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Developmental Disabilities Service Organization (DDSO) produces programs that champion the creativity and potential within the hearts and minds of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

From two sites in Sacramento and one site in Stockton, DDSO is an award-winning nonprofit that annually provides 400 adults with disabilities the opportunity to experience independence, job training, employment, physical education, visual and performing arts, life skill building, social interaction, active participation in the community, nurturing relationships and more.

Developmental disabilities are a diverse group of severe chronic conditions that are due to mental and/or physical impairments. They include cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, epilepsy and intellectual disabilities. There may be challenges with major life activities such as language, mobility, learning, self-help, and independent living. Developmental disabilities begin anytime during development up to 22 years of age, and last throughout a person’s lifetime.

Today, there is more opportunity than ever to honor and recognize the contributions and independence of people with disabilities. They have diverse ideas and choices to make about where they want to go, how they want to spend their time, and with whom they want to interact. DDSO’s programs strive daily to help individuals achieve their dreams of being gainfully employed doing meaningful work, living in a home where they can make their own life choices, contributing to society through volunteering, and impacting the world through visual and performing arts.

Join Us

To prevent isolation and abuse

Community programs ensure a healthy, safe environment for people who are 7x more vulnerable to abuse and neglect.

To promote kindness and inclusion

Love has no labels. Everyone, regardless of ability gets to contribute to society and participate meaningfully in their community. Supportive social circles help overcome barriers and defeat preconceptions.

To celebrate artistic expression

Hidden talents are revealed when people explore, create, perform and exhibit. Artists share their vision with the outside world through painting, drawing, ceramics, sewing, jewelry making, music, theatre, digital animation and more.

Latest Posts

Uncork for the Arts 2016: Art, Wine, and Good Times
September 6, 2016
Uncork for the Arts 2016 was a fun-filled night of unique art, wine, and community. Guests were welcomed with live piano music by the talented Ellen Boudreaux as they arrived, enjoyed fruit and cheese platters, and shopped art displays on the patio. Ellen Boudreaux, Short Center North client and musical savant
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Meet the 2016 Uncork for the Arts Honorees (Pt 2)
August 15, 2016
Every year at Uncork for the Arts, one person is chosen from each of DDSO’s programs to be recognized and celebrated for their unique contributions as valuable members of our community. Congratulations to our 2016 honorees! You are each an inspiration. Debra Anderson, Community Integration Program Blindness nor epileptic seizures
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Meet the Uncork for the Arts 2016 Honorees! (Pt 1)
July 28, 2016
Every year at Uncork for the Arts, one person is chosen from each of DDSO’s programs to be recognized and celebrated for their unique contributions as valuable members of our community. Congratulations to our 2016 honorees! Brad Dixon, Alan Short Community Access Program His quiet demeanor belies a man with
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Celebrate With Us at Uncork for the Arts on 8/27
July 13, 2016
The Developmental Disabilities Service Organization (DDSO) invites you to join us for a fabulous night of great wine and fine art in our community on August 27th!
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This Social Butterfly is Included in the Community
May 3, 2016
Elsa lives at a care home and needs constant supervision due to a seizure disorder that has left her in a wheelchair. She came to the Community Integration Program (CIP) over fifteen years ago because she wanted to make choices in her life, socialize with people and be out in
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Industrious Hard Worker Overcomes Challenges
May 2, 2016
Penny is a warm and friendly woman who loves her family, especially her mom and nephew, Jacob. She enjoys helping other people. At ADC she is industrious and likes to work in the Pilot Project where she packages propellers for model airplanes. Though cerebral palsy has paralyzed one arm, she
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MissionPartners

Collaboration makes the world go round! Thank you to the leaders, volunteers, donors and community members who partner with DDSO to enhance the lives of adults with developmental disabilities.

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Developmental Disabilities Service Organization (DDSO) produces programs that champion the creativity and potential within the hearts and minds of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Join Us

To prevent isolation and abuse

To promote kindness and inclusion

To celebrate artistic expression

Latest Posts

Uncork for the Arts 2016: Art, Wine, and Good Times

Meet the 2016 Uncork for the Arts Honorees (Pt 2)

Meet the Uncork for the Arts 2016 Honorees! (Pt 1)

Celebrate With Us at Uncork for the Arts on 8/27

This Social Butterfly is Included in the Community

Industrious Hard Worker Overcomes Challenges

Are you in the Kindness Club?

Events

Through 8/17 – E+ Studio Invited to Speak at Webfest Berlin

8/18 – NeighborWorks Art, Wine & Food Classic

8/23-26 – Traveling Clown Theater at Three Penny Theatre

Programs

Achievement Development & Care

Alan Short Center

Employment Plus

Reach In

Short Center North

Short Center South

Virtual Feast

MissionPartners