Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Overview

In Massachusetts, the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is the lead agency responsible for supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), autism, Prader-Willi syndrome, and Smith-Magenis syndrome. DDS provides a variety of support and funding options depending on individual skills or needs, diagnosis, and age. These services offer individuals resources to live as independently as possible and be engaged in their communities. 

To receive DDS services, an individual must apply and be determined eligible based on several factors including diagnosis and age. Although DDS serves people from birth throughout their lifetime, our focus here is on services and supports provided to adults. Visit this site for more general information about DDS.

Upon turning 18, an individual must apply for DDS adult eligibility to receive services even if they were eligible for services as a child. As part of the adult eligibility process, DDS will also determine prioritization, which is a key factor in determining funding and the types of services an individual is eligible to receive. 

Note: Being DDS adult eligible with priority status does not guarantee all requests for services will be provided. Personal advocacy may be required, beginning with your DDS area office, if you believe that the service mix or funding offered is not adequate given the assessment results. 

There are two major eligibility categories for adults applying to DDS. Individuals with a diagnosis of intellectual disability will qualify for a certain level of support after their eligibility and prioritization for services has been determined. Individuals with a developmental disability and one of these diagnoses – autism, Prader-Willi syndrome, or Smith-Magenis syndrome – may obtain Community Developmental Disability Supports after their eligibility and prioritization process. You can learn more in the DDS regulation definitions.  Search the document for specific disability definitions and definitions on levels of disability.  

As the lead agency for adults with IDD and autism, DDS…

1. Determines eligibility for services at the regional DDS office level. You can find the application here.
2. Decides priority status for the types of services a person is eligible to receive at the DDS area office, a second step in the process of obtaining services.
3. Sets individual and family funding amounts based on need and other factors  
4. Assists adults with employment support.
5. Helps individuals access appropriate day and community-based programs.
6. Provides support for families caring for individuals with disabilities.
7. Offers group homes and shared living services primarily through providers or contractors.
8. Supports the individual throughout their lifetime and adapts services as needed.

Takeaway Tips

• DDS is the lead agency for people with IDD and autism.
• You must apply for adult eligibility even if eligible for child services.
• DDS adult eligibility and priority status do not guarantee services.

Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Services

The Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism through residential, day, employment, and family services. These supports, coordinated through an Individual Service Plan (ISP), help people live safely, build skills, participate in the community, and achieve personal goals.

Eligibility and Planning

• All DDS services (except for use of a family support center) require eligibility and prioritization. Learn more in our DDS Overview. 
• DDS assigns a service coordinator to facilitate an Individual Service Plan (ISP) to determine which services meet the person’s needs.
• Some basic supports, like initial assessments or limited family support, are available before full eligibility. Connect with your Family Support Center or Autism Support Center here. 

Key Service Areas

1. Employment and Day Services 
2. Community Living and Residential Services 
3. Individual and Family Supports  
4. Self-Direction – some people choose this as an alternative to traditional services 

Employment and Day Services 

DDS day services support meaningful daytime activity, skill-building, social connection, and community participation. Employment Services (also called Supported Employment) helps adults explore, obtain, and maintain competitive and integrated paid work in the community. 

• Community-Based Day Supports (CBDS): Structured programs that promote independence, skill-building, social connection, and community participation through volunteering, recreation, education, and everyday activities. They support daily living, communication, and self-advocacy goals and can be combined with employment services. Transportation varies by provider.
• Employment Services (Supported Employment): Help adults with disabilities obtain and maintain meaningful, competitive work in the community, offering individualized job coaching and ongoing support. Services promote independence, skill development, and inclusion, and can be provided one-on-one or in small groups, often alongside other day services.
• Group Supported Employment: Provides skills training, job coaching, and supervision for small groups (4-6 people) in community work settings. Participants develop work habits, gain experience, explore careers, and build independence in a supportive environment.
• Transportation: Provided through the program or DDS but varies by provider. Families should confirm with each service. Sometimes families are reimbursed for transportation. 

Residential Supports

DDS provides supports to help adults with disabilities live as independently and safely as possible. Services include shared living, group homes, and other residential options, along with the supports needed for daily living, personal care, skill development, and community participation. 

• Group Homes: Licensed residences for 3-6 adults with IDD, providing 24/7 support from onsite staff. They promote independence while ensuring safety, offering assistance with personal care, medications, household tasks, and social participation. Residents are encouraged to make choices about daily routines, meals, and activities. 
• Shared Living: A supportive arrangement where an adult with IDD lives with a trained caregiver in the caregiver’s home or a small, family-like setting. Caregivers receive training and a stipend and nursing or medical oversight may be available. Supports include help with daily routines, social engagement, and skill-building. 
• Supported Apartments / Supported Living: Small residential arrangements where one or a few adults with IDD live in their own apartment with staff available on-site or nearby, offering more independence than a group home while providing guidance and support for daily needs. 
• Independent Living with Support: Adults live independently with tailored supports, which may include help with daily activities, community participation, and health needs.  This may be called individualized home supports. 
• Other Options: 
  • Intensive Support Homes for higher medical or behavioral needs. 
  • Transitional or short-term residential services for assessment or crisis support.

Individual and Family Supports

Services that strengthen families’ ability to care for adults with IDD, connect them with resources, and enhance quality of life. They are flexible, community-based services that help adults with IDD and their families, especially those living at home. They strengthen families’ ability to provide care, connect them with resources, and support skill development and community participation. Eligibility is determined through DDS, though some basic supports may be available before full eligibility.

• Flexible Funding: Provides families with financial support through Family Support Centers to cover allowable expenses that enhance caregiving and quality of life. This may include respite, recreational activities, adaptive equipment, transportation, or training, and can be provided as a one-time or annual allocation, fully or partially depending on need.
• In-Home & Community Supports: Tailored services to help adults live successfully at home, including support with daily activities, community participation, behavior consultation, or short-term intensive services.
• In-home support: Assistance with daily living, skill-building, or supervision.
• Community-based support: Help accessing work, social, recreational, or community activities. 
• Behavioral support: Adults with IDD living at home can access BCBA services through DDS Family Supports, including direct intervention or consultative support for caregivers to address behaviors and promote skill development. Behavioral goals are included in the ISP and these services can be combined with in-home support, respite, or flexible funding to enhance caregiving and quality of life.
• Respite care: Temporary relief for caregivers, provided at home, in a community program, or licensed residential setting.
• Care Coordination / Consultation: Assistance navigating DDS, MassHealth, and community resources. Planning for long-term needs and transitions.
• Information, Training & Networking: Workshops, support groups, and resources through Family Support Centers.
• Transportation: Not automatically provided. May be available to help adults access programs, appointments, or community activities.
• Individualized planning: Services are tailored to the adult’s goals, strengths, and needs, coordinated with the family and DDS service coordinator.
• Family Support Grants: Funding for services, equipment, or activities that support the adult with IDD. Can include adaptive equipment, recreational or social activities, therapy, or home modifications.

Additional Resources

• DDS Services Overview 
• MassHealth LTSS 
• Services for Adults with Autism 
• Family Support Guide 
• Regional Autism Adult Centers  
• Family Support Centers 

Top Tips for Families

• Keep a notebook of services, contacts, and important dates.
• Start with eligibility and an ISP.
• Attend ISP meetings and update as needs change.
• Explore Day Services early.
• Understand residential options.
• Ask about flexible funding early.
• Prioritize respite for caregivers.