Frequently Asked Questions (and topics!)
Have any additional questions that aren’t on this page? Feel free to contact our office directly!
Q. What is the Nevada Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities (NGCDD)?
The Nevada Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities (NGCDD) is a federally funded, self-governing organization within the State of Nevada. Our Federal charge in the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act) is identifying the most pressing needs of people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) in Nevada and developing innovative and cost-effective ways to advance advocacy through policy, capacity building and systems change activities to promote equal opportunity, self-determination, and community inclusion.
Additional Resource: State Councils on Developmental Disabilities
Q. What is a developmental disability?
The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 defines a developmental disability as a severe chronic disability of an individual that:
- is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments.
- is manifested before the individual attains age 22.
- is likely to continue indefinitely.
- results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity: self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living, and economic self-sufficiency.
- reflects the individual’s need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic services, supports, or other assistance that are lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated.
- includes infants and young children from birth to age nine who have substantial delay or specific congenital or acquired conditions, and may be considered to have a developmental disability without limitations in meeting three or more of the areas of major life activity with a high probability of resulting in DD later in life if services are not provided.
Additional Resource: Developmental Disabilities and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act)
Q. What is People First language?
Person First Language puts the person before the disability. It describes what a person has, not who a person is. Visit the Disability is Natural website for more information on person first language. Note: some members of the disability community prefer identity first language in place of person first language which views disability as being a core component of identity, much like race and gender. It’s always best to ask first!
Q. When was NGCDD established?
The Nevada Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities is one of 55 Developmental Disabilities Councils established across the country and its territories under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 1971 and authorized under the federal law, PL 106-402 (2000 Amendment).
We are authorized in accordance with Public Law 106-402 of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act) and established under NRS 232.320 within the State of Nevada. The NGCDD is funded annually by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services with matching funds of 25% appropriated by the Nevada Legislature.
The Council has designated the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services as our Designated State Agency with the purpose of providing support to the Council under the regulations of the DD Act Section 125(d).
Q. Does the NGCDD provide services to people with disabilities and their families?
The NGCDD does not provide direct services to persons with developmental disabilities, as federal funds from the Administration on Developmental Disabilities are not allowed to be used for that purpose.
However, the Nevada Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities collaborates with agencies, individuals, parents, and advocates to support families and persons living with developmental disabilities by promoting public policies and funding innovative projects. In addition, NGCDD assists individuals with disabilities and their families with sharing their stories and making sure their voices are heard through self-advocacy and capacity building.
Q. What does NGCDD do?
To serve their communities, Councils design five-year state plans, reviewed annually by the Council, that address new ways of improving service delivery. To implement the state plans, Councils work with different groups in many ways to advance: (Read More)
Advocacy: the support of policies and practices that increase self‐determination and inclusion in all aspects of community living for individuals with developmental disabilities, and their families.
Capacity Building: activities that expand and/or improve the ability of individuals with developmental disabilities, families, supports, services and/or systems to promote, support and enhance self‐determination, independence, productivity and inclusion in community life.
Systemic Change: a large, long-term change that promotes positive or meaningful outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Other activities include educating communities to welcome people with developmental disabilities, funding projects to show new ways that people with disabilities can work, play, and learn, conducting outreach, providing training and technical assistance, removing barriers, developing coalitions, encouraging citizen participation, and keeping policymakers informed about disability issues.
The goals of our State Plan are based on gaps in service identified through information from the public as well as state and national sources based on Federal “Areas of Emphasis” as outlined in the DD Act. The DD Act allows the State Councils to determine the areas of emphasis upon which to focus.
We accomplish our goals through activities carried out by NGCDD staff and partnering with other established agencies and organizations to address areas of mutual concern through sub-grants to develop and implement projects that address innovative ways to fill service gaps and develop infrastructure for the State.
Q. Who are members of the Nevada Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities and how are they selected?
Council members are appointed by a state’s governor; by law, more than 60% of a Council’s membership must consist of individuals with developmental disabilities or their family members. Advocates and state agency representatives also serve as members. Council’s must also represent the ethnic and cultural diversity of the state. This enables Councils to ensure the voices of people with developmental disabilities and their families are the majority vote when it comes to decisions that affect their lives.
To get more information on who are current Council Members are, please visit our Meet the Council page.
Q. What organizations does NGCDD partner with?
The Council operates in partnership with the Nevada Disability Advocacy and Law Center (NDALC) and the Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities (NCED) under the “Developmental Disabilities Network”.
Q. What can NGCDD do for people with disabilities or their families?
NGCDD has two ways to help fund learning opportunities or projects that improve the lives of people with disabilities: The Consumer Leadership Development Fund has been established to make funds available to defray the costs for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and parents/family/guardians of children/adult children with intellectual/developmental disabilities to participate in conferences, workshops, and other training opportunities that will increase their knowledge of disability issues and increase their skills as advocates for people with developmental disabilities.
- Applications are available by request from the NGCDD or at www.nevadaddcouncil.org.
- Submit completed applications, outlines for information sharing, participation reports and copies of expenses to: Nevada Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities 406 East Second Street, Carson City, Nevada, 89701 Fax: (775) 684-8626
- Questions may be directed to Rebecca Ortiz at (775)684-8619 or rortiz@dhhs.nv.gov.
The Notice of Funds Available (NOFAs) are community grants awarded by the NGCDD. The NGCDD accomplishes its federal mandates through several different avenues. Some activities are carried out by NGCDD staff; others are accomplished by partnering with other established agencies and organizations to address areas of mutual concern. The NGCDD identifies gaps in service delivery and provides sub-grants to develop and implement projects that address innovative ways to fill those gaps and develop infrastructure for the State. For more information, please visit our Community Grants page at COMMUNITY GRANTS – Nevada Governor’s Council on developmental disabilities (nevadaddcouncil.org)
Q. If I experience discrimination due to my disability, who can help me?
There are several options. You can contact your local Legal Aid office. You can also contact Nevada Disability Advocacy and Law Center! They provide mental health resources as well. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)’s Office is an additional resource. Visit their website at: ADA Program/Section 504 Program | Nevada Department of Transportation (nv.gov)
Additional Resources:
Q. When does the NGCDD meet?
The NGCDD Full Council meets at least quarterly as determined by the Chairperson. The Council has the following committee meetings throughout the year as well:
- Executive Committee
- Policy Committee
- Planning/Evaluation Committee
- Budget Committee
- Ad-Hoc Transportation Committee
Council Meetings and Event Calendar
We are happy to provide reasonable accommodations as defined by ADA Title 2 Regulations for NGCDD sponsored meetings and events. Please direct questions and/or requests to Rebecca Ortiz at rortiz@dhhs.nv.gov or 775-684-8619 as soon as possible, and at least five business days before the meeting or event. All Council meetings are subject to Nevada’s Open Meeting Law.