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Questions About WCDD

1. What is the WCDD?
2. What does the WCDD do?
3. Does WCDD work with individuals or organizations?
4. I, or someone in my family has a developmental disability. What can WCDD do for me?
5. Can I become a member of the Council?
6. Can I attend a Council meeting?
7. Where does WCDD receive its funding to operate?
8. What is the DAWN?
9. Does the Council have any publications?

About WCDD

1) What is the WCDD?

The Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities (WCDD) is a statewide advocacy organization that is dedicated to improving the independence, productivity and integration of people with developmental disabilities into our communities.

2) What does the WCDD do?

The Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities (WCDD) listens and learns from people with developmental disabilities and their families about their concerns and issues affecting their lives. The Council develops a State Plan to address these concerns and issues with activities and initiatives. The Council also educates and advises the Governor, legislators, and other decision-makers about these issues.

3) Does WCDD work with individuals or organizations?

WCDD does not provide direct services to individuals or organizations. WCDD is a statewide advocacy organization that is dedicated to promoting systems change for people with developmental disabilities. For example, WCDD has helped to initiate, develop and support the Community Integration Program (CIP), the Community Options Program (COP), the Family Support Program, the Birth to Three Program. More recently, WCDD has been a leader in developing housing opportunities for people with disabilities, in reforming the SSI/C-Supp benefit under W-2, and in developing supported parenting programs in the state.

4) I, or someone in my family has a developmental disability. What can WCDD do for me?

Although WCDD does not provide direct services to individuals or families, staff are frequently aware of programs, services, and supports in your area that might be of assistance to you. Please contact us and we will try to refer you to an appropriate form of help. Or you may find one of our publications useful. Topics include providing home health care for children, visiting the doctor, sexual education and others. Many of the these are free while some have a small fee. Please also check our links pages for appropriate references.

5) Can I become a member of the Council?

The Council is always looking for dedicated and active people who wish to serve. Any member of the public who has a desire to be appointed to the Council should submit a letter of intent or introduction and a resume to the Governor's office. The WCDD is in particular need of people with developmental disabilities to serve.

6) Can I attend a Council meeting?

The public is invited to attend any Council meeting. All Council meetings are subject to the open meeting law. The Council meets six times per year, every other month, starting in January.

7) Where does WCDD receive its funding to operate?

The Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities receives its funding from the federal government as part of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of of Rights Act (Developmental Disabilities Act), P.L. 104-183.

8) What is the DAWN?

The DAWN stands for Disability Advocates: Wisconsin Network. It is an action e-mail network comprised of people with disabilities, family members, advocates, service providers and others who are interested in working on issues affecting people with disabilities. Please sign-up and become a member of the network.

9) Does the Council have any publications reflecting their work?

The Council publishes many publications. Some of the publications cover general disability information, others cover topics such as supported parenting, sexuality education, and community supported living.