About TCDD - Overview
Contents
Mission Statement
The mission of the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities is to create change so that all people with disabilities are fully included in their communities and exercise control over their own lives.
Who We Are And What We Do
State Councils on Developmental Disabilities are established by federal law (the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act) to advocate for services and supports in each state that assist people with developmental disabilities to have opportunities to live in the community of their choice, make decisions about their lives, be independent, have jobs, and have other services and supports needed for full participation in community life.
The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities is a 27-member board dedicated to ensuring that all Texans with developmental disabilities, about 452,620 individuals, have the opportunity to be independent, productive and valued members of their communities. Using a variety of methods, the Council works to ensure that the service delivery system provides comprehensive services and supports that meet people's needs, are easy to access and are cost effective. We also work to improve people's understanding of disability issues.
Council members are appointed by the governor and include individuals with developmental disabilities, parents and family members as well as representatives from key state agencies that provide services and supports for people with developmental disabilities. The Council also includes representatives from the state's protection and advocacy system, the two university centers for excellence in developmental disabilities and local organizations.
Councils are funded on a formula basis mostly related to the state's population. TCDD received approximately $5.1 million each of the last two years to carryout activities in the Council's federally approved State Plan. Approximately 70% of the Council's funds are awarded to about 40 grants each year that address a variety of topics such as employment, education, positive behavioral intervention and supports, family support, transportation, health care, self-determination, accessible housing, and leadership and advocacy training. The TCDD Annual Report includes additional project and budget information.
The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD) welcomes innovative ideas and/or suggestions of activities to implement the Goals and Objectives in the TCDD State Plan. To submit ideas, use the provided form and instructions on this website.
Projects and Activities
The Council uses its information about the service system, disability issues and people's needs to develop projects and activities that are focused on the gaps and barriers in the current array of services and supports and to help Texans with disabilities and their families live in, work in and contribute to their community. These activities are designed to impact the entire state and are developed in close collaboration with consumers, parents, advocate groups, state agencies, service providers, and state and local policymakers. Activities include:
Grant Projects
Historically, nearly 80 percent of the Council's funds - about $3.3 million each year - are awarded to some 35-50 grants. These include direct service demonstration projects that invest funds in local communities, test new ideas and help state agencies develop more effective ways to provide services. Grants also provide technical assistance and training to individuals, service providers and agencies, as well as other activities.
The grants address a variety of topics including: employment, education, school-to-work transition, family support, personal assistance services, consumer-controlled housing, transportation, local advocacy networks and family-based alternatives for children living in institutions.
Policy Analysis and Recommendations
The Council routinely analyzes state and federal policies, including agency state plans; informs policymakers about disability issues and how proposals affect people with disabilities and their families; and makes recommendations regarding policy.
Training
The Council provides trainings for individuals with disabilities and families on disability issues, self-advocacy and empowerment so they can influence the service delivery system and obtain supports they need to be productive members of their community. Council-sponsored conferences and workshops help consumers, family members and professionals tackle issues such as employment, family support, personal assistance and housing.
Public Information and Awareness
A variety of videos, publications and activities promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in everyday life and the community.
Goals and Objectives
The Council has chosen 11 goals for Fiscal Year 2007-2011 with diverse objectives and activities under each. These are designed to improve services and supports for Texans with disabilities and their family members and increase community participation, integration and inclusion. The goals range from increasing leadership opportunities for advocates to analyzing trends, needs and resources, and increasing supports for individuals leaving institutions. Other goals include improving inclusive education opportunities, school-to-work transition, inclusive child care, health care, integrated work options, accessible housing, recreation and accessible transportation.
Goals and objectives are listed on the Council's web page: Plan Goals and Objectives.
Council Meetings
The Council and its Committees (see TCDD Committee Roles) meet quarterly. All meetings are open to the public and are announced in the Texas Register and on the Open Meetings Web site at http://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/index.shtml.
See also Council and Committee Meetings on this Web site for more information about upcoming meeting dates and locations. The public is encouraged to offer input about Council activities in writing or by offering public comments at a meeting.
Designated State Agency
Federal law allows each state to designate a state agency to provide administrative support to the state developmental disabilities council. State law in Texas delegates that responsibility to the Governor. Consistent with those requirements, Governor Rick Perry issued an Executive Order on Sept. 9, 2004, designating the Texas Education Agency as the Designated State Agency to provide administrative support to TCDD. This includes fiscal and accounting services, human resources services and other administrative supports as requested by the Council.
For More Information
To learn more about developmental disabilities, inquire about Council meetings, receive our list of resources, or to join our mailing list contact the:
Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities6201 E. Oltorf Suite 600
Austin, Texas 78741
(512) 437-5432
Fax (512) 437-5434
1-800-262-0334 (In Texas)
Email: tcdd@tcdd.state.tx.us
