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.

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Join us in congratulating Kai Gon (center), who was part of Sierra College’s two-year LIFE Program inaugural class! LIF...
09/01/2026

Join us in congratulating Kai Gon (center), who was part of Sierra College’s two-year LIFE Program inaugural class!

LIFE Program students at Sierra College in Rocklin complete classes, explore careers, practice social skills, and take part in campus life. Along the way, they gain confidence, prepare for their careers, and build lasting friendships.

“It helped me develop and learn about essential job skills for the future,” said Kai. “It also helped me improve my social skills.”

Sierra College is part of a growing group of colleges offering programs for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Alta California Regional Center helps make the LIFE Program possible through funding and coordination.

“My favorite part of the LIFE Program was being able to connect with my peers and show them my drawings,” said Kai. “I didn’t have to worry about being judged for who I am.”

Kai said his next goal is earning an associate arts degree.

We wish Kai and his fellow classmates continued success as they begin their next chapter!

At 89 years old, Zenaida Manalang still rides the bus to school five days a week. Zenaida has served as a Foster Grand...
08/31/2026

At 89 years old, Zenaida Manalang still rides the bus to school five days a week.

Zenaida has served as a Foster Grandparent for 25 years and has no plans to stop. Every week, she spends 25 hours volunteering with students and teachers at an Anaheim elementary school.

“I’m widowed and I’m bored,” Zenaida said. “I want to work. I want to work with the school. I want to work with the kids.”

Funded by the federal AmeriCorps program, Foster Grandparents serve as mentors, role models, and companions to children and adults with developmental disabilities in schools and early learning programs.

Zenaida's dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to service continue to inspire us and everyone around her. Thank you, Zenaida!

Learn more about Zenaida's journey, then, if you are 55 or older and interested in volunteering, visit the Foster Grandparent and AmeriCorps Seniors programs webpage to learn more: https://bit.ly/3UriBdq

08/27/2026

In this month's ‘Together, a Team' video highlight, get to know Wes Roberson, an education administrator in the Department's Early Childhood and Youth Services Division. He is passionate about supporting young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) prepare for life after high school. This includes building pre-employment skills and gaining hands-on work experience in their community.

“There's a need to help young people navigate the various systems of support, and make sure that they don't fall through the cracks,” said Wesley.

At the Department, we know none of our work can be done alone. We work together with you — individuals, families, regional centers, service providers, and community partners — toward a shared vision: improving outcomes for Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Thank you, Wes, for the expertise and care you bring to your work in supporting young people as they achieve their goals!

Today we recognize the dedicated psychiatric technicians who make a difference every day across the California Departmen...
08/05/2026

Today we recognize the dedicated psychiatric technicians who make a difference every day across the California Department of Developmental Services.

Through compassionate, person-centered care, psychiatric technicians support the health, safety, dignity, and well-being of the people they serve. Whether providing direct care, encouraging independence, of offering reassurance during challenging moments, their work helps create environments where people can thrive.

On National Psychiatric Technician Appreciation Day, thank you to our psychiatric technicians for your professionalism, dedication, and commitment to supporting Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Your care makes a lasting impact.

07/30/2026

Learning doesn't stop once you're on the job. Your commitment to improving and learning helps you to make an even greater impact.

The Direct Support Professional University (DSPU) gives California's direct support professionals access to free, self-paced online courses that strengthen skills, build confidence, and support professional growth.

Join thousands of DSPs investing in themselves and the people they support. Enroll today at www.dds.ca.gov/DSPU or email [email protected].

Keep on learning. It makes a difference.

07/28/2026

Every person brings a unique perspective to the work of creating more inclusive services. In this edition of Together, a Team, Marley Antolín Muñiz shares what it's like working in DDS's Services Branch, supporting autism research, developing learning resources, and making sure that autistic voices are reflected in the work we do.

As we recognize Disability Pride Month, Marley reflects on the importance of being able to show up authentically at work and the value of listening to the disability community. Watch the video to hear more about Marley's work, experiences, and what "Nothing about us without us" means in practice.

07/24/2026

As we approach the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, we're proud to recognize the landmark civil rights law and the opportunities it has created for millions of people with disabilities.

This week, the Department joined community members, advocates, and partners in Sacramento for the second annual Walk and Roll event in celebration of Disability Pride Month and the lasting impact of the ADA.

As California Health & Human Services Agency Secretary Kim Johnson shared:

"We are joining communities around the nation in recognition of July as Disability Pride Month, an opportunity to celebrate the many ways that people living with disabilities—whether visible or invisible, mobility or cognitive, vision or hearing, learning or sensory, developmental or acquired—add to the diversity and strengths of our state."

Together, we celebrate the progress made through the ADA and remain committed to advancing inclusion, accessibility, and belonging for all Californians.

Today, we joined partners from across California to celebrate the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Ac...
07/24/2026

Today, we joined partners from across California to celebrate the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with the second annual Walk and Roll from Sacramento's Tower Bridge to the west steps of the Capitol. Alongside disability advocates, community members, and leaders from across state government, we celebrated the progress made through the ADA while recognizing that creating communities where everyone belongs is an ongoing commitment.

Thank you to everyone who came together to celebrate inclusion, accessibility, and the rights that help make California stronger for all.

Want a career that makes a difference?Direct Support professionals (DSPs) support people with disabilities to live, work...
07/15/2026

Want a career that makes a difference?

Direct Support professionals (DSPs) support people with disabilities to live, work, and thrive in their communities. The DSP Internship Program gives you training, mentorship, and a pathway to a meaningful job.

Apply today and start building a career that changes lives – including yours.

dspinternship.allswell.com



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¿Quieres una carrera que haga la diferencia?

Los profesionales de Apoyo Directo (DSP por sus siglas en inglés) apoyan a las personas con discapacidad para que vivan, trabajen y prosperen en sus comunidades. El Programa de Pasantías de DSP le ofrece capacitación, mentoría y un camino hacia un trabajo significativo.

Complete su solicitud hoy mismo y comience a construir una Carrera que cambie vidas – incluso la suya.

dspinternship.allswell.com

07/15/2026

Today is Developmental Disability Professionals Day!

Observed each year on July 15, this day honors the dedicated professionals who support people with developmental disabilities, including service coordinators, case managers, behavior analysts, direct support professionals, and many others who help individuals and families thrive.

For many families whose child is experiencing developmental delays or is at risk of developing a developmental disability, their first connection to a regional center is through an Early Start service coordinator. These professionals help families understand their options, navigate available resources, and connect to services such as therapies, early intervention, education, and family supports.

“I've had parents tell me they didn't know this kind of support existed. Seeing the relief on their faces when they realize they're not alone is what really fills my heart.” — Isacc Meraz, Early Start Service Coordinator, Valley Mountain Regional Center

In June, Early Start service coordinators and managers from California's regional centers and local educational agencies came together for day-long workshops in Northern and Southern California. The workshops were designed to strengthen collaboration, support professional development, and build connections across regions. What stood out most was the dedication of the people in the room—their compassion, expertise, and commitment to helping children and families access the right services at the right time.

Early Start service coordinators celebrate every milestone alongside the families they serve. Their work is rooted in compassion, partnership, and hope for every child's future.

Today, we celebrate and thank developmental disability professionals across California for the meaningful difference they make in the lives of children, adults, and families every day.



Harbor Regional Center Valley Mountain Regional Center Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center

Address

1215 O Street
Sacramento, CA
95814

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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