Supporters tell council bill to increase self‑advocate representation on IDD panel would strengthen decision-making

Bill 28-26, which would revise the membership structure of the Montgomery County Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Commission, drew testimony from commissioners, self-advocates and the commission chair at the July 14 meeting.

Lisa Lorraine, a member of the IDD commission who helped draft the commission’s January 2026 letter requesting the introduction of the bill, said the current structure requires only two of 19 voting members to be individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). "This bill would increase representation of self advocates, expand opportunities for families whose loved ones cannot advocate for themselves, and ensure that the commission includes members who participate in self directed services," Lorraine said.

Jake Dinsky, a self-advocate who served on the inaugural commission, called for preserving seats for people who use self-directed services and urged passage. "The bill exists because of the commission's work... I drove up from Philadelphia... because I thought it was important I add my voice to this," he said.

Susan Hartung, chair of the County Commission on People with IDD, supported restructuring but also urged the council to address three longstanding vacancies (about 15% of the commission seats) that she said had limited the commission’s effectiveness; she also requested that the commission be included in plans to restore a customized employment program that originated from IDD recommendations.

The hearing record shows unanimous support from the commission’s representatives for increased lived-experience representation and for timely appointments to current vacancies; the matter is scheduled for a Health and Human Services committee work session on July 23, 2026, with materials due July 16, 2026.