Municipal Partners

OVERVIEW

The Dignity & Design Institute (DDI) partners with municipalities to support inclusive, accessible, and sustainability‑aligned community programming for adults with disabilities.

DDI works upstream by designing and sharing program frameworks, training, accessibility guidance, and evaluation tools that cities can use directly or implement through nonprofit service providers. This approach allows municipalities to expand inclusive programming while leveraging existing community expertise and infrastructure—without adding operational burden.

HOW CITIES WORK WITH DDI

Municipal partners engage DDI to support inclusive program design across departments such as Community Services, Libraries, Disability Access, Arts & Culture, and Sustainability.

Common areas of collaboration include:

• Inclusive program framework design

• Accessibility and Universal Design guidance

• Cross‑department pilot planning

• Training and technical assistance for nonprofit partners or municipal staff

• Learning‑focused evaluation and reflection tools

DDI’s role is advisory and educational, supporting thoughtful design and implementation rather than direct service delivery.

WHAT DDI PROVIDES

DDI provides capacity‑building services that strengthen local implementation and long‑term sustainability:

• Program Frameworks
  Big‑picture structures that guide setup, flow, accessibility, and intent while remaining adaptable to local context.

• Accessibility & Safety Guidance
  Practical guidance grounded in Universal Design and dignity‑centered practice.

• Training & Technical Assistance
  Staff training and coaching that support confident, consistent inclusive practice.

• Evaluation & Learning Tools
  Tools that support reflection, learning, and continuous improvement over time.

All services are educational in nature and designed to support partner‑led implementation.

ROLE CLARITY

Programs supported by DDI frameworks are implemented and operated by partner organizations or municipal departments.

DDI:

• Designs and shares program frameworks and tools

• Provides training, guidance, and evaluation resources

DDI does not:

• Operate program sites

• Supervise participants

• Provide direct services

This role clarity helps reduce operational and liability risk while supporting inclusive program growth.

PILOTS AND EARLY ENGAGEMENT

DDI frequently supports small‑scale pilot initiatives with municipalities. Pilots are designed to be:

• Low‑risk and adaptable

• Focused on learning and accessibility

• Implemented by nonprofit partners or municipal departments

• Informative for longer‑term planning

Pilots allow cities to explore inclusive program models while building shared understanding across departments and community partners.

PROCUREMENT AND VENDOR STATUS

To support formal collaboration, DDI is able to onboard as an approved municipal vendor.

Vendor status enables cities to contract with DDI for educational services such as curriculum development, training, program framework support, and evaluation tools, in alignment with municipal procurement requirements.

Vendor onboarding supports—rather than defines—the collaborative partnership between DDI and municipal partners.

WHY CITIES PARTNER WITH DDI

Municipal partners work with DDI to:

• Embed accessibility into programs from the start

• Support nonprofit partners with shared frameworks and tools

• Align disability inclusion and sustainability priorities

• Encourage cross‑department collaboration

• Build programs that are scalable, adaptable, and community‑centered

NEXT STEPS

If your city is exploring inclusive community programming and would like to discuss potential alignment, pilot opportunities, or framework support, we welcome conversation.

Contact:
ckimball@dignityanddesigninstitute.org