California Department of Developmental Services

02/26/2026

In January, Inland Regional Center (IRC) hosted the “For the Culture” event in Moreno Valley, bringing families together for learning, connection, and support.

The event focused on strengthening relationships with African American, Black, and Afro-Latino families and sharing information on programs like Early Start, Blue Envelope Initiative, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) preparedness.

“This event was special because it brought our diverse community together in a space of culture, connection, and trust,” said Travis Gaddishaw-Grant, Senior Training Specialist at Inland Regional Center.

Regional center events like these highlight the importance of strong partnerships and intentional outreach in expanding access to services across California.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4tYcgmT

02/11/2026

Are you feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, or worried? California offers free mental health support, wellness resources, emotional support, and more.

Free help is available:

👉 Free, safe, and confidential mental health coaching and resources for young people and families from www.calhope.org:

• Parents with kids ages 0-12, connect with BrightLife Kids
• Teens and young adults ages 13-25, connect with the Soluna app

👉 For older Californians, call the , a 24-hour toll-free emotional support line for older adults, seniors, caregivers, and adults with disabilities: 888-571-0411

👉 California Healthy Minds, Thriving Kids Project
Visit https://childmind.org/healthyminds to explore this series of free, evidence-based video and print resources that caregivers and educators can use to teach their kids critical mental health and coping skills.

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¿Se siente estresado, ansioso, deprimido o preocupado? California ofrece apoyo gratuito de salud mental, recursos para el bienestar, apoyo emocional y mucho más.

Ayuda gratuita disponible:

👉 Asesoramiento y recursos de salud mental gratuitos, seguros y confidenciales para jóvenes y familias en www.calhope.org

• Padres con hijos de 0 a 12 años, conecten con BrightLife Kids
• Adolescentes y jóvenes de 13 a 25 años, conecten con Soluna

👉 Para los californianos de mayor edad, llamen a la , una línea de apoyo emocional gratuita las 24 horas para personas de edad avanzada, cuidadores y adultos con discapacidades: 888-571-0411

👉 California Healthy Minds, Thriving Kids Project
Visiten https://childmind.org/healthyminds para consultar estos recursos gratuitos en video e impresos, basados en evidencia, que los cuidadores y educadores pueden utilizar para enseñar a los niños destrezas esenciales de salud mental y cómo enfrentar situaciones difíciles.

02/05/2026

Are you eager to make a real difference in people’s lives? Join Team DDS!

We’re looking for creative and talented people with a passion for public service. We offer meaningful work, competitive pay, great benefits, and a defined-benefit pension plan.

Explore our available positions at www.dds.ca.gov/careers.

Are you attending this Saturday's Black College Expo in Oakland? Stop by to meet our career team to find out more about a career with DDS!

Discover more opportunities to connect with us at these upcoming job fairs: https://bit.ly/4r8v9ld

02/03/2026

California is committed to creating more accessible and affordable housing options for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. We kicked off the year with the groundbreaking of River Grove Apartments.

Once completed, the West Sacramento development will include 37 units, including 18 reserved for people served by Alta California Regional Center.

Projects like these are made possible through ongoing collaboration between regional centers, housing developers, and federal, county and local agencies.

Read more about this project in our latest newsletter: https://bit.ly/3ZbfDJ7

River Grove Apartments rendering (top) by project architect, Operative Office.

01/10/2026

Have you heard? CalABLE savings and investment accounts have been expanded to Californians whose disabilities began between ages 26 and 45. Read more in this Sacramento Bee op-ed:

“A new law expands CalABLE eligibility to those whose disabilities began between ages 26 and 45 — the program’s largest access increase.”

01/06/2026

Want a career that makes a difference?

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) support people with disabilities to live, work, and thrive in their communities. The DSP Internship Program gives you training, mentorship, and a pathway to a meaningful job.

Apply today and start building a career that changes lives – including yours.

dspinternship.allswell.com

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¿Quieres una carrera que haga la diferencia?

Los Profesionales de Apoyo Directo (DSP por sus siglas en inglés) apoyan a las personas con discapacidad para que vivan, trabajen y prosperen en sus comunidades. El Programa de Pasantías de DSP le ofrece capacitación, mentoría y un camino hacia un trabajo significativo.

Complete su solicitud hoy mismo y comience a construir una Carrera que cambie vidas – incluso la suya.

dspinternship.allswell.com

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12/30/2025

Reflecting on 2025 and the work we shared together.

Thank you to the individuals, families, self-advocates, staff, providers, and partners who continue to build a more inclusive California with us.

Read more in the Bridges Newsletter:
https://bit.ly/4siCb7V

12/30/2025

Reflecting on 2025 and the work we shared together.

Thank you to the individuals, families, self-advocates, staff, providers, and partners who continue to build a more inclusive California with us.

Read more in the Bridges Newsletter.

Link in bio.

12/24/2025

Happy holidays from the Department of Developmental Services! 🎄 Enjoy this joyful look back at the 94th annual State Capitol Tree Lighting from December 10. We celebrated community, resilience, and the voices that make California strong.

"We are proud of California's regional centers and service providers and of the resilience so many of our individuals and families display every day." — California Health & Human Services Agency Secretary Kim Johnson

12/19/2025

Connection. Community. Inclusion.

That's what filled the West Steps of the State Capitol on December 10, 2025, when representatives from our community and the California regional centers came together to decorate 21 trees with ornaments created by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Each tree reflected creativity, pride, and the many voices that make our communities better.

Thank you to everyone who participated and made this such a meaningful day.

12/12/2025

✨ A Bright Night at the Capitol ✨ Swipe through to relive some of our favorite moments from last night’s Tree Lighting Ceremony with Governor Gavin Newsom, First Partner Jennifer Newsom, and their wonderful children. We are deeply grateful for their warmth, generosity, and the joy they brought to this cherished tradition.

A special thank you to our tree-lighters Rebecca and Jude, the energetic, sparkling 5-year-old twins, and to their parents, Sandy and Kyle Kessler, for representing Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities with so much heart. Your presence along with the San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center team made the night even brighter.

This year’s ceremony also held a deeper meaning. As we approach one year since the LA wildfires, we continue to stand with all Californians still recovering, rebuilding, and healing. The night’s light was a reminder of our community’s strength and hope.

It was a moving, affirming, and truly joyful evening for everyone who joined us.

12/10/2025

🎄✨ Meet Jude and Rebecca Kessler — joyful 5-year-old twins from Altadena who will help Governor Gavin Newsom light the State Capitol Tree Wednesday night.

(Learn how you can join this year's festivities at the end of this post!)

Rebecca, in her favorite Santa hat, loves to paint and color. Jude is all about trains and Legos. This sweet family — including parents Sandy and Kyle — have worked through a lot this year after losing their home in the Eaton Fire. We're honored to have them represent the 480,000 Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities that receive services and support through their local regional centers. For the twins, that's the San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center. They provided supports and services both before and during the crisis which have helped to bring routine, continued growth, and community.

If you'd like to watch the Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony from home, it will be live streamed on the Governor’s Office YouTube and Facebook channels.

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New this year, the Governor’s Office of Community Service and Engagement (GO-Serve) California Volunteers will host a holiday food drive benefiting the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. Every donation – big or small – helps local families get the food they need. Most-needed items include peanut butter, canned tuna or chicken, beans, soups, stews, canned veggies, and canned fruit.

The public is invited to join the event on Wednesday, December 10 from 7 to 9 p.m. Pacific Time on the West Lawn of the State Capitol. Countdown to the lighting of the Capitol Tree with music from a local disc jockey, have the kids take a ride on a holiday train, and don't miss the cookie station!
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