What is Puerto Rico’s Developmental Disabilities Council?
The Council was created by Federal Law in 1970. Presently the DD Council is authorized by Public Law 106-402 of 2000, known as the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act and is administratively assigned to Puerto Rico’s Planning Board part of the Office of the Governor.
Sixty (60%) or 18 of the Council’s members are persons with developmental disabilities, or their representatives (parents or guardians). The remaining 40% or twelve of its members, are divided into 11 representatives from government agencies, and one representantive from a private organization that serve this population.
The Council receives its funds through the Department of Health and Human Services. By law, the Council assigns 70% of its budget to projects that respond to the current 5-year plan. Public or private agencies, community based organizations and for profit or not for profit organizations as well as municipalities can apply for grants by submitting proposals.
Among the many duties of the Council, it is required to:
· Identify the needs of the DD population and prepare a 5-year Strategic State Plan
· Revise and analyze the services, supports and assistances for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families
· Advocate for the self-determination and full participation of individuals with developmental disabilities in programs and activities in their communities
· Develop and support activities that will provide individualized services and supports
· Collaborate and coordinate with agencies and other councils in order to support and develop service-oriented activities for the DD population and their families.
· Fund innovative projects from organizations that provide services, assistance, and supports to the population with developmental disabilities
· Support and develop activities to eliminate barriers that limit the access of persons with developmental disabilities to services and activities in their communities
· Support and develop activities to provide information to policy makers