About Maine Developmental Disabilities Council
Maine Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) is a non-profit organization that works towards promoting and advocating for equal opportunities for people with disabilities. The council is a partnership of people with disabilities, their families, and public and governmental agencies. MDDC was established in 1971 under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act.
The mission of MDDC is to promote independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities in all aspects of community life. The council aims to achieve this by providing information, training, technical assistance, advocacy services to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
MDDC has been working tirelessly towards creating an inclusive society where everyone has equal opportunities regardless of their abilities. The council believes that every individual deserves respect and dignity irrespective of their disability status. Therefore they work towards ensuring that people with developmental disabilities have access to quality education, healthcare services as well as employment opportunities.
One way MDDC achieves its mission is through the provision of grants to organizations that support individuals with developmental disabilities. These grants are awarded annually through a competitive process where organizations submit proposals outlining how they intend to use the funds provided by MDDC.
In addition to providing grants, MDDC also conducts research on issues affecting individuals with developmental disabilities in Maine. This research helps inform policy decisions at both state and federal levels regarding disability-related issues.
MDDC also provides training programs for professionals who work directly or indirectly with individuals who have developmental disabilities such as teachers or healthcare providers. These training programs aim at equipping these professionals with skills necessary for them to provide quality services to people living with developmental disabilities.
Furthermore, MDDC engages in advocacy efforts aimed at influencing policies that affect the lives of people living with developmental disabilities positively. They do this by collaborating closely with policymakers at both state and federal levels while also engaging members of the public on disability-related issues.
In conclusion, Maine Developmental Disabilities Council plays a crucial role in promoting equality for individuals living with developmentally related challenges within Maine's communities. Through its various initiatives such as grant provision programs or advocacy efforts aimed at influencing policies positively affecting those living within these communities' lives - it continues making significant strides towards achieving its mission daily!