Offering the support you need

MnDACA offers many valuable services which strengthen our members’ abilities to provide quality services to citizens with developmental disabilities in Minnesota. Here are just a few:

• Researching subjects important to the needs of member organizations and the people they serve
• Tracking legislation affecting the human services sector and people with disabilities and other challenges
• Providing information to legislators and other policymakers
• Offering training programs and assisting member organizations with specialized administrative support
• Networking with colleagues from other DT&H organizations in Minnesota to learn of the latest developments, trends and concepts surfacing in the area of human services and meeting the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

The voice of day training and habilitation since 1964

Though many of the day training and habilitation (DT&H) organization practices may seem to be well established, the history of such organizations only extends back to the early 1960s when Minnesota’s first day activity centers, or DACs, were created.

Following the recommendations of the Interim Commission on the Problems of the Mentally Retarded, Handicapped and Gifted Children, the Minnesota Legislature provided the funding needed to establish nine DACs as pilot projects. Subsequently, funding was provided for an additional 14 centers in the Daytime Activity Center Act, which helped place Minnesota at the forefront of a growing training and activity mode.

The beginnings of MnDACA came in June 1964 with the formation of the Minnesota Day Activity Center Director’s Association, a body that allowed program directors and staff members to share information about problems and issues and to exchange accounts of their individual experiences. Later, a system of regional networks was established to facilitate communication and the name was officially changed to The Minnesota Day Activity Center Association, or MnDACA. Though the mission has changed over the years, with shifts in federal and state policies and funding, and many organizations opting for the Development Achievement Center designation, the name MnDACA has prevailed.

Through the 1970s and 80s, changes came about in the areas of education, training and the commitment to community inclusion of people with developmental disabilities. Today, some 250 DAC programs serve the needs of thousands of Minnesotans for day programs, training, employment services and full community participation.

MnDACA has grown in its influence in the public policy sector and in its ability to represent the interests of its members. It is the voice of the industry and continues to serve the needs of member organizations.

Board of Directors

The majority of day training and habilitation programs in Minnesota are members of MnDACA. Representatives from every region of the state comprise the MnDACA Board of Directors.

2009 MnDACA Board of Directors

President   Steve Skauge

Vice President Mark Pauly

Secretary   Sylvia Silvers

  Treasurer    Deb TerWisscha

Region Representatives

MnDACA Staff

Jerry Mueller - MnDACA Executive Director

Donnalee Hjelm – Office Coordinator

Karen James MnDACA Governmental Affairs

Committee Chairs 

Membership Committee Chair

Dave Peterson

Governmental Affairs Committee Co-Chairs

         Charles Oakes

         Don Blooflat