About the Council

Our purpose is to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families have access to the services, individualized supports, and resources they need to promote independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion in all areas of community life.

State Councils on Developmental Disabilities are authorized under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (Public Law 106–402). This federal law guides our work to address the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

You can review the law by downloading the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 or the Spanish translation of the DD Act (La ley de Discapacidades del Desarrollo). For additional information, visit the Administration for Community Living (ACL) website.

Our Vision

We envision a world where people with disabilities are not limited by others’ expectations—where they have meaningful choices in all aspects of their lives, and those choices are respected and supported.  A world without limits.

Our Beliefs

• Every person has inherent value and unique abilities.

• Everyone has something to contribute. People should be free to live, work, learn, and play in their communities.

• We challenge ourselves—and one another—to keep improving.

• There is dignity in taking risks and growth in making mistakes.

Who We Serve

The Wyoming Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities is dedicated to promoting independence, inclusion, and opportunity for people with developmental disabilities throughout Wyoming.

What Is a Developmental Disability?

Under Wyoming state law, a developmental disability includes conditions such as brain injury, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, Prader-Willi syndrome, and intellectual disability. These conditions must be permanent.

Because the Council receives federal funding, we also follow the federal definition, which focuses on a person’s level of need rather than a specific diagnosis. Under federal law, a developmental disability is a severe, chronic condition caused by a mental or physical impairment (or both) that:

• Occurs before age 22

• Results in significant limitations in at least three of the following areas:

  • Self-care

  • Receptive and expressive language

  • Learning

  • Mobility

  • Self-direction

  • Independent living

  • Economic self-sufficiency

• Requires lifelong services and supports

** The Wyoming Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities is funded in part by the Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy and/or Council policy.**   

** The Wyoming Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities shares information and resources to support individuals, families, and communities. Listings and links are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement of any organization, product, or service. **