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Their innovative philosophy embraced the concept that, with adequate support, individuals could move beyond their handicaps to make appropriate lifestyle choices; develop communication, living, and working skills; and explore avenues of artistic expression. They believed that, through full participation in life, and positive interactions within the community at-large, individuals with disabilities could realize their personal potential, meeting their own expectations and those of loved ones.
Today, there is wide recognition that adults, regardless of disabilities, have diverse ideas about where they want to go, how they want to spend their time, and with whom they want to interact. DDSO's broad range of programs work daily to help individuals achieve the attainment of their dreams.
Many of DDSO's participants are, or hope to be gainfully employed doing meaningful work, live in a home where they can make their own life choices, contribute to society through volunteerlng, and impact the world through visual and performing arts.
DDSO sponsored programs champion the creativity and potential alive within the hearts, minds, and bodies of disabled adults with dreams. It is because DDSO provides safe environments and opportunities that foster positive exchanges and relationships between program participants, staff, their families and friends, that we all can strive to surpass the expectations we have of ourselves and of others.
Alan Short Center (ASC), Stockton, CA:Recognized nationally by the President's Committee on Mental Retardation for its innovative arts programming. Visual and performing arts continue to play a vital role in meeting the self-expression and creative needs of participants. The arts are excellent teaching tools that encourage hard work, social interaction, language development, and independence.
The Short Center Sacramento (SCS), Sacramento, CA:Began operations on the former California State Fairgrounds in a portable trailer. Volunteer fundraising made it possible for SCS to purchase a building, which opened with 130 students. It offered over twenty-five courses for students to choose from on a trimester basis. Music and drama classes took their performances on the road throughout Northern California, and received rave reviews.
Capitol Book & Gift Shop:Opened after the massive restoration of the State Capitol Building was completed. Gift Shop employees included individuals with disabilities. Among the items sold were gift items made from historic remnants. Corporations, civic organizations, and policymakers led the purchase of the shop's custom-designed items.
Alan Short Gallery, Stockton, CA:Artists with disabilities exhibited their work alongside other artists known for their ethnic, folk, traditional, and contemporary pieces. The gallery bridged the gap of isolation between artists and the community-at-large, and exhibited artists received commissions for works sold.
ADC was designed to provide adults with severe, profound disabilities opportunities to make their own choices and decisions regarding their everyday lives, to participate in and contribute to all aspects of their lives through decision making, community association, volunteer activities, and work.
Established for the sole purpose of raising funds for DDSO, the Foundation manages the investment of endowment funds, and began a planned giving program.
Community Integration Program (CIP), Sacramento, CA:Designed to provide vocational and community integration skills for individuals with developmental disabilities in the familiar atmosphere of their home community.
The DDSO Board of Directors designated proceeds from sales of the Capitol Book and Gift Shop and the Lobby Shop to provide funds to employ persons with developmental disabilities.
Moved operations to the Sutterville Road facility to offer more community and vocational opportunities for clients living in the south Sacramento area. The restructuring included:
Dividing Short Center Sacramento into Short Center North (SCN) to serve clients living near the St. Marks Campus, and Short Center South (SCS) at the Sutterville Campus to serve clients living in south Sacramento.
Created Transitions for Tomorrow (T2), an ADC program service at the St. Marks facility to serve clients living in north Sacramento County.
Catalina House, Sacramento, CA:A licensed residential program located within short walking distance from the St. Marks site designed to offer up to 6 individuals with developmental disabilities the opportunity to live in a homelike environment, and learn skills to enable them to transition into a more independent living situation.
Funded through the Department of Rehabilitation, VR-WAP made it possible for DDSO to provide more extensive training and job search services to clients seeking employment in the community at large.
Is Able House (AKA Lusk House), Sacramento, CA:DDSO was able to renovate a house through grants from the Is Able and Harry Merlo Foundation to create a supportive living home.
Dublirer Gallery, Sacramento CA:Established to exhibit work done by artists participating in the DDSO programs, as well as the DDSO staff of artists, alongside local and outside artists.
Replaced with the DDSO Supported Employment Services program, which eventually became Employment Plus (E+).
Implemented to focus on community access training, and employment for clients living in the Stockton area.
Employment Plus (Employment+), Sacramento, CA:Training support program to help clients gain employment skills.
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