The mission of the Department on Disability Services (DDS) is to provide innovative, high-quality services that enable people with disabilities to lead meaningful and productive lives as vital members of their families, schools, workplaces, and communities in every neighborhood in the District of Columbia.

Summary of Services

The Department on Disability Services (DDS) is composed of two administrations that oversee and coordinate services for residents with disabilities through a network of private and not-for-profit providers. The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) ensures that residents with intellectual disabilities receive the services and supports they need to lead self-determined and valued lives in the community. DDA achieves this through the delivery of outreach and service coordination services; the development and management of a provider network delivering community residential, day, vocational, employment, and individual and family support services; and the operation of a comprehensive quality management program.

The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) delivers vocational rehabilitation services focusing on employment and training activities that allow persons with disabilities to experience a greater quality of life by obtaining and sustaining employment, economic self-sufficiency, and independence. RSA provides employment marketing and placement services, vocational rehabilitation, inclusive business enterprises, and support for the DC Center for Independent Living. The Department on Disability Services also serves as the state agency for Social Security Disability Insurance determinations under the direction of the Social Security Administration.