Self-Advocates - Become a Council Member!

To become a member of the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council, complete and submit the application form and a resume. 

Each year the Council appoints 2-3 individuals with developmental disabilities as members.  Individuals must be able to communicate well and be willing to actively participate on the Council. 

What is a Developmental Disability?

A developmental disability affects how a person’s body or brain works (or some of both), starts before the person turns 22, and will probably last most or all of the person’s life. 

The person will have problems doing three (3) or more of these things without support:

1.  Taking care of them self without help (like using the bathroom or remembering to eat);
2.  Understanding what people are telling them and making people understand them;
3.  Learning new things;
4.  Moving around without help;
5.  Making choices on their own (self-direction);
6.  Living independently;
7.  Working and earning money on their own.
    
   The Council helps people by supporting inclusive education, greater employment opportunities, and the right to make choices about where, with whom and how they live.
    
   As a member you must:

• Attend all council meetings.  Meetings are held 3-4 times per year.
• Participate on at least one Council committee.                                      
   
  As a member you will have get the opportunity to:

• Meet and network with other advocates
• Advocate for developmental disabilities issues directly with policy makers and legislators
• Share your experiences, ideas, and concerns regarding matters affecting individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Become more educated in disability issues and advocacy skills
• Attend or speak at conferences, legislative hearings, public policy forums
• Serve as a resource within your family, friends and the community

MINIMUM TIME COMMITMENT (Annual Estimates)

TOTAL HOURS SPENT    REQUIRED ACTIVITIES

9-12        Three or four evening Council meetings - 3 hours each

6-8         Materials to review –   1- 1½ hours each meeting

               OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES – Pick One or More:

5-10        Grant Review Team (liaison)

12        Public Policy Team activities (including meetings, choosing Council priority bills, legislative advocacy)            

2-12        Council representative on interagency subcommittees, task forces or coalitions.