Seeking Public Feedback

Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council Seeks Public Input for Five-Year Strategic Plan
Community Forums Scheduled Statewide in September

DOVER, DE (August 2025) - The Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) is inviting individuals with disabilities, their families, caregivers, service providers, and community members to participate in a series of public forums this September. These forums are a vital part of the process to develop the Council's next Five-Year State Plan, which will guide the Council's goals, activities, and funding priorities from 2027 through 2031.

The Council's Five-Year State Plan is developed in partnership with the community

DDC Chair Dielle De Noon emphasized:

"The Five-Year State Plan is not created behind closed doors. It is created with the people it's meant to support. These forums are an opportunity for individuals and families to share their voices, their needs, and their vision for a more inclusive Delaware. We want to hear directly from you."

The Council encourages Delawareans to think creatively and boldly about the future.
Kristen Harvey, Executive Director of the DDC, shared:

"If you had a magic wand and could change anything to improve life for people with disabilities in Delaware, what would you change? That's the kind of thinking we're inviting. Your ideas, grounded in real experiences, will help us build a plan that reflects what truly matters to our communities."

Public forums will be held both virtually and in person to ensure accessibility and convenience for all participants. During each session, attendees will have the opportunity to share their experiences, challenges, and hopes for a stronger, more accessible Delaware.

Emmanuel Jenkins, Community Relations Officer for the DDC, encourages everyone to get involved:

"This is a plan built by the people. We are calling on Delawareans to help shape the future for people with disabilities in our state. Your voice matters-and we cannot do this without you."

Upcoming Public Forums:
Tuesday, September 2 | 10:35 AM - 12:15 PM
Hybrid - Route 9 Library (3022 New Castle Ave, New Castle, DE) or Online
Register Here

Tuesday, September 2 | 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Virtual only
Register here

Thursday, September 4 | 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Hybrid - Georgetown Public Library (123 W Pine St, Georgetown, DE) or Online
Register Here

Thursday, September 4 | 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Virtual only
Register Here

Tuesday, September 9 | 1:00 - 2:30 PM
Virtual only
Register Here

Tuesday, September 9 | 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Hybrid - DDC Office (410 Federal St, Margaret O'Neill Building, Dover, DE - 2nd Floor) or Online
Register Here

Accessibility:
If you need accommodations to participate, please submit your request at least one week in advance. Contact Stefanie Lancaster at [email protected] for assistance with registration or accommodations.

Help shape the next five years of advocacy, funding, and support for Delawareans with developmental disabilities. Join us and make your voice heard.

Contact:
Emmanuel Jenkins
Community Relations Officer
Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council
[email protected]

For media coverage requests, please email [email protected].