The California Department of Developmental Services (“DDS”) offers a range of programs and support services for individuals with developmental disabilities. One of the key aspects of the care provided by DDS is ensuring that individuals can remain in their homes and communities as they receive care. To that end, DDS regional centers offer a variety of day programs and community integration services. As opposed to 24-hour care, these programs are offered only during the day and they are designed to give participants the skills they need to thrive at home, at work, and in their interpersonal relationships.

What Are Day Programs and Community Integration Programs?

In general, day programs include a number of different services, and are provided through local DDS regional centers. These programs run on an hourly basis rather than as 24-hour programs.

Day programs aim to provide developmentally disabled adults with important life skills such as:

• behavior management
• independent living
• employment training
• social recreation programs

To enroll in day programs talk to your regional center and let them know you are interested in attending day programs. Then, request to have day programs incorporated into your Individual Program Plan (“IPP”).

Community Integration programs are essentially a more narrowly-focused type of day program. They focus on providing opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities to engage more actively with their community.

A key part of Community Integration programs are state-funded grants for community organizations. These may be used to develop programs aimed at broad inclusivity of those with developmental disabilities. Often, Community Integration programs dovetail with other DDS job training and employment programs by opening the door to potential future employment opportunities.