Early Intervention Services (Ages 0-3)

For children under the age of three, DDS offers Early Start early intervention programs. These programs are designed to address developmental delays by intervening as early as possible during a child's most formative years.

What's Included:

• Speech & Language Therapy – Helps children develop communication skills
• Occupational Therapy – Supports sensory processing and daily living skills
• Physical Therapy – Addresses motor development and mobility
• Family Support Services – Training and resources for parents and caregivers
• Care Coordination – Connecting families to community resources

Early intervention helps children build critical skills during their most formative years. Learn more about Early Start eligibility and how to get started.

Individual Program Planning (IPP)

Individual Program Planning (IPP) is the centerpiece of DDS services. IPP is the collaborative process through which developmentally disabled individuals and their families plan out the care services and supports that will best serve the individual's unique needs and goals.

How IPP Works:

• Person-Centered Planning – Your goals and preferences drive the process
• Service Coordination – Regional center team helps coordinate supports
• Regular Updates – IPP is reviewed and updated annually or as needs change
• Family Involvement – Families and advocates participate in planning meetings
• Outcome-Focused – Services are designed to help you achieve specific life goals

To build out an IPP, eligible individuals work with their regional center to create a customized plan tailored to their unique goals, needs, and preferences. The IPP is updated regularly to ensure services remain aligned with the individual's changing life circumstances.

Residential Support Services

Very often, disabled individuals need help with housing. That's why DDS provides a range of residential options designed to support independent living while maintaining connection to community.

Residential Options Include:

• Independent Living Services (ILS) – Support to live in your own home or apartment
• Supported Living Services (SLS) – Individualized in-home support
• Community Care Facilities – Group homes with 24-hour supervision
• Adult Residential Facilities – Specialized care for adults with higher support needs
• Family Home Agency Services – Living with a certified host family

As with everything else, the goal is to ensure the individual receiving care has agency and voice throughout the process, and that they have the resources they need to remain in their communities.

Employment and Day Services

DDS promotes meaningful community participation through employment programs, job coaching, and vocational training. These services help individuals with developmental disabilities find and maintain competitive employment in their communities.

Employment Services Include:

• Supported Employment – Job coaching and workplace support
• Competitive Integrated Employment – Working in community jobs alongside people without disabilities
• Paid Internships – Pre-employment training opportunities
• Job Development – Assistance finding employment that matches your skills and interests
• Workplace Accommodations – Support for ADA Title I accommodations

Day Programs & Activity Centers:

For those not seeking employment, day services and activity centers provide opportunities for skill development, social engagement, learning, and recreation. These programs empower individuals to pursue hobbies, learning opportunities, and personal growth.

Respite and Family Support

Not surprisingly, the bulk of care responsibilities tends to fall on the families of those with developmental disabilities. To ease this burden, DDS offers respite services that give caregivers time to rest or attend to other responsibilities.

Family Support Services Include:

• In-Home Respite Care – Temporary relief for family caregivers
• Out-of-Home Respite – Short-term residential care
• Crisis Intervention Services – Emergency support during family crises
• Parent Training & Education – Skill-building for caregivers
• Counseling Services – Mental health support for families
• Sibling Support Groups – Resources for brothers and sisters
• Community Resource Connection – Linking families to local supports

Additional supports may include training, counseling, and connection to other community resources through your regional center.

Health and Behavioral Supports

DDS services also include health-related supports designed to ensure individuals receive comprehensive care that addresses both physical health and behavioral needs.

Health Services Include:

• Nursing Services – Medical care coordination and monitoring
• Medication Management – Assistance with managing medications safely
• Medical Care Coordination – Connecting with doctors and specialists
• Adaptive Equipment – Wheelchairs, communication devices, and assistive technology
• Dental and Vision Care – Access to specialized health services

Behavioral Support Services:

• Positive Behavior Support Plans – Proactive strategies for challenging behaviors
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – Evidence-based behavioral interventions
• Mental Health Services – Counseling and psychiatric support
• Crisis Intervention – Emergency behavioral health response
• Specialized Therapies – Trauma-informed care and therapeutic supports

Regional centers work with healthcare providers to ensure that individuals receive the coordinated care they need across all settings.

Additional DDS Services & Specialized Programs

The above is not a comprehensive list of services provided by DDS. California offers several specialized programs designed to meet unique needs:

• Self-Determination Program – Greater control and flexibility in how you receive services
• Direct Support Professional (DSP) Training – Training and certification for care providers
• Deaf, Hard of Hearing & DeafBlind Resources – Specialized supports and communication services
• Education Services – Support for special education and transition planning
• Foster Grandparent & Senior Companion Programs – Volunteer opportunities and intergenerational connections
• State-Operated Developmental Centers – Intensive care facilities for those with the most complex needs

As with everything else related to DDS, the key is your Individual Program Plan (IPP). Use this to individualize the care you and your loved ones receive. And as a default rule, if there is a type of care that will best serve you and your loved ones, work with your regional center and case worker to access that care.