The Montgomery County Council this week enacted legislation to establish an Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Commission. The legislation is supported by the full Council, County Executive Marc Elrich and the County’s Commission on People with Disabilities. The purpose of this bill is to better coordinate services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families.
“Addressing the complex system navigation needs, gaps in services and State and County challenges impacts more than 40,000 people of all ages who have an intellectual and developmental disability in our County,” said Councilmember Gabe Albornoz, chair of the Council’s Health and Human Services Committee. “An independent commission that will promote communication with families, advocates and providers is critical.”
County Executive Elrich has been a strong supporter of the bill.
“I applaud the unanimous vote of the County Council to approve the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Commission,” said County Executive Elrich. “I greatly appreciate the leadership of Councilmember Albornoz and was pleased to work with him on this important legislation. As a parent of an adult foster child with IDD, I know that people in the community with direct experiences can help us. We will begin the task of recruitment for the members of the commission and look forward to the commission beginning the tasks of identifying and advocating for the unique needs of people with IDD and fostering dialogue with families and caregivers,”.
The new IDD Commission will have 24 members, including individuals from the intellectual and developmental disability community, service providers, service agencies and the Commission on People with Disabilities. It will focus on promoting direct communication among families, support staff, private and public organizations and residents about programs and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The commission also will provide educational programs, identify current gaps in services and provide advice and recommendations on best practices to the County and the County Executive.
