MODULE II Introductions Name Part of state you are from Experience with disability Topics of Presentation 1. Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) 2. Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) 3. AUCD’s Council on Community Advocacy (COCA) 1. The Administration on Developmental Disabilities Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) ADD is the federal agency responsible for the DD Act ADD ADD administers the UCEDD grant program ADD provides core funding to help pay for the cost of the operation of each UCEDD www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/add Where is ADD located? ADD is part of the Administration for Children and Families, of the US Department of Health and Human Services ADD is located in Washington, DC What is ADD’s mission? To improve and increase services to and assure that individuals with developmental disabilities have opportunities to make their own choices, contribute to society,have supports to live independently, and are free of abuse, neglect, financial, and sexual exploitation, and violations of their legal and human rights What is ADD’s organizational structure? What is the role of the Commissioner? What are the functions of ADD? ADD has staff that: Processes grant awards to DD Act programs Oversees the DD Act programs to make sure they are meeting the requirements of the law Provides guidance and technical assistance to programs on the DD Act Monitors grantees to evaluate their program performance How does ADD monitor its grantees? Reviewing annual progress reports Reviewing financial reports Conducting on-site monitoring visits called MTARS Reviewing 5-year plans What is MTARS? Monitoring and Technical Assistance Review System (MTARS) Conducted to see if UCEDDs, P&As, and DD Councils are meeting the requirements of the DD Act MTARS involves: Completion of self-assessment checklists Reviews of documents such as the 5–year plan and progress reports On-site visit What is the role of the CAC in MTARS? Help the UCEDD prepare by assisting with the self-assessment checklist Participating in interviews during the on-site visit Providing site reviewers with stories about how the UCEDD has made a difference in yours or someone else’s life Fulfilling your role as a member of the CAC 2. The Association of University Centers on Disabilities Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) AUCD is a network of interdisciplinary centers advancing public policy and practice for and with individuals with developmental and other disabilities, their families, and communities www.aucd.org AUCD The AUCD network consists of: UCEDDs Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Programs Developmental Disabilities Research Centers (DDRCs) National Network of UCEDDs UCEDDs, LENDs, and DDRCs What do the 3 AUCD networks do? The 3 networks complement each other: UCEDDs address many issues related to people with disabilities across the lifespan LENDs train professionals to work with children and adolescents with developmental disabilities and special health care needs DDRCs focus on the prevention of disabilities and the expansion of our understanding of the biology of disability AUCD AUCD helps their members learn from each other and work together Conferences and meetings Publications and other communications Connecting people with the same interests 3. AUCD’s Council on Community Advocacy AUCD’s Council on Community Advocacy (COCA) Comprised of CAC representatives (family members and individuals with disabilities) Ensures the voice of individuals with disabilities is heard in the work of AUCD The co-chairs of COCA serve on AUCD’s board Members communicate by conference call and listserv COCA’S Mission Statement (continues on next two slides) COCA helps AUCD to Build effective partnerships with other Councils and Committees, federal agencies, and other national disability groups Build the capacity of local CACs by identifying needs for assistance, providing technical assistance, and disseminating information about exemplary and innovative practices Envision, actively advocate for, and disseminate information about the next generation of policy and practice that will help make the promise of full participation a reality COCA helps AUCD to Develop leaders and mentors that build the capacity of the network to affect change at the local, state, and national levels Assist in the development of standards for participation of people with disabilities and family members in UCEDD education, research, and service programs and in AUCD functions Serve as a model and resource for others desiring to infuse the participation people with disabilities and family members into program planning, research, and evaluation Questions