
Governor Tim Walz Proclaims October 13, 2021
Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities Day
WHEREAS:
The Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) was first appointed in October 1971 as authorized in the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act to serve as an advocate for all persons with developmental disabilities by carrying out activities in major areas of emphasis; and
WHEREAS:
Through its first half-century in existence, the GCDD has contributed to unprecedented historical archives and a wealth of information, education, and training materials that have amplified the voices, experiences, and histories of people with developmental disabilities in Minnesota; and
WHEREAS:
The GCDD, through Partners in Policymaking®, created and continues to deliver one of the most effective and highly regarded advocacy training programs for people with developmental disabilities and parents of children with developmental disabilities, with over 1,100 graduates in Minnesota and 29,000 graduates nationally and internationally; and
WHEREAS:
For 50 years, the GCDD has strengthened the knowledge and skills of allies, policymakers, racial and ethnic communities, and providers to more fully integrate and meaningfully include people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of community life; and
WHEREAS:
The GCDD has played an essential role in efforts to support community integration, increase employment in the general workforce, prevent abuse, increase the use of person-centered practices, and expand the rights of people with developmental disabilities; and
WHEREAS:
The GCDD is highly respected within Minnesota and judged by national experts to be one of the most innovative, influential, and impactful Developmental Disabilities councils around the country; and
WHEREAS:
As we commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the GCDD, Minnesota also recommits itself to increasing independence, self-determination, productivity, integration, and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM WALZ, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim Wednesday, October 13, 2021, as:
Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities Day
in the State of Minnesota
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Minnesota to be affixed at the State Capitol this 4th day of October.

Signed by GOVERNOR TIM WALZ

Signed by SECRETARY OF STATE Steve Simon
Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State, Steve Simon