MDDC 2027–2031 State Plan Public Comment Video Transcript
Kaitlin Stober:
Hi, everyone!
We're going to be sharing the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC)'s proposed five-year State Plan for our public comment period.
My name is Kaitlin Stober. I'm MDDC staff, and I'm here with Tamara Huntley to read our plan.
Who makes this State Plan?
MDDC has a State Plan Committee. Several MDDC members volunteered to serve on this committee.
MDDC staff and the committee collected ideas from community members with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families.
MDDC Council members reviewed the plan and provided feedback.
How did we make this plan?
First, we conducted the People's Priorities Survey last year. This helped us understand the topics that mattered most to people with IDD and their families.
Second, we held focus groups with our Council members. This helped us organize important topics into groups, which we used to draft our major goals.
Third, we conducted a community survey about possible State Plan goals. Community members shared what they liked, what they didn't like, and which activities they believed were most important.
You have a voice.
It is important that this plan represents the wants and needs of our community. This includes you.
The public comment period is now open.
In this video, we will read our State Plan goals and objectives. Right now, this is a draft, which means we can still make changes.
You can tell us what you think about these goals and objectives and suggest changes through August 2, 2026.
Now, we are going to read our proposed five-year State Plan goals and objectives.
Goal 1: Disability Identity, Community, and Leadership
Tamara Huntley:
By September 30, 2031, at least 500 people with developmental disabilities will have opportunities to learn about disability identity and rights, build and celebrate disability community, and become leaders and advocates in their own lives and throughout society.
Objective 1.1 – Advocacy Training
The Council will support people with developmental disabilities in learning self-advocacy and leadership skills. This includes reaching people with developmental disabilities who have historically been left out.
Objective 1.2 – Building Skills and Knowledge
The Council will help educate community members about disability identity, community, and leadership, including highlighting the strengths and leadership of people with developmental disabilities.
Objective 1.3 – Systems Change
Each year, the Council will help advance at least two cultural or systemic policy changes that value people with developmental disabilities through an inclusive framework centered on civil rights, self-determination, and full community membership.
Goal 2: Health and Well-Being
Kaitlin Stober:
By September 30, 2031, more people with developmental disabilities will have opportunities to achieve better health and well-being through access to quality health care, home and community-based services, supports, and social conditions that promote healthy lives.
Objective 2.1 – Advocacy Training
The Council will support at least 200 people with developmental disabilities and 200 family members in learning about important health and wellness topics.
Objective 2.2 – Building Skills and Knowledge
The Council will educate at least 500 community members about Medicaid, home and community-based services, and other supports that promote health.
This includes health care providers, support workers, and participation in groups and committees working to improve access to quality health care and supports.
Objective 2.3 – Systems Change
Each year, the Council will help advance at least two policy or systems changes related to health and well-being.
Objective 2.4 – Emerging Issues
The Council will address the needs of people with developmental disabilities and their families during major unforeseen events, such as public health emergencies and natural disasters.
Goal 3: Community Living, Participation, and Inclusion
Tamara Huntley:
By September 30, 2031, more people with developmental disabilities will be able to live, work, and fully participate in their communities with the supports and opportunities needed for meaningful inclusion.
Meaningful inclusion is more than simply being present in the community. It means people with developmental disabilities are valued for who they are and have opportunities to build meaningful relationships.
Objective 3.1 – Advocacy Training
The Council will support at least 200 people with developmental disabilities and 200 family members in learning advocacy skills related to community living and participation.
Objective 3.2 – Building Skills and Knowledge
The Council will educate at least 300 community members about community living and participation, including barriers to accessible housing, transportation, employment, and inclusive social opportunities.
Objective 3.3 – Systems Change
Each year, the Council will help advance at least two policy or systems changes related to community living, participation, and inclusion.
Goal 4: Thriving Across the Life Stages
Kaitlin Stober:
By September 30, 2031, more people with developmental disabilities and their families will have the supports and opportunities needed to thrive throughout their lives.
They will have access to information and resources related to important life transitions, including entering adulthood and aging.
Objective 4.1 – Advocacy Training
The Council will support at least 200 people with developmental disabilities and 200 family members in learning advocacy skills across different stages of life.
Objective 4.2 – Building Skills and Knowledge
The Council will educate at least 100 professionals who work with people with developmental disabilities and their families—including teachers and support workers—about important life transitions.
This includes the transition to adulthood after leaving school and planning for the future as people with developmental disabilities and their family members grow older.
Objective 4.3 – Systems Change
Each year, the Council will help advance at least two policy or systems changes related to different life stages.
This includes strategies to address the direct care workforce crisis affecting direct support professionals and others who provide services to children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Public Comment
Kaitlin Stober:
The public comment period is open through August 2, 2026.
You can share your feedback by completing the survey, available in both English and Spanish through the links provided.
Visit the MDDC website for additional information about submitting comments.
If you need assistance or would like to provide your comments in another format, MDDC staff can help.
You may contact Liz Fancher by email at liz.fancher@mass.gov or leave a voicemail at 617-770-7676, extension 105, with a phone number where she can return your call.
Thank you for listening.