SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Developmental Services and California Health and Human Services Agency announced Saturday that a total of 156 individuals from across the state have been selected as members of the Developmental Services Task Force.

The DS Task Force provides guidance on the delivery of services to Californians who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Forty-one individuals will serve on the task force, and an additional 115 people will serve on the task force’s five workgroups. In the past, 21 individuals served on the task force and workgroups combined.

“This impressive group of leaders embodies the diversity of California and is uniquely dedicated to improving the lives of people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said DDS Director Nancy Bargmann.

“The distinct experiences and perspectives these individuals bring to the table will help ensure the continued success of the Task Force as a vital element of our state’s developmental services system,” said California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly.

The DS Task Force was created in 2014 to strengthen community services for Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Task force members include self-advocates, family members, advocacy organizations, regional center representatives, community service providers, labor groups and legislative leaders.

Members are charged with examining services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and developing recommendations to strengthen the community services system in light of a growing and aging population, resource constraints, and new state and federal laws and regulations.

The task force is an advisory group only, and members do not receive monetary compensation.

The first meeting of the newly reconstituted task force will be held on Dec. 9 at 10 a.m. at Alta California Regional Center in Sacramento.

Visit the DDS website for a full list of Task Force and workgroup members and additional details about upcoming meetings.