The New Mexico Developmental Disabilities Council consists of 30 members, each of whom are appointed by the Governor of the State of New Mexico. They represent and advocate for people with developmental disabilities, and serve one-, two- and three-year terms. At least 60% of the Council are persons with developmental disabilities or family members of people with development disabilities. The Council has decision‐making authority, the power to designate management, the responsibility to significantly influence operations and is primarily accountable for fiscal matters.

The Council identifies the most pressing needs of people with developmental disabilities and develops innovative and cost-effective ways to meet these needs, while upholding the human and civil value of people with developmental disabilities. 

The Council is also responsible for developing NMDDC’s  Five Year Plan (5YP).

Everyone is welcome! 

To apply to be on the Council, please visit https://www.governor.state.nm.us/apply/boards-and-commissions/

The purpose of the Council is to:

• Act as a planning and coordinating body for persons with developmental disabilities;
• Provide statewide systems advocacy for populations with developmental disabilities;
• Work with appropriate state agencies to develop the developmental disabilities three‐year plan as required by the Federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act;
• Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the state developmental disabilities plan;
• To the maximum extent feasible, review and comment on all state plans which relate to programs affecting persons with developmental disabilities;
• Submit to the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services through the Developmental Disabilities Planning Council such periodic reports as the Secretary may request;
• Advise the Governor and the Legislature about the needs of the developmentally disabled; and · Any other activities authorized or required by the provisions of the Federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Acts.

The Council is authorized to:

• Award grants and enter into contracts to carry out duties; and
• Seek funding from sources other than the State.