DESE/DDS Program
The DESE/DDS program is designed to promote in-home support to school-aged students and their families
The goal is to increase a family’s ability to support their child at home and in their community while preventing a more restrictive or residential placement.
It is a grant funded program that is administered through the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) with funding from The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and subject to annual appropriation.
- Family participation is essential to the success of the program
- Students must be between 6-17 years of age at the time of enrollment
- Students must be DDS eligible
- The program ends at age 22, or upon leaving the school systme
The following program components help the participant to remain in his/her home by focusing on Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and greater independence into adulthood:
- Family Service Navigation
- 4 hours per month
- at least 2 home visits per year, more if needed
- Development of Service Plan
- On-going communication, problem solving, monitoring & assistance to families
- Professional Staffing
- Senior Level Therapist, Skills Trainer, In-Home or Community Based Therapists, Speech, OT, PT: Create and implement plans
- In-Home activities: minimum of 3 hours/week
- Community participation: Develop skills and enhance quality of life
- Respite hours available
- Ancillary goods and services (Flexible Funding)
- Community Integration Activities
- Community Outing Costs
- Family Training
- Chore Services
- Peer Mentor
- Educational Materials and Reinforcements
- Adaptive/Replacement Clothing
- Specialty Nutritional Supplements
- Uncovered Medical Supplies and Services