California joins the nation in celebrating the many ways people with disabilities are making the workforce better! The Department is highlighting how Californians are working together to grow meaningful job opportunities and sharing stories from people thriving in jobs they enjoy.

DDS Employment Grants Aim to Open Doors

The Department created the Employment Grants program for community-based organizations to build new and innovative opportunities to achieve competitive, integrated employment.  Learn about the employment grant projects underway.

Building Bridges to Employment

Jacob has found a job he likes with the support of the Bridges to Employment Program! Bridges to Employment LLC used Employment Grant funding to create the program. Hear from Jacob about how he built new skills and is now giving back to his community.

Helping Coordinate Career Pathways 

Coordinated Career Pathways is a new, pilot service designed as a person-centered approach for people in work activity programs, receiving subminimum wage, or exiting high school. There are two types of Pathways services offered to support people to meet their career goals.  

Employment and the Quality Incentive Program 

The Department has extended the Quality Incentive Program to service providers to expand employment opportunities. Read how some measures aim to increase participation in competitive integrated employment and staff skill-building. 

Submit Topic Suggestions for Office of Administrative Hearing (OAH) Mediators and Hearing Officers Community Training 

You are invited to provide suggested training topics for mediators and hearing officers involved in the Lanterman Act eligibility and service appeal process.  Follow these steps to send us your suggestions.

Defining Data

New Public Data Dashboard Online! 

We are excited to share a new public data dashboard is on the Department’s website. It provides caseload trends and spending data.  Get all the details on this new resource.

Looking for Information? Here’s some helpful links!

Get Rate Reform Updates 

The Department is distributing frequent emails called Rate Reform Highlights.  The emails provide updates on rate reform progress for regional centers and service providers.  Sign up!

The Master Plan for Developmental Services 

The Master Plan for Developmental Services seeks to create and strengthen bridges that connect the developmental services system to other critical systems across CalHHS and beyond. Join the Master Plan conversations.  

Make your voice heard in the upcoming election!   Why vote? It’s your voice and your right!  Voting is important because it allows you to have a say in how your community and country are run.  California offers different ways for people to vote.  Learn how to vote with the Secretary of State.

Community Connections

Expanding Affordable Housing Opportunities in the East Bay

Residents have officially moved into their new homes at The Grinnell in downtown Berkeley! The Grinnell is a new affordable housing apartment complex for families and people with disabilities. It was built with the support of the Department’s Community Resource Development Funding and the Regional Center of the East Bay. Check out the new homes and read how the Department and Regional Center of the East Bay supported the project.

Skill Building at Bi-Buzz Café

“Everyone deserves a chance in life and that includes the chance to work. We all have our own strengths and abilities, and we deserve a chance to show that off. We can do more than what people sometimes think.”– Reyna A, Barista-in-Training at BI Buzz Café. See how Reyna is building skills at her job.

California American Indian Symposium on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The symposium is about connection and sharing resources and supports for tribal communities across California. The 3^rd annual event in Pala was hosted by Early Start provider Acorns to Oak Trees.    Read how DDS staff were involved.

The 57th Annual Native American Day

California Tribes, organizations, universities, and state agencies came together to celebrate the culture and valuable contributions of California Native Americans. Check out photos from the important day on the west steps of the State Capitol.

DDS Employees Celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month

For National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we are introducing some of our Department’s talent on social media! Tim Jin and Kris Faith introduce share their employment stories. Meet Tim and watch Kris's video!

The Department is looking for talent. Ready to apply?

If you’re interested in working with the Department of Developmental Services, catch us at the next job fair! Our human resources team regularly attends job fairs to meet and network with candidates representing the diversity of California’s communities. Join our team!

Upcoming Events

Click on each date for more details.

This newsletter is developed and distributed by the DDS Communication team. Email PIO@dds.ca.gov with any questions or feedback.

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