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California Department of Developmental Services

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California Department of Developmental Services

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Providing services and supports for Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live the lives they choose in their community.

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11/03/2026

At Phenix Fire Helmets, Rainier Ewan Thorn helps make helmets for firefighters and first responders. He shows a natural ability for working with mechanical equipment, learns quickly, and pays close attention to every detail of his work.

“I like to work in the liner to attach to the leather fire helmet,” said Rainier.

The Department featured Rainier's story in the October edition of its Bridges newsletter for National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This important observance is a time to recognize the contributions of workers with disabilities and celebrate individual talents each year. Across California, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities bring different abilities, experiences, and perspectives to our workplaces. When employers recognize what each person has to offer, everyone benefits.

Learn more about the Department’s employment services at: www.dds.ca.gov/work

Subscribe to receive the monthly Bridges newsletter by email: www.dds.ca.gov/newsletter

10/30/2026

“The reason I do this work is it’s important to me and I’m good at it,” said Tapua Gwarada.

For 26 years, Tapua has been part of the team at the Department. As an office assistant, Tapua handles mail, answers phones, files documents, and supports coworkers with projects. She enjoys her work and the opportunity to learn new things.

During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Tapua wants people to recognize the achievements, goals, and skills of people with disabilities.

“It’s important to get the word out, to let people know that there are people with disabilities and that they can do stuff,” she said.

Are you interested in joining our team? Check out our job opportunities on our website. Link in bio.

10/30/2026

"It's more than just a job. It's about economic independence. It's also about confidence, giving people the ability to develop skills and experience with the pride of contributing as part of a team." — California Health & Human Services Agency Secretary Kim Johnson

Last week's NDEAM celebration at SMUD brought together partners, speakers, and participants whose collective efforts are expanding meaningful, competitive employment for people with disabilities across California. The energy in the room highlighted how strong collaboration can move this work forward.

Thank you to SMUD, California Department of Rehabilitation, and Disability Rights California for joining us in recognizing the progress we're making together.

10/23/2026

"I love this job because of the people here. Everybody's positive, and it's just a great place to work," shared Tanner Caro, an office specialist who has worked at SMUD for about a year. He enters data and uses computer programs such as Microsoft Excel.

In celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the Department, California Department of Rehabilitation , Disability Rights California hosted a recognition event on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at SMUD. The program featured speakers from SMUD leadership, participants from its Paid Internship Program (PIP), California Health and Human Services Secretary Kim Johnson, and directors from the hosting departments and organization.

SMUD was honored as a 2026 Employment Star for its outstanding commitment to inclusive employment. Through the PIP, SMUD continues to create meaningful, competitive work opportunities for individuals with disabilities and demonstrates what intentional hiring can achieve.

California's Employment First vision is a future where young people with developmental disabilities grow up expecting to work, just like anyone else — and where the support they need is ordinary and available. We are grateful for the strong partnerships among DDS, DOR, regional centers, and employers like SMUD as we work together to expand employment opportunities statewide.

Visit www.dds.ca.gov/work for more employment resources and information.

Photo Slide 1: a. SMUD Director of People Services & Strategies Muguet Cochran receives the 2026 Employment Star Certificate from California Health and Human Services Secretary Kim Johnson. b. SMUD Management Analyst Arlene Chacon gives a presentation at the event. c. SMUD Office Specialist Tanner Caro shares about his employment experience.

Photo Slide 2: Team photos featuring employees from the Department (top) and Department of Rehabilitation (bottom).

Photo Slide 3: Disability Rights California team photo (top) and DOR Director Kim Rutledge speaking to event attendees (bottom).

10/12/2026

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. At the Department, we’re celebrating programs like Lodi Career Connections, where high school students with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive training and real work opportunities to help make transitioning into adult life easier.

At the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop in Lodi, Manager Shelle Milner spoke with pride about the students that come to work in the retail business through the program. They learn important job skills like running the cash register, taking in and sorting donations, greeting donors, and writing up receipts.

“You see them grow and learn skills and gain huge confidence,” beamed Shelle.

The experience working in this shop is just the beginning for students as they begin to build meaningful connections in their communities and gain financial independence through future employment.

If you want to work, you can.

Visit the Department’s website for more employment information and resources:

www.dds.ca.gov/work
(Copy and paste this URL in your browser.)

Lodi Career Connections is a partnership between the Department, Lodi Unified School District , Valley Mountain Regional Center , and California Department of Rehabilitation .

10/02/2026

The Department joined service providers, fellow State departments, and community members at the State Capitol on September 26 for the 59th annual California Native American Day.

Human Resources, Autism Services, and Access & Equity teams shared information and resources with tribal communities and families. Access & Equity grant recipient Acorns to Oak Trees also joined the event, sharing information about child development, early detection and intervention, and challenges tribal communities and Native families may face when supporting loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

California Native American Day celebrates the distinct cultures, histories, and contributions of California Native American communities and recognizes the challenges they have faced and continue to address.

Connecting tribal families with essential resources and supports is an important part of the Department's work to make services more accessible and responsive to communities across California.

09/30/2026

Finding your first job after high school isn’t always easy and can feel overwhelming to many. But when families of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities get the right supports, the transition to employment and adult life can be much easier!

For Vianca Godinez, the Lodi Unified School District’s Career Connections program prepared her for a just-right job opportunity with T% Coffee + Tea.

“At first, I was really scared of talking to people. But now, ever since I got to go there, I’ve been feeling more confident about myself,” said Vianca. “I get to learn how to take care of myself and take care of others.”

We can't wait to see what's ahead for Vianca and the other students finding employment through the program. And we have more of their stories to share with you during National Disability Employment Awareness Month this October - follow along with our campaign.

Lodi Career Connections is a partnership between the Department, Lodi Unified School District , Valley Mountain Regional Center, and California Department of Rehabilitation.

09/28/2026

Meet Lisa Gonzales, the Department's deaf access specialist.

Lisa works with California's 21 regional centers and Department staff to help improve communication access for people who are Deaf and hard of hearing. She brings both professional experience and a lifelong connection to the Deaf community to her work.

In this new 'Together, a Team' video, Lisa shares a little about her role, her connection to the Deaf community and what Deaf Awareness Month means to her.

We're glad to have Lisa on our team and to share more about the people who make developmental services more accessible and inclusive.

09/22/2026

Las reglas federales sobre la carga pública han cambiado. La regla no aplica a todas las personas. Cada caso es diferente.

Busque asesoramiento confiable antes de modificar su cobertura médica, ayuda alimentaria u otro tipo de asistencia para usted o su familia. 📲 www.chhs.ca.gov/public-charge

09/19/2026

For Judy, supporting people means listening, building connections, and recognizing the strengths and aspirations each person brings.

In her conversation with Ciara, it’s easy to see that connection in action. Ciara’s favorite memories with Judy include joking around, painting, listening to music. They make each other laugh, learn from each other, and clearly enjoy the time they spend together.

Judy’s work reflects a deep belief in the dignity and potential of the people she supports – and a commitment to helping them pursue their interests, grow their strengths, and reach their goals.

Judy Undercoffler was nominated for a California Disability Services Association Empowerment Award in recognition of the heart, empathy, and commitment she brings to her work with young adults through United Cerebral Palsy of the North Bay, a vendor for North Bay Regional Center.

Address

1215 O Street
Sacramento, CA
95814

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Website

https://www.dds.ca.gov/, https://www.dds.ca.gov/newsletter, https://sprout.link/caldds_

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