ORIGIN & FUNCTIONS
By Executive Order, the Governor created the Maryland State Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities in 1971 to carry out provisions of the federal Developmental Disabilities Services and Facilities Construction Act (P.L. 91-517). That federal law is now the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (P.L. 98-537; P.L. 103-230). To protect State eligibility for certain federal grants, a new council was appointed in 1973 to meet revised criteria of the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare for consumer members. Formerly housed in the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the Council moved for administrative purposes to the Office for Individuals with Disabilities (formerly Office for Handicapped Individuals) in 1987 (Executive Order 01.01.1987.08). The Council received its present name in June 1993.
The Council advocates policy and practices that promote the full inclusion of persons with developmental disabilities in community life. To this end, the Council funds projects and grants which provide opportunities and support in communities. Projects concern employment, child care, education, health care, housing, and independent living.
Funds are distributed annually to priority areas identified in the Council's State Plan. The Plan is submitted to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services every three years (most recently in 1998).
The Council is an independent, self-governing body funded by federal monies. It reports directly to the Administration on Developmental Disabilities of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (U.S. Code, Title 42, sec. 6024; Council Bylaws, Art. III).
Maryland Manual On-Line, 2001
April 1, 2001
Note: In this past edition of Maryland Manual, some links are to external sites. View the current Manual
© Copyright April 10, 2001 Maryland State Archives