Areas of Emphasis and FFY 2007 - 2011 Goals and Objectives

The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act) requires Councils to establish goals and objectives under any of the Federal Areas of Emphasis, including Child Care, Community Supports, Employment, Education and Early Intervention, Health, Housing, Quality Assurance, Recreation, Transportation, and/or Cross Cutting.  The Council develops a State Plan every five years to address the most important issues impacting the lives of people with developmental disabilities, and the Plan is updated annually based on community feedback and state and national policy developments that may require a shift in Council priorities. The Goals and Objectives identified in the Council’s 2007 - 2011 State Plan include:

Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council

2007 – 2011 State Plan Goals and Objectives

Goal 1:  People with developmental disabilities will have more employment options.

Objective 1.1: More people with developmental disabilities will work in integrated employment settings.

Goal 2: People with developmental disabilities will successfully transition to adult life.

Objective 2.1: More people with developmental disabilities will have the education and support they need to reach their educational goals.

Objective 2.2: More people with developmental disabilities will participate in post secondary education.

Goal 3: People with developmental disabilities will choose where and with whom they live.

Objective 3.1: More affordable/accessible housing options will be available for people with developmental disabilities.

Goal 4: Self-advocates with developmental disabilities will have choice, control and independence in their lives.

Objective 4.1: More people with developmental disabilities will gain the skills needed to be strong self-advocates.

Objective 4.2: More people with developmental disabilities will become leaders in systems advocacy.

Objective 4.3: The statewide self-advocacy organization will achieve financial self sufficiency.

Goal 5: People with developmental disabilities and families will have the level and quality of services and supports they need to lead full, productive and independent lives in the community.

Objective 5.1: State agencies will implement Chapter 171 (Flexible Supports Law) to the letter and spirit of the law.

Objective 5.2: More people with developmental disabilities and family members will benefit from flexible support services.

Objective 5.3: More people with developmental disabilities who are un-served will have access to appropriate community services and supports.

Goal 6: Policymakers and the general public will support people with developmental disabilities to live independently in the community.

Objective 6.1:  Improve the education of policymakers about issues related to the Council’s State Pan initiatives.

Objective 6.2:  More members of the general public will be educated about the Council’s State Plan initiatives.