An Alpena resident has been appointed to a statewide council focused on improving services and representation for people with developmental disabilities and their families.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appointed Joshlyn Rasmussen to the Michigan Developmental Disability Council on Thursday, according to an announcement dated Sept. 5, 2026. Rasmussen’s term is scheduled to begin Oct. 1 and continue through Sept. 30, 2030.
Rasmussen’s background
Rasmussen previously served as a neuroqueer facilitator at Grand Valley State University. Rasmussen also holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and women, gender, and sexuality studies from Grand Valley State University.
The appointment identifies Rasmussen as an individual with a developmental disability. Rasmussen will succeed Areeba Nadeem, whose term will expire.
What the council does
The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council, also known as MiDDC, has 25 members appointed by the governor. Its membership includes people with disabilities, family members of people with disabilities, and professionals from state and local agencies that provide support and services.
That mix of perspectives is intended to help the council analyze and improve systems and services throughout Michigan. The council also works to ensure that the voices of people with developmental disabilities and their families are heard.
Rasmussen’s appointment gives Alpena representation in that statewide work as the new term approaches. The council’s members come from across Michigan and contribute perspectives shaped by personal experience, family connections and professional knowledge of disability services.