Developmental Disabilities

Delaware Contacts

State Agency Responsible for Providing Services to the Developmentally Disabled

The Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS), Delaware Health and Social Services, provides an array of services to adults and children with mental retardation and developmental disabilities. Other services are also extended to the families of these special people. Some of the services offered include work skills, self-care, community living and social and communication skills. DDDS is available to help each individual with special needs develop to his/her fullest potential and also assists families so that they may continue to care for these individuals while they are living at home.

State Agency Responsible for Overseeing Employment Opportunities for the Developmentally Disabled

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Delaware Department of Labor, is the state's public program that helps people with physical and mental disabilities obtain or retain employment. This includes assessment, counseling and guidance, information and referral, physical/mental restoration services, rehabilitation technology, skill training, job placement assistance, interpreter services, supported employment services, as well as others. Also, an Independent Living Program helps people with disabilities function in the community. DVR's commitment is to help people with disabilities increase independence through employment.

Sheltered Employment

The Delaware Department of Labor Vocational Rehabilitation programs for persons with developmental disabilities provide employment opportunities in a sheltered workplace. These programs help to maintain work-related skills for persons whose functional levels require supervision and assistance. Training focuses on the particular skills associated with contract work and on improving physical capacity, stamina, production rates and accuracy. Attention is also paid to improving communication and interpersonal skills. Client progress is monitored on an annual basis.

Competitive Employment

Some individuals with disabilities are capable of employment in the workplace with some ongoing support. The Delaware Division of Rehabilitation supported employment program will help find employment opportunities in the workplace that most closely match an individual's abilities and capabilities. Onsite trainers, or job coaches, will come to the job site and help an individual learn to perform the duties of the job. At first, the job coach may be there all the time. As the individual gains the skills and abilities to work more independently, the job coach will check in on a regular basis to provide any needed support or assistance on a permanent basis.

Health and Safety

The Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) Delaware Consultation Project Offices provide free consultation service to help employers improve their occupational safety and health management systems and to help employers comply with federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations. The program also helps provide safe and healthy workplaces for employees by helping the employer locate and remove existing hazards in the facility, thereby reducing injuries and illnesses.

The Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) Delaware Area Offices provide safety and health protections to most private sector workers and state and local government employees within the state. OSHA investigates complaints about workplace safety and health hazards.

Reporting Abuse and Neglect

The Adult Protective Services Program (APS), Delaware Health and Social Services, protects impaired adults against incidents of abuse, neglect or exploitation. Specifically, the program serves persons who are aged 18 or over, who have a physical or mental impairment, and who are not living in a long term care facility. The APS program is staffed by trained social workers who provide assistance.

Protection and Advocacy

Disabilities Law Program is a special project of the Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. and is designated by the Governor as the Protection and Advocacy agency in Delaware. This program provides advocacy services to Delaware residents with physical or mental disabilities. The Disabilities Law Program includes seven advocacy programs, serving individuals with various types of disabilities. Services provided include: individual advocacy, systemic advocacy, general information, referral services, and community education/self advocacy training.

PADD, Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities, is a program authorized by federal law to help people of Delaware with developmental disabilities exercise their full rights as citizens. PADD is not a state agency and is independent of all other agencies that provide developmental disabilities services. PADD typically assists in securing rights to: appropriate treatment, a free and appropriate public education, freedom from discrimination in housing and family services, accessibility, financial entitlements, freedom from abuse and neglect, and other rights related to the disability.