FY2026 (scdd) DD act state councils on developmental disabilities

The Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living awarded $1,222,686 to the Mississippi Department of Mental Health on October 1, 2025, under the Developmental Disabilities Basic Support and Advocacy Grants program (CFDA 93.630). The award funds initiatives to enable individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve independence, productivity, integration, and community inclusion through comprehensive and coordinated services and activities. The performance period extends from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027, with work performed in Mississippi.

The recipient passed funding to nine sub-recipients beginning July 1, 2026. The Arc of Northwest Mississippi operates a community garden providing individuals with disabilities instruction in leadership, self-advocacy, and teamwork through six-week gardening programs, with local garden clubs serving as on-site experts. The University of Mississippi Medical Center delivers the SMILE program, training pediatric dental students and residents in evidence-based behavioral strategies for children with developmental disabilities using Child-Adult Relationship Enhancement training aligned with American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry standards. The University of Southern Mississippi develops the PAUSE toolkit—a comprehensive, accessible resource supporting toilet learning in autistic children ages 6-12, including plain-language guides, visual supports, interactive tools, and materials in print, digital, and Spanish-language formats. Mississippi State University operates Bridges to Speak, providing AAC and PECS training to students with developmental disabilities in rural Mississippi and equipping educators with practical communication strategies. The same institution also runs the MSU Adapted Swim Camp across fall, spring, and summer sessions targeting children and adults with special needs, with plans to develop a state-wide Adapted Swim Instructor Certification program and expand access beyond Starkville to locations including Tupelo, Madison, Ocean Springs, and Vicksburg. The University of Southern Mississippi also delivers Literacy Links, combining comprehensive reading assessments with virtual coaching to improve literacy outcomes for children ages 6-12 with developmental disabilities, and operates Inclusive Afterschool Connections, providing school-based recreation and enrichment in Harrison, Jackson, or Hancock County. Corinth School District employs a Developmental Disabilities Instructional Coach implementing a district-wide competency framework for Special Education Teacher Assistants. The Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA expands adaptive aquatic programming through facility accessibility improvements, adaptive equipment, and specialized instructor training to serve individuals with disabilities and seniors.