Role of the Council

A developmental disability is a chronic condition that significantly limits a person's ability to speak, hear, see, walk, learn, or perform fundamental tasks involved in providing self-care, living independently, or earning a living. The majority of people with developmental disabilities have more than one disability, and most have disabling conditions that are intellectual or emotional in nature.

Because their disabilities restrict their communication, mobility, and ability to take care of themselves, people with developmental disabilities may rely on assistance from others. To help meet these needs, federal, state, and local agencies provide health care, vocational training, and service coordination to people with developmental disabilities and their families. The Developmental Disabilities Council helps coordinate this effort in Florida.

The Council

The primary mission of the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council is to promote innovative programs and practices designed to prevent developmental disabilities and improve the quality of life of individuals with such disabilities and their families.

The Council, a non-profit organization that receives its funding from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration on Developmental Disabilities, was founded in 1971 and operates independently of any agency or department of state.

To fulfill its mission to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities, the Developmental Disabilities Council seeks to accomplish the following eight goals:

1. Develop, expand and collaborate on education awareness and early intervention initiatives that have the potential to ameliorate and reduce the occurrence of developmental disabilities.
2. Develop, expand and collaborate on intervention initiatives that have the potential to ameliorate and reduce the effects of developmental disabilities.
3. Promote public education policies and programs that will assist children with disabilities to reach their full educational potential, be included in all phases of student life and benefit from lifelong educational activities.
4. Impact the system of community supports and opportunities enabling Floridians with developmental disabilities to live healthy, productive and inclusive lives in their communities and to exercise self-determination over their futures.
5. Increase the self-sufficiency and productivity of persons with developmental disabilities through initiatives that increase access and promote success in the community workforce.
6. Optimize the health of individuals with developmental disabilities in Florida including prevention, treatment and outcomes.
7. Facilitate the development of a comprehensive and cohesive public policy and governmental structure which: encourages choice and self-direction in the lives of persons with developmental disabilities; increases opportunities to become self-sufficient and to be included in the community; enhances prevention, child development and early intervention research and initiatives; increases the availability and accessibility of appropriate healthcare and education for individuals with developmental disabilities; and strengthens and supports the care giving efforts of families.
8. Increase awareness of the Council’s activities and promote innovative initiatives supporting its mission and goals.

Council Member Documents

View the Council By-Laws [PDF]

Council Accomplishments for 2009

Council Accomplishments for 2008

Council Accomplishments for 2007 [PDF]

FDDC is comprised of 29 members who are appointed by the Governor to represent consumers, family members, agency staff and interested individuals.

View FDDC Council Members

Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council should click here, complete the "Questionnaire for Gubernatorial Appointees", and return the questionnaire to the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, 124 Marriott Drive, Suite 203, Tallahassee, FL  32301-2981. Applicants can also fax the questionnaire to 850-922-6702 or email the completed questionnaire to dennieh@fddc.org.