National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities

/6 NACDD is showcasing the work of BADN partners and their impact. Partners have developed key resources, promising practices, and more to enhance services, resources, and supports for people with #disabilities and Older Americans.

Learn more here: nacdd.org/bridging-and...

/5 BADN is a Projects of National Significance #PNS funded through grants by the Administration of Community Living #ACL. They focus on big issues affecting people w/ DD and their families, and opportunities for these individuals to contribute to, and participate in, all facets of community life.

/4 For 5 years, NACDD has been leading the BADN project across the country. 17 states have worked to bridge services & collaborate across agencies that serve people with disabilities & Older Americans all to enhance independence & opportunities for the #disability & #aging communities.

Alabama

/3 Highlight: Alabama BADN

Read more about what the State Alliance Team (SAT) in Alabama is up to here: nacdd.org/state-profil...

/2 Alabama BADN:

The State will expand training opportunities through:
- senior centers (Pt 2)
- faith-based communities (Pt 3)

The training will increase awareness & engagement of Older Americans Act (OAA) grantees with the target population & likely foster future collaboration in other areas

NACDD's Bridging Aging and Disability Network Impact in Alabama

Trained 14 Aging and Disability Resource Centers on disaster preparedness, training, volunteer coordination, and distribution of resources through Meals on Wheels

As resources allow, the State will also be expanding training opportunities through: senior centers (Phase 2) faith-based communities (Phase 3)

The training will increase awareness and engagement of Older Americans Act (OAA) grantees with the target population, and likely foster future collaboration in other areas

/1 Project Impact Highlight: Alabama + Bridging and Aging #Disabilities Network #BADN

They have trained 14 Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) on:
- disaster preparedness
- training
- volunteer coordination
- distribution of resources through Meals on Wheels

A young man with glasses and a hat uses a grater in a kitchen

Meet Keaton from #Missouri! He and his peers volunteer to cook meals for families staying at a local Ronald McDonald House.

Read more We're Here All Year stories: bit.ly/WereHereAllY...

Each week, we share a real story from a person with an intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD).

Leading Autism and Disability Organizations Statement on CDC’s Vaccines and Autism.

The [CDC] website now states: “‘vaccines do not cause autism’ is not an evidence-based claim.” This is false. Nearly three decades of scientific research, consisting of dozens of high-quality studies conducted around the world, surveying millions of people, has repeatedly confirmed there is no causal link between vaccines and autism. The limited studies that have suggested otherwise have not been reproducible and are consistently found to contain methodological flaws and, in some cases, have outright falsified evidence. Link to full statement in post.

Access Ready Inc. Allies for Independence American Association on Health and Disability Association of University Centers on Disabilities Autism Science Foundation Autism Society of America Autism Speaks Autistic Doctors International Autistic People of Color Fund Autistic Self Advocacy Network Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network Dan Marino Foundation Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) Easterseals, Inc. Family Voices National Felicity House Hussman Institute for Autism Institute for Exceptional Care (IEC) International Council on Development and Learning (ICDL) Lakeshore Foundation Life’sPilot, Inc National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors (NACBHDD) National PLAN Alliance National Respite Coalition Organization for Autism Research Profound Autism Alliance SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, Inc. The Arc of the United States The National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health The Sibling Leadership Network (SLN) United Spinal Association We urge public leaders, institutions, and media to uphold scientific integrity and work together to strengthen the infrastructure of support for the entire autism community.

32 leading #disability orgs including NACDD have released a joint statement expressing disappointment with changes to #CDC website


CDC website now says: “’Vaccines do not cause #autism’ is not an evidence-based claim.”

This is false.

Read the joint statement here:
nacdd.org/leading-auti...

An Amtrak train conductor smiles and waves as he stands on a train beside a teenage girl.

Meet Morgan, a 16 year old from #California!

She recently got a chance to learn how trains work, directly from an #Amtrak conductor himself!

Read more stories in our gallery: bit.ly/WereHereAllY...

#disabilities #disability #disabilityawareness #ddawareness #ddadvocacy #disabilityadvocate

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Upcoming Webinar:

From Numbers to Action: Using Data to Strengthen the HCBS Direct Care Workforce

Wed, Nov 19 - 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM EST

Register Here:
events.teams.microsoft.com/event/2ed5f1...

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, & speak up in their communities across the U.S.

These are real stories that remind us why #disabilityrights and #inclusion matter every day!

Robert and Katie smile for a photo. They are self-advocates who use public speaking to educate students at colleges about Down Syndrome.

Meet Robert from #RhodeIsland & his girlfriend Katie! They are interested in public speaking.

"My goal is to spread awareness in the student community about living our lives as a couple with Down Syndrome. We’ve been doing it in different colleges."

Find more stories here: bit.ly/WereHereAllY...

DD Council Highlights for October 2025. Advocacy projects empower people with developmental disabilities to lead change. By funding leadership and self-advocacy programs, the South Carolina Developmental Disabilities Council (SCDDC) builds statewide capacity and empowers individuals to transform the systems that affect their lives. Collage of images that highlight the I.M.P.A.C.T. SC program.

2/ IMPACT SC supports people w/ IDD to set & reach personal goals while becoming active advocacy leaders.

Equip is a youth & young-adult program by Able SC that builds leadership & advocacy skills, provides peer support & more.

Read more here: nacdd.org/nacdd-insigh...

NACDD Council Impact Spotlight: South Carolina Developmental Disabilities Council.

1/ Council Highlight: #SouthCarolina DD Council

Through IMPACT SC & Equip programs, SCDDC is empowering people of all ages to become leaders & changemakers.

Read more here: nacdd.org/nacdd-insigh...

#disability #disabilities

A group of 10 adults pose for a photo at the NACDD Leadership Summit event. Three individuals with disabilities are holding framed awards. NACDD Celebrates 2025 Champions of Equal Opportunity Award Winners at Leadership Summit in Pennsylvania. This month, NACDD proudly celebrated the 2025 Champions of Equal Opportunity (CEO) Award winners during its National Leadership Summit in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania First Lady Lori Shapiro joined the event and honored the award recipients this year.

Beyond the Paycheck: My Path to Purpose, Inclusion, and Advocacy. Bryan Dooley, NACDD Apprentice and Leader with Lived Experience, shares insight on his path to employment and provides a resource for individuals with DD on how to break barriers into employment.

Click the link in this post to sign up and stay engaged! Stay engaged with the NACDD network! Join NACDD’s advocacy network to get the latest advocacy actions and alerts.

The October edition of Insight is here!

Swipe to see highlights of what we've been talking about this month, or click this link to get the full stories: nacdd.org/nacdd-insigh...

Have ideas and stories you want to share about your #DD #disabilities Council & community? Send to media@nacdd.org

Protecting Your Benefits: What to Know About Accepting Gifts. NACDD is concerned that many people may not be aware that some kinds of gifts could risk your eligibility to receive federal benefits that have income and asset limits as part of the eligibility criteria.​ To protect benefits, NACDD put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions that shares the basics of what you need to know about protecting your benefits when accepting gifts.

State DD Councils Sign On Joint Statement to Express Concern over Recent Layoffs U.S. Department of Education and SAMHSA. These cuts affect key offices that make sure people with disabilities get the education, mental health support, and community services they are entitled to under the law.

Advocacy Projects Empower People with Developmental Disabilities to Lead Change. By funding leadership and self-advocacy programs, the South Carolina Developmental Disabilities Council (SCDDC) builds statewide capacity and empowers individuals to transform the systems that affect their lives. Collage of images featuring people with disabilities that participate in the IMPACT SC program in South Carolina.

The October edition of Insight is here!

Swipe to see highlights of what we've been talking about this month, or click this link to get the full stories: nacdd.org/nacdd-insigh...

Have ideas and stories you want to share about your #DD #disability Council & community? Send to media@nacdd.org

Protect IDEA: Virtual Town Hall
Tuesday, 11/4
4pm ET | 3 CT | 2 MT | 1 PT

Proposed changes will make it harder for families to get the support and services their children need.

Learn what you can do to help protect IDEA!

Register: bit.ly/3Wvuj4q

Please share this post to help spread the word!

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Virtual (Zoom) Town Hall
Tuesday, 11/4
4pm ET | 3 CT | 2 MT | 1 PT

IDEA guarantees education for students w/ #disabilities

Now they are at risk. Join to learn more & find out what YOU can do to help protect IDEA.

bit.ly/3Wvuj4q

For parents, educators, & #advocates for children w/ disabilities

DISCLAIMER: This guide is general information only and is not legal advice. Each state is different and has different policies. Everyone’s situation is different. Please talk with your caseworker or benefits specialist for guidance about your specific case.

#disabilities #snapbenefits #idd #dd

The guide includes:
-What can I do if my #SNAP benefits are stopped?
-Can I accept money, cash, or gift cards to buy food?
-What kinds of help are allowed?
-What types of help could cause problems?
-Will my #Medicaid or #SSI be affected right away if I take gift cards or cash for food?

#disability

Protecting your benefits during the SNAP suspension: What to know about accepting gifts.

This guide includes: -What can I do if my SNAP benefits are stopped? - Can I accept money, cash, or gift cards to buy food? - What kinds of help are allowed? - What types of help could cause problems? - Will my Medicaid or SSI be affected right away if I take gift cards or cash for food?

On 11/1, SNAP may be stopped due to the government shutdown, affecting 42m people, including many with developmental #disabilities

If you are a person with DD who receives SNAP, NACDD has a guide to help you find resources & know how getting help could affect SSI benefits.

2025 DD Awareness Month: We Are Here All Year Photo Gallery In March, NACDD asked you to share your stories of your everyday life. We received over 200 photos and 100 stories of moments that capture what it’s like when people with developmental disabilities…

Read more We’re Here All Year stories: bit.ly/WereHereAllY...

October is National #Disability Employment Awareness Month #NDEAM, time to recognize the contributions of people with #disabilities in workplaces and communities across the country.

Share YOUR story: forms.office.com/Pages/Respon...

A woman works behind a table at an event.

Brookylnn Rose is building a community in Michigan!

She works as the Community Ambassador for Oakland Community Health Network. She goes to community events and tells others about the resources they can receive from OCHN, and the programs they have for people with developmental #disabilities.

“Employment is more than a paycheck, it’s about belonging, purpose, & being valued for your skills. For people with #disabilities, work represents independence & the chance to contribute meaningfully to our communities.

But for many of us, the barriers to employment start long before graduation.”

NACDD apprentice, Bryan Dooley, is back with another informative blog post! This time, Bryan shares his personal story about employment and his path to purpose, inclusion, and advocacy.

Read Bryan’s story & download his Breaking Barriers checklist for employees here:
nacdd.org/beyond-the-p...

Read more We’re Here All Year stories: bit.ly/WereHereAllY...

October is National #Disability Employment Awareness Month #NDEAM, time to recognize contributions of people with #disabilities in workplaces and communities across the country.

Share YOUR story here: forms.office.com/Pages/Respon...

Three women with I/DD happily enjoy coffee at a cafe counter.

Rachel, Ashley, and Ruth are roommates and entrepreneurs from Naperville, Illinois.

They’re serving up something special with their cookbook, Just A Dollop!

Check out their inspiring work (and maybe grab a cookbook for yourself!) at www.justadollop.org.

October is National #Disability Employment Awareness Month #NDEAM a time to recognize the contributions of people with #disabilities in workplaces and communities across the country. But these stories matter all year long.

Want to to share YOUR story? submit here: forms.office.com/Pages/Respon...

After a year of applying for 50+ jobs, Jason began employment with Neighbor’s Mill in #Missouri last year. How’s it going?

“In February 2025, I received employee of the month!”

Congrats Jason! Your hard work & perseverance are paying off!

Read more stories: bit.ly/WereHereAllY...

#NDEAM

October is National #Disability Employment Awareness Month #NDEAM, a time to recognize the contributions of people with #disabilities in workplaces and communities across the country. But these stories matter all year long.

Want to share YOUR story? submit here: forms.office.com/Pages/Respon...