Developmental Disabilities Service Organization, Inc.(DDSO)

From two sites in Sacramento and one site in Stockton, DDSO is an award-winning nonprofit that annually provides 400 adults with disabilities the opportunity to experience independence, job training, employment, physical education, visual and performing arts, life skill building, social interaction, active participation in the community, nurturing relationships and more.

Developmental disabilities are a diverse group of severe chronic conditions that are due to mental and/or physical impairments. They include cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, epilepsy and intellectual disabilities. There may be challenges with major life activities such as language, mobility, learning, self-help, and independent living. Developmental disabilities begin anytime during development up to 22 years of age, and last throughout a person’s lifetime.

Today, there is more opportunity than ever to honor and recognize the contributions and independence of people with disabilities. They have diverse ideas and choices to make about where they want to go, how they want to spend their time, and with whom they want to interact. DDSO’s programs strive daily to help individuals achieve their dreams of being gainfully employed doing meaningful work, living in a home where they can make their own life choices, contributing to society through volunteering, and impacting the world through visual and performing arts.