ADD Fact Sheet
What is ADD?
The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) is the Federal agency responsible for implementation and administration of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act) and the disability provisions of the Help America Vote Act. Organizationally, the Administration on Developmental Disabilities is located within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is part of the Department’s Administration for Children and Families. ADD’s FY 2004 funding for the DD Act is $149,861,569 and for HAVA is $14,911,500.
ADD’s mission is to improve and increase services to and assure that individuals with developmental disabilities have opportunities to make their own choices, contribute to society, have supports to live independently, and are free of abuse, neglect, financial and sexual exploitation, and violations of their legal and human rights.
What is Developmental Disability?
There are approximately 4.5 million individuals with developmental disabilities in the United States. Developmental disabilities (DD) are severe, life-long disabilities attributable to mental and/or physical impairments, manifested before age 22. Developmental disabilities result in substantial limitations in three or more areas of major life activities:
- capacity for independent living
- economic self-sufficiency
- learning
- mobility
- receptive and expressive language
- self-care
- self-direction
Without appropriate services and supports, the choices open to people with developmental disabilities including where they live, work, and play are minimal. They are isolated rather than fully integrated and included in the mainstream of society. Persons with developmental disabilities require individually planned and coordinated services and supports (e.g., housing, employment, education, civil and human rights protection, health care) from many providers in order to live in the community.
What Programs does ADD Administer?
The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (P.L. 106-402)56 contains four grant programs designed to assist individuals with developmental disabilities in reaching their maximum potential through increased independence, productivity, inclusion, and community integration. The major purpose of these four programs is for grantees to work with state governments, local communities, and the private sector to reach goals relating to prevention, diagnosis, early intervention, therapy, education, training, employment, health care and community living and leisure opportunities. Grants fund activities in eight areas of emphasis: quality assurance, education and early intervention, child care, health, employment, housing, transportation and recreation activities. These four grant programs provide funds for:- State Councils on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) pursue systems change in some aspect of service or support availability, design or delivery that promotes positive and meaningful outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. SCDD grantees pursue capacity building to sustain and expand activities that enable the successful delivery of services and supports that elicit consumer satisfaction. SCDD grantees also pursue advocacy activities that support policies and practices that promote self-determination and inclusion in the community. SCDDs support activities such as demonstration of new approaches, outreach training, public education, and information to policy-makers.
- Protection and Advocacy (P&A) systems, one in each state, protect the legal and human rights of individuals with developmental disabilities. P&A strategies include legal, administrative, and other remedies; information and referral; investigation of incidents of abuse and neglect; and education of policy-makers.
- University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) are components of a university system or are public or not-for-profit entities associated with universities. UCEDDs provide interdisciplinary pre-service preparation of students and fellows, community service activities, and the dissemination of information and research findings.
- Projects of National Significance (PNS) is a discretionary program providing ADD with the opportunity to focus funds on emerging areas of concern. This program supports local implementation of practical solutions and provides results and information for possible national replication. PNS also supports technical assistance; research regarding emerging disability issues; conferences and special meetings; and the development of Federal and state policy. Additionally, funding is provided for states to create or expand statewide systems change.
- Payments to States and Local Units of Government to improve accessibility and participation in the voting process.
- Formula Grants to State Protection and Advocacy Systems to assist individuals with disabilities in the voting process.
- Payment to Eligible Public or Private Entity to provide training and technical assistance to P&As to assist them in meeting their responsibilities.
The disability provisions of the Help America Vote Act (P.L. 107-252) have three grant programs to address these issues as related to individuals with the full range of disabilities:
1) access to voting facilities, 2) private and independent voting experience, 3) training of poll workers and election volunteers on promoting access and participation, and 4) providing information and outreach on access to polling places. ADD administers these programs:
Want More Information about ADD Programs?
Visit the ADD Website or contact ADD Regional or Central Office staff. Contact information is available at ADD Staff