Patrick Reinhart
Executive Director
Heidi Lieb-Williams
Council Chair
Creating change that improves the lives of Alaskans
with disabilities
Contact Us
- Toll Free: 1-888-269-8990
- Phone: 907-269-8990
- Email: GCDSE@alaska.gov
- Fax: 907-269-8995
- Address: Robert B. Atwood Building
550 W 7th Ave, Suite 1220, Anchorage, AK 99501
Governor's Council on Disabilities and Special Education
Developmental Disabilities Shared Vision
Alaskans share a vision of a flexible system in which each person directs their own supports, based on their strengths and abilities, toward a meaningful life in their home, their job and their community. Our vision includes supported families, professional staff and services available throughout the state now and into the future. DD Shared Vision Website
Headlines
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Director Mayes talks about recommended changes to programs across state government in order to improve employment outcomes for Alaskans with disabilities. The recommendations come from the Alaska Work Matters Task Force, a group with members from Alaskan businesses, Alaskans with disabilities, and leadership from across state government.
- Alaska Work Matters Task Force Final Report Recommendations by the Alaska Work Matters Task Force to improve employment outcomes for Alaskan with disabilities.
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- Alaskans with disabilities deserve respect, and to be equal to everyone else. That means living a full life, free of abuse and neglect. The Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education and Disability Law Center of Alaska worked together with self-advocates to share this important message. To report abuse or neglect of a vulnerable Alaskan, call Adult Protective Services at 1-800-478-9996 or file a report online. Watch this important PSA with Jamie Kokoszka and Ian Miner Closed Captions and Open Captions.
- 9 Core Messages: What Everyone Should Know About Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Alaska FASD Strategic Plan Workgroup (2017-2022) Report
- Inclusive Practice Award and Paraeducator of the Year 2022 Nomination Open. The GCDSE is happy to partner again with the Alaska State Special Education Conference (ASSEC) to sponsor the Inclusive Practice and Paraeducator of the Year awards. This year’s awards breakfast will be on Tuesday, February 7th during the conference in Anchorage. Nominations may be for an individual or group. If you would like to nominate someone, please use the attached form and return to the GCDSE no later than December 27, 2022.
- Senior and Disabilities Services (SDS) wants to hear from you on plans to end the IDD Waitlist on Monday, Nov. 21 from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
- An exciting update! The final two units of the Traditional Transition Skills curriculum have been added to the SESA website.
- 2022 Stakeholder Survey, your opinion matters!
- SILC Conference 2022: 'Living, Working, and Playing Towards Independence', on September 21st-23rd, 2022 at the Egan Convention Center. The purpose of the conference is to bring together disability advocates and agencies from across the state for learning and networking in a cross-disability manner. Our goal is that participants in this conference learn new tools and discover opportunities that promote independent living, working, and playing in Alaska.
- GCDSE is looking for new council members — apply today!
- Ric Nelson and Corey Gilmore have an important message to share with the community about COVID. Variants and recommendations may change, but we know it's still important to be up-to-date on your COVID vaccines and to wear well-fitted, multi-layered masks to protect yourself and those around you! For more information about how you can get vaccinated, visit CovidVax.Alaska.gov, or call Alaska’s COVID helpline at 907-646-3322. To view other videos in the series, visit our
COVID Vaccine Champions Playlist.
- Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC) for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities of Alaska Governance Policy
- Special Education Advisory Panel Annual Report FFY 2021
- 9 Core Messages: What Everyone Should Know About Prenatal Alcohol Exposure - A hands-on resource for individuals, families, professionals, and decision-makers that explains basic concepts and impacts of prenatal alcohol exposure, associated diagnoses (FAS, FASDs, etc.), common characteristics including strengths and challenges, the importance of diagnosis and early Interventions, prevalence, strategies for success, prevention, advocacy, and Alaskan resources.
Resources