Developmental Disabilities Service Organization (DDSO)

Developmental Disabilities Service Organization (DDSO), one of the most respected nonprofits in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valley Regions, provides a wide range of services for adults with developmental disabilities. DDSO was established in 1975, a time when society’s common response to those with developmental disabilities was one of disregard. DDSO continues to be a strong presence in the community, carrying on its mission to enhance the quality of life for persons with developmental disabilities utilizing the arts as one of its primary modalities.

DDSO’s first program, the Alan Short Center, 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 to an organization that has grown to include:
–Four adult activity centers: Alan Short Center (ASC); Short Center North (SCN); Short Center South (SCS); Alan Short Community Access Program (ASCAP)
–Three adult development centers: Achievement, Development & Care (ADC); Community Integration Program (CIP); Transitions for Tomorrow (T2)
–An employment program: Employment Plus (E+)
–Several outreach special projects: Short Center Repertory Company; Reach In Projects; Mural Projects
–A book and gift shop in the State Capitol: Capitol Books and Gifts