Pursuant to § 1-204.04(b), the Department on Disability Services is established as a separate Cabinet-level agency, subordinate to the Mayor, within the executive branch of the District of Columbia, for the purpose of:

(1) Leading the reform of the District’s intellectual and developmental disabilities system by coordinating the collaborative efforts of government agencies, contractor providers, Medicaid waiver providers, labor, and community leaders to improve the care and habilitation services provided to individuals;

(2) Ensuring that District laws, regulations, programs, policies, and budgets are developed and implemented to promote inclusion and integration, independence, self-determination, choice, and participation in all aspects of community life for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families; and

(3) Promoting the well-being of individuals with developmental disabilities throughout their life spans, through the delivery of individualized, high-quality, safe services and supports.

(Mar. 14, 2007, D.C. Law 16-264, § 103, 54 DCR 818; Sept. 26, 2012, D.C. Law 19-169, § 15(b), 59 DCR 5567.)

This section is referenced in § 7-761.02 and § 7-1301.03.

The 2012 amendment by D.C. Law 19-169, in (1), substituted “intellectual” for “mental retardation” and “individuals” for “consumers.”

For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 103 of Developmental Disabilities Services Management Reform Emergency Amendment Act of 2006 (D.C. Act 16-672, December 28, 2006, 54 DCR 1155).

Section 35 of D.C. Law 19-169 provided that no provision of the act shall impair any right or obligation existing under law.