Developmental Disabilities Planning Council

Agency Web Site: https://ddpc.ny.gov/

Mission

The mission of the New York State (NYS) Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC) is to enhance the lives of New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families by working with key stakeholders to develop, demonstrate, and implement innovative ideas and programs that promote self-determination, independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion in all facets of community life.

Organization and Staffing

The FY 2023 Executive Budget recommends a workforce of 18 FTEs for DDPC, reflecting no change from FY 2022. In addition, the Council is comprised of approximately 35 members, of which more than 60 percent are Gubernatorial-appointed self-advocates or family members of individuals with I/DD, as required by the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000. The remaining Council members include State agency representatives, required representatives of University Centers of Excellence and State Protection and Advocacy System, and service providers. This diverse membership provides multiple perspectives and allows input from different skill sets and life experiences.

Budget Highlights

The Executive Budget recommends $4.8 million All Funds appropriations for DDPC. This represents the same level as FY 2022 and is based on the level of anticipated federal grants funding. This funding is sufficient to support the Council's role in coordinating information about persons with developmental disabilities and the services available to them, and in overseeing grant funds.

Federal funds fully support all DDPC operations and contracts with not-for-profit agencies to develop new services and service delivery methods. The contracts are monitored by DDPC to ensure that federal funds provided to the State are used to augment – rather than duplicate or replace – existing services for people with developmental disabilities.

For more information on this agency's budget recommendations located in the Executive Budget Briefing Book, click on the following link:

Briefing Book – Mental Hygiene (PDF)

Program Highlights

The Council meets three times a year to discuss and vote on projects and initiatives to be funded by the federal Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDD) grants received by DDPC. The Council develops a five-year State Plan that aligns with the objectives of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, which is then submitted for approval to the AIDD. Recent notable projects include the Apprenticeship Program for people with I/DD who are seeking integrated competitive employment, and the extension of the successful TECH Launch Program, which provides individuals with developmental disabilities the tools for careers in information technology. In addition, the DDPC continues to partner with various State agencies to develop initiatives to support people with I/DD. The DDPC is currently working with the NYS Office for New Americans to create the nation's first pilot program that serves immigrants with I/DD. The program provides training and resources for new Americans with developmental disabilities and their family members so they can have more equitable access to disability services and supports in NYS. The DDPC is also partnering with the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence to develop training and technical assistance for providers supporting individuals with I/DD to recognize and respond appropriately to suspected domestic violence abuse. Additionally, the DDPC is funding a pilot program to assist individuals with I/DD in finding suitable housing in non-certified settings in the community.

Note: Most recent estimates as of 05/11/2020