A Look at the DD Act:
Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000
UCEDDs were created to serve people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, and are authorized under the DD Act of 2000. Together, UCEDDs work to achieve a shared vision where all people, including people with disabilities, participate fully in their communities.
Making a Difference in Vermont
CDCI is part of a national network of Developmental Disabilities organizations charged with carrying out the activities of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000.
In Vermont, CDCI serves as a resource in the areas of education, research and service relative to the needs of people with developmental disabilities. We work together with our sister organizations— the Vermont DD Council and Disability Rights Vermont—to help improve the lives of Vermonters with intellectual and developmental disabilities. CDCI is proud to be a part of a system in which individuals with developmental disabilities have the ability and opportunity to make personal decisions, exert control over their lives, and participate in the same community activities that are available to individuals without disabilities.
The federal DD Act defines a developmental disability as a severe, chronic condition that occurs before the age of 22. The disability and related mental and/or physical impairments must result in functional limitations in three or more life areas.
The intent of the DD Act is to improve the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the development and support of our national network:
- Building system capacity and competence (responsibility of State Developmental Disabilities Councils)
- Providing for protections of individual and civil rights (responsibility of State Protection and Advocacy Councils)
- Establishing centers focused on research, training, and knowledge dissemination (responsibility of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Research, Education, and Service).
For more information on the DD Act: AIDD Developmental Disabilities Act Page.