How We Began

We were born of the national Developmental Disabilities Act of 1970. We are the Wisconsin board that is charged with bringing people together to solve problems, remove barriers and create statewide change for the developmental disability community.

“Disability is a natural part of the human experience.”

Developmental Disabilities Act 1970

How We Began

We were born of the national Developmental Disabilities Act of 1970. We are the Wisconsin board that is charged with bringing people together to solve problems, remove barriers and create statewide change for the developmental disability community.

“Disability is a natural part of the human experience.”

Developmental Disabilities Act 1970

Our Mission

To unite ALL of Wisconsin in supporting our residents with developmental disabilities to lead their most independent lives. 

Our Charge

We visited communities around the state to find out what issues matter to you and what you’d like to see change.  We listened. And from your words came our 5-year state plan for people with developmental disabilities. 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

We want all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to have the lives they want. Yet, we know that not all people are living the lives they want because of racism and discrimination. We commit to finding and addressing these inequities at BPDD and in the service systems. We will listen, we will learn, and we will achieve change.

Definitions

  • Diversity: All the ways in which people and lives are different.
  • Equity: Everyone has the supports they need to access opportunities to have the lives they want.
  • Inclusion: A community where all people are and feel respected, have a sense of belonging, and can participate and contribute to the group’s success.

Land Acknowledgement

The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD) has the honor and responsibility to acknowledge the Indigenous people who have called this land home for generations. Our office is in Madison, known as Teejop (pronounced day-JOPE) by the Ho-Chunk people. They had 10 million acres that were recognized by treaty. They were repeatedly removed from Wisconsin from 1832-1874, but they kept coming back to their homeland and are still here.

While BPDD is located on Ho-Chunk land, we work across the state. No matter where you are in the state, you are on the ancestral land of Tribal nations. There are 12 Tribal nations in Wisconsin, 11 of which are federally recognized. We encourage you to learn about and appreciate the history of the Tribal nations who cared for this land and continue to contribute to our communities.

BPDD also wants to recognize the different ways that Indigenous cultures see disability: people with disabilities have a place and a purpose in tribal communities. These are cultural teachings we can all learn from. Read this article to learn more.

BPDD developed this land acknowledgement with Tribal members connected to the Board, based on studying other land acknowledgements. Special thanks to Kenneth Funmaker, Jr., and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection for providing language.

2024 Board Meeting Dates

Click the button to see when our scheduled Board Meeting and Executive Meetings dates are being held for 2024.

If you would like to submit public comment or attend a board meeting you can contact Jeremy for the link at Jeremy.Gundlach@wisconsin.gov

Our 5-Year State Plan

Our top goals and how we plan to achieve them.

Our Unique Role

We are the state council with a federal charge. What does that mean?

2023 Impact Sheet

See the impact our board has made around the state in 2023

2021-23 Biennial Report

Check out some of our accomplishments from the last two years!

Biennial Budget Priorities

Click on the link below to read our Biennial Budget Priorities

Budget Priorities

Our voices. Our choices. Our lives.

Check out our new YouTube Channel and don’t forget to like and subscribe!

 

Our People

People with developmental disabilities are essential community members, employees and friends. We believe they should have the same choices and opportunities to live their most independent life.

Our Board

Our dedicated board members come from around the state and include people with developmental disabilities or their family members.

Our Staff

Our staff is passionate about helping people with developmental disabilities live their best lives.

Our Calendar

Board meetings, trainings, listening sessions, events…find out what’s happening in your community and around the state. It’s all here.