The New Mexico Developmental Disabilities Council (NMDDC) was established in 1989 by New Mexico’s Thirty-ninth Legislature, First Session Laws. In 2000, the U.S. government passed the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act), which outlined the purpose of State Councils: to engage in advocacy, capacity building and systemic change activities that are consistent with the purpose of the DD Act.

Councils on Developmental Disabilities are now found in every State and Territory. Council members are appointed by governors to represent and advocate for people with developmental disabilities. And at least 60% of the Council must be persons with developmental disabilities or family members of people with disabilities.

The DD Act charges Councils to identify the most pressing needs of people with developmental disabilities and to develop innovative and cost-effective ways to meet these needs in a manner that upholds the human and civil value of people with developmental disabilities.

 Each Council develops a 5-Year State Plan identifying goals relating to all or some of the following priority areas:

• Self-Advocacy
• Community Support
• Education
• Employment
• Health
• Transportation
• Early Intervention
• Recreation
• Housing
• Quality Assurance

 The NMDDC contributes to a coordinated, consumer- and family-centered and directed comprehensive system of community services, individualized supports and other forms of assistance that enable individuals with developmental disabilities to exercise self-determination, be independent, be productive and be integrated and included in all facets of community life.

NMDDC Programming

The New Mexico Developmental Disabilities Council coordinates its activities through three primary program initiatives: 

• Office of the Special Education Ombud (OSEO)
• Office of Guardianship (OOG)
• Center for Self-Advocacy (CSA)

NMDDC Grantmaking

NMDDC supports programs, projects and activities that engage in advocacy, capacity building and system change activities for individuals with developmental disabilities, through funding received from the US Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living/Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDD) to. You can read more about it in “Federal Program.”