Important links to the Web Sites of Adult Service Providers and Other Agencies that Could be of Help with the Transition Process
The links below are groups together under "Government Agencies", "Advocacy Groups" and "Adult Service Providers". A brief description of each program or agency is provided. Click on the name of the agency to go to their Web Site.
Government Agencies
Delaware's DHSS is the governmental agency that strives to improve the quality of life for all of the state's citizens. DHSS promotes "health and well-being, fosters "self-sufficiency," and protects "vulnerable populations." Under the DHSS umbrella are numerous "divisions" and programs focusing on specific and diverse issues and populations. Included are the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS), the Division for the Visually Impaired (DVI) and the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD). These governmental agencies provide life-long services and supports to qualified and eligible clients. Potential clients must submit applications for services and programs.
DDDS is a division of Delaware's Health and Socuial Services agency. DDDS provides support and services to eligible, registered clients with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Services include:
- Community-based services including family supports, Shared Living, respite, neighborhood homes, supported living, pre-vocational, vocational and supported employment as well as day habilitation services;
- Case management, nursing, psychology, therapy and other professional supports to ensure that individuals receive the quality and level of supports needed;
- Early intervention services as part of the DHSS Child Developmental Watch program which works with families in order to prevent or minimize developmental delays in children at risk who are ages 0-3;
- Stockley Center which is an intermediate care facility providing residential services and day services;
- Community education and advocacy;
- Individual Rate Setting Program - Designed to allow individuals to have a portable rate, which empowers them to choose their respective providers from throughout the state. Allows providers to receive fair and equitable reimbursement that is consistent among state providers.
- Authorized Provider System is used to simplify and expedite the process by which agencies and individuals become certified and selected to provide day and residential services for people with Developmental Disabilities;
- Training and Professional Development provides training and resources to State Employees, Agency Staff, Shared Living Providers, and the families of people with Developmental Disabilities.
"The mission of the U.S. Department of Education is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. The U.S. DOE enforces federal laws prohiting discrimination in any programs that receive federal funds.
"DVR has more than 75 years of experience in helping individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment." DVR supports and facilitates the Early Start to Supported Employment (ESSE) program in the State of Delaware.
A portal to the Delaware Disability Hub - A Resource for Youth and Young Adults Preparing for a Successful Life Journey
Advocacy Groups
The ARC of Delaware is an advocacy group that promotes and protects the rights of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. They work to ensure that all people with disabilities "can live, work, go to school and enjoy leisure activities within the communities of their choice."
The mission of the Parent Information Center of Delaware is "to improve educational and develomental outcomes for all children, especially for children with disabilities by providing information, education and support to families." The PIC provides individual consultation with families, workshops and conferences, audio and web seminars on topics relating to disabilities, education and related services.
The Developmental Disabilities Council is authorized by Public Law 106-402 to address the unmet needs of people with developmental disabilities through system-wide advocacy, planning and demonstration projects.
"The Down Syndrome Association of Delaware is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to be a resource promoting public awareness, education and advocacy supporting individuals with Down Syndrome and their families."
Transportation Services
The Delaware Transit Corporation/DART First State is mandated through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to provide Paratransit Service in areas surrounding three-quarter miles of any fixed route service during the hours and days of a particular route.
The nation's largest provider of non-emergency specialized transportation
Adult Service Providers
Easter Seals' provides day programs for seniors and adults with sisabilities, speech, physical and occupational therapy, supported employment programs, respite care, support groups and many other services. Easter Seals is Delaware's largest provider of adult day services for persons with intellectual and developmental diabilities.
Chimes Delaware was established in March of 1994 in New Castle County. Since this time they have expanded their services into Kent and Sussex Counties. Chimes provides a range of services including residential programs on a statewide basis, vocational programs in Newark and Millsboro and day habilitation programs in Newark, Dover and Millsboro.
Working with people with disabilities and other obstacles to employment, CIS has provided employee recruitment and retention services to hundreds of satisfies businesses in the region since 1991. They can, and do provide services in all three of Delaware's counties.
KSI assists people with disabilities in the pursuit of their potential employment and meaningful participation in their communities. Their services include Community-Based Work Assessment, Supported Employment, Early Start to Supported Employment, KSI Organizational Employment Opportunities, Transportation.
Delaware MENTOR offers day services programming to adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities as well as those with complex medical and behavioral needs. On site nursing support is provided. Programming is individualized and carefully planned with an emphasis placed on community based experiences.
Service Source provides occupational skills training and employment services to Delawareans with disabilities for over 50 years. The OCI main office is located in Wilmington, Delaware and they have a branch office in Dover, Delaware.
The Salvation Army provides pre-vocational, supported employment and follow along services to clients with intellectual and developmental disabilitiesthroughout Delaware including Sussex County.
POW&R is Autism Delaware's programs designed to help adults across the state with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ADS's) to be successful in employment, volunteer activities and recreation.
Point of Hope provides facility based day programming for adults with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities. They also support persons with autism, ABI/TBI, neurological impairments and those with special medical needs. Point of Hope has locations in New Castle, Delaware and in Smyrna, Delaware.
Dove Pointe has been providing services to persons with disabilities since 1968. Services focus on teaching the specific work skills necessary to become a successful employee. Dove Pointe is located in Salisbury, Maryland.
Values Into Action is a community of people who share the same vision: full civil rights and citizenship for all. Our purpose as an organization is to organize a system of support enabling people with disabilities and their chosen allies to have the highest level of control and a wide array of choices.
"AHEDD is a private non-profit organization with a mission to serve the community as a catalyst in the employment and development of persons with a disability." AHEDD provides employment services to clients with disabilities. They have a field office located in Kent County, Delaware.
Heartwood provides supported employment and follow along services in Sussex County, Delaware.