CURRENT AND UPCOMING VACANCIES

The Council currently has one (1) vacancy for an individual who qualifies as a person with a developmental disability or a a parent or guardian of a child with developmental disabilities or immediate relatives or guardians of an adult with mentally impairing developmental disabilities who cannot advocate for themselves. 

The Council anticipates having (2) vacancies in the “person with a developmental disability” category and (1) one vacancy in the “parent/family member/guardian” category in 2021.

OVERVIEW

The Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities is a state agency guided by the mission to advance the independence, productivity, and inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of society.

The Council’s vision is that all communities will be accessible, and all people with disabilities will be valued as full citizens in the community. The mission is accomplished through planning, evaluation, training, collaboration, marketing and education, research and advocacy. The Council receives about $1,500,000 dollars in federal funding every year to conduct activities and projects in accordance with the Council’s Five Year Plan for People with Disabilities.

BOARD GOVERNANCE

The Council Board recognizes that governing boards fulfill a crucial link in the “chain of command” between owners—whether legal or moral in nature—and operatives (staff). The Board’s representative authority is employed by operating as an undivided unit, setting organizational goals and expected outcomes but leaving most of the decisions on initiating and managing activities to achieve those outcomes up to staff. The Board makes its decision by determining broad policies and then policies descending in size as needed. The model enables extensive empowerment to staff while preserving controls necessary for accountability. It provides a values-based foundation, a framework for precision delegation, and a long-term focus on what the organization is for, more than what it does.

BOARD DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Because the Council’s role is one of innovator and facilitator; Board members are expected to stay informed and current with disability policy/trends, be aware of new opportunities, and think strategically. The Council represents a wide range of issues and all types of disabilities. It is essential that board members speak with one voice setting aside personal agendas to concentrate on the larger picture and the disability community as a whole. Board members may be asked, in a volunteer capacity, to assist with various commitments the Council has agreed to such as participating at the statewide conference, hosting forums, observing and participating in community activities, and attendance at training events.

BOARD MEMBERSHIP

The Council is funded under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act) and the DD Act prescribes the composition of the board membership of the Council.

The DD Act requires “citizen” members comprise at least 60% of the membership of the Council and be appointed by the Governor from the following categories:

•  People with developmental disabilities 
• Parents or guardians of children with developmental disabilities or immediate relatives or guardians of adults with mentally impairing developmental disabilities who cannot advocate for themselves 
• Person with a developmental disability who resides or previously resided in an institution OR immediate relative or guardian of a person with a developmental disability who resides or previously resided in an institution 

To see what defines a developmental disability, click here.

Indiana Code 4-23-29-8 allows for the appointment of (1) individual representing, among others, specific community, business, or disability organizations. 

Board members represent a variety of geographic areas, disabilities, and ethnic backgrounds. Diversity in the membership adds to the richness of the board as it deliberates critical issues as representatives of the citizens of Indiana who have disabilities. 
 

Meeting are held quarterly on the second Tuesday of the month from 10 am to 2:30 pm. The Council’s Leadership Committee sets the agenda and may schedule additional meetings if needed. Travel and accessible accommodation expenses are paid. 

APPOINTMENT PROCESS

When a vacancy occurs, the Leadership Committee reviews applications and/or recruits additional applicants. Candidates are interviewed and recommendations are made to the board for approval at the next regular meeting. If approved, the board’s recommendation and candidate’s information is submitted to the Governor’s Office for consideration. Additional forms and clearances are required by the Governor.

BOARD APPLICATION

To request the board application in an alternate format please email council@gcpd.in.gov. 

• Board Application (PDF)
• Board Application (Text Only)
• Background Information

• Financial Disclosure