The Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, Protection & Advocacy System, Inc. and the Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (WIND) are the three organizations authorized under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. Additionally, Protection & Advocacy System, Inc. operates under a variety of other Federal Laws. The Administration on Developmental Disabilities/Administration on Children and Families provides funding to each organization. In Wyoming, the three groups work together to provide a comprehensive array of supports to people with developmental disabilities, family members, providers and state agencies. Each agency brings a unique perspective on services and supports for people with disabilities and is required under federal law to address specific areas of concern.
The Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities (DDC) engages in advocacy, capacity building and systemic change activities that contribute to a coordinated, consumer- and family-centered, consumer- and family-directed, comprehensive system that includes needed community services, individualized supports and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Protection & Advocacy System, Inc. (P&A) is the official non-profit corporation authorized by several federal laws to provide civil rights protection to persons with disabilities. P&A provides services independently from any agency. P&A services include the provision of information, referral, technical assistance, training and representation. P&A is authorized to pursue legal remedies.
In deciding whether P&A can represent individuals, the following factors are considered:
The Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (WIND) provides interdisciplinary pre-service education and continuing education of students and fellows, training and technical assistance for people with disabilities, particularly developmental disabilities, their families, professionals, paraprofessionals, policymakers, students and the community. WIND conducts research, evaluation and analyses of public policy in areas that affect or could affect, either positively or negatively, individuals with developmental disabilities and their families and disseminates information related to their activities.
