California Department of Developmental Services

California Department of Developmental Services Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from California Department of Developmental Services, Disability service, 1600 9th Street, Sacramento, CA.

DDS ensures that Californians who have an intellectual or developmental disability have the opportunity to make choices and lead independent, productive lives as members of their communities in the least restrictive setting possible.

Celebrating 35 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in Sacramento today! 🎉We were happy to see such a big ...
07/23/2025

Celebrating 35 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in Sacramento today! 🎉

We were happy to see such a big crowd and grateful to hear from so many about how the ADA has made an impact in their life.

As DDS Community Program Specialist Tim Jin said, "As we look ahead to the next 35 years, I hope we’ll be celebrating the American with Disabilities Act not only as a landmark law, but as a symbol of how far we’ve come. Just a footnote in history books that mark the beginning of true inclusion for all."

Here's to the work ahead over the next 35 years!

07/22/2025

Today, during Disability Pride Month, CalHHS Secretary Kim Johnson joined the and shared remarks honoring 35 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act and California's ongoing commitment to equity, inclusion & accessibility.

California Department of Developmental Services
California Department of Rehabilitation

For more than a century, thousands of Californians with developmental disabilities called the Sonoma Developmental Cente...
07/21/2025

For more than a century, thousands of Californians with developmental disabilities called the Sonoma Developmental Center home.

It was its own town, with a post office, a farm, and even its own ZIP code. And it holds stories of care, community, resilience, and hard truths.

Today, we honor the people who lived there, and the staff who supported them through its final chapter.

Learn more about SDC's rich history, memorials honoring former residents, and the future use of the land at: https://www.dds.ca.gov/newsletter

📷
1️⃣ DDS staff gathered outside the main building for a group photo after a June 2025 luncheon.
2️⃣3️⃣4️⃣ Details from the Eldrige Cemetery and Memorial
5️⃣ Memorial bench honoring survivors of forced sterilizations
6️⃣ Art created by former residents

Unlimited potential is what our friends at North Los Angeles County Regional Center (NLARC) are celebrating this Disabil...
07/17/2025

Unlimited potential is what our friends at North Los Angeles County Regional Center (NLARC) are celebrating this Disability Pride Month! Through perseverance and determination, Christian Lifonzo has achieved big education and career goals. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from California State University, Long Beach and, in April, achieved his dream job as an engineer at Lockheed Martin.

Diagnosed with autism at age nine in 2006, he faced immense challenges in a time when awareness and support were scarce. Despite early struggles in school, social isolation, and being told he would never succeed, his family never gave up on him.

A pivotal move to the Antelope Valley brought the support he needed, and Christian began to thrive — graduating high school with a 4.0 GPA and earning four associate degrees from Antelope Valley College.

Watch Christian’s full story on the NLARC website. You’ll find the link in our bio or visit: https://www.nlacrc.org/stories/christian-lifonzo

📣News from the Director's Office!Aaron Christian has been appointed Chief of Population Risk, Quality Assurance, and Dat...
07/16/2025

📣News from the Director's Office!

Aaron Christian has been appointed Chief of Population Risk, Quality Assurance, and Data Operations. After serving in the role on an interim basis, he now officially takes on the title.

Aaron brings nearly five years of experience with the Department and a decade with San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center. He'll be leading teams across information technology, data and research, quality assurance, and risk management.

Congrats, Aaron! 👏

07/14/2025

Thinking about joining Team DDS? We're hiring, and we want you to feel confident taking that first step.

That's what this recent hiring workshop was all about. Nearly 30 people joined us at Alta California Regional Center to get support with State job applications, from writing Statements of Qualifications to preparing for interviews.

With help from the California Department of Rehabilitation, California ABLE Act Board, and TkMomentum, some even walked out with their LEAP certification in hand.

LEAP is a process that helps people with disabilities apply for State jobs without taking the written exam.

Want to see more from the event and learn how to get started? Read the story at the link in our bio.

To our partners at Inland Regional Center (IRC), Disability Pride Month is all about representation, community, and advo...
07/11/2025

To our partners at Inland Regional Center (IRC), Disability Pride Month is all about representation, community, and advocacy!

A great example is seen in this photo, as IRC Client Advocate Gregory Harrison and Consumer Support Tech I Ismeth Estrada participate in a sock drive distribution event at a local elementary school. The initiative is led by Gregory and is a partnership between the IRC Community Advisory Committee (CAC) and Kiwanis Club of San Bernardino. Socks were generously contributed by IRC staff, Kiwanis Club Members, and community supporters and then distributed to local school children to help support families and build inclusive, connected communities.

“The school kids were energetic and excited receiving socks and were grabbing them left and right,” said Gregory Harrison. “It may seem like a small thing, but something as simple as a new pair of socks can make a kid feel seen and cared for. And that goes for big kids and the little ones who were there.”

The CAC is a passionate group of individuals served by IRC. As CAC members, they can influence services, build community, develop leadership skills, experience personal growth, and build social networks through fun events.

IRC serves Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Learn more about the good things happening at the IRC by visiting their website at: www.inlandrc.org.

In May, more than 30 parents gathered at Tri-Counties Regional Center's Santa Maria office for the first Talleres para F...
07/11/2025

In May, more than 30 parents gathered at Tri-Counties Regional Center's Santa Maria office for the first Talleres para Familias workshop. The event was part of a new Spanish-language series shaped directly by conversations with families.

That spirit of community was present from start to finish. Parents supported one another as they created One Page Profiles to share what matters most about their children. Many stayed after to offer ideas for future workshops.

See what it looks like when families lead the way. Read more in the Bridges Newsletter through the link in our profile.

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En mayo, más de 30 padres se reunieron en la oficina de Santa Maria del Tri-Counties Regional Center para la primera sesión de Talleres para Familias. El evento es parte de una nueva serie en español creada a partir de conversaciones con familias del centro.

Ese espíritu de comunidad estuvo presente de principio a fin. Los padres se apoyaron mutuamente mientras creaban perfiles de un página para compartir los aspectos más importantes de sus hijos. Muchos se quedaron después para ofrecer ideas para futuros talleres.

Vea qué pasa cuando las familias guían el camino. Más información en el Boletín Bridges a través del enlace de nuestro perfil.

Disability Pride Month is a time to celebrate inclusion, visibility, and community. We’re proud to partner with the 21 C...
07/09/2025

Disability Pride Month is a time to celebrate inclusion, visibility, and community. We’re proud to partner with the 21 California regional centers that provide vital support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

San Diego Regional Center (SDRC) recently shared the story of Faith Davies, a young person who is building the skills and confidence for a bright future. Through SDRC’s partnership with St. Madeline Sophie’s day program, Faith volunteers at Alpine Acres Sanctuary Farm (formerly Children’s Nature Retreat), cleaning stalls and helping care for some of the 200 animals.

Faith also participates in the Arms Wide Open theatre program where her dancing, acting and singing classes helped prepare her for leading roles like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz and Anne Wheeler in The Greatest Showman.

“I love helping the animals, taking care of the animals,” Faith shares. Having the opportunity to choose daily activities she enjoys and finding a community of friends along the way have brought her a deep sense of pride and connection.

Watch Faith’s full interview, and many other stories from the SDRC community on their YouTube Channel. Enjoy!

07/07/2025

“We’ll continue to support, celebrate, and protect our friends and families with developmental disabilities,” says Governor Newsom.

♿ Earlier this year, California released the Master Plan for Developmental Services. The Plan has recommendations from the community on how to better support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, now and in the future.

▶️ In this two-minute video, as part of the June edition of the DDS Bridges Newsletter, Governor Newsom shares why real support means looking not only at developmental services, but beyond. He highlights the importance of housing, education, transportation, and jobs. His message is a reminder of the State’s commitment to supporting ALL eligible Californians to reach their goals, as the Lanterman Act promises.

🔔 Be sure and subscribe to our email newsletter for future updates on the Plan: www.dds.ca.gov/newsletter

On Sunday, June 15, members of our team joined our colleagues from California Health & Human Services Agency at the Sacr...
06/30/2025

On Sunday, June 15, members of our team joined our colleagues from California Health & Human Services Agency at the Sacramento Pride Parade to honor love, visibility, and belonging.

We’re proud to stand alongside our colleagues, partners, and community members in celebrating and especially proud to uplift LGBTQIA+ (le***an, gay, bisexual, transgender, q***r, intersex, asexual, or another diverse gender or sexual identity) individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

This event reaffirmed our commitment to equity, dignity, and respect for every individual we support. Whether you’re looking for connection, support, or simply a reminder that you’re not alone, here are some resources that may help:

🏳️‍🌈 CenterLink LGBTQ Community Member Centers in California is a clearing house of LGBTQIA+ organizations.
- www.lgbtqcenters.org/LGBTCenters/State/59/California

🏳️‍🌈 Kaleidoscope has tailored services, programs, and professional trainings as the intersection of disability and LGBTQIA+.
- www.kaleidoscopelgbtq.org/services

🏳️‍🌈 988 Lifeline: LGBTQI
- www.988lifeline.org/help-yourself/lgbtqi

🏳️‍🌈 CalHOPE: LGBTQ+ Community
- www.calhopeconnect.org/populations/lgbtq-community

🏳️‍🌈 CDPH LGBTQIA+ Health Resources has information to read and share for education about sexual health issues.
- www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DOA/Pages/LGBT_Health.aspx

06/20/2025

🎉 Big day on Stockton Boulevard in Sacramento!

We joined Mercy Housing and Alta California Regional Center (ACRC) to celebrate the official opening of The Heights on Stockton, a new affordable housing community in Sacramento.

Ten of these units will be home to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who receive services with ACRC. "Alta Regional and Step Housing has helped me find this place. And I'm very fortunate to have this place," said Mindee Brown.

Several state and local officials attended the event, including Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty.

Projects like these are more than just housing. It's about supporting people to thrive. 🩵🏠

Address

1600 9th Street
Sacramento, CA
95814

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Website

https://www.dds.ca.gov/newsletter

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