North Dakota State Council on Developmental Disabilities

08/12/2026

Beginners Sign Class being offered FREE online by the Outreach Department of the North Dakota School for the Deaf. 30 slots available, first come, first serve.

08/11/2026

Family caregivers are the backbone of North Dakota’s long‑term support system, and they’re aging right alongside the loved ones they care for.

In a state with one of the largest aging populations in the country, these caregivers are doing more than ever: managing complex health needs, navigating fewer home and community-based supports, and providing round‑the‑clock care that keeps families together. The need for strong, reliable services has never been greater.

We’re proud to share our new educational video highlighting the real experiences of family caregivers in North Dakota; their dedication, their challenges, and the urgent need to strengthen the supports they rely on.

Watch here:

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08/11/2026

Thank you to Prairie Public for inviting Designer Genes of North Dakota to be part of Main Street. During the interview, we discussed why connection, education, advocacy, and belonging matter.

We're grateful for opportunities like this to share the stories of our community and help more people learn about the resources available across North Dakota.

Take a listen here:
https://news.prairiepublic.org/podcast/main-street/2026-08-03/supporting-families-with-down-syndrome-the-stories-that-stay-with-us

08/10/2026

Do you know about LaunchMyLifeND.com? It’s a great resource for people with disabilities and those who support them! It provides easy to access and understand resources for individuals with disabilities planning for secondary transition.

This month we are highlighting resources on self-advocacy. Self-advocacy and self-determination are essential to living a fulfilling life! Check out https://launchmylifend.com/self-advocacy/ for content, videos, and resources on topics such as self-advocacy, supported decision-making, and much more.

Help elevate the voices of people with disabilities by sharing this resource with others!

Thanks,
Launch My Life
• North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities (NDCPD)
• ND Protection and Advocacy
• North Dakota State Council on Developmental Disabilities
• ND Department of Public Instruction
• North Dakota Vocational Rehabilitation
• Pathfinder Services

08/10/2026

A shift in legal wording out of Washington has North Dakota disability advocates urging caution, warning it could eventually threaten the services that keep thousands of vulnerable residents living in their own homes. MORE: https://www.kfyrtv.com/2026/08/07/nd-disability-advocates-fear-sliding-backward-institutional-care-over-federal-memo/

08/10/2026

College is for every learner and the Viking Pathway Program at Valley City State University is opening doors, building confidence, and creating real opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Viking Pathway Program gives students the chance to take classes, join campus life, build friendships, and gain hands‑on experience that prepares them for employment and independent living. It’s inclusion in action and it strengthens the entire VCSU community.

Watch this video to learn more about their program:

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08/09/2026

08/07/2026

Thanks to our great council members and advocates for doing such great presentations!

08/07/2026

College should be a place where every student can explore, grow, and build their future, and inclusive higher education programs like the NDSU Transition and Access Program (TAP) make that possible.

The TAP program gives students with intellectual and developmental disabilities the chance to experience real college life: taking classes, building friendships, joining campus activities, and gaining the skills they need for independence and employment.

These supports aren’t just helpful, they’re transformational. Watch this video to learn more about TAP:

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08/06/2026

🍎 A Message for the New School Year!

As students across North Dakota head back to school, the Council is celebrating the power of 504 supports to help students thrive. Our new educational video breaks down how these accommodations work and why they matter; for students, families, and educators.

Because when we design classrooms that work for all learners, everyone benefits.

Watch on our You Tube page:

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