California Department of Developmental Services

California Department of Developmental Services Providing services and supports for Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live the lives they choose in their community.

10/30/2025

“Talent in Every Workplace” means workplace opportunities for all talents!

That includes Dean Pham, now a Research & Development (R&D) Tech at Edwards Lifesciences. Dean enrolled in the Abilities Program at Goodwill of Orange County, and its partner Edwards Lifesciences. After going through the program, Dean was hired and became an employee.

Edwards Lifesciences is a company that makes medical devices to help doctors treat people with heart problems. Through this innovative internship program, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain hands-on experience, build skills, and contribute to meaningful work at Edwards Lifesciences.

Thank you, Dean, for showing us that talent isn’t defined by limits—it thrives when given opportunity.

💕Wearing pink with purpose this October!Staff from STAR Homes and South Coast Regional Projects (SCRP) came together on ...
10/29/2025

💕Wearing pink with purpose this October!

Staff from STAR Homes and South Coast Regional Projects (SCRP) came together on October 1 to kick off Cancer Awareness Month. You can't miss the positive energy they put into the effort in the photos they've shared with us here. The groups have continued showing their support by wearing pink on Friday each week this month.

A big shout out to our teams at STAR Homes and SCRP for supporting awareness through action and visibility in our communities!


🎥 On air with TelevisaUnivision! We’re proud to join TelevisiaUnivision Univision 19 to share information about the righ...
10/27/2025

🎥 On air with TelevisaUnivision!

We’re proud to join TelevisiaUnivision Univision 19 to share information about the rights, services, and supports available in California for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Cultural Specialist Sandra Coss from the Access & Equity Division spoke with presenter Maribel Lopez about the Department’s ongoing work with California’s 21 regional centers to expand language access, cultural inclusion, and community outreach. Deputy Director of the Legislation and Public Affairs Division Norma Salazar-Ibarra and Deputy Director of the Access & Equity Division JaRita Pichon were on hand to support as well!

“It was an exciting opportunity to connect with the Spanish-speaking community in their primary language,” Sandra said. “This is an important step in continuing to build trust, raise awareness, and reach diverse communities across California.”

Stay tuned for the upcoming Univision broadcast later this Fall!

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🎥 Al aire con TelevisaUnivision!

Nos orgullece unirnos a TelevisiaUnivision Univision 19 para compartir información sobre los derechos, servicios y apoyos disponibles en California para las personas con discapacidad intelectual y del desarrollo y sus familias.

La especialista cultural Sandra Coss, de la División de Acceso y Equidad, conversó con la presentadora Maribel López sobre el trabajo continuo del Departamento con los 21 centros regionales de California para ampliar el accesso lingüístico, la inclusión cultural y el alcance comunitario. La subdirectora de la División de Legislación y Asuntos Públicos, Norma Salazar-Ibarra, y la subdirectora de la División de Acceso y Equidad, JaRita Pichon, también estuvieron presentes para brindar apoyo!

“Fue muy emocionante la oportunidad de poder conectar con la comunidad de habla hispana en su propio idioma,” dijo Sandra. “Este es un paso importante para seguir generando confianza, crear conciencia, y llegar a las comunidades diversas de California.”

¡Este al pendiente, el programa será transmitido por Univision a finales del otoño!

10/23/2025

At LEGOLAND California, Ramon found a workplace that celebrates his talents.

Through Options For All's Project SEARCH program, a paid internship and training experience for young adults with developmental disabilities, he gained skills working across the park, including the SEA LIFE Aquarium. After completing the program, he was hired as part of the LEGOLAND team.

During , we're proud to spotlight Ramon and the partnerships that make possible.

This National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we’re celebrating “Talent in Every Workplace.” Across California, w...
10/21/2025

This National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we’re celebrating “Talent in Every Workplace.”

Across California, we see the incredible value that inclusive employment brings—to individuals, businesses, and communities. Programs like the Abilities Program at Goodwill of Orange County, in partnership with Edwards Lifesciences, show what’s possible when workplaces open doors to talent of all abilities.

Through this innovative internship program, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain hands-on experience, build skills, and contribute to meaningful work at Edwards Lifesciences. These individuals remind us that talent isn’t defined by limits—it thrives when given opportunity.

The Department of Developmental Services is proud to recognize and appreciate the dedication of employers, community partners, and interns who make “Talent in Every Workplace” a reality every day. Together, we’re expanding opportunity and creating more inclusive workplaces across California.

🏗️ We're celebrating new beginnings at the former Fairview Developmental Center! Director Pete Cervinka joined Californi...
10/16/2025

🏗️ We're celebrating new beginnings at the former Fairview Developmental Center!

Director Pete Cervinka joined California Governor's Office of Emergency Services Director Nancy Ward along with many State and local leaders in an official groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, October 15. CalOES will build its new Southern Campus on 15 acres of the property.

In his remarks on behalf of California Health & Human Services Agency and the Department, Pete shared:

“We recognize that these new uses bring us closer to closing the chapter of institutional care in California.

We are proud to be here today to celebrate the modernization of Fairview’s use to better support our communities, while respecting the historical experiences of the thousands of residents and employees who previously called Fairview “home”.

We look forward to seeing the ways in which our CalOES partner, using its new Campus, will bring innovative supports and vital resources to all residents in Southern California.”

DDS Director Pete Cervinka
CalOES Groundbreaking Event | October 15, 2025
New Emergency Services Campus at former Fairview Developmental Center

⭐ What better way to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month than with the I AM ABLE Disability job fai...
10/15/2025

⭐ What better way to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month than with the I AM ABLE Disability job fair?!

The 3rd annual event was hosted by PRIDE Industries today in Sacramento. We really enjoyed getting the chance to meet all of you at our booth and sharing resources about employment supports and careers with the Department. We were among 40+ total employers there, all showing that diverse talents belong in every workplace - including our partners at California ABLE, California Department of Rehabilitation, & more. Thanks for stopping by our table!

Interested in a career with the Department? Message us to get connected to our team!

10/14/2025

Dreams of America Program Director Tala Fazeli and Direct Support Professional Ailene Baron tell their story of how the DDS Internship Program brought Dreams of America (Regional Center of Orange County service provider) a wonderful new employee and launched a new career path for a California jobseeker.

To participate in the Program, regional center service providers must fill out and submit this interest form to DDS: www.bit.ly/dsp-portal

Interested in becoming an intern for a service provider supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through California's 21 regional centers? Find opportunities and apply at the link in our bio or visit: dspinternship.allswell.com

10/13/2025

🧡 Bringing essential assessments and resources to Tribal families across the State!

Have you seen the Acorns to Oak Trees' motor home on the road? Founder and executive director, Season Goodpasture, drove it out to the 58th annual California Native American Day in Sacramento.

Acorns to Oak Trees is non-profit organization that provides resources, services, and supports for Tribal children and families. They are also a recipient of the Department's Service Access and Equity grants.

Want a career that makes a difference?Direct Support professionals (DSPs) support people with disabilities to live, work...
10/09/2025

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

ALL's WELL Health Care Services Office of Youth and Community Restoration California Department of Social Services California Department of Rehabilitation

The Blue Envelope Program is growing across California, giving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ...
10/09/2025

The Blue Envelope Program is growing across California, giving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or who are Deaf or hard of hearing tools to communicate with law enforcement.

On August 23, Inland Regional Center hosted its second community training on the program, joined by the Autism Society Inland Empire, 24 Hour Homecare, first responders, and families. Supported by the Department’s Language Access and Cultural Competency funds, the training showed how blue envelopes, decals, lanyards, and other items can serve as visual cues for officers that someone may need support.

Visit the www.dds.ca.gov/newsletter to read the full story and to connect with participating law enforcement agencies.

Service Providers!DDS’ contractor ALL's WELL Health Care Services recruits, screens, and then pays your intern’s salary ...
10/06/2025

Service Providers!

DDS’ contractor ALL's WELL Health Care Services recruits, screens, and then pays your intern’s salary for three months while you train them to become valued team members.

You can decide to officially employ them at any time. That’s hiring, made easy.

Take the first step by emailing workforce@dds.ca.gov to get started.

www.bit.ly/dsp-portal

***

¡Proveedores de Servicios!

ALL's WELL Health Care Services, contratista del DDS registra, selecciona y paga el salario de sus pasantes durante tres meses mientras (usted) los capacita para que se conviertan en miembros valiosos de su equipo.

Ustedes pueden tomar la decisión de contratarlos oficialmente en cualquier momento. Esto hace la contratación más fácil.

Tome el primer paso para comenzar, envíen un correo electrónico a workforce@dds.ca.gov

www.bit.ly/dsp-portal

Address

1215 O 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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