The Department of Developmental Services provides supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to enhance opportunities to become fully engaged members of their community. The Department’s mission is to create, in partnership with others, innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate fully in their communities and meaningfully engage as valued members. DDS works with adults to connect them with an array of employment and day program supports, community living and other residential aid, and family support. DDS works with children to provide family support and supplement educational services through specialized programs. Services are individualized and planned using a person-centered approach.
This area office serves the following towns and communities: Amherst, Ashfield, Athol, Bernardson, Buckland, Charlemont, Chesterfield, Colrain, Conway, Cummington, Deerfield, Easthampton, Erving, Gill, Goshen, Greenfield, Hadley, Hatfield, Hawley, Heath, Leverett, Leyden, Middlefield, Millers Falls, Montague, New Salem, Northampton, Northfield, Orange, Pelham, Petersham, Phillipston, Plainfield, Rowe, Royalston, Shelburne, Shutesbury, Sunderland, Turners Falls, Warwick, Wendell, Westhampton, Whately, Williamsburg, Worthington