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    • History & Purpose: About the NMDDC

    The New Mexico Developmental Disabilities Planning 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: 

    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.”  

    DDC Goals

    The DDC has five primary goals:  

    • Goal #1:  Community Support
      • All individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families will have access to community support and services, based on their needs and preferences, that will support them in leading productive, dignified, inclusive and self-determined lives.
    • Goal #2: Employment
      • People with intellectual/developmental disabilities who want to work will have meaningful job options and opportunities in inclusive settings within their communities.
    •  Goal #3: Health
      • Individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families will have access to the community-based health supports, services and resources which will ensure they achieve and maintain a healthy quality of life.
    • Goal #4: Education
      • All children, youth and students with intellectual/developmental disabilities, aged birth to 21 years, will receive individualized, evidence-based supports and services in inclusive settings that will help them attain their maximum potential, including extracurricular activities.
    • Goal #5: Self-Advocacy Leadership
      • Individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities will maintain self-advocacy through self-directed leadership in all life activities, actions and decisions.

     There is one more goal that is just as important to the DDC and the people we serve, and it relates to—

     Legal and Civil Rights

    • All New Mexicans with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families will be treated with dignity and respect, will be able to participate in every aspect of community life and will have adequate access to all public services, resources and assistance available.