Introduction

The Guam Developmental Disability Council (GDDC) was established to ensure that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), and their families, participate in the design of and have access to cultural services, support, assistance and other opportunities which promote self-determination, productivity, integration, and inclusion into the community.

The Council identifies pressing needs in areas such as education, employment, healthcare, housing, and transportation and develops a five-year state plan to address some of the needs through advocacy, capacity building, and systems change activities.

Establishment

DD Councils were established as part of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act to advocate for change in service systems for people with intellectual & developmental disabilities (I/DD).There’s a council in every US state and territory. In Guam, Executive Order No. 94-09 established the GDDC.