Our Policy and Advocacy

Since its inception, NADD has worked to improve access to appropriate services for people with a dual diagnosis of IDD and mental illness. The division of responsibility between the mental health and IDD service systems has resulted, all too often, in a denial of comprehensive care and treatment for individuals who have IDD co-occurring with a serious mental health problem.

NADD has been successful in promoting services that bridge the gap between the mental health and developmental disabilities structures.  

In 2014, and again in 2017, NADD organized public policy summits aimed at bringing issues concerning dual diagnosis into the national public policy agenda.  Representatives from all major disability organizations as well as MCO’s, relevant governmental units, and families were represented at these summits.  Action steps were identified and work continues to realize the vision developed in these summits.

We are proud to share the fruits of our Policy and Advocacy work to date with you in the pages below.

Advocacy Position Statements

Social Justice For All

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Strengthening Relationships Between Police and Persons with Intellectual Developmental Disability Co-occurring with Mental Illness: Family Perspectives and a Call for Action

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Position Papers

“Health Care Reform: Ensuring Comprehensive Needs of Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and Co-Occurring Mental Illness are Addressed NADD US Public Policy Statement – One Year Later Update and Next Steps”

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“Learning Community Supports Interagency Planning for Youth with Co-occurring Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health Disorders”

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“Including Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and Co-Occuring Mental Illness: Challenges That Must Be Addressed in Health Care Reform”

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Public Policy Updates

A Moral Imperative: Invest in Eradicating Loneliness

NADD Bulletin, Volume 22, Number 1

January/March 2019 

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NADD Certifications Recognized in Pennsylvania Home and Community-Based Services Waiver

NADD Bulletin, Volume 21, Number 2

March/April 2018 

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National Groups Convene to Address Challenges Facing Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and Co-Occurring Mental Illness

NADD Bulletin, Volume 21, Number 1

January/February 2018 

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The Challenge of Inclusion- Breaking Down Siloes

NADD Bulletin, Volume 20, Number 4

July/August 2017 

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Eliminate Discriminative Practices against Persons with Mental Illness and Co-Occurring Intellectual Disability:  Let Their Voices Be Heard

NADD Bulletin, Volume 20, Number 3

May/June 2017 

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