Legal Authorization

The Illinois Council for Developmental Disabilities is one of 56 state councils on developmental disabilities in the United States and its territories created through the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000, 42 USC 15001. [1. see the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act webpage]

Developmental disability councils work to ensure that people with developmental disabilities have opportunities to:

• live in the community of their choice,

• be independent,

• have jobs, and

• have other services and supports needed for full participation in community life.

State councils on developmental disabilities receive federal funds through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and are funded by the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities [2. see the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities webpage] on a formula basis, mostly related to a state’s population.

Each year, the Illinois Council for Developmental Disabilities awards nearly 70% of funds received to about 50 projects around the state that address a variety of topics, such as:

• employment

• education
  

• positive behavioral intervention and supports

• family support

• transportation

• health care

• self-determination

• accessible housing

• leadership and advocacy training​​
  

The Council on Developmental Disabilities was established as a state agency by state law 20 ILCS 4010 and is composed of 29 total members: 

• 19 Illinois residents appointed by the Governor: 17 public members, including -

• At least 6 with DD, 
  

• At least 6 immediate relatives/guardians of persons with mentally impairing DD 

• 5 members must be a combination of persons described in paragraphs (1) and (2); at least one of whom must be 

• (i) an immediate relative or guardian of an individual with a developmental disability who resides or who previously resided in an institution or 

• (ii) an individual with a developmental disability who resides or who previously resided in an institution. 

• 2 representatives of local agencies, nongovernmental agencies and groups concerned with services to persons with DD 

• 9 representatives of state agencies and other mandated organizations: 
  

• Director, Department on Aging, or designee 
  

• Director, DCFS, or designee 
  

• Director, Healthcare and Family Services, or designee 
  

• Representative, State Board of Education 
  

• Representative, State Protection and Advocacy System 

• Representative, State University Center for Excellence in DD Education, Research and Service 

• Representative, DHS, Office of Developmental Disabilities, designated by the Secretary of DHS 

• Representative, DHS, Office of Community Health & -Prevention, designated by Secretary of DHS 

• Representative, State entity that administers federal moneys under the federal Rehabilitation Act - 1 

• Ex-Officio (non-voting) member: 
  

• Director, Office of Management and Budget, or designee