July 6, 2020 (Raleigh, NC) - The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) is seeking input from individuals with intellectual and/or other developmental disabilities, family members, caregivers and the community-at-large to develop its new Five-Year State Plan (2022-2026) through a statewide survey.

The survey seeks input on community services and supports, as well as discussion on jobs and income among a list of other topics. Survey responses will be compiled by the Council and help in creating its next Five-Year State Plan so that it will have the greatest impact on the lives of North Carolinians with I/DD, their families, and the community.

The Five-Year State Plan reflects a comprehensive review of major service systems and issues in North Carolina. It outlines goals, objectives and specific activities that will be implemented to bring about change and guides the Council regarding how staff and fiscal resources are allocated.

There are three surveys that cater to individuals with disabilities, families and community members - all with different questions to provide focused thoughts and feedback from the community. The survey is available in both English and Spanish on the NCCDD website.

Kerri Eaker, chair of the NCCDD Council, reminds everyone that completing this survey is a strong form of advocacy. “It is time to have your voice heard in making system changes within our developmental disability systems in North Carolina. Planning is the key to success in any system changes that can be accomplished in our state.Share your ideas and together we can see the changes we need for our loved ones living with developmental disabilities in North Carolina,” she said.

The Council’s current Five-Year State Plan, implemented in the fall of 2016, focuses on three key goals of increasing financial security, community living and advocacy for individuals with I/DD. These goals impact the selection of and funding for the Council’s multiple initiatives throughout the year.

 The Council's State Plan is developed in accordance with the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act).

##

About the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities: The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) works to assure that people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families participate in the design of and have access to needed community services, individualized supports and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity and inclusion in all areas of community life. Through its Five-Year Plan, the Council identifies and funds innovative projects and initiatives that promote the goals of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act) for all North Carolinians.