Change in status

Since 1989, the RI Developmental Disabilities Council has been located in the Executive Office of state government.

In the 2008 RI Legislative session, a budget article was submitted that projected a cost saving by consolidating several groups that advocate for people with disabilities within one existing state human service department. Because the Developmental Disabilities Council is funded wholly by federal dollars, there was no cost saving to be gained. In addition, the law that creates the Council requires it to be an autonomous advocacy organization, independent of any of the provider agencies. Consolidation into one of the agencies would compromise the position of the Council, operationally and financially, and jeopardize funding for not only itself but for its network partners that are also funded by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, The Paul Sherlock Center at Rhode Island College and the Disability Law Center, Rhode Island’s Protection and Advocacy agency.

The Council recently held a two-hour session to explain the proposed change in its status to representatives of a variety of community groups and agencies. Discussion points included major advantages of being a non-profit versus the limitations and constraints it currently encounters in its status as a state agency. Discussions centered on the challenges and risks that the Council may face as a non-profit corporation along with possibilities and opportunities a non-profit status would present. Download the focus group report.

On June 18, 2008, the consolidation article was amended to remove the Council, and enabling legislation was submitted and passed for the Council to re-organize as a private non-profit. Effective July 1, 2008, the RI Developmental Disabilities Council has moved out of the Executive Department of RI State government, and is pursuing private non-profit status.  The University of RI has agreed to be the state fiscal agent (Designated State Agency or DSA) to receive the funds on behalf of the Council.

Invitation: The Council invites public comment on this action.