COMMUNITY ADVISORS
(CAC / COMMUNITY ADVISORY COUNCIL)

The Developmental Disabilities Act mandates that all University Centers work under the support and direction of a consumer advisory council. Section 154 Subsection E of the law states that: "UCEDDs will establish a consumer advisory committee." Specific guidelines are outlined for UCEDDs to follow.

People with disabilities, families, advocates, and professionals --Community Advisory Council helps IHDD decide the best way to make change happen.

The Community Advisory Council exists to support and advise the Institute on Human Development and Disability. The twenty or more volunteers are appointed by the IHDD Director to represent the major groups and major partners with whom IHDD works.

From an advisory capacity, Community Advisory Council members assist IHDD in their individual areas of experience and expertise through:

• advising on the development and implementation of Institute goals, objectives, and activities
  
• serving on committees and task forces
  
• providing technical assistance, including guest lecturing, review of products, conference/training planning and evaluation, and linking the Institute with other organizations; and
  
• providing information concerning local, state, and national needs and assessing the extent to which the IHDD is addressing those needs.