National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities

National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities NACDD serves as the national voice of State and Territorial Councils on Developmental Disabilities.

We support Councils in implementing the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act and promoting the interests and rights of people with developmental disabilities and their families.

HCBS. You might have heard this term before. It stands for Home and Community-based Services. What it really means is “M...
08/28/2026

HCBS. You might have heard this term before. It stands for Home and Community-based Services. What it really means is “Medicaid home care.” It’s through these services, people can live, work, play, worship, engage, and contribute to their community.

The new DOJ opinion says that federal disability laws may not require states to provide services that would allow people to live in their communities – meaning that it could be harder to get services and avoid being locked up in institutions.

We have come too far to turn back.

Learn more here: https://nacdd.org/home-sweet-home/

In the past, many people with developmental disabilities were left out of community life. Today, more people live, work,...
08/27/2026

In the past, many people with developmental disabilities were left out of community life. Today, more people live, work, and learn together, but there is still work to be done.

We must protect this progress. We want a future where community living is funded and expected for everyone.

Share your "Then, Now, Always" story with NACDD:

- Then: What do you want people to know about the past?

- Always: What must always be true for people with disabilities in the future?

Together, our stories help protect rights and build better communities.

Submit your story and photo here: https://bit.ly/WereHereThenNowAlways

Did you know NACDD has a free webinar library?NACDD webinars are online classes where experts share helpful information....
08/26/2026

Did you know NACDD has a free webinar library?

NACDD webinars are online classes where experts share helpful information. We created this library for people with developmental disabilities, family members, and community leaders.

The library includes videos and slides from past webinar events. You can learn about:

How state rules affect home care spending.
How to get home and community services faster.
How the government budget works for disability programs.
How to support children with complex health needs.
Visit the NACDD community webinars library today: https://nacdd.org/nacdd-community-webinars-library/

Council Highlight: Iowa DD CouncilIowa DD Council's Public Policy Manager Carlyn Crowe was recently quoted in an NPR art...
08/25/2026

Council Highlight: Iowa DD Council

Iowa DD Council's Public Policy Manager Carlyn Crowe was recently quoted in an NPR article about the challenges of Medicaid income limits.

The NPR article looks at how Medicaid buy-in programs are creating barriers for some workers with disabilities, even as new federal policies place greater emphasis on working to maintain Medicaid coverage. Disability advocates say the rules can discourage people from pursuing higher-paying jobs, promotions, and greater financial independence.

Read the full NPR story here: https://www.npr.org/2026/08/10/nx-s1-5910791/disabilities-people-work-requirements-medicaid-income-caps-buy-in

You might have heard words like HCBS, Olmstead, community living, waivers, and so much more. Those words mean a lot of t...
08/25/2026

You might have heard words like HCBS, Olmstead, community living, waivers, and so much more. Those words mean a lot of things, and are different in each state. But here’s the word you need to know: home health care.

What does home health care look like?
- Helping someone eat, bathe, take medicine
- Driving someone to their doctor appointments

Tell us in the comments: What does home health care look like for you?

Home Sweet Home: Your Community. Your Choice. is a new public information campaign to help everyone advocate and build relationships where it matters most - in their hometown. Learn more on our website here: https://nacdd.org/home-sweet-home/

Building relationships with leaders in your government can make a big difference in your community!Lawmakers make choice...
08/24/2026

Building relationships with leaders in your government can make a big difference in your community!

Lawmakers make choices about funding for disability services, health care, and jobs. They need to hear directly from you!

Here are three simple ways you can connect with your lawmakers:

Send them an email introducing yourself and sharing your story

Invite them to visit your workplace, school, or community center

Schedule a short meeting or coffee visit to talk about what matters to you

Start by sending an email to your lawmaker; you can find our simple form here: https://nacdd.org/were-here-then-now-always-build-relationships-portrait-story-collection/

Once you connect with a lawmaker, email us at [email protected] so we can share your advocacy success on social media!

What does community belonging look like in your life today?For many people with developmental disabilities, belonging me...
08/21/2026

What does community belonging look like in your life today?

For many people with developmental disabilities, belonging means having a job, making friends, volunteering, or living in their own homes.

As part of our "We’re Here: Then, Now, Always" campaign, NACDD wants to know what brings you joy and connection right now.

Tell us about:

- The places you like to go

-The work or volunteering you do

-The friends and family who support you

Share your story and photo with us here: https://bit.ly/WereHereThenNowAlways

Have you heard about ABLE accounts?An ABLE account is a special savings account for people with disabilities. It lets yo...
08/19/2026

Have you heard about ABLE accounts?

An ABLE account is a special savings account for people with disabilities. It lets you save money for your goals without losing government benefits.

Usually, saving money in a bank account can cause a person to lose Medicaid or SSI. Medicaid gives you health care. SSI gives you monthly money for basic needs. An ABLE account protects those benefits while allowing you to save.

You can use ABLE savings for things such as:

Rent and housing bills

Food and clothes

Bus fares and car rides

Doctors, medicine, and therapy

NACDD created a national directory to help you find an ABLE program. You can choose a plan from any state, not just where you live!

Find all the state programs here: https://nacdd.org/able-accounts/

People with developmental disabilities have always been here. We belong in our schools, workplaces, faith groups, and ne...
08/17/2026

People with developmental disabilities have always been here. We belong in our schools, workplaces, faith groups, and neighborhoods.

NACDD wants to hear your story. We are collecting stories and photos from people with developmental disabilities, family members, and friends across the country. These stories and photos will be added to our DDAM 2026 gallery and shared across social media.

Your story has three parts:

- Then: What was life like in the past?
- Now: What does belonging in your community look like today?
- Always: What do you hope for the future?

Share your story and photo here: https://bit.ly/WereHereThenNowAlways

We are here. Then, now, and always.

The best time to connect with lawmakers is now!Building a relationship with key decision-makers locally, statewide, and ...
08/14/2026

The best time to connect with lawmakers is now!

Building a relationship with key decision-makers locally, statewide, and federally is a great way to share your story and make sure your voice is heard.

As part of , NACDD created a simple form to help you introduce yourself to your lawmakers. Get started here: https://nacdd.quorum.us/DDAM2026/

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