Consumer Advisory Council

WIND, the Wyoming Institute for Disabilities, is Wyoming’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (UCEDD) at the University of Wyoming, College of Health Sciences. For over 20 years, WIND has worked with people with disabilities, members of their families, state and local government agencies, organizations, and community providers to enhance the lives of people with disabilities in Wyoming.

WIND envisions a Wyoming where all people can participate in everyday community life as they choose. Our commitment to people with disabilities allows us to fully realize the needs and values of all citizens with disabilities, especially developmental disabilities.

Learn more about WIND and our projects by visiting our website.

What is a UCEDD?

A UCEDD is a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service. Since 1963, UCEDDs have worked towards a shared vision that foresees a nation in which all Americans, including Americans with disabilities, participate fully in their communities.
Currently, there are 67 UCEDDs-at least one in every US state and territory-that are in a unique position to facilitate the flow of disability-related information between community and university. Centers work with people with disabilities, members of their families, state and local government agencies, and community providers in projects that provide training, technical assistance, service, research, and information sharing, with a focus on building the capacity of communities to sustain all their citizens. UCEDDs have played key roles in every major disability initiative over the past four decades.

The national network of UCEDDs is authorized under Public Law 106-402 (The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 or "DD Act") and their core funding is administered by the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDD).
What is the Consumer Advisory Council and how does the group help WIND?

The WIND CAC members advise the director of WIND, programs, and strategies to best reach and serve individuals with disabilities, families, and professionals in Wyoming.  The CAC provides an opportunity for members to voice interests and views on issues related to disability services, training, research, and information. Members help connect WIND services and activities to the community.

Who belongs to the CAC?

The CAC is made up of individuals with developmental disabilities, family members, and representatives from state and community agencies, educators, and policy makers. Individuals with disabilities and family members make up 50 percent of the CAC.

Why is the CAC important for WIND’s work?

WIND values the input of people with disabilities and their families in our work. We strive to deliver programs and information that are relevant, meaningful, and accessible. The CAC is important because of the input the group provides to WIND from the viewpoint of advocates and families. The CAC is an important resource for our work.

What are the responsibilities of the WIND CAC members?

Members of the CAC are expected to:

• Attend two in-person meetings a year

• Participate in at least two teleconferences a year, scheduled as need

• Work on building capacity of self-advocates/advocates at WIND

• Participate on WIND project advisory committees

• Share resources, ideas, and networks

• Represent WIND at local and regional events

• Share information about WIND’s work

How does WIND support members of the CAC?

WIND will support members to participate in CAC meetings by:

• Reimbursing travel expenses for meetings

• Providing an accessible meeting space, materials, accommodations, and personal assistants, as required, so all members can participate

• Creating an environment that encourages an opportunity to enhance leadership skills

• Sharing information about the activities of WIND partners in Wyoming

How can someone become a member of the WIND CAC?

If you want to become a member of the WIND CAC, you must submit an application to the WIND CAC coordinator. If you would like a printed application mailed to you, please contact windcac@uwyo.edu or call (307) 766-2935.

Applications can be submitted at any time and will be kept on file for consideration when openings on the CAC become available.