Employment Services: Paid Internships & Supported Employment

Thanks to California's "Employment First" law, helping developmentally disabled individuals find meaningful work in their communities is a top priority throughout the state. The California Department of Developmental Services ("DDS") is one of the most important channels through which the state provides employment support to those with developmental disabilities. In particular, DDS offers robust employment services. Paid internships and supported employment are among some of the most important of these services.

DDS Paid Internship Program

Through the DDS Paid Internship Program ("PIP"), DDS participants receive assistance finding a paid internship in the community. The goal is to help program participants develop marketable skills to help them land a full time job. Alternatively, the program also aims for internship to evolve into full-time work.

The PIP does not only benefit the DDS recipient. It also helps employers interested in participating in the program, as the state helps fund the wages paid through the internship. In this way, the PIP helps the entire community, giving developmentally disabled individuals hands-on, real world employment experience, while making it easier for employers to hire developmentally disabled individuals.

DDS Supported Employment Services

California provides a range of supports for developmentally disabled workers through the Supported Employment Services program. This program offers the following services:

• Help develop and find a suitable job.
• Assist in the job application process.
• Provide hands-on supervision and assistance at the workplace
• Advocate for the employee if there is ever a dispute with the employer.
• Provide training and support to family members and caregivers.

Ultimately, the goal of Supported Employment Services is to help individuals with developmental disabilities not only get a job, but keep it.

Together, the Paid Internship Program and Supported Employment Services provides wall-to-wall support for anyone interested in finding a job.