What is a ‘RICC'?

"RICC" stands for “Regional Interagency Consumer Committee.” A RICC is a local, grassroots, group of people with developmental disabilities, their friends and family members. Membership is also extended to local advocates, community leaders and service providers. There are more than 50 RICCs statewide and the number is growing.

Historically, RICCs have had three main functions: (1) to provide a forum for addressing local issues; (2) advocating for needed changes in the community, and (3) to inform the DD Council about local conditions for persons with developmental disabilities.

-=An Effective Means=-

Over the past 30 years, RICCs in Michigan have proven to be a very effective means of changing local systems and the way communities interact with people with disabilities. Many are strong centers for self-determination.

Through local programs, networking, political action and hands-on advocacy, RICCs work to see people taking control of their own lives by making their own choices.

A RICC’s activities and influence are usually concentrated in a county or multi-county region of the state. Each RICC helps people with disabilities to become leaders in advocacy in the local communities it serves.

What makes a RICC so effective at the grassroots level? RICCs partner with allies, such as centers for independent living, Arc chapters, and other resources to make changes in their community. A RICC can be its community’s most effective champion for change. A RICC can also help its members learn critical information, build confidence and develop leadership skills.

-=Council Funds and Supports=-

RICCs are funded and supported by the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council. Council grants provide operating funds. The community service specialist who supports and guides the RICC activities around the state is a member of the DD Council staff.

RICCs build community coalitions, sponsor workshops, provide training and support to rally around issues. RICCs are charged with recognizing the diversity within each Michigan community and addressing the needs of culturally-diverse people with disabilities.

Another form of RICC grant activity is the RICC-Endorsed Community Mini-Grant. This can be as much as $12,000 and requires endorsement from the local RICC.

-=Areas of Emphasis=-

A RICC’s priorities reflect the Council’s. Among the areas of emphasis are transportation, education, recreation, employment, housing and health.

RICCs welcome your involvement. New RICCs are forming all the time. Contact the Council office for more on these effective advocacy coalitions.

For more information, please contact the DD Council by phone – 517-334-6123, or by TDD – 517-334-7354. Our address is: 1033 S. Washington Ave., Lansing, MI 48910. Web address: www.michigan.gov/ddcouncil.

Council of RICC Chairs (CRC) 2006 Meetings

CRC meetings are held in Lansing in conjunction with DD Council meetings. Please contact the Council office at 517/334-6123 for a meeting agenda, date and location.

The RICC List

Here are the DD Council's Regional Interagency Consumer Committees. It is possible RICCs have been added to this list since it was posted here. For updates and more information on the RICCs, please contact Terry Hunt, community services consultant, at the Council office, 517-334-7301, or email at huntt@michigan.gov:

Alger-Marquette RICC

Allegan RICC

Alpena RICC

Arenac RICC

Baraga RICC

Bay RICC

Benzie RICC

Berrien RICC

Calhoun RICC

Capitol Area RICC (Ingham County)

Cass RICC

Central Michigan RICC (Isabella, Gratiot and Clare Counties)

Cheboygan RICC

Copper Country RICC (Houghton County)

Delta RICC

Eastern UP RICC (Chippewa, Mackinac and Schoolcraft Counties)

Genesee RICC

Grand Traverse RICC

Huron RICC

Iosco RICC

Jackson RICC

Kalamazoo RICC

Kent RICC

Lenawee RICC

Livingston RICC

Macomb RICC

Manistee RICC

Mason RICC

Midland RICC

Muskegon RICC

Newaygo RICC

Northern Area RICC (Charlevoix, Emmet and Otsego Counties)

Oakland RICC

Ogemaw RICC

Ontonagon RICC

Ottawa RICC

Saginaw RICC

St. Clair RICC

Sanilac RICC

Shiawassee RICC

Tuscola RICC

Van Buren RICC

Washtenaw RICC

Wayne RICC