Mission

The Council plans, evaluates, and promotes programs for people with disabilities. It is composed of 28 members appointed by the Governor who are people with disabilities or their parents and the representatives of principal State agencies and private providers that deliver services or supports.

Effective management of any large, complex service system requires access to data, strategic planning, and program development capabilities. People with disabilities and their advocates turn to state government and the legislature for continued leadership in meeting their needs for long term care and in-home supports. The Council provides the system with a constructive process that connects the public with policymakers to ensure the thoughtful development of an efficient service delivery system.

Primary Programs and Responsibilities:
In Alaska the Council is responsible for interdepartmental planning and coordination of services to persons with substantial disabilities. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Council serves as Alaska’s Special Education Advisory Committee and the Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities. Members of the Council act as the Board of Directors for the Special Education Services Agency that provides consultation to rural districts regarding the education of students with severe or multiple disabilities. The council makes recommendations to the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority that result in funding services that benefit people with developmental disabilities.

Major issues:
The Council is focused on improving the quality of early intervention, special education, and community services to people with disabilities. We advocate to reduce the number of people on wait lists for services and influence the development of long term care and in-home supports. Working with state agencies and the private sector, the Council carries out initiatives to eliminate the barriers experienced by people with disabilities in finding and keeping jobs that allows people to achieve independence from government supported benefits.

Accomplishments:
Long Term Care and In-home Supports: As a result of the Council’s planning, advocacy, and the ability to forge coalitions, Alaskans receive individualized services in the community. The services are financed by Medicaid waivers that were designed by the Council or with state funds. There are no private or state operated ICF/MR facilities in the state. Savings realized from closing the ICF/MRs were captured and followed the residents into the community.

Self Determination and Empowerment:
In April, 1998 Alaska hosted the International People First, Self Advocacy Conference. Over 1000 people with disabilities form nearly 18 countries attended. A focal point of the Conference was on the United Nations’ Resolutions to improve the lives of people with disabilities throughout the world. Joe Pichler, Conference Chair and a Consumer Representative on the Council, was selected by the Governor as an Alaskan of the Year.

Employment:
Using funds secured from the Alaska Mental Health Trust and a grant from the US Office of Special Education, the Council is working to reduce the barriers and disincentives that people with disabilities face in getting and keeping jobs. The Council piloted the creation of enterprises to be owned or operated by people with disabilities and developed training activities in grant writing and fundraising for organizations serving people with disabilities.