Constituent Advisory Committee (CAC) of the Waisman Center University
Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD)

This document outlines the operational rules for the Constituent Advisory Committee of the Waisman Center UCEDD (University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities).

Mission Statement
The mission of the Constituent Advisory Committee (CAC) of the Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) at the Waisman Center is to ascertain and represent the interests of people served and affected by UCEDD programs and consult with the Associate Director of the UCEDD regarding the development and ongoing review of the 5 year plan.

Membership
The Administration on Developmental Disabilities dictates required membership as follows:
(E) establish a consumer advisory committee-
(i) of which a majority of the members shall be individuals with developmental disabilities and family members of such individuals;
(ii) that is comprised of-
(I) individuals with developmental disabilities and related disabilities;
(II) family members of individuals with developmental disabilities;
(III) a representative of the State protection and advocacy system;
(IV) a representative of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities;
(V) a representative of a self-advocacy organization described in section 124(c)(4)(A)(ii)(I); and
(VI) representatives of organizations that may include parent training and information centers assisted under section 682 or 683 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1482, 1483), entities carrying out activities authorized under section 101 or 102 of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 3011, 3012), relevant State agencies, and other community groups concerned with the welfare of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families;
(iii) that reflects the racial and ethnic diversity of the State.

The Chairperson may appoint Advisory/Liaison members as needed for specific input on a given topic. Such members shall be selected for their expertise and knowledge in providing linkages with agencies, both public and private, and organizations of and for people with disabilities.

Membership Roles and Responsibilities
The Administration on Developmental Disabilities dictates required roles as follows:
(iv) that shall-
(I) consult with the Director of the Center regarding the development of the 5-year plan, and shall participate in an annual review of, and comment on, the progress of the Center in meeting the projected goals contained in the plan, and shall make recommendations to the Director of the Center regarding any proposed revisions of the plan that might be necessary; and
(II) meet as often as necessary to carry out the role of the committee, but at a minimum twice during each grant year;
The UCEDD organizes this group to fulfill the following roles:

Committee members shall commit to serve this advisory body whose charge is to advise the Waisman Center UCEDD. Each member brings a unique background of information, interests, talents and life experiences, which can be used to enhance the goals and objective of the CAC.

The role/responsibility of a member shall be to:
Provide the Waisman Center UCEDD staff with input on programs to promote improvement in the lives of people with disabilities, their families, and all those who are concerned about disability issues.

Attend meetings regularly and participate in the committee process to develop Waisman Center UCEDD policies.

Collaborate with other CAC members to identify unmet needs and interests of people with disabilities.

Link with one of the three units in the UCEDD and learn more about their program first hand. Share observations and information as requested by the Chair of the CAC.

Membership Terms
1. The Waisman Center UCEDD staff shall recommend members to the Constituent Advisory Committee. Membership will reflect the consumers served in UCEDD programs. Membership shall be for a three-year term. Members may serve two terms unless chair agrees to grant an extension.
2. Each member must be willing to commit to at least two meetings per year.

Membership Expenses
Expenses to attend meetings will be processed in accordance with rules and regulations of the University of Wisconsin. Members may be provided with a small honorarium in recognition of their contribution to the UCEDD.

Responsibilities and Powers of the Chairperson
1. The Chairperson of the CAC shall be appointed by the UCEDD Associate Director for a three year term and may be re-appointed as Chairperson for one additional term. The Chair should be a consumer or family member of a consumer. The Chair may be an employee of the UCEDD as an LTE.

2. The Chairperson shall be responsible for calling all meetings of the membership.

3. The Chairperson shall develop the agenda for all the meetings of the Constituent Advisory Committee (CAC)

4. The Chairperson shall conduct the meetings of the Constituent Advisory Committee (CAC)

5. Participate with the AUCD Council on Consumer Affairs (COCA), including COCA meetings during the AUCD Annual meeting. If feasible, attend the annual AUCD meeting with expenses paid in accordance with rules and regulations of the University of Wisconsin.

Staff Support
Staff support will be allocated to assure timely distribution of minutes of all meetings of the CAC, publishing of a roster of members, issuing notices and agendas for all meetings, scheduling and making arrangements for regular and special meetings, and providing other necessary and clerical and support services.

Meetings
The Constituent Advisory Committee (CAC) will meet as often as necessary but at a minimum of twice during each grant year. Times and places are designated by the Chairperson. Once a year a portion of the meeting will be an annual business meeting where terms are reviewed, new members are welcomed and outgoing members are recognized. The annual meeting will also be the official update on the UCEDD’s five year plan.