Fact Sheets on Bill 18-501 Now Available

We've updated our popular fact sheets on key topics in the DDRA, to reflect the bill as introduced by the D.C. Council (Bill 18-501):

• DDRA Overview (2 pages) - 12 point font / LARGE PRINT
• How to Get Involved with the DDRA (flier) - 12 point font / LARGE PRINT
  
• Comparison with D.C. Law 2-137 - 12 point font / LARGE PRINT
• Rights - 12 point font / LARGE PRINT
  
• Who Gets Services? - 12 point font / LARGE PRINT
• Support & Service Planning - 12 point font / LARGE PRINT
• Supports & Services - 12 point font / LARGE PRINT
• Family Supports - 12 point font / LARGE PRINT
• Problem Resolution - 12 point font / LARGE PRINT
• Accessing the Court - 12 point font / LARGE PRINT
• Quality Standards - 12 point font / LARGE PRINT
  

DDRA on a Roll!

Response to the introduction of Bill 18-501, the Developmental Disabilities Reform Act of 2009, has been tremendous! So many people have taken the time to email in their words of encouragement, and the DDRA is getting attention at the Council and in the press:

• Press releases by DDRA co-introducers DC Council Chair Vincent C. Gray and Councilmember Tommy Wells are now available.

• Check out yesterday's NewsChannel8 story on the bill.

Thanks to everyone for your support!

DC Council Introduces the DDRA!

We're delighted that on Tuesday, October 20th DC Council Chair Vincent C. Gray and Councilmember Tommy Wells (Ward 6) co-introduced the "Developmental Disabilities Reform Act of 2009." Joining them as co-sponsors are Councilmembers Bowser, Mendelson, Thomas, Cheh, Catania, Evans, Graham, Michael Brown, and Kwame Brown. Councilmembers Alexander and Barry were not in attendance at Tuesday's Council meeting.

Bill 18-501 is now available on the DC Council's web site.

Also co-introduced by Chairman Gray and Councilmember Wells was a companion bill to formally remove the term "mental retardation" from all District laws, regulations and official documents and replace it with the more modern and respectful term "intellectual disability."

Both bills were referred to the Committee on Human Services. Like all legislation, both bills will need to have a public hearing, Committee approval, and two votes by the full DC Council in order to become law.

Thank you to everyone who has shared their ideas and support for the DDRA! Stay tuned for updates on next steps at the DC Council.