The Department on Disability Services (DDS) is responsible for the delivery of services to District of Columbia citizens with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities.
DDS provides direct services and life planning strategies to individuals with mental retardation or other developmental disabilities. The District of Columbia is one of the first to lead the reform in moving persons with mental retardation, or other developmental disabilities, from large institutions to community-based facilities. DDS strives to maximize the quality of life for its consumers. Eligible residents are also taught practical living skills and are provided vocational training and regular or sheltered employment.
DDS works as a partner with over 260 providers to offer an extensive array of services which enable persons with developmental disabilities to reside with their families, or in other community living situations, and to develop functional and occupational skills.
To apply for DDS services on behalf of an individual, contact an intake representative at (202) 730-1700, Monday through Friday from 8:15 am until 4:45 pm. TTY/TDD services 24 hours a day at (202) 730-1700.
DDS is interested in identifying organizations that are qualified and interested in providing Residential and Supported Employment services to a culturally diverse population who are residents of Washington, DC and have developmental disabilities. Some individuals may have multiple disabilities, which include, but are not limited to, autism, cerebral palsy, psychiatric diagnoses, physical and medical disabilities, etc. DDS is interested in providers that can bring new and innovative approaches to providing residential services within the scope of the agency’s Human Care Agreement (HCA) and the Medicaid Home and Community Based Waiver (HCBW). To view the Request for Information go to the news section in the hyperlink below: <http://mrdda.dc.gov/RFI/RFI.Doc Or contact Brenda Emanuel, Contracts Officer 1125 15th St. NW Washington, DC 20005 Brenda.Emanuel@dc.gov (202) 730-1700
The Medicaid Waiver is a Federal funding stream that puts supports in place that allow our consumers to remain in their natural homes and less restricted environments. There are currently 731 consumers enrolled in this program.
Graduates of Al Price's "New Visions" day program in photography are offered jobs in CVS photolabs.
DDS consumer Ryan King has a thriving business selling CD's on Ebay. Anyone wishing to contribute CD's to help out should deliver them to case manager Antoinette Lyons-Noel at Bundy or Kathleen Donner at 25 M Street.
