EVIDENCE-BASED POLICY

In 2010 the National Association of State Director of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS) and the Association of University Centers on Disability (AUCD) entered into a partnership to develop products and activities that would promote evidence-based policymaking. NASDDDS defines evidence based policy as "the responsible application of the best available evidence in the design, administration and reform of programs, services and supports in a manner consistent with achieving independence, productivity, inclusion and self-determination for individuals with developmental disabilities ( NASDDDS Research Committee, 2009)... Assuring access to sufficient, high-quality health and social supports to protect each person's health, safety, rights, and well-being... The concept of "evidence-based policy" as conceived by NASDDDS derives from the widely endorsed focus on "evidence-based practice" in clinical health services.