Developmental Disabilities Service Organization, Inc. is committed to enhancing the
quality of life for persons with developmental disabilities using the arts as one of it's primary modalities.
DDSO firmly believes that with adequate support, individuals can move beyond their
challenges to make appropriate residential and lifestyle choices; develop communication,
living, and working skills; and discover avenues of artistic expression.
Through full participation in life and positive interactions with the
community-at-large, individuals with disabilities can realize their
individual potential, meeting their own expectations and those of loved ones.
DDSO's first program, the Alan Short Center (ASC), began in Stockton, and was the first art center
in the region for adults with developmental disabilities. DDSO has grown steadily in response to the large, unmet needs of adults with developmental
disabilities. From a single program that served six students, DDSO's operation has grown to include:
The Achievement Development & Care (ADC) Program, was established in April of 1984, at 2331 St. Marks Way,
in Sacramento California. To better serve our clients living in the south part of Sacramento, ADC
relocated to 1250 Sutterville Road (across from William Land Park) in
1994. Elizabeth Davis is the current Program Director.
SERVICES PROVIDED
ADC provides services to adults, eighteen years and older, with severe and profound
developmental disabilities who are referred by Alta California Regional Center.
ADC strives to provide opportunities for people to make their own choices and decisions
regarding their everyday lives, provides opportunities to participate in and contribute
to all aspects of their lives through decision making, community association, volunteer
activities, and work.
ADC supports all clients in the Person Centered Planning process (PCP) and in the development
and implementation of an Individual Service Plan (ISP). Goals and objectives are formulated with
input from the clients and their families or careproviders to assist them in fulfilling their hopes, dreams,
and personal goals. The specific training components are based on the goals and objectives chosen
by each person.
ADC focuses on training and support in the following areas:
Self-Advocacy
Training areas include basic language and communication skills including speech, sign language and
the use of communications devices; decision-making skills; motivation to communicate interests;
exercising personal choice to exert control over one's environment; discussions of appropriate
relationship interaction to avoid exploitation and opportunities for day-to-day activity planning.
Self-Care/Personal Growth
This category focuses on assisting clients with their daily care which includes toileting and feeding
skills and teaches and encourages the client to participate in learning new activities to pursue their
leisure time in an enjoyable and age-appropriate manner. Activities could include participation in
art and craft classes, exercise classes for both ambulatory and non-ambulatory clients, and
writing classes, just to name a few.
Community Integration
Awareness of community resources and how to access those resources is an important part of life.
Depending on consumer preferences and experiences, training might include use of public transportation,
safety awareness, restaurant etiquette, setting up and keeping personal appointments, money management
and purchasing. Participants might also attend a local community college weightlifting class, volunteer for
a nonprofit agency, shop at the local grocery store, cash a check at the bank or have lunch at a nearby
restaurant. All destinations are designed to support and enrich the lives of ADC clients.
Volunteer and Employment Training
As identified through the Person Centered Planning process, clients interested in working will be provided
with opportunities to volunteer or participate in ADC's on-site employment program, the Pilot Project.
Whether volunteer or paid employment, support and training is provided to develop personal grooming,
mobility, interpersonal skills, positive work ethics and other job-related skills.
ADC is committed to enhancing the lives of its participants, supporting the individual's wants and needs,
and placing attention on client health, cleanliness, and diet, as well as personal development.
Participants are encouraged to work on objectives in the four general areas of service provided, but are not required
to participate in any one area.
ADC participants regularly participate in community outings. They may go on a personal shopping day with money earned from the
Pilot Project, visit a farmers market, attend the State Fair, go wade in the water at Folsom Lake,
visit the Jelly Belly Factory, go to a movie, or take their exercise class in the park on a fresh, sunny day.
Participants may also choose to work 3-4 days per week and have an art class 2 days a week. Whatever their identified
goals and objectives, ADC staff will work hard to help maintain or improve client health and help clients achieve
their personal goals.
The Alan Short Center (ASC), founded by Mary Short, is named in honor of her husband, former California
State Senator Alan Short who pioneered legislation in the field of mental health.
ASC opened its doors in
1976, and is currently located on the University Park Campus, where it serves San Joaquin County adults
with developmental disabilities.
ASC was one of the first programs in California to encourage self-awareness and personal growth through the arts. We
firmly believe that both the visual and performing arts continue to serve a vital role in meeting self-expression and
creative needs of persons participating in our program services. The arts promote the integration of each person's physical,
emotional, cognitive and social functioning.
Studio art classes utilize varied media and include drawing, painting, silk screening and ceramics. Students have had
the opportunity to explore window painting, jewelry making, fabric painting/dying, and cartooning.
A number of
ASC artists receive sporadic but substantial income from their work. Some have had the opportunity to enter
competitions and exhibitions across the country. A few have also shown their works around the world, including Scotland, Israel
and Japan. Past activities have included an ongoing cable program, "The Cool Papa John Show", staffed by
ASC students.
ASC, in collaboration with Stockton Unified School District, School for Adults, provides a comprehensive Drama Program with
participation at the Stockton Civic Theater. Drama classes teach performance techniques and set design, culminating in
theatrical performances.
In addition to the Drama Program,
ASC also participates in a Literacy Program, where
ASC students read to children at the
Margaret Troke Library and various schools in the area, including Richard Pittman Elementary, Walton Special Center, and
Head Start.
ASC services are based on promoting successful experiences in a positive environment and encouraging hard work, social
integration, language development and independence at home and in the community.
ASC strives to provide opportunities
for our clients to make their own decisions. Self-advocacy, community integration, functional living skills, personal
growth and employment exploration are essential components of our program.
Academic classes include money management, science, computer training and creative writing. Life skills classes include
recreational and cultural activities, fitness workouts and cooking classes. Daily living skills are also learned, which
include conflict resolution, relationship interaction and hygiene improvement.
Vocational activities include volunteer work with various nonprofit agencies, work opportunities in the student-run store,
and janitorial training for skills useful in the home and at work.
Alan Short Community Access Program (ASCAP) is designed to provide a supportive environment for students to make their
own choices and decisions regarding their daily lives.
SERVICES PROVIDED
ASCAP offers opportunities for participants to be involved in and contribute to their communities through volunteer
activities, gainful employment and recreational activities as expressed in the Person Centered Planning process.
ASCAP provides opportunities for students to make their own choices and decisions regarding
their every day life, provides opportunities for them to participate in and contribute to community life through interactive association,
volunteer activities and work.
Specific directions of training include self-advocacy, community integration, personal growth, employment
exploration and artistic creativity. Support and training is provided to meet goals and objectives that are documented
in each student's Individual Service Plan (ISP).
Goals and objectives are formulated with input from the student and their families to assist them in fulfilling their hopes,
dreams and personal goals.
Community Integration Program (CIP) was established in October 1989. CIP focuses on supporting clients
in their effort to become independent and integrated into the community-at-large. The driving goal of the program
is to empower its participants to live their lives to the fullest.
CIP emphasizes self-advocacy skills training, community living, physical mobility, independent living skills, communication,
volunteerism, and vocational skills.
CIP activities enable clients to live and to intergrate into the community through social events and volunteerism at several sites
that promote community interaction and proper social skills. Community activities include visits to museums, bowling alleys, and
nature centers. Classes include music, cooking, exercise, art, writing, computers, personal finance, safety
awareness, and basic self-care.
SERVICES PROVIDED
CIP provides a variety of service options designed from the consumer's perspective as expressed in the Person Centered
Planning process. Support and training is provided to meet goals and objectives that are documented in each consumer's Individual
Service Plan (ISP).
CIP provides training to consumers in the acquisition, generalization, and maintenance of the skills they choose to pursue for their
preferred goals. To support the consumers' chosen life plans, CIP provides training in the following categories:
Self-Advocacy
Training areas include assertiveness, decision-making skills to improve awareness, motivation to communicate interests,
to exercise personal choice, and to avoid exploitation. CIP clients are provided many opportunities for day-to-day planning
of activities.
Personal Growth
CIP encourages clients to participate in new learning activities and to pursue their personal leisure time in an
enjoyable, age-appropriate manner. Activities might include participation in sports, touring local museums,
enjoying the local library, attending community events, as well as attending classes at CIP.
Community Access
Learning how to access community resources is an important training service. Consumers may volunteer at a
local nonprofit agency, shop at local grocery stores, make purchases or choose to take training on how to use
public transportation, safety awareness, restaurant etiquette, setting up and meeting personal appointments.
Volunteer Work
Volunteer jobs are fulfilling and productive. Once a week, a small group of CIP clients volunteers at Sierra Arden
Church bag and sort produce and groceries for the church's food bank. Another small group
volunteers at St. Luke's Church sorting pamphlets and envelopes, while yet another volunteers at Mission
Oaks working with seniors.
Arts
Grant funding received from the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Council, California Arts Council, the Kelly Foundation
and the Mary Short Endowment Fund make it possible for professional artists to work with CIP clients.
Noreen Turk is the current Program Director of CIP.
Employment Plus (E+) was established in July 2000. E+ supports clients in exploring, obtaining, and
maintaining employment and volunteer opportunities.
E+ eliminates barriers to employment and helps clients secure and maintain work through goal and opportunity
assessment, advocacy, vocational training, aptitude testing, physical exercise, community job searches, job placement
assistance, and post-employment support.
Orientation classes include interview skills, dressing for success, self-advocacy, personal hygiene, computer fundamentals,
Internet, letter writing, resumes, spelling, reading, creative writing, daily planning, banking, work safety, and cooking.
PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of E+ is to provide support and community-based training in the areas of employment,
community integration, and personal growth, which have been chosen by participants through the Person Centered
Planning process.
Support and training is provided to each person to assist them in meeting goals and objectives, which are documented in each
consumer's Individual Service Plan (ISP).
SERVICES PROVIDED
E+ provides opportunities for each participant to make his or her own choices and decisions regarding their everyday life
and provides opportunities to participate in and contribute to the community through work, community association, and
volunteer activities.
Specific directions of training are in the areas of work, employment exploration, community integration, self-advocacy, and
personal growth. Acquisition of skills in these areas will enable participants to optimize their opportunities for full inclusion in the
community.
E+ will provide consumers with sustained support on the job and direction in developing the ability to access their community
as well as utilize non-aversive behavioral intervention to assist them in overcoming obstacles that have previously limited
their involvement in the community.
Service Training
Service training components are based on the goals and objectives chosen by each participant. E+ provides training
to consumers in the acquisition, generalization, and maintenance of the skills they choose to pursue for their preferred
goals.
To support the consumer's chosen life plan E+ provides training and support for the consumer in at least one
or more of the following categories:
Employment
As identified through the Person Centered Planning process, Job Specialists will develop jobs based on participants' expressed
interests. Job training will be provided on the job. Ongoing support will be provided as needed. Under the Ticket To Work
Program offered at E+, participants are given options to protect their supplemental income through Social Security while considering
opportunities to increase their assets.
Employment Exploration
Participants interested in employment will be provided opportunities to learn employment-related skills. Support and training
is provided to develop personal care (i.e., grooming), mobility, interpersonal skills, work ethics, and other job related skills.
Individuals will be supported if they wish to enroll in community college,OJT (on the job training), or vocational classes to
develop skills for employment. E+ also has a Job Coach out-stationed at the EDD office in the Mark Sanders Complex
once a week to help clients search for jobs in the community.
Self-Advocacy
Training areas include assertiveness and decision-making skills to improve awareness and motivation to communicate interests,
to exercise personal choice, and to exert control over one's environment; discussions of appropriate relationship interaction
to avoid exploitation; and opportunities for day-to-day planning of activities.
Community Integration
Awareness of available community resources and how to access them is an important component of integration into the community.
In 1999, the California Arts Council (CAC) awarded the first Multi-Residency Grant to DDSO. This, in combination with grants from
SMAC, the Kelly Foundation, and River Cats Foundation allowed DDSO to add the Mural Project.
DDSO clients working with ceramicists, Val Fernandez and Stephanie Skalisky, DDSO clients have created colorful murals
installed throughout Sacramento. Tens of thousands of shoppers have seen the Project’s first mural gracing the
floor of the atrium at the old Country Club Plaza. At Southside Park, another Project mural can be found at the
entrance to the swimming pool. A drive down 12th Street to Loaves and Fishes will reveal figures created by
Project artists gracing the exterior wall. The Downtown office of WEAVE proudly displays a Project mural over
the entrance. The Roberts Family Foundation in North Sacramento is another location where a Project mural
has been installed. Over twenty artists with developmental disabilities based at Short Center North have participated
in the design, fabrication, and installation of these community murals.
In 1999, the California Arts Council (CAC) awarded the first Multi-Residency Grant to DDSO. This, in combination with grants from
SMAC, the Kelly Foundation, and River Cats Foundation allowed DDSO to add the Reach In Project. The Reach In Project was
established to engage professional artists to meet the challenge of introducing the practice of art to individuals with profound
physical and mental limitations and recognize their individual potential rather than their limitations.
The Reach In Project initiated DDSO's profoundly challenged clients into the visual and performing arts.
Clients at DDSO's Achievement, Development & Care (formerly known as the Adult Development Center),
Community Integration Program, and Transitions for Tomorrow
have blossomed under the guidance of professional artists Kim Scott, Stephanie Skalisky, Robert Charland, Kele Duncan, Christiana Cleveland,
Nanci Zecchin, Robert Freehling, and Julia Conner. These professional artists met the challenge of introducing
art to individuals with profound physical and mental limitations, and recognized individual potential rather than
limitations. One Program Director stated, "A student in a wheelchair comes of out dance/movement class
sweating and exhausted because she moved, stretched, and danced herself silly."
The Reach In Project has made a huge difference in the lives of DDSO clients who, for the first time, wrote poetry, sculpted in clay, painted,
and in general, created art exhibited and sold throughout the region.
Short Center North (SCN), developed in 1978, provides Sacramentans living in the northern part of the county,
with an arts based day program for adults with developmental disabilities.
SERVICES PROVIDED
SCN offers studio art classes which include painting, ceramics, mixed media, stained glass, and drawing. Other classes include
Videography, textile folk art, art gallery work, independent living skills, internet travel, literacy, journalism, gardening and
healthy cooking.
Clients can explore their musical talent in choral classes and demonstrate their proficiency in performances.
Local professional artists facilitate classes and experiences in the fine arts, literacy and basic academics, community
access and services, vocational placement, as well as related supportive services necessary to meet the individual needs
and desires of clients.
Public art commissions completed by SCN students include a ceramic rooftop garden for Kaiser Morse Medical Center; mosaic
and signage for La Sierra Recreational Center, Country Club Plaza, Southside Park and Alta California Regional Center.
A short list of Sacramento galleries where artists attending SCN have had their work displayed includes New Visions Gallery
in Country Club Plaza, the California State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition, Toyroom Gallery, Center for Contemporary Art, and the Crocker Art
Gallery. Nationwide, SCN artists' work has been seen at the Ames Gallery, DeYoung Museum, Smithsonian American Art Museum
and the American Museum of Visionary Art.
The day program offered by SCN allows artists with disabilities the opportunity to express their unique vision, develop
their craft and generate income from their artwork. They wholeheartedly thank you for your support.
The mission of Short Center Repertory (SCR) is to integrate actors with disabilities as full citizens of the cultural life of our community.
Since 1988, Short Center Sacramento presented adult actors with developmental disabilities before mainstream theatre
audiences, developing awareness of the high level of artistic capability of this overlooked segment of our population.
Jim Anderson is the SCR Artistic Director.
In 1993, the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission (SMAC) honored DDSO with an annual Culture
Award. The Culture Award is given to those institutions that make a significant contribution to Sacramento's
cultural life. With this prestigious award, DDSO established the Short Center Repertory (SCR).
In 1995, the DDSO Foundation received $75,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Challenge Grant program.
The DDSO Foundation, by investing BINGO proceeds met NEA’s required three-to-one match and established the Mary Short
Endowment to ensure the continuity of DDSO arts programs for persons with developmental disabilities. Over the next five years,
a portion of the earnings from the Mary Short Endowment supplemented DDSO programs that gave students the opportunity to
work side by side with professional artists engaged in visual and performing arts.
Over fifty plus DDSO clients have had the opportunity to try their theatrical acumen under the direction of James C. Anderson.
For ten years, Karl Figley, a DDSO client, toured in the solo performance, "Struck Dumb", a play about a man learning to live
with aphasia. Karl, who suffered head trauma when he was struck by a car at age 18, writes about his experience performing:
"My memory and speaking ability improved and I was not afraid to get up in front of the public and show them what a handicapped
person can do. It's a lot of work studying the lines, rehearsing and then performing."
Other DDSO clients who have given memorable performances include Brennan Weaver, playing the lead role in "The Miracle Worker",
Marcus Higgins, who co-starred with Figley in "Endgame", and Elsa McKenna, who played the title role in "The Good Woman of Szetzuan".
These productions were all presented by the Short Center Repertory at the Sacramento Theatre Company.
Another frequent performer with Short Center Repertory, Brian Hillebert, has graduated to significant roles in Sacramento's community theatre.
He played a disenfranchised Vietnam veteran in the play, "Walls" presented by the Asian-Pacific Theatre Company; the title role in "The Cripple
of Inishmaan" presented by the Thistle Dew Dinner Theatre; and two roles in "Twilight, Los Angeles" produced by Celebration Arts.
In 1999, the California Arts Council (CAC) awarded the first Multi-Residency Grant to DDSO. This, in combination with grants from
SMAC, the Kelly Foundation, and River Cats Foundation allowed DDSO to continue development of the
Short Center Repertory and add two new art projects: The Mural Project; and the Reach In Project.
Short Center South (SCS) was established in 1993 when the fast-growing Short Center was divided into
two separate programs in order to provide more individualized services to approximately 60 clients each. A year later,
SCS moved into a facility in the southern part of Sacramento making access easier for participants living in south
Sacramento and outlying areas. SCS now serves upwards of 120 participants.
SCS is firmly based in the arts, but offers options in education and recreation that promote personal
growth and daily life skills. Studio art students participate in gallery shows and utilize varied mediums and techniques
including watercolor painting, tile and mosaic murals, sculpture, traditional ceramics as well as collage, woodwork, and
textiles. Additionally, the program offers photography, videography, film editing, and animation. Academic classes include
reading, computer science, and internet training.
Life skills classes include exercise, sign language, and relationship building skills. Mobility/physical therapy activities include
fitness activities at the YMCA/YWCA, participation in Special Olympics, and modern and traditional dance classes. Vocational
opportunities include janitorial job skills as well as the opportunity to participate in an on-site work program that involves
packaging parts for model airplanes.
Performing arts include chorus, solo voice, karaoke, a pop/rock music group, dance, acting, musical theatre, children's theatre, and
puppetry.
SERVICES PROVIDED
Short Center South provides a variety of service options designed from the consumer's perspective as expressed in the
Person Centered Planning process. Specific direction of training is in the areas of self-advocacy, community integration,
personal growth, employment exploration, and artistic creativity.
Support and training is provided to meet goals and objectives that are documented in each consumer's Individual Service Plan
(ISP).
Goals and objectives are formulated with input from the consumer and their families and/or support staff to assist consumers
in fulfilling their hopes, dreams, and personal goals.
SERVICE TRAINING
The service training components of SCS are based on the goals and objectives chosen by each consumer. SCS provides training
to consumers in the acquisition, generalization, and maintenance of the skills they chose to pursue for their preferred
goals. To support the consumers' chosen life plans, SCS provides training in the following categories:
Self-Advocacy
Training areas include assertiveness and decision-making skills to improve awareness and motivation to communicate
interests, to exercise personal choice, and to exert control over one's environment; discussions of appropriate
relationship interaction to avoid exploitation; and opportunities for day-to-day planning of activities.
Personal Growth
This category teaches and encourages the consumer to participate in new learning activities and to pursue his/her personal
leisure time in an enjoyable and age-appropriate manner. Activities could include participation in sports, touring art
galleries, enjoying theatre performances, attending community events, and attending classes and/or workshops in the
community.
Community Integration
Awareness and knowledge on how to access community resources is an important training service. Consumers may attend the local
community college, volunteer at a nonprofit agency, shop at the local grocery store, cash a check at the bank
or have lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Depending on consumer preferences and experiences, training may include a range of activities, such as use of public
transportation, safety awareness, restaurant etiquette, setting up and meeting personal appointments, money management
and purchasing.
Employment Exploration
As identified through the Person Centered Planning process, consumers interested in employment will be provided opportunities
to learn employment-related skills. Support and training is provided to develop personal care, mobility,
interpersonal skills, work ethics, and other job-related skills. Participants will be supported if they wish to enroll
in community college classes to develop skills needed for employment.
Kim McCann Lawson is the current Program Director.
Transitions for Tomorrow (T2), was established in 1993 at the St. Marks campus.
T2 offers services to Alta California Regional Center clients that have severe and profound developmental disabilities.
T2 supports these consumers in their choice to become more independent and to access the community.
Services focus on providing training and support in areas of self-care, interpersonal interaction, communication of needs,
community integration, self-advocacy, personal growth, volunteer work, and enrichment through on site classes.
SERVICES PROVIDED
T2 provides opportunities for clients to make their own choices and decisions regarding their everyday life and
provides opportunities for the clients to participate in and contribute to community life through community association,
and volunteer activities.
T2 provides a variety of service options designed from the consumer's perspective as expressed in the Person Centered
Planning process (PCP). Support and training is provided to meet goals and objectives that are documented in each consumer's
Individual Service Plan (ISP).
Goals and objectives are formulated with input from the client and their circle of family members and friends. This
assists the consumer in fulfilling their hopes, dreams and personal goals.
SERVICE TRAINING
The service training components of T2 are based on the goals and objectives chosen by each client. T2 provides
training to clients in the acquisition, generalization, and maintenance of the skills they chose to pursue for
their preferred goals. To support the client's chosen life plans, T2 provides training in the following categories:
Self-Advocacy
Training areas include: assertiveness and decision making skills to improve the awareness and motivation to communicate
interests, to exercise personal choice, and to exert control over one's own environment; discussions of appropriate
relationship interaction to avoid exploitation; and opportunities for day to day planning of activities.
Personal Growth
This category teaches and encourages the client to participate in new learning activities and to pursue his/her
personal leisure time in an enjoyable and age-appropriate manner. Activities might include participation in sports,
visiting art galleries and museums, going to the theater/movies, attending community events, and attending community
classes/workshops.
Community Integration
Awareness of community resources and knowing how to access them is an important training service. Consumers may volunteer at a
local non-profit agency, shop at local stores, cash a check or have lunch at a restaurant.
Depending on a client's preferences and experiences, training might include use of public transportation, safety
awareness, restaurant etiquette, setting up and meeting personal appointments, money management and purchasing.
Volunteer Work Exploration
As identified through the Person Centered Planning process, clients interested in volunteering will be provided
opportunities to learn volunteer work-related skills.
Support and training is provided to develop personal care, mobility, interpersonal skills, work ethics,
and other job related skills.
Life Skills and Exercise
T2 has a membership with the YMCA where clientss can Jazzercise, work out on the fitness equipment and stretch out
on the mats.
Exercise is important for the health and well-being of adults with disabilities as it is for anyone. T2 has equipment
such as treadmills and three-wheeled bikes that the clients can use on a daily basis.
Community Access
Community outings are a very important component of T2 program days. T2 outings include bowling, fishing, shopping
at local malls/grocery/thrift/flea markets/farmers markets. Consumers go into the community to bowl, take in a movie,
dine at restaurants, and attend sporting events.
Out-of-town trips are also popular, and T2 has sponsored visits to Auburn, Davis, Folsom, Reno, San Francisco,
Galt, Vacaville, Apple Hill, and Lake Tahoe.
