Committees of the MD Developmental Disabilities Council

Executive Committee
Provides leadership, direction and support to the chairpersons of all committees and to the executive director. Integrates and coordinates the activities of all committees and reviews, monitors and approves committee recommendations before presentation to the full Council
Develops, for full Council adoption, position statements that will direct the Council's actions in regard to the development and reform of state policies, plans, legislation, regulation, resource allocation, and other decision-making that affects people with developmental disabilities.

Assures that the Council conducts strategic planning and annual reevaluation of its State Plan incorporating the provisions and intent of the council's position statements.
Consists of the chairperson, vice-chairpersons, chairpersons of all standing committees, and three additional Council members.  At least two members shall be consumers.  The past chairperson shall remain on the Executive Committee for a period of one year.

Children and Family Issues Committee
The Children and Family Issues Committee focuses on critical public policy, advocacy, capacity building and systemic change activities that affect the lives of children with developmental disabilities and their families. Areas of emphasis include, but are not limited to: childcare, early intervention, education, and formal and informal supports for children and families.

Adult Issues Committee
The Adult Issues Committee focuses on critical public policy, advocacy, capacity building and systemic change activities that affect the lives of adults with developmental disabilities and impact other community issues. Areas of emphasis include, but are not limited to: employment, housing, transportation, recreation, and formal and informal supports for adults.

Cross-Cutting Issues Committee
The Cross-Cutting Issues Committee focuses on critical public policy, advocacy, capacity building and systemic change that affect cross-cutting issues activities. Areas of emphasis include, but are not limited to: self-advocacy, self-determination, quality assurance, and health care.

Within its area of focus, each committee shall:

1. Develop position statements for full Council adoption that will direct the Council's actions in regard to the development and reform of state policies, legislation, regulation, resource allocation, services and supports, and other decision making which affects people with developmental disabilities and their families. In developing Council positions the committees will adhere to the Council's mission, the DD Act, the State Plan and recommendations provided by the other committees of the Council.
2. Identify priorities requiring Council leadership, advocacy and resources. Develop and implement strategies accordingly, including strategic partnerships.
3. Define and design requests for proposals to meet the Council's goals and objectives; and develop strategies and projects that the Council may implement internally.
4. Review proposals received by the Council in response to requests for proposals and unsolicited proposals, negotiate with selected proposal offerors, as necessary, and recommend to the Executive Committee all proposals acceptable for Council grant funding.
5. Review, monitor and evaluate Council funded projects to determine their effectiveness, impact, and outcomes. Identify opportunities for dissemination and replication of effective projects.

Each committee shall make recommendations for action to the Executive Committee and report on committee activities to the full Council. Each committee communicates with other committees as necessary to assure coordination on shared or related issues and to avoid duplication of work.

The chairperson and Executive Committee may assign additional issues or areas of emphasis to a committee. When an issue arises that may be applicable to more than one committee, the Council chairperson will make the determination as to which committee will receive the assignment, after consultation with committee chairpersons.  

The ad hoc committees of the Council include:

Membership Committee
Membership of this committee shall include at least two (2) consumers. The Membership Committee shall monitor Council membership to ensure compliance with membership requirements in accordance with the DD Act. This committee shall recruit applicants to fill Council vacancies, screen and interview applicants, and make recommendations to the Executive Committee and the full Council concerning membership needs and applicants whose names are to be forwarded to the governor for appointment to the Council.

Nominating Committee
Membership on this committee shall include at least one consumer. The committee shall prepare a slate of officers for the positions of chairperson and vice-chairperson of the Council. The slate will be submitted to the Council for approval on or before the June meeting.