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Developmental Disability Self-Advocates Meet with Lawmakers at Annual Event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 19, 2013

LANSING - On Feb. 13, more than 130 statewide developmental disabilities advocates met with their state legislators during the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) Developmental Disabilities Council's 14th Annual Legislative Event at the Radisson Hotel in downtown Lansing.

During the event members from Regional Inclusive Community Coalitions (RICC) across the state met with their state lawmakers to discuss policy issues affecting the developmental disability community. RICCs are local self-advocacy groups made of members with developmental disabilities, their friends or family members, community leaders, and service providers.

"Michigan's Developmental Disabilities Council's annual Legislative Event provides an ideal opportunity for self-advocates to connect with their lawmakers about the important issues they face," said James K. Haveman, Director of the MDCH. "Issues ranging from healthcare, jobs, housing, transportation, employment and other community supports create unique challenges for those with disabilities so this event is critical in allowing them to have their voices heard."

The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council works to support people with developmental disabilities across the state. The Governor appointed 21-member council consists of people with disabilities; family members, mentors, guardians, and advocates of people with disabilities; and professionals from state and local agencies who assist people with developmental disabilities.

For more information about the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council, visit www.michigan.gov/ddcouncil.

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DD Council 14th Annual Legislative Event

Photo Caption: Representative Tom Leonard (left top row) meets with the Central Michigan Regional Inclusive Community Coalition to discuss issues affecting the developmental disabilities community. (Left to right back row: Jennah Wolfe; Rep. Tom Leonard, Myron Denman, Andrea Cotter; Left to right bottom row: Joyce LeBoeuf and Clayton Brown)