Working to ensure that people with developmental disabilities enjoy the same quality of life as the rest of society.
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Applications are now being accepted for the 2023 Partners in Policymaking Program
Partners in Policymaking is an innovative Leadership Training Program that teaches people to be community leaders. The program is designed for parents raising young or school-aged children with a developmental disability* or young adults with developmental* disabilities. "Partners" provides up-to-date information, education and skill building activities about the legislative process and local, state and national issues that affect individuals with disabilities.
The Application Deadline is January 9, 2023. Learn more about the Partners in Policymaking Program
Partner in Policymaking Brochure: English | Spanish
Partner in Policymaking Application: English | Spanish
Disability Pride Media Campaign
Review all of our disability pride videos, including the segments that appear on WBOC Delmarva life. We hope you enjoy, and please don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel. View the Disability Pride media campaigns: 2022 | 2021
Full compilation of Disability Pride Videos
New Emergency Planning Resources Available
- My emergency Care Plan - Fill, Print & Save
- Emergency Resource Tip Sheets - Adult | Youth
Combating Social Isolation and Promoting Community Engagement through Assistive Technology
Assistive technology can help people stay connected to family, friends and community resources. That is especially important during the pandemic because so many people are unable to leave their homes or have visitors. This program helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities find the right devices to meet their needs. Once the right item has been identified, the program will purchase the item.
If training is needed, the program can provide that, too! Applicants must demonstrate financial need and must have an intellectual or developmental disability. Applications are available here, or can be mailed. If you need help filling out the application, email Allison Berdoulay at aberd@udel.edu or call at (302) 831-3632.
This program is supported in part with funding from the Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council.
What is a Developmental Disability?
Developmental disabilities are chronic disabilities that are attributable to mental or physical impairments apparent before the age of 22. These disabilities tend to be life-long and result in substantial functional limitations in major life activities such as self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living and economic self-sufficiency.
However, this definition does not begin to define the abilities and lives of people with disabilities. People with disabilities are also mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters. They laugh and cry, go to school, hold jobs, pay taxes, play sports, get married and have children. People with developmental disabilities are poets and playwrights, business leaders and professionals, athletes and advocates.
The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000.
