	Background

The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act) provides federal financial assistance to states and public and nonprofit agencies to support community-based delivery of services to persons with developmental disabilities (DD). The aim of the programs established by the DD Act is to help persons with DD maximize their work potential, facilitate their ability to live independently, and foster their integration into the community. The protection of the legal rights of individuals with DD is another major objective of the DD Act. Authorizations of appropriations for the DD Act programs expired at the end of FY2007, although Congress has continued to provide appropriations for the programs. Legislation to reauthorize the DD Act has not been introduced in the 111 th Congress. This report describes the major programs authorized under Title I of the DD Act. P&A programs provide information and referral services and investigate reported incidents of abuse and neglect of individuals with DD. Projects of National Significance

This program funds grants or contracts to public nonprofit institutions to enhance the independence, productivity, and social inclusion of people with DD. Title II authorized competitive grants to help states strengthen their family support programs for families with a severely disabled family member. Title III authorized one scholarship program to provide vouchers for post-secondary education for direct support workers who assist individuals with DD as well as a grant program for the development, evaluation, and dissemination of a staff development curriculum. Recent Legislative Efforts

		Legal Representation of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

Legislation that directly related to the DD Act was considered, but not enacted, in the 110 th Congress. Appendix A. Allotments for State Councils on Developmental Disabilities and Protection and Advocacy Programs, FY2002 - FY2011 (est.)
The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (commonly known as the DD Act) provides federal financial assistance to states and public and nonprofit agencies to support community-based delivery of services to persons with developmental disabilities. The DD Act defines developmental disabilities (DD) as severe, life-long disabilities attributable to mental and/or physical impairment. The aim of the DD Act is to help individuals with DD maximize their potential through increased independence, productivity, inclusion, and integration into the community.
Title I of the DD Act authorizes appropriations for (1) State Councils on Developmental Disabilities (SCDDs) that are tasked with developing state-wide plans on delivering services to individuals with DD; (2) Protection and Advocacy (P&A) systems, which investigate reported incidents of abuse and neglect of individuals with DD; (3) University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) that engage in applied research on DD; and (4) Projects of National Significance (PNS), which fund public nonprofits focused on enhancing the independence, productivity, and social inclusion of individuals with DD.
Title II of the DD Act authorizes competitive grants to help states strengthen their family support programs for families with a severely disabled family member. Title III of the DD Act authorizes one scholarship program to provide vouchers for post-secondary education for direct support workers who assist individuals with DD either through an institution of higher education or state agency. Title III also authorizes a grant program for the development, evaluation, and dissemination of a staff development curriculum.
Authorization of appropriations for the DD Act programs expired at the end of FY2007, although Congress has continued to provide appropriations for the programs. The 111th Congress has not considered legislation to reauthorize the DD Act. This report provides background and funding information on DD Act programs, discusses evaluation activities, and summarizes recent legislative efforts related to the DD Act.