Exploring New Paradigms for the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act

April 24, 2012

  http://www.ncd.gov/publications/2012/Apr222012/

This publication by the National Council on Disability (NCD) is a supplement to the 2011 NCD publication Rising Expectations: The Developmental Disabilities Act Revisited. It expands on the challenges identified in Rising Expectations and offers specific recommendations for aligning systems and statutes both within and beyond the scope of the DD Act.

The report calls for more unified federal policies in order to realize the full potential of the DD Act and to provide individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with the information, skills, opportunities, and supports they need to ensure full inclusion in the community. NCD's recommendations are based on a comprehensive literature review of trends and developments of the DD Act, as well as interviews and focus groups conducted with a variety of stakeholders, including self-advocates, family advocates, researchers, practitioners, and state and federal government officials.

NCD is a small, independent federal agency that advises the President, Congress, and other federal agencies on disability policy, programs, practices, and procedures.

Access the report at the URL above.