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.

"Every moment reminds me why I choose to give my time. The connections I’ve built with both the people we serve and the ...
11/21/2025

"Every moment reminds me why I choose to give my time. The connections I’ve built with both the people we serve and the other volunteers have been inspiring and uplifting." — Edmund, Valley Mountain Regional Center Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Program Volunteer

Edmund is one of the amazing volunteers in the Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Program (FG/SCP). Through these programs, volunteers ages 55 and older, like Edmund, serve as mentors, role models, and companions to children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Read more about FG/SCP and see how to get involved in the Bridges newsletter: www.dds.ca.gov/newsletter

AmeriCorps

“I love having the freedom to create stories and tell them through sketches and illustrations. I love creating character...
11/18/2025

“I love having the freedom to create stories and tell them through sketches and illustrations. I love creating characters the most, and crafting a world for those characters,” said artist Dalilah Lopez.

, a graduate of Otis College of Art and Design, is one of four artists in a Paid Internship Program with the Department’s Autism Services Branch and Office of Emergency Services. Together the artists are creating illustrated workbooks that help people with developmental disabilities understand and recover from emergency events.

Dalilah is also developing her own webcomic series, Bearers of Light and Shadows, about twin siblings discovering their powers and the truth behind the stories they grew up hearing.

“Art is a powerful medium that we need. What I hope my artwork would do is that it may help calm someone down, especial...
10/31/2025

“Art is a powerful medium that we need. What I hope my artwork would do is that it may help calm someone down, especially a kid, during their stressful time. I hope I can bring the same comfort art gave me as a child to Californians as well,” said artist Janet Figueroa.

Janet is one of four artists taking part of a Paid Internship Program at our Autism Services Branch where they are creating illustrated workbooks for emergency response and recovery for people with developmental disabilities.

Check out more of Janet's work on her website:
https://www.theartofjanetfigueroa.com/

10/31/2025

Meet Pei-Hsien Lin — a Research and Development Tech at Edwards Lifesciences who started his journey through the Goodwill of Orange County Abilities Program. Four years later, he's thriving in his role, growing his communication skills, and proud of the work he's doing.

As National Disability Employment Awareness Month wraps up, Pei-Hsien's story reminds us of what's possible when workplaces open up to all talents!

A great day of connecting with the DeafPlus community! On September 13, our staff joined partners and advocates to learn...
10/30/2025

A great day of connecting with the DeafPlus community!

On September 13, our staff joined partners and advocates to learn, share resources, and celebrate Deaf Awareness Month at the Deaf Plus Conference, hosted by Golden Gate Regional Center and Regional Center of the East Bay in Fremont.

DDS Statewide Deaf Access Specialist Lisa Gonzales (above, right) delivered the closing remarks highlighting the commitment to improving services and fostering inclusive environments for all.

Cultural Specialist Sandra Coss (above, left) was also on hand.

“It was inspiring to hear from speakers, learn from shared experiences, and connect with partners committed to equity and inclusion,” Sandra said.

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!

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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