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The Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities was established to advocate on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities, foster welcoming and inclusive communities, and improve the disability service system. The Council's mission is to help people with developmental disabilities become independent, productive, and included in all facets of community life.

In the News at WCDD:

Self -Directed Support Grants

The Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD) is looking for 10 people to be trained as Self -Directed Support (SDS) facilitators. Facilitators will assist individuals seeking Self- Directed Supports through a Managed Care Organization, Partnership Program or IRIS (Self Directed Supports Waiver) to receive appropriate services. SDS Facilitators will be chosen from different areas of the state in which Family Care has been implemented or is about to be implemented. Consideration will be given to individuals who live in counties where Family Care is currently available or implementation is scheduled for 2008. [More.]

DAWN Election Action Grants

In Wisconsin this fall, there are eight seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, sixteen seats in the State Senate, and ninety-nine State Assembly seats up for election, along with many local offices. In an effort to increase voter turnout in the disability community, special DAWN Action Grants are being made available. The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD), through our DAWN advocacy effort, is offering to provide financial support for well-defined non-partisan election related activities.

Board to Host National Conference

The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities will host the annual NACDD (National Association of Councils on DD) conference this year. The conference will be held October 6-7, 2008 in Milwaukee. The theme, "Taking Flight: Soaring to New Heights," was inspired by the symbol of Milwaukee--the wing-like roof of the Art Museum. There will be programs and events of special interest to DD Council members and staff, people with DD, family members and others.

WCDD Becomes BPDD

The current 2007-09 State Budget signed into law last October changed the Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities (WCDD) to the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (WBPDD). The new Board will be an independent state agency rather than attached to the Department of Health and Family Services. Look for a new Board logo and web site in the coming months.

Board Holds Award Luncheon

The Board held its annual awards luncheon on May 22, 2008 at the Concourse Hotel in Madison. The Board recognized members of the media who did outstanding work on behalf of people with disabilities in 2007. In addition, service awards were given to individuals who have demonstrated steadfast commitment and exemplary work on behalf of people with disabilities.

Economic Stimulus Plan

Congress recently passed a plan to stimulate the sluggish U.S. economy. The plan will make Federal tax rebate payments to people who file a tax return this year and who report at least $3000 in income. Social Security benefits count as income, but Supplemental Security Income (SSI) does not under this plan. The amount of the payment will depend on your situation. More information about this plan is available from Internal Revenue Service.

WCDD Publications

Visitors to the WCDD website can now order WCDD and other publications distributed by WCDD from this website. Go to the publications page to view this redesigned section. Publications are arranged by:

• Subject
• Author
• Newest
• On-line
• Most Popular
• En español
• All Publications
• Discontinued (publications no longer available from WCDD)

Disability Advocates Wisconsin Network (DAWN)

The Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities has created DAWN, a network of people who care about disability issues. The new website for DAWN is dawninfo.org.

DAWN E-mail Network Sign-up