Brooklyn Developmental Disabilities Council

The Brooklyn Developmental Disabilities Council is a group made up of volunteers from provider agencies, parents, advocates, people with developmental disabilities, state employees, elected officials, and so much more.

The purpose of the Brooklyn Developmental Disabilities Council is to promote the development of all levels of services for persons who have intellectual and developmental disabilities and who reside in the Borough of Brooklyn, without bias due to disability, national origin, race, color, creed, age or sexual orientation.  The Council is authorized by Mental Hygiene Law to advise local and state government on service development and local priorities in regard to city and state resource allocations.

The basic functions of the Council shall include the following:

1. Assess services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities residing in Brooklyn and identify service needs and priorities.
2. To review and approve Brooklyn intellectual and developmental disabilities service proposals.
3. Relate Brooklyn plans to the Inter-Agency Council of Developmental Disabilities Agencies, Inc or other coordinating organizations as part of the City-Wide planning process.
4. To serve as an advisory/liaison to the Brooklyn Developmental Disabilities Regional Office and the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, and to all other governmental agencies (local, state, federal) and community agencies.
5. Advocate for the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
6. Conduct monthly general information and committee meetings from September through June, open for all to attend and participate.