or change important programs that help people with disabilities live full and independent lives. These programs are at risk: -Independent Living Program -UCEDDs (University Centers of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities) -Projects of National Significance -Limb Loss & Paralysis Resource Centers -State Developmental Disabilities Councils -Protection & Advocacy Programs (PAVA, PAIR, PAIMI, CAP) Each of these programs does something different. They are NOT the same, and we need them ALL. If they are cut or combined, many people could lose services and be forced into institutions. We are asking Congress to: -Keep all of these programs as they are -Give them more funding, not less -Say no to block grants and restructuring Speak up today! Contact your members of Congress and tell them to fully fund and protect these disability programs: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/dxMgzpaW We are stronger together. Let’s stand up for freedom, independence, and inclusion. This effort is led by NACDD, National Council on Independent Living (NCIL), Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), Amputee Coalition, National Association of Statewide Independent Living Councils (NASILC), and the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.

Congress has passed the largest cuts to care in history – gutting Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act by more than one trillion dollars, in favor for tax cuts for billionaires. And, NACDD is not backing down. Join us at the National Mall in person or online to show that there is strength in numbers and our work is not done for the Protect Medicaid Vigil kicking off today! 🌆 In D.C.? Attend the vigil. RSVP to attend the vigil. Link in comment. 📺 Can’t make it? Tune into the livestream starting today, Wednesday at 9pm through Friday, 2pm and share it with your friends and family. Link in comment. 🎥 Watch Jill Jacobs and Erin Prangley read Medicaid stories from our network on the livestream happening Thursday, 11pm - Friday, 1am. Link in comment. 📞 Take action by calling your members of Congress anytime during the vigil! Use the Capitol Switchboard to call (202) 224-3121 and ask for your congressperson or senator. Tell them - we will hold them accountable for the massive cuts to Medicaid and that they need to do more to protect home and community-based services! Together, we will remind Congress why we won’t just “get over it” and show them that we’re not going anywhere.

Each week, we share a real story from a person with an intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD). These stories show how people with I/DD live, lead, and speak up in their communities across the U.S. These are real stories that remind us why disability rights and inclusion matter every day — not just during a specific day or month of the year. This week, meet Angad, an entrepreneur in Georgia. When he founded Let Me Do It, the first supported decision-making app, Angad demonstrated that empowering individuals with disabilities is no only fair, but also economical. Let Me Do It is one of the first companies led by a person with an intellectual disability to graduate from Techstars Impact , having been selected from a a pool of 900 applicants. It was also the first to be featured in the Eureka Innovation for All Startups Showcase at CES (Consumer Electronics Show). Angad is also the founder of the sustainable tea business Chai Ho Tea, a senior in Georgia State University IDEAL Program at Georgia State University, a black belt in karate, an avid soccer fan, and Georgia’s Youth Ambassador for Supported Decision Making. Read more We're Here All Year stories in our gallery: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/gcvX62YT

In Case You Missed It: The July Newsletter from NACDD Is Live! Read it now: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/gtRASYaV In this issue, read about: - NACDD Launches Photo Gallery of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities - Nevada DD Council Wins Four Emmy Awards for “Our World in Our Words - NACDD Policy Insights - Bridging Aging and Disability Networks’ Article Published in Leading Journal - NACDD Launches New Apprentice & Intern Program - Stay engaged with the NACDD network! If you have ideas and stories you want to share about your DD Council and community, send them at media@nacdd.org. Read the full newsletter now: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/gtRASYaV

NACDD's Policy Team brings you the latest insights on what is happening in public policy and how it can impact people with developmental disabilities, their families, and the community at large. Read the latest insights on: ✅ The Passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act ✅ Department of Labor's Rule on Phasing Out 14(c) ✅ Key Takeaways from Dr. Susan Monarez’s CDC Nomination Hearing Read the insights here: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/ghV3vrbW

All of us at the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities are heartbroken on the passing of Kayla Marie Green, the interim Executive Director of the Wyoming Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities.     Kayla was not only a leader in her state when it came to disability rights, but also nationally. She served on the NACDD Board of Directors and served as the Chair of the NACDD Membership Committee.     She worked alongside a dynamic council of 27 members who collaborated together to improve the lives of Wyoming residents with developmental disabilities. A life-long Wyoming resident, she traveled across the state to meet with individuals, families, and the community to make lifelong connections that would impact her state positively and effectively.     In her time at the Council, she worked to launch and administer the Bright Ideas mini-grants to facilitate new and innovative projects to empower the DD community. She also worked to make strides in projects to improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities in Wyoming, amongst many other projects and initiatives.     “We honor Kayla’s life, leadership, and unwavering commitment to people with Developmental Disabilities. Our hearts are with Kayla’s loved ones, the Wyoming DD Council, and people with disabilities in Wyoming who will miss Kayla deeply” said Jill Jacobs, Executive Director of NACDD. “Her work will continue to resonate in Wyoming and nationwide.”     Green passed away unexpectedly on July 3, 2025. She is survived by her loving family and friends.  

Join us in congratulating the Nevada Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities on winning FOUR Emmy Awards for their documentary, Our World in Our Words. 🏆 Audio Recording, Mixing, and Design 🏆 Editor – Long Form Content 🏆 Photographer – Long Form Content AND MOST IMPORTANTLY AND MEANINGFULLY… 🏆 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Watch Our World in Our Words here: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/g-RnYYAJ From Nevada Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities Executive Director, Catherine Nielsen: "This project was created with heart, honesty, and the voices of those who are too often left out of the story. Winning in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion category is especially meaningful—it reinforces our commitment to representation and authentic storytelling. This powerful film was brought to life by the incredible voices of Dora Martinez, Alexis Jones, Cindi Swanson, and Santa Perez, who bravely and beautifully shared their lived experiences. Their authenticity, strength, and advocacy are at the heart of this project. We are also deeply grateful to the brilliant team at Mountain Dog Media—Chris Casaceli, Will Casaceli, and Max Georgeson—for their vision, creativity, and unwavering dedication to telling these stories with integrity and respect. Your team made our tiny vision a HUGE reality! A tremendous thank you to the entire incredible team, our partners, and the amazing individuals and families who shared their stories with the world. This recognition belongs to all of you. Let’s keep using our voices—and our platforms—to spark change."

It’s Disability Pride Month, and while we celebrate all through July, we also know that disabilities are 24/7, 365. Back in March, we asked you to share your everyday stories. You sent in over 200 photos and 100 stories showing people with developmental disabilities living, working, playing, and contributing to their communities. Now, this Disability Pride Month, we’re proud to share what YOU helped create: the “We’re Here All Year” Photo Gallery. See the current featured photos and stories here: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/gcvX62YT These are more than just pictures and words - they are powerful reminders that people with disabilities are here, they belong, and they thrive when given access and support. We’re here all year.