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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)
    1. Community Integration Activities
    2. Community Outing Costs
    3. Family Training
    4. Chore Services
    5. Peer Mentor
    6. Educational Materials and Reinforcements
    7. Adaptive/Replacement Clothing
    8. Specialty Nutritional Supplements
    9. Uncovered Medical Supplies and Services