Read it here: mailchi.mp/nacdd.org/in...
Stay engaged! Join NACDD’s advocacy network for new advocacy actions and alerts.
If you have ideas and stories you want to share about your DD Council and community, send them to media@nacdd.org.
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Another edition of NACDD's Insight newsletter is available!
Featured articles:
- Celebrating Our Impact: DD Awareness Month Launched!
- On the Hill: DD Councils Go To Washington
- Community Webinar Series Shares Insight & Expertise
- Advocating for Accessibility in DC
- A Word from ED Jill Jacobs
Children w/ complex behavioral health needs & their families face real barriers getting effective help. This presentation unpacks the science of brain development & explains dysregulated behavior happens, its affect on healthy growth & how brains' natural plasticity can lead to real lasting change.
Speakers:
Nancy Thaler, Project Lead
Stacey Nanemaker, Director of Cross-System Strategies, NASDDS
Facilitator:
Beth Stalvey, Executive Director, Texas DD Council
This presentation is the product of a 2y project funded by the DHHS through the NASDDDS Link Center. Partners: NASMHPD, NASHIA, NADD.
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Webinar Announcement:
Topic: Cross-System Strategies to Support Children with Complex Behavioral Health Conditions
Date: May 20, 2026
Time: 4 - 5 pm
Location(s): Zoom
Link to register: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
A flyer promoting the Grassroots project webinar featuring guest Erin Prangley from NACDD.
Grassroots Project Webinar: Overview of #HR1
April 13th
2pm-3pm EST
NACDD Policy Director Erin Prangley will be a guest for this 1 hr walkthrough & overview of H.R. 1 & how it impacts people with disabilities.
Register: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Learn more: www.hsri.org/projects/the...
Allan Dumas is a graduate student at #SUNYBrockport and interns at #NACDD. In his work, he is supporting national disability policy and advocacy initiatives.
Check out his experience here and what he plans to do in the #disability field!
www.brockport.edu/live/news/12...
"When talking to students, I saw first-hand how their disability affected them and how I could help them,” Dumas said. “Now I want to help create systems that make things clearer, more #accessible, and more supportive for others so that another student won’t feel the same way I did.”
Coming soon: A national portrait collection!
We’ll be inviting individuals and families to share their photo and answer one question about their future — their “Always.”
Because we’re here.
Then, Now, Always.
Stay tuned.
#DDAM2026
Project Impact Highlight: Hawai`i
The Bridging Aging and Disabilities Network (BADN) project in Hawai`i is helping older people with disabilities live with dignity and strong help.
Learn more about Hawai`i’s work here: nacdd.org/state-profil...
A map of the United States that reads NACDD's Bridging Aging and Disability Network Impact in Kansas.
The team in Kansas has: Worked with groups that care for the very sick to help them learn about disabilities Made easy guides for planning the future and health care Helped start a new law to make the group of people who help at home stronger Worked with women with disabilities to make a health guide for women
Project Impact Highlight: Kansas
The Bridging Aging and Disabilities Network (BADN) project in Kansas is helping older people with #disabilities live well with strong support.
Learn more: nacdd.org/bridging-and...
Image 3: State developmental disabilities advocates from Nevada and Arkansas join NACDD in Washington DC for a week of congressional meetings.
Image 2: State Council Executive Directors Paul Jarvis (OH), Jon Meyers (AZ) and Johnathan Taylor (AR) are in Washington DC and ready to meet and share about what matters to the DD community in their states.
Image 1: Today, the NACDD policy team Allan (A4) Dumas, Erin Prangley and Jack Neblo are ready to meet DD Council members as they visit their congressional offices!
This week, NACDD staff are holding office hours on Capitol Hill to support state #DDCouncil members meeting with congressional offices. This is an important part of the work of YOUR State DD Councils who educate and inform lawmakers about the issues that matter to their local #disability community.
For #DDAM2026, we’re launching a relationship-building effort.
People w/ developmental #disabilities, families & community members can connect w/ local, state, & federal decision-makers.
Your voice matters. Your story matters.
Introduce yourself to lawmakers here: nacdd.quorum.us/DDAM2026/
So far, the project has: Made sure different state groups and organizations use plain language in state plans Started an "Aging & Inclusion" website to keep all helpful info in one place Added questions about getting older to the state’s official planning forms Created a "Word Guide" so that aging and disability groups can understand each other better
Project Impact Highlight
The Bridging #AgingAndDisabilities Network #BADN project in #California is helping older people with #disabilities live with dignity and support.
Learn more: nacdd.org/state-profil...
#CADDCouncil #CADisabilities #CADisability #CADisabilityAdvocate #CAAdvocate
NACDD Executive Director Jill Jacobs.
2/ Where the Ramp Ends is a weekly podcast hosted by Summer Parrish and Bryce Wooten, focusing on #disability, inclusion, & the intersection of advocacy with real-life experiences. The show features conversations on systems change, policy, & personal stories. Produced by Cincinnati-based LADD, Inc.
1/ NACDD Executive Director Jill Jacobs recently joined Where The Ramp Ends, a podcast hosted by Summer Parrish and Bryce Wooten.
Jill shares her personal journey into #DisabilityAdvocacy, and the need for action and connection within the community.
Listen here: open.spotify.com/episode/3nyI...
Three men laugh together at an outdoor 5K event. Two of the men use wheelchairs, and one kneels between them. All three wear matching green shirts that read “Lead From the Front.” One man’s race bib is visible. Other participants, trees, and event signage can be seen in the background. Text on the image reads, “We’re Here. Then, Now, Always.” alongside the NACDD logo.
Community living is not just a program.
It means:
✔ Choosing where you live
✔ Having a job you care about
✔ Building relationships
✔ Being part of your neighborhood
It’s a whole life.
#DDAM2026
A map of the United States that reads NACDD's Bridging Aging and Disability Network Impact in New Jersey.
Formed a team to teach others how to plan for the future. Started a website for the community to share information. Held more than 24 classes to help aging and disability groups work better together. Added their goals to the state’s official "Age-Friendly" plan.
Project Impact Highlight: #NewJersey
The Bridging #AgingAndDisabilities Network #BADN project in New Jersey is helping older people with #disabilities live with dignity and support.
Learn more: nacdd.org/bridging-and...
#NJDDCouncil #NJDisabilities #NJDisability #NJDisabilityAdvocate #NJAdvocate
A map of the United States that reads NACDD's Bridging Aging and Disability Network Impact in New York.
So far, the team in New York has: - Made a video series for senior centers to show how to welcome people with disabilities. - Asked 1,000 people what they need to find where more help is required. - Created a training video for people who work at community centers. - Worked on ways to help people feel more like a part of their community.
Project Impact Highlight: #NewYork
The Bridging #AgingAndDisabilities Network #BADN project in New York is helping older people with #disabilities live with dignity and support.
Learn more: nacdd.org/bridging-and...
#NYDDCouncil #NYDisabilities #NYDisability #NYDisabilityAdvocate #NYAdvocate
Fotografía en blanco y negro del 12 de marzo de 1990 que muestra a activistas por los derechos de las personas con discapacidad durante la protesta conocida como el Capitol Crawl en el Capitolio de Estados Unidos. Los activistas dejaron sus sillas de ruedas y dispositivos de movilidad y subieron gateando los escalones del Capitolio mientras fotógrafos y personas que los apoyaban observaban. La cúpula del Capitolio se ve al fondo. El texto en la imagen dice: “12 de marzo de 1990. Activistas por los derechos de las personas con discapacidad dejaron sus sillas de ruedas y ayudas de movilidad para subir gateando los escalones del Capitolio de Estados Unidos.” El gráfico también incluye el mensaje de la campaña: “Estamos aquí. Entonces, ahora, siempre.” y el logo de NACDD.
Hubo un tiempo en que muchas personas con discapacidades del desarrollo estaban ocultas, segregadas o excluidas de la vida en comunidad.
La historia importa.
No por nostalgia — sino para entender.
#DDAM2026
Black-and-white photo from March 12, 1990, showing disability rights activists during the Capitol Crawl protest at the U.S. Capitol. Activists left their wheelchairs and mobility devices and crawled up the Capitol steps while photographers and supporters looked on. The U.S. Capitol dome is visible in the background. Text on the image reads, “March 12, 1990. Disability rights activists abandoned wheelchairs and mobility aids to crawl up the U.S. Capitol steps.” The graphic also includes the campaign message, “We’re Here. Then, Now, Always.” and the NACDD logo.
There was a time when many people with developmental disabilities were hidden, segregated, or excluded from community life.
History matters.
Not for nostalgia — for understanding.
#DDAM2026
Experts from #CBPP will explain federal spending authority, the appropriations process, reconciliation, continuing resolutions, & government shutdowns.
We'll share how these decisions affect DD programs & funding, & share simple, effective ways to engage in federal advocacy throughout the year.
Understanding the Federal Budget Process: Implications for People with Developmental Disabilities and State Councils. Experts from Center on Budget and Policy Priorities will provide a clear understanding of federal spending authority, the appropriations process, and key terms like reconciliation, continuing resolutions, and government shutdowns. The session will also explain how these decisions affect DD programs and funding, and share simple, effective ways advocates can engage in federal advocacy throughout the year.
Community Webinar:
Understanding the Federal Budget Process: Implications for People with Developmental #Disabilities and State #DDCouncils
Date: Wednesday, March 18
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 PM ET
Where: Zoom
Register:
us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Space is limited, sign up today!
A map of the United States that reads: NACDD's Bridging Aging and Disability Network Impact in Iowa.
So far, the project has: Developed better ways to talk with older people with disabilities about the help they can get. Created a book about different ways to make choices without needing a legal guardian. Taught workers more about how to support people with disabilities. Made sure helping older people with disabilities is a main part of the state’s five-year plan.
Project Impact Highlight: #Iowa
The Bridging #AgingandDisabilities Network #BADN project in Iowa is helping older people with disabilities stay independent with good support.
Learn more about Iowa’s work here: nacdd.org/state-profil...
#IowaDDCouncil #IowaBADN #NACDD
A group of three young colleagues work together at a table. One man is using a wheelchair.
Join us 3/10 for a webinar hosted by AoD #Disability Employment Technical Assistance Center!
Title: We’re Here. Then, Now, Always. The Evolving Role of #DDCouncils in Employment
Date: March 10, 2026
Time: 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm Eastern Time
Register here:
us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Project Impact Highlight: #NewMexico
The Bridging #AgingAndDisabilities Network #BADN project in New Mexico is helping older people with #disabilities stay independent with support.
Learn more: nacdd.org/bridging-and...
#NMDDCouncil #NMDisabilities #NMDisability #NMDisabilityAdvocate #NMAdvocate
Three friends with developmental disabilities drink coffee at a local shop.
People with developmental disabilities are living full lives — working, building friendships, volunteering, parenting, and contributing to their communities.
Same community. Same goals. Same future.
Learn more here: nacdd.org/2026-dd-awar...
#CommunityLiving #DDAM2026