Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council

09/12/2026

Many people use the word institutions to describe segregated settings. Here are other words that can mean the same thing in common language and policy language.

Plain Language:
- Large facilities
- Residential facilities
- Care facilities
- Facility-based care
- Group facilities
- Congregate care settings
- Separate care settings
- Places that separate people from their communities

Policy/Legal Language:
- Institutional settings
- Segregated settings
- Congregate settings
- Facility-based settings
- Residential institutions
- Institutional care
- Long-term care institutions
- Restrictive settings
- Non-community settings

Learn more and find out how you can help preserve home and community based services here: https://nacdd.org/home-sweet-home/

09/12/2026

06/12/2026

What’s New for Vermont ABLE? Expanding Opportunities for Families.

More than 1,400 Vermonters are taking advantage of Vermont ABLE, a program that allows individuals and families to save for disability-related expenses without jeopardizing federal benefits. Several important changes came online for ABLE programs last January, expanding eligibility and eliminating monthly fees. Come learn how families are using ABLE to create a safety net, teach budgeting skill, and support the hopes and dreams of someone with a disability.

When: Thursday, July 16th from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
Where: ZOOM
Cost? It's free!
Register: https://www.vermontfamilynetwork.org/event/register-for-7-16-whats-new-with-vermont-able-expanding-opportunities-for-families/

Presenter:
Kirsten Murphy is the Executive Director of the Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council. She is the parent of three adults who identify as neurodiverse.

Register here for the “What’s New with Vermont ABLE? Expanding Opportunities for Families” workshop. This workshop will be online using the Zoom meeting platform. If you are unable to attend […]

05/29/2026

The Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council (VTDDC) is now accepting applications to fill our self-advocate and family-member vacancies.

Members talk with state leaders, learn about current disability issues, and partner with other organizations to promote positive change for Vermonters with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

For information about VTDDC, and to download your application, visit our website at: https://ddc.vermont.gov/about-us/membership

05/22/2026

Public hearing today at NOON!

HOW WELL ARE SERVICES WORKING FOR YOU?

The Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council has some questions for you to think about. By writing down your answers, you will have something to share with the Agency of Human Services.

1) Has your new case manager helped you to get the support you need?

2) Do you get to do as much as you want in your town? (For example, go shopping, eat out, walk, go to a movie or church).

3) Do you have rides to places you want to go?

4) You have rights if you are living with a home provider or in a group home:
- Can you have visitors when you want them?
- Do you get to eat the food you like? Can you eat when and where you want?
- Do you have privacy in your bedroom?

5) Are you happy where you live? If not, what changes would you like to make?

6) Do you decide how to spend your time, including doing things that are NOT just for people with disabilities?

Vermont’s Agency of Human Services is collecting public comment on its Global Commitment to Health (also called the 1115 waiver).

This is your chance to speak-up and tell the State how Medicaid works for you.

When: Friday, May 22 - Noon to 1:00 PM.
Where: Meet with ZOOM!
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81784478865?pwd=wxic5j7bygeCTE5yxZWJ4N5KBE8WXa.1

In the picture there is a green mega phone. Large, white text reads "Public Hearing. Re: Changes to Medicaid."

05/06/2026

Our TRANSPORTATION ISOLATES rural Vermonters.

My name is Mike. I use a wheel chair, and am an advocate, minister, and expert ham radio operator.

I am a very social person. I want to meet people and form friendships, but I can’t do that when I can’t leave my home.

Rural Community Transit has an accessible van I can call, but they’re expensive and Medicaid will only pay for the ride if the destination is to see my doctor. There is no other taxi service, and Section 8 limits my choices on where I can live.

Being in a rural community can be isolating for people like me. I have no one to share my day with. I talk to my lovebird, Bacall. She may not “speak people,” but she’s an excellent listener.

Transportation should not be a luxury for only the rich or well-located, but a public service that every Vermonter, in every town, can access.

Mike says, "C'mon, Bacall. Let's shake things up and go to town."

“HELLO, NEIGHBOR.”
Stories from real Vermonters brought to you by the Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council

https://ddc.vermont.gov/plan-and-projects/house-projects...

04/30/2026

Vermont’s Agency of Human Services is collecting public comment on its Global Commitment to Health (also called the 1115 waiver).

This is your chance to speak-up and tell the State how Medicaid works for you.

When: Friday, May 22 - Noon to 1:00 PM.
Where: Meet with ZOOM!
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81784478865?pwd=wxic5j7bygeCTE5yxZWJ4N5KBE8WXa.1

In the picture there is a green mega phone. Large, white text reads "Public Hearing. Re: Changes to Medicaid."

04/08/2026

People who QUALIFY FOR SERVICES should get them.

My name is Dion. I am an activist, advocate, and a Vermonter with a developmental disability.

I served on the Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council to help people who are like me -- people who are falling through the cracks because they don’t have Medicaid-funded services.

I live with my partner, Thelma. She also has disabilities. When we had services we worked, paid our bills, and had secure housing. Since our services were cut in 2011 we’ve been evicted five times. Every day I have anxiety about losing my home. We still have boxes we haven’t unpacked from the last time. I don’t want to ever be evicted again.

Our needs haven’t changed. We still qualify for services, we just don’t get them.

Let’s seal the cracks in our system and give Medicaid-funded services to everyone who needs them.

Dion says, “We give to our community -- help us give more.”

“HELLO, NEIGHBOR.”
Stories from real Vermonters brought to you by the Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council

https://ddc.vermont.gov/plan-and-projects/house-projects

04/01/2026

Developmental Disabilities Housing Initiative (DDHI) celebrated another year of advocacy and community at the Statehouse.

While they served ice-cream to legislators and guests in the Statehouse cafeteria, several key members of DDHI spoke to the crowd. They praised the progress that's been made toward long-term, service-supported housing for Vermonters who receive Developmental Disabilities Services. DDHI honored Representative Topper McFaun for his committed role in passing Act 186 (2022). Representative Topper announced earlier this year that he will retire from the legislature. DDHI parents also honored Senator Alison Clarkson, who will not run for re-election next fall.