State Council on Developmental Disabilities
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Welcome to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities' (SCDD) launch of our first monthly e-letter. We will inform you, share personal stories about individuals with disabilities as well as how our positive collaborations with various agencies and organizations are improving your lives. SCDD is established by State and federal law as an independent State agency to ensure that people with developmental disabilities and their families receive the services and supports they need. SCDD is assisted in carrying out its mission by staff and 13 Area Boards. SCDD consists of 29 members appointed by the Governor. The State Council's Mission Statement includes: advocating, promoting and implementing policies and practices that achieve self-determination, independence, productivity and inclusion in all aspects of community life for Californians with developmental disabilities and their families.

It is the State Council's intention that this e-letter will be the gateway for sharing information, innovative ideas and provide opportunities for persons with disabilities. Having a disability does not diminish the right of individuals to live independently and make choices about their own lives. They are able to fully participate in and contribute to their communities and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities is making this a reality!


People First of California
California Statewide Housing Program Locator
California Developmental Disabilities (DD) Netlink
Project TEAMS
disAbility.gov
(CA) Disability Access Info
2007-2011 State Plan

  Things to Come

    1. SCDD Council Meeting, May 15-16, 2007
    2. SB 1270 Update
    3. Review Governor's Proposed 2007-08 Budget
    4. New State and Strategic Plans
    5. Partners in Policymaking
    6. National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD):
       Preparing to host the Annual Conference in October

  Happenings

  Area Board Highlights
Robin Keehn, Community Specialist II, Area Board 2 Developmental Disabilities received the Frank D. Lanterman "Lifetime of Service" award.

Photograph courtesy of the Department of Developmental Services.

  Spotlight
Alan Kerzin, who has devoted 25 years of his professional life to improving the lives of persons with developmental disabilities in California has been the Executive Director of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities since May 2005. Full Profile


  2006 Poster Art Contest

At the State Council's 5th Poster Art Contest, ten individuals were selected as winners: Brenda Stewart, 1st Place, Steven Mattos, 2nd Place, Diana Joroski and Gordon Shepard tied for 3rd Place. Congratulations to the following individuals for receiving "Honorable Mention"; Jason Arvizu, Melody Baleria, Robert Best, Sarit Halo and Mildred Pineda. The poster art contest recognizes and celebrates the creativity in all of us. All the artists have given us the opportunity to see the power and influence of art in all of our lives.

The contest was open to all Californians with developmental disabilities. The purpose of the contest is to recognize and showcase the artistic talents of individuals with developmental disabilities and increase public awareness and understanding of all people with disabilities. The theme of the 2006 contest was  "Be Healthy and Enjoy Life!". The artists were requested to submit original artwork that depicted individuals enjoying life and making good decisions to be healthy and happy in all facets of life.

Contest winners received their awards on January 30, 2007.

Office of the Governor


© 2007 State of California
The content found herein may not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the Schwarzenegger Administration.