Misson

The Council advocates for policy changes that promote choice, independence, productivity and inclusion for all North Dakotans with developmental disabilities. The Council supports projects and activities that maximize opportunities in these areas for consumers and families.

Objectives

To achieve this mission, the Council has the following objectives:

• Assist and facilitate employment opportunities for persons with D.D.
• Facilitate community integration and inclusion of persons with D.D.
• Promote prevention of disabilities and minimization of their impact.
• Facilitate empowerment of persons with D.D. and their families to access needed services and supports.

Definition of Developmental Disability

A developmental disability is a severe, chronic disability which:

• Is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments;
• Is manifested before the age of 22;
• Is likely to continue indefinitely;
• Results in substantial functional limitations in three or more areas of major life activity (self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, independent living and self-sufficiency);
• Reflects the need for a combination and sequence of special inter-disciplinary or generic care, treatment or other services which are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated.

Examples of Developmental Disabilities

Mental retardation, mental illness, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, autism, spina bifida, deafness, blindness, traumatic brain injury and severe physical handicaps.

State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) Membership

• Consists of 20 members appointed by the Governor. Terms of appointment range from 2-6 years (application forms may be requested from the SCDD). Membership applications are to be submitted directly to the Governor’s Office for consideration as vacancies occur;
• At least 60 percent of the members are persons with developmental disabilities or the parents, guardians or immediate relatives of such persons;
• Includes state agency representation (State Developmental Center, Job Service, Human Services, Health Department and Public Instruction);
• Includes representation from North Dakota’s University Center for Excellence in D.D., Protection and Advocacy Project, and community D.D. service providers.

SCDD Functions

Generally, the SCDD serves in a planning and advisory capacity to state policymakers and agencies such as the Department of Human Services relative to programs and services for persons with developmental disabilities. Statutory functions of the SCDD are identified in Chapter 25-01-01.1 of the North Dakota Century Code.

Federal Developmental Disabilities Act (P.L. 106-402)

The SCDD also administers the federal Developmental Disabilities Basic State Grant Program under P.L. 106-402 in North Dakota. This program:

• Requires the creation and maintenance of a state council (SCDD);
• Requires the SCDD to prepare and submit for federal approval a five-year state plan with annual updates;
• Provides an annual federal allocation of approximately $460,000 to $470,000 to support state council operations, planning and project activity;
• Requires that Council planning and project activities promote self-determination, independence, productivity, and inclusion for persons with developmental disabilities;
• Requires that a minimum of 70% of the state’s annual allocation be expended for project activities in Council-selected areas of emphasis: Quality Assurance; Community Supports, Employment; and Education and Early Intervention.

Grant Applications

Private, nonprofit organizations, licensed DD service providers, state and local government agencies and other entities are eligible to apply for grant funding from the Council to support projects addressing the Council’s areas of emphasis. Grant requests must be submitted on Form SFN 1196, SCDD Application for Financial Assistance. Under the Council’s annual grant approval cycle, applications must be received, usually by a July 31 deadline. Grant projects approved are implemented during the ensuing federal fiscal year (October 1 to September 30). To a limited extent, the Council may also consider grant requests submitted outside of this regular cycle. Such requests must be received 30 days prior to the Council meeting at which they are to be considered. Inquiries on further grant application requirements should be directed to the Council.