dds

Department on Disability Services

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Health and Wellness Unit

The Health and Wellness Unit works closely with families, provider agencies, and health care facilities to provide the information and tools necessary to advocate for the best possible health care and health outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities.

The Unit conducts regular Health and Wellness assessments of provider agencies to ensure quality clinical services, including monitoring people’s Health Care Management Plans (HCMP), Behavior Support Plans (BSP), mealtime and positioning protocols, and other treatment regimens required to optimize the health status of people receiving supports and services.

The Health and Wellness Unit also collaborates with, other government agencies, including DHCF and the Department of Mental Health to reduce barriers for people with intellectual disabilities to receive high quality health care.

Person-Centered Thinking

Person-centered thinking is a philosophy behind service provision that supports positive control and self-direction of people’s own lives. DDS is working to implement this through training sessions and other agency wide initiatives.

Employment First Initiative

Two people clasping hand, one in wheelchair

Under the Employment First philosophy, competitive, integrated employment is the first and overwhelmingly preferred option for working-age youth and adults with disabilities.