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Nebraska Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities 2009 Annual Program Performance Report Summary The Nebraska Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities promotes the development of a coordinated system of services. These supports provide opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to be independent, productive, integrated and included in their communities. The Council, established by the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, supports projects and activities that promote these opportunities to improve services. The Council is federally funded and has 23 members appointed by the Governor. Sixty percent of its members are persons with developmental disabilities or family members. The following are highlights of the Council’s accomplishments in the last year. Funded a grant with the University Medical Center to produce a DVD, “The Caregiver’s Guide to Oral Health Care for Persons with Special Needs.”  Copies were distributed around the state. Continued to support People First of Nebraska, a self-advocacy organization for people with intellectual disabilities. Council funds help pay the salary of their State Advisor who assists their Board and local chapters.  The State Advisor trained 889 members in leadership, self-advocacy, and self-determination this past year. Provided support to the Arc of Nebraska to produce “A Guide for Adult Siblings.” The handbook was created for siblings who may be assuming a supportive role in the life of a brother or sister with a disability. It is being disseminated around the state. Assisted three Developmental Disabilities providers to pilot the College of Direct Support, an internationally recognized internet-based learning system for direct support professionals. Service provider programs in the Panhandle, southwestern and southeastern Nebraska are using the classes to enhance their training by providing a high quality, validated curriculum to their new and seasoned staff. Supported a network of six regional councils that further the Council goals in their local areas of the state. These volunteer councils support a number of disability awareness activities and provide leadership and training opportunities for people with developmental disabilities, their families and service providers. These councils reached over 20,000 members of the general public with education and awareness initiatives in their local communities. Provided funding to The Rose Theater in Omaha to provide children with developmental disabilities an integrated creative drama experience in their Saturday morning classes as well as provide training to their staff and student interns on including youth with disabilities in their drama classes and productions. Reviewed and provided information on various legislative and regulatory initiatives that impacted the lives of persons with developmental disabilities and their families.  This included distributing 603 copies of the Council’s “Newsline”, an informational publication on legislative activities. Supported legislation to appropriate funds for people waiting for services following the completion of the Council’s report, “Nebraska Legislative Resolution 156 – Addressing the Waiting List for Persons with Developmental Disabilities and Rate Methodology.”  Fifteen million state dollars over a two year period were appropriated. Letters offering services were sent out to 1109 individuals who have been waiting for services from the Developmental Disabilities Division. Provided funds to Region 6 Behavioral Health Services in Omaha to establish collaboration between the behavioral health and the developmental disabilities systems. Working with the National Association for the Dually Diagnosed, they continue to focus on changing the two systems to better serve people who have a developmental disability and a behavioral health diagnosis. Funded The Arc of Norfolk to conduct a Relationship Training course for 20 individuals with developmental disabilities who desired to learn more about developing appropriate and meaningful relationships. Participated on a number of statewide committees to insure the Council’s perspective is included in policy discussions at all levels in such issues as education, transportation, health services, training, assistive technology and sexual violence. If you have additional questions or comments about the Council’s activities or would like to receive a copy of the complete annual report, please contact:  Nebraska Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities Department of Health and Human Services 301 Centennial Mall South P.O.Box 95026 Lincoln, NE  68509-5026 Phone: (402) 471-2330 Telecommunications Device for the Deaf:  (402) 471-9570 E-Mail:  mary.gordon@dhhs.ne.gov Alternate formats for persons with disabilities are available by calling any of the above numbers.