About The California State Council on Developmental Disabilities

The California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) disrupts systems to make them work better – more effective, efficient, agile, and accountable – for Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. We are an independent state agency, created by federal and state law, and led by individuals with IDD and their families. 

Guided by our core values of self-determination, independence, productivity, integration, inclusion, advocacy, protection, and quality of life, we challenge barriers, improve policies, and create opportunities so every person can live, work, and thrive in their own community. We work to make California the best place for individuals with IDD and their families. We do that through advocacy, capacity-building, and systems change. Our services and support are free, so cost is never a barrier to access. 

In 2024 alone, our work reached over 9.3 million Californians. We: 

• Trained 20,961 people
• Provided 13,300 individuals with direct problem-solving assistance
• Partnered with 1,347 community organizations to expand access to housing, education, employment, and safety
• Protected 5.8 million students from harmful restraint practices 
• Helped 1,117 people transition from sheltered workshops into minimum-wage-or-better jobs
• Distributed more than 350,000 PPE items and 2,879 emergency Go-Bags 
• Secured nearly $2.4 million in leveraged funding for community change

Our impact is measured not just in numbers, but in lives changed. For example:

• Self-Advocacy Leadership Academy graduates are influencing policy and leading their communities.
• A grandmother trained by SCDD became a successful advocate for her grandson’s education and is now mentoring other families.
• Law enforcement recruits who trained with us now approach calls involving individuals with disabilities with greater understanding, empathy, and respect. 

We believe that when people with disabilities have the tools, supports, and opportunities they need, all Californians benefit. Through advocacy, training, and direct community partnerships, we are building a California where systems serve the people. We invite you to learn more, connect with us, and join in creating a future where every person has the opportunity to live the life they choose.