Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities

Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities Working to Increase Independence, Self-Determination, Productivity, Integration and Inclusion Government.

The Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities is funded under the provisions of P.L. 106-402. The federal law also provides funding to the Minnesota Disability Law Center, the state Protection and Advocacy System, and to the Institute on Community Integration, the state University Center for Excellence. The Minnesota network of programs works to increase the Independence, Producti

vity, Self Determination, Integration and Inclusion (IPSII) of people with developmental disabilities and families into community life. The Council is composed of 25 members appointed for three-year terms, with a maximum of two consecutive terms. Each member is appointed by the Governor from among state residents. The Act requires each state council to include representatives of state agencies responsible for administering federal funds that support programs and services for people with developmental disabilities and the elderly. Council members represent the Departments of Children, Families and Learning; Economic Security and Human Services; the Institute on Community Integration (University Center for Excellence) and the Minnesota Disability Law Center (Protection and Advocacy system). Nongovernmental agencies and private nonprofit organizations are also represented. The Council is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $1,120,136.00 with 83 percent funded by ACL/HHS and $222,000.00 and 17 percent funded by non-federal-government source(s). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S.

If you’re heading to the Minnesota State Fair, be sure to stop by and pick up some Treat People Like People merchandise!...
08/29/2026

If you’re heading to the Minnesota State Fair, be sure to stop by and pick up some Treat People Like People merchandise!

The Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities will be in the Education Building on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, offering free information and educational resources.

We’d love to see you there; come say hello and learn more about building a more inclusive Minnesota!

Discover How AI Can Empower People with Disabilities. Learn how Artificial Intelligence(AI) can improve communication, l...
08/27/2026

Discover How AI Can Empower People with Disabilities. Learn how Artificial Intelligence(AI) can improve communication, learning, work, independence, and daily life for people with disabilities. Join the National Disability AI & Enabling Technology VirtualSummit to gain practical insights, hear from leading experts, and discover how to use AI safely, responsibly, and effectively.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: SETH GODIN
Seth Godin is a best-selling author, entrepreneur, and one of the world’s most influential voices on leadership, innovation, and technology. His books have sold millions of copies worldwide,and his daily blog is read by people around the globe. He will open the Summit with an inspiring keynote on innovation and the future of technology.

NOVEMBER 17, 2026 | 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM ET | LIVE ONLINE | FREE REGISTRATION

Use the QR code to register and get more information.

Dive into the future of AI and tech designed to empower people with disabilities in this exciting virtual summit!

We are thrilled to launch our new podcast series featuring conversations that explore how we view intelligence, safety, ...
08/21/2026

We are thrilled to launch our new podcast series featuring conversations that explore how we view intelligence, safety, and human connection. We sit down with authors and experts to discuss what it actually takes to build a worldwhere everyone is safe and valued. Full episodes and written transcripts are available right now. Head to https://treatpeoplelikepeople.org/videos-podcasts/ to listen!

Heading to the Great Minnesota Get-Together? Come visit us in the Education Building. Stop by our booth to connect with ...
08/20/2026

Heading to the Great Minnesota Get-Together? Come visit us in the Education Building. Stop by our booth to connect with the community, learn more about ourcampaigns, and grab some free branded items. We can't wait to see you there!

Disabilities are a natural part of human diversity, and inclusive workplaces thrive because of diverse talents and uniqu...
08/11/2026

Disabilities are a natural part of human diversity, and inclusive workplaces thrive because of diverse talents and unique problem-solving perspectives. Want to help spread the Treat People Like People message? Visit https://treatpeoplelikepeople.org/disabilities-are-diversity-toolkit/ to download our "Disabilities are Diversity" toolkit and grab free graphics to share!

Disabilities are Diversity When everyone is welcome, we all benefit. Share your belief in an inclusive society on social media or use the downloads below celebrate diversity. Disabilities are a part of human diversity. And everyone can help create a more inclusive society that benefits us all. Take....

08/11/2026

We are excited to welcome our new members to the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. Joining us are Dan Reed from the nonprofit community; Jen Hall-Lande from the Institute on Community Integration; Ashley Reiff, parent member; Holly Andersen from the Minnesota Department of Education; Daonna Depoister, parent member; and Janna Peterson from the Minnesota Disability Law Center. Each brings valuable experience, passion, and perspective that will strengthen our work and advance opportunities for Minnesotans with developmental disabilities. We look forward to their leadership and the meaningful contributions they will make in the years ahead. Welcome to the Council!

On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, we honored our outgoing members of the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disa...
08/11/2026

On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, we honored our outgoing members of the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities and thanked them for their dedicated service. Commissioner Tamar Gronvall and Assistant Commissioner Betsy Hayes joined Chair Heather Kainz to express appreciation for both outgoing and incoming members. Each honoree—Jason Blomquist, Dupree Edwards, Amy Hewitt, Lesli Kerkhoff, Garrett Petrie, Connie Rabideaux, and former Chair Lee Shervheim—has made a lasting impact through their leadership and advocacy. Their contributions have strengthened our mission, advanced inclusion, and elevated the voices of individuals with developmental disabilities across Minnesota. We are deeply grateful for their commitment and the unique perspectives they brought to the Council. Thank you to each outgoing member for your remarkable service and meaningful legacy.

The Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities is pleased to announce a new Learning Lesson package that...
08/04/2026

The Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities is pleased to announce a new Learning Lesson package that explains the struggle for disability rights in Minnesota as part of the wider civil rights movement in the United States, both of which strive for equality, justice, and inclusion in the community. This training package includes a PowerPoint slide deck “Waiting for Rights: Civil Rights and Developmental Disabilities in Minnesota” with video clips, and a Facilitator Guide that supports the presentation. The lesson can be delivered in 30–60 minutes and is designed for social studies classes, self-advocacy and family groups, as well as starting a community conversation.
https://mn.gov/mnddc/learning-lesson/

The Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities celebrates the 36th anniversary of the signing of the Ame...
07/24/2026

The Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities celebrates the 36th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 2026. Please visit our website and review 31 installments telling the story of how the ADA passed.

https://mn.gov/mnddc/ada-legacy/index.html

Address

Administration Building 50 Sherburne Avenue Room G10
Saint Paul, MN
55155

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+16512964018

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