We are deeply grateful for every individual, family member, advocate, community partner, and regional center representative who has been part of the Master Plan for Developmental Services (Plan) process over the last year. While the final recommendations will be released at the end of this month, our work together will continue. We look forward to the continued collaboration to best serve Californians with developmental disabilities and their families.
On March 19th, community members joined the Committee for its final meeting in Sacramento. The Committee reviewed and discussed the draft recommendations to prepare the Plan for release. These recommendations were created by five Workgroups covering key areas: Person-centered Services; Service Systems; Workforce; Data and Outcomes; and Lifelong Services.
Committee members met for one final Master Plan meeting.
That same day, Governor Gavin Newsom declared March 2025 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, underscoring the importance of the work being done to shape the Plan. He highlighted the State’s commitment to breaking down barriers that prevent people with developmental disabilities from fully participating in their communities.
“We are taking a whole-of-government approach, one driven by communities themselves and delivered in partnership with the private sector, to realize a more equitable, person-centered, and data-driven developmental services system.” Read the proclamation.
The Plan reflects the community’s goals for California’s future. It aims to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities into the future. These supports include education, transportation, health, behavioral health, housing and other programs beyond the Department of Developmental Services (Department). The final Plan will be posted on the California Health and Human Services (CalHHS) Agency’s website.
The Future of Developmental Services Campaign
Many voices from California’s diverse communities came together to share what’s most important to them for the future of developmental services and supports. The #FutureofCalDDServices campaign captures many of those voices from across the State. See their photos and recommendations on the Department’s campaign webpage.
