Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signed an executive order Tuesday forming a new council to ensure the continued coordination of resources for individuals with disabilities.
Executive Order 2016-20 creates a new Developmental Disabilities Council and abolishes the Michigan State Planning Council for Developmental Disabilities established in 2006. This change allows the new council to better align with state and federal law.
"It's important that Michiganders with disabilities have access to resources to help with their quality of life," Snyder said. "Streamlining these efforts will ensure that advocates can work together cohesively to provide residents with disabilities the best opportunities available."
The council, which will be established within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, will be composed of individuals with disabilities and advocates or representatives of organizations supporting those with disabilities.
The 21 members of the council will be appointed by the governor and will include:
- An individual from the state agency that administers funds provided under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
- An individual from the state agency that administers funds provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
- An individual from the state agency that administers funds provided under the Older Americans Act of 1965.
- An individual from the state agency that administers funds provided under Title V of the Social Security Act.
- An individual from the state agency that administers funds provided under Title XIX of the Social Security Act.
- An individual representing a university center for excellence in developmental disabilities education, research, and service with sufficient authority to engage in policy planning on behalf of the university center.
- An individual representing the protection and advocacy system in this state with sufficient authority to engage in policy planning and implementation.
- At least two individuals representing local and non-governmental agencies and private nonprofit groups concerned with services for individuals with developmental disabilities in this state with sufficient authority to engage in policy planning and implementation on behalf of the agency or group.
- An individual with a developmental disability elected to the board of Self-Advocates of Michigan to represent self-advocates.
Of the 21 members at least one-third shall be individuals with developmental disabilities, and one-third of the individuals shall be parents or guardians of an individual with developmental disabilities or immediate relatives or guardians of an adult with mentally impairing developmental disabilities who cannot advocate for himself or herself.
Seven members will be appointed for terms expiring Sept. 30, 2017, five members will be appointed for terms expiring Sept. 30, 2018, five members will be appointed for terms expiring Sept. 20, 2019, and five members will be appointed for terms expiring Sept. 20, 2020.
Appointees will be announced in December.
Published: Thu, Nov 03, 2016
