Supporting Individual Growth Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilites 5 Year Plan Executive Summary October 1, 2006 - Swptember 30, 2011 Independence Productivity Self Determination Integration & Inclusion 35th Anniversary On the occasion of the Council's 35th Anniversary, Governor Wendell Anderson was honored for creating the Council on October 28, 1971 and recognized for his many initiatives to improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities. These years have been marked with the deinstitutionalization of Minnesota's state hospitals and the establishment of community alternatives; the expansion of special education services to include all children from birth to 21 years of age; meaningful jobs and career opportunities; laws and regulations to ensure the safety, well being, and equitable treatment of people with developmental disabilities; reliable funding streams for a broad range of programs and services; and training for direct care workers and workforce development. We thank everyone who has contributed to improving the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families during these 35 years and look forward to a future that holds great promise for building on these achievements. Supporting Individual Growth What is a developmental disability? A developmental disability is: a severe, chronic, mental or physical impairment, or combination of both; manifested before age 22; likely to continue indefinitely; and resulting in a substantial, functional limitation in major life activities. Therefore, the individual requires a combination of services and supports that is individually planned and coordinated, and of lifelong or extended duration. Why do we have a Council? The Developmental Disabilities Act mandates that every state and territory must have a Council on Developmental Disabilities. The Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities was established in October 1971. The job of the Council is to increase the independence, productivity, self determination, integration and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities. 5 Year Plan Executive Summary October 1, 2006 - Swptember 30, 2011 Leadership Development • Partners in Policymakingฎ, a leadership training program designed for adults with disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities, will be held annually. • Workshops for Partners graduates will be offered to strengthen personal leadership skills. • Cultural outreach programs will be conducted annually in minority communities for parents of children with developmental disabilities. • Self advocacy will be supported and strengthened. • Training conferences will be co-sponsored annually. Communications and E-Government • Publications and resource materials will be available free of charge in accessible formats. • All products and services will be converted to web accessible formats in accordance with Electronic Government Services objectives. • Five online courses will be updated: • Partners in Time • Partners in Education • Partners in Employment • Making Your Case • Partners in Living Customer Focus and Quality Improvement • Customer research will be conducted on customer needs, requirements and expectations. Customer satisfaction data will be collected systematically. • The Council and suppliers will increase their knowledge, understanding and application of the Baldrige framework. • Parallels in Time, Part 2, will be expanded and improved. Independence Personal freedom to make choices and have control over services, supports, and other assistance the individual receives Productivity Meaningful, income-producing work or volunteer work that contributes to a household or the community Self Determination Authority to make decisions, control resources and develop personal leadership skills Integration & Inclusion Full participation in the same community activities as people without disabilities Who are we and who appoints us? The Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities has 25 members from across the state who are appointed by the Governor. In accordance with the Developmental Disabilities Act, at least 60 percent of members are individuals with developmental disabilities or family members. What do we do and for whom? We provide information, education and training to build knowledge, develop skills, and change attitudes that will lead to increased independence, productivity, self determination, integration and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and their families. Our customers are people with developmental disabilities, their families, service providers, and employers. When and where do we meet? Meetings are held the first Wednesday of the even-numbered months (October, December, February, April, June and August) from 9:30am to 2:30pm. The Council meets at the Continuing Education and Conference Center, University of Minnesota, St. Paul Campus. Members may be reimbursed for lodging, meals, transportation, respite/child care, and personal care attendant services. How can you reach us? Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities Department of Administration 370 Centennial Office Building 658 Cedar Street Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155 Phone: 651-296-4018 Toll-free: 877-348-0505 Minnesota Relay Service: 1-800-627-3529 Fax: 651-297-7200 Web: www.mnddc.org www.mncdd.org and www.partnersinpolicymaking.com