Developmental Disabilities

Nevada Contacts

State Agency Responsible for Providing Services to the Developmentally Disabled

The Nevada Mental Health and Developmental Services (MHDS) is a Division of the Department of Health and Human Services. Developmental Services operates three regional centers statewide: Desert Regional Center in Clark County and Southern Nevada, Sierra Regional Center in Washoe County and Rural Regional Center in Carson City and Rural Nevada. It is the mission of each regional center to provide residential and community-based services. Agencies provide person-centered planning so that people can make choices about their lives, live in the least restrictive manner possible and live productively as part of the community.

State Agency Responsible for Overseeing Employment Opportunities for the Developmentally Disabled

The Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Division, Is a state and federally funded program that helps eligible people with disabilities become employed. An individual is eligible for vocational rehabilitation services if the individual: has a physical or mental impairment which constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to employment; and can benefit in terms of an employment outcome from vocational rehabilitation services; and requires vocational rehabilitation services to prepare for, enter, engage in, or retain gainful employment consistent with the individual's strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, and informed choices. A wide range of vocational rehabilitation services are available to persons with disabilities through a statewide network of office locations.

Sheltered Employment

The Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Division, provides extended employment opportunities in community rehabilitation programs (including sheltered workshops). These programs help to develop work-related skills for persons whose functional levels require supervision and assistance. The status of participants is reviewed and re-evaluated at least annually for a period of at least two years to determine the potential for competitive employment. The goal is to place participants in integrated work settings or training for competitive employment whenever possible.

Competitive Employment

Supported Employment is a service that is integrated into the existing vocational rehabilitation delivery system. Supported Employment services expand employment options for participants with the most significant disabilities, many of whom are able to engage in competitive work with the provision of intensive training, supervision and other services.

Health and Safety

The Nevada Safety Consultation and Training Section provides 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 Division of Industrial Relations of the Nevada Department of Business and Industry operates under an approved plan with the U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA, to provide safe and healthful workplaces for the State of Nevada.

Reporting Abuse and Neglect

To report neglect and abuse, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, financial/material exploitation, neglect, physical neglect and self neglect or if you are concerned about a disabled adult being abused or exploited, you can get help. In Nevada, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has a direct line to report abuse and neglect: (702) 229-3364. Assistance is available for individuals and families concerned about possible abuse. Allegations of domestic violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation will be investigated.

Protection and Advocacy

The Nevada Disability Advocacy and Law Center (NDALC) is Nevada's federally mandated protection and advocacy system for the human, legal, and service rights for individuals with disabilities. NDALC was designated as Nevada's protection and advocacy system by the governor in March, 1995, and is a private, non-profit organization. The NDALC Mission is to: "protect and advocate for the human and legal rights, interests, and welfare of Nevadans with disabilities; promote, support, and assist Nevadans with disabilities in understanding and controlling those systems and processes which directly affect their lives; and foster the development, availability, and accessibility of services which increase the opportunities available to Nevadans with disabilities to live their lives as fully, independently, and productively as possible.