California Department of Developmental Services

Directions Website

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.

For your privacy and security, please do not submit personal or sensitive info through this platform.

"I love this job because of the people here. Everybody's positive, and it's just a great place to work," shared Tanner ...
10/23/2026

"I love this job because of the people here. Everybody's positive, and it's just a great place to work," shared Tanner Caro, an office specialist who has worked at SMUD for about a year. He enters data and uses computer programs such as Microsoft Excel.

In celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the Department, California Department of Rehabilitation , Disability Rights California hosted a recognition event on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at SMUD. The program featured speakers from SMUD leadership, participants from its Paid Internship Program (PIP), California Health and Human Services Secretary Kim Johnson, and directors from the hosting departments and organization.

SMUD was honored with California's new 2026 Employment Star Award for its outstanding commitment to inclusive employment. Through the PIP, SMUD continues to create meaningful, competitive work opportunities for individuals with disabilities and demonstrates what intentional hiring can achieve.

California's Employment First vision is a future where young people with developmental disabilities grow up expecting to work, just like anyone else — and where the support they need is ordinary and available. We are grateful for the strong partnerships among DDS, DOR, regional centers, and employers like SMUD as we work together to expand employment opportunities statewide.

Visit www.dds.ca.gov/work for more employment resources and information.



Photo Slide 1: a. SMUD Director of People Services & Strategies Muguet Cochran receives the 2026 Employment Star Award from California Health and Human Services Secretary Kim Johnson. b. SMUD Management Analyst Arlene Chacon gives a presentation at the event. c. SMUD Office Specialist Tanner Caro shares about his employment experience.

Photo Slide 2: Team photos featuring employees from the Department (top) and Department of Rehabilitation (bottom).

Photo Slide 3: Disability Rights California team photo (top) and DOR Director Kim Rutledge speaking to event attendees (bottom).

10/12/2026

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. At the Department, we’re celebrating programs like Lodi Career Connections, where high school students with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive training and real work opportunities to help make transitioning into adult life easier.

At the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop in Lodi, Manager Shelle Milner spoke with pride about the students that come to work in the retail business through the program. They learn important job skills like running the cash register, taking in and sorting donations, greeting donors, and writing up receipts.

“You see them grow and learn skills and gain huge confidence,” beamed Shelle.

The experience working in this shop is just the beginning for students as they begin to build meaningful connections in their communities and gain financial independence through future employment.

If you want to work, you can.

Visit the Department’s website for more employment information and resources:

www.dds.ca.gov/work
(Copy and paste this URL in your browser.)

Lodi Career Connections is a partnership between the Department, Lodi Unified School District , Valley Mountain Regional Center , and California Department of Rehabilitation .

The Department joined service providers, fellow State departments, and community members at the State Capitol on Septemb...
10/02/2026

The Department joined service providers, fellow State departments, and community members at the State Capitol on September 26 for the 59th annual California Native American Day.

Human Resources, Autism Services, and Access & Equity teams shared information and resources with tribal communities and families. Access & Equity grant recipient Acorns to Oak Trees also joined the event, sharing information about child development, early detection and intervention, and challenges tribal communities and Native families may face when supporting loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

California Native American Day celebrates the distinct cultures, histories, and contributions of California Native American communities and recognizes the challenges they have faced and continue to address.

Connecting tribal families with essential resources and supports is an important part of the Department's work to make services more accessible and responsive to communities across California.

09/30/2026

Finding your first job after high school isn’t always easy and can feel overwhelming to many. But when families of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities get the right supports, the transition to employment and adult life can be much easier!

For Vianca Godinez, the Lodi Unified School District’s Career Connections program prepared her for a just-right job opportunity with T% Coffee + Tea.

“At first, I was really scared of talking to people. But now, ever since I got to go there, I’ve been feeling more confident about myself,” said Vianca. “I get to learn how to take care of myself and take care of others.”

We can't wait to see what's ahead for Vianca and the other students finding employment through the program. And we have more of their stories to share with you during National Disability Employment Awareness Month this October - follow along with our campaign.

Lodi Career Connections is a partnership between the Department, Lodi Unified School District , Valley Mountain Regional Center, and California Department of Rehabilitation.

09/28/2026

Meet Lisa Gonzales, the Department's deaf access specialist.

Lisa works with California's 21 regional centers and Department staff to help improve communication access for people who are Deaf and hard of hearing. She brings both professional experience and a lifelong connection to the Deaf community to her work.

In this new 'Together, a Team' video, Lisa shares a little about her role, her connection to the Deaf community and what Deaf Awareness Month means to her.

We're glad to have Lisa on our team and to share more about the people who make developmental services more accessible and inclusive.

Las reglas federales sobre la carga pública han cambiado. La regla no aplica a todas las personas. Cada caso es diferent...
09/22/2026

Las reglas federales sobre la carga pública han cambiado. La regla no aplica a todas las personas. Cada caso es diferente.

Busque asesoramiento confiable antes de modificar su cobertura médica, ayuda alimentaria u otro tipo de asistencia para usted o su familia. 📲 www.chhs.ca.gov/public-charge

09/19/2026

For Judy, supporting people means listening, building connections, and recognizing the strengths and aspirations each person brings.

In her conversation with Ciara, it’s easy to see that connection in action. Ciara’s favorite memories with Judy include joking around, painting, listening to music. They make each other laugh, learn from each other, and clearly enjoy the time they spend together.

Judy’s work reflects a deep belief in the dignity and potential of the people she supports – and a commitment to helping them pursue their interests, grow their strengths, and reach their goals.

Judy Undercoffler was nominated for a California Disability Services Association Empowerment Award in recognition of the heart, empathy, and commitment she brings to her work with young adults through United Cerebral Palsy of the North Bay, a vendor for North Bay Regional Center.

Resources to help Californians understand the federal government’s new Public Charge Rule, including information about w...
09/19/2026

Resources to help Californians understand the federal government’s new Public Charge Rule, including information about what the rule means and how it may affect individuals and families, are now available at www.chhs.ca.gov/public-charge.

We are continuing to create and update resources as additional information becomes available. We encourage Californians with questions or concerns about the rule to review these resources, seek information from trusted sources, and consult a qualified immigration legal service provider for advice about their individual circumstances.

The new federal Public Charge Rule took effect September 18, 2026, changing how the federal government considers the use of certain public benefits when making public charge determinations. The rule does not apply to everyone, and its impact will depend on an individual’s circumstances. Californians should use trusted resources to understand whether and how the rule may apply to them and be cautious of misinformation and scams.

We remain concerned about confusion surrounding the new rule and the possibility that eligible individuals and families may avoid critical health and human services because they fear immigration consequences. California remains committed to ensuring people have access to accurate information so they can make informed decisions for themselves and their families.

Californians are encouraged to visit this website for information and resources about the Public Charge Rule and to check back for updates as additional information becomes available. A list of nonprofit organizations qualified to provide immigration legal services is also available at www.cdss.ca.gov.

09/18/2026

ToniLee and Maggie have an easy rhythm — they enjoy dancing at concerts, singing, and cooking together.

They know each other well, celebrate each other’s strengths and support one another through the everyday moments that matter.

Their connection is a great example of how DSPs support people to keep learning, exploring their interests, and taking on new opportunities at every stage of life.

This DSP Recognition Week, we’re celebrating ToniLee Faughnan, who was nominated for a California Disability Services Association 2026 Empowerment Award, and the meaningful work she does with Maggie through WATCH Resources, Inc., a Valley Mountain Regional Center vendor.

09/17/2026

There’s something powerful about the kind of relationship where laughter becomes part of how you navigate life together — where inside jokes, shared memories, and genuine care can make even the challenging moments a little lighter.

For Corinne and Nicole, that connection shines through in the way they talk about each other. When asked what she appreciates about Nicole, Corinne didn’t hesitate: “I love your joy. You’re just a joyful person no matter what’s going on.”

Nicole also shared one of her favorite memories of Corinne, using her eye gaze communication system: “I was nervous to start day program before I started working with her. She was very welcoming and made me feel comfortable.”

Nicole’s communication journey has included learning to use different communication devices through the Tech Resource Center. For this interview, the questions were provided to Nicole in advance so she could program her answers and readily share them with Corinne using her eye gaze system.

Their conversation is a beautiful example of what being a DSP is all about: building close, respectful, and trusting relationships with the people they support. Relationships where people get to know each other, find reasons to laugh, support one another through the hard moments, and share the everyday moments that make life meaningful.

Corinne Amare was nominated for the California Disability Services Association 2026 Empowerment Awards in recognition of the meaningful connections built with the people she supports, and for the exceptional professionalism and care she brings to the DSP role. We’re honored to highlight and celebrate the trust, joy, and partnership at the heart of her connection with Nicole, in this Get to Know my DSP and Me video conversation. She has worked for over 30 years in disability services providing a full range of direct support, including group services, day program, 1:1 support, and staff supervision. She is currently a DSP III with Marin Ventures, a Golden Gate Regional Center service provider serving Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo counties.

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

, ,

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when California Department of Developmental Services posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category