Home / News / 60 Years of the DD Act: A Commemorative Statement

Photo: Excited girl with down syndrome sitting at desk smiling and playing in class.As we celebrate six decades of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights (DD) Act, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), and the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) come together to honor this significant milestone. The DD Act, established in 1963, remains a cornerstone in the advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities.

This landmark legislation founded the DD Network, which encompasses State Councils on Developmental Disabilities, University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Services (UCEDDs), and Protection & Advocacy Systems (P&As). Over the past 60 years, these entities have worked tirelessly to promote self-determination, integration, and inclusion for individuals with developmental disabilities across the United States.

Since its inception, the DD Act and its network have made tremendous strides, advancing research, community inclusion, and service accessibility for those with developmental disabilities. As we commemorate this milestone, NACDD, NDRN, and AUCD reaffirm their commitment to continue supporting the mission of the DD Act. They remain dedicated to furthering research, education, health, and service initiatives, collaborating with their partners to empower individuals with developmental disabilities and foster inclusive communities.

For more information, please click here for the press release from the NACDD.

Image: Screen shot from the Emmy winning documentary 'My Disability Roadmap' starring Sam Habibi.Photo: UW Autism Center Director Annette Estes looking through a block at a young child in a clinic setting.