About Us: What is The National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities?

The National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities at the University of Delaware is a partnership of national developmental disabilities organizations that offers intensive week-long leadership institutes, distance learning opportunities, mentoring programs, continuing education programs, both undergraduate- and graduate-level campus-based programs, and a resource-rich website all aimed at improving the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families.

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The goal of the newly established National Leadership Consortium is to assure the quality and commitment of the next generation of leaders for government and nonprofit organizations serving people with developmental disabilities. Drawing upon the experience of the principals of the Leadership Consortium in heading two of the largest disability associations nationally, the Consortium is dedicated to building a corps of quality leaders and to the promotion of sound, values-based leadership practices.

While some generic non-profit management and leadership courses are available nationally, none exist that are specific to leaders in the complex and changing field of developmental disabilities services. The National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities has the potential to significantly affect the quality of supports to which people with disabilities have access in the future.

Educational and training opportunities through The National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities focus on:

  • Understanding the history of the developmental disabilities field as a context for change;
  • Understanding one's own strengths and development needs relevant to leadership;
  • Managing for quality services, supports and outcomes that meet the needs and desires of people with disabilities and their families;
  • Strategic planning, visioning a better future, and organizational change;
  • Mastering the ability to lead by example;
  • Making strategically-driven decisions;
  • Capitalizing on communication, technology, and marketing;
  • Understanding the challenges of an individualized service system, including fiscal and managerial implications;
  • Developing the ability to build relationships with, influence, and motivate others;
  • Selecting and supporting quality staff and assuring their commitment to positive values;
  • Promoting a positive culture through all levels of the organization;
  • Developing strong team members by challenging, including, and valuing them;
  • Planning for one's own professional and career development;
  • Establishing and achieving mission-focused professional and organizational goals;
  • Working with boards for competent governance;
  • Maximizing public funding sources and capitalizing on fundraising opportunities;
  • Applying successful strategies for problem-solving and managing conflict; and
  • Adapting to philosophical, organizational, and public policy shifts.