1976
Alan Short Center (ASC), Stockton, CA:
Recognized nationally by the President's Committee on Mental Retardation for its innovative arts
programming. Visual and performing arts continue to play a vital role in meeting the
self-expression and creative needs of participants. The arts are excellent teaching tools that
encourage hard work, social interaction, language development, and independence.
1979
The Short Center Sacramento (SCS),
Sacramento, CA:
Began operations on the former California State Fairgrounds in a portable trailer. Volunteer fundraising
made it possible for SCS to purchase a building, which opened with 130 students. It offered over twenty-five
courses for students to choose from on a trimester basis. Music and drama classes took their
performances on the road throughout Northern California, and received rave reviews.
1981
Capitol Book & Gift Shop:
Opened after the massive restoration of the State Capitol Building was completed.
Gift Shop employees included individuals with disabilities. Among the items sold were gift items
made from historic remnants. Corporations, civic organizations, and policymakers led the purchase
of the shop's custom-designed items.
1982
Alan Short Gallery, Stockton, CA:
Artists with disabilities exhibited their work alongside other artists known
for their ethnic, folk, traditional, and contemporary pieces. The gallery bridged the gap of isolation between
artists and the community-at-large, and exhibited artists received commissions for works sold.
1984
Adult Developmental Center (ADC), Sacramento, CA:
ADC was designed to provide adults with severe, profound disabilities opportunities to make
their own choices and decisions regarding their everyday lives, to participate in and contribute
to all aspects of their lives through decision making, community association, volunteer
activities, and work.
1986
DDSO Foundation, Sacramento, CA:
Established for the sole purpose of raising funds for DDSO, the Foundation
manages the investment of endowment funds, and began a planned giving program.
1989
Community Integration Program (CIP),
Sacramento, CA:
Designed to provide vocational and community integration skills for individuals with developmental
disabilities in the familiar atmosphere of their home community.
1992
Enterprise Fund, Sacramento, CA:
The DDSO Board of Directors designated proceeds from sales of the Capitol Book and Gift Shop
and the Lobby Shop to provide funds to employ persons with developmental disabilities.
Restructure of Adult Development Center & Short Center Sacramento, Sacramento, CA:
Moved operations to the Sutterville Road facility to offer more community and vocational opportunities for
clients living in the south Sacramento area. The restructuring included:
Dividing Short Center Sacramento into Short Center
North (SCN) to serve clients living near the St. Marks Campus, and Short Center South (SCS) at the
Sutterville Campus to serve clients living in south Sacramento.
- MovingAdult Development Center (ADC) to the Sutterville Campus to serve clients living in south
Sacramento
Created Transitions for Tomorrow (T2), an ADC program service at the St. Marks facility to serve
clients living in north Sacramento County.
Catalina House, Sacramento, CA:
A licensed residential program located within short walking distance from the St. Marks site designed to offer up to 6 individuals
with developmental disabilities the opportunity to live in a homelike environment, and learn skills to
enable them to transition into a more independent living situation.
1993
Vocational Rehabilitation-Work Adjustment Program (VR-WAP):
Funded through the Department of Rehabilitation, VR-WAP made it possible for DDSO to provide more
extensive training and job search services to clients seeking employment in the community at large.
1994
Is Able House (AKA Lusk House), Sacramento, CA:
DDSO was able to renovate a house through grants from the Is Able and Harry Merlo Foundation to
create a supportive living home.
1996
Dublirer Gallery, Sacramento CA:
Established to exhibit work done by artists participating in the DDSO programs, as well as the DDSO
staff of artists, alongside local and outside artists.
Re-organized VR-WAP, Sacramento, CA:
Replaced with the DDSO Supported Employment Services program, which eventually became Employment
Plus (E+).
1999
Alan Short Community Access Program (ASCAP), Stockton, CA:
Implemented to focus on community access training, and employment for clients living in the Stockton area.
2001
Employment Plus (Employment+), Sacramento, CA:
Training support program to help clients gain employment skills.
Their innovative philosophy embraced the concept that, with adequate support, individuals could move
beyond their handicaps to make appropriate lifestyle choices; develop communication, living, and working
skills; and explore avenues of artistic expression. They believed that, through full participation in life, and
positive interactions within the community at-large, individuals with disabilities could realize their personal
potential, meeting their own expectations and those of loved ones.
Many of DDSO's participants are, or hope to be gainfully employed doing meaningful work, live in a
home where they can make their own life choices, contribute to society through volunteerlng, and
impact the world through visual and performing arts.