Health Care
Regional Center Wellness Projects
Improving health care is a priority for the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). The Regional Center Wellness Projects continue to contribute to the health and well-being of persons with developmental disabilities statewide.
Since 1996-97, more than $9 million has been allocated to regional centers for wellness projects to enhance health care for persons with developmental disabilities. Previous projects have focused on abuse prevention, training for healthcare providers, mental health care access, and other health care issues.
The projects are part of a statewide Wellness Initiative launched in 1996 by DDS in response to concerns that persons with developmental disabilities are not always able to access timely and appropriate medical, dental and mental health services. The Wellness Initiative improves health services and health outcomes by promoting partnerships between professionals, expanding professional expertise and developing local resources.
The DDS Wellness Homepage provides information on the Regional Center Wellness Projects, on healthcare professional training activities, various wellness activities, and wellness videos by various Regional Centers. Visit the Wellness Homepage at www.dds.ca.gov/Wellness/Home.cfm and view the videos on the DDS You Tube Channel.
Drowning Prevention
Californians can take an active role in Drowning Prevention actions before tragedy strikes a community or family member. Drowning is a leading cause of death and disabilities in children, from the birth to 4-year age group, with all types of water sources as a hazard for our small children. Multiple strategies of prevention can be used to protect infants and toddlers from swimming pools, open water areas, buckets and toilets. Layers of protection from drowning include adult supervision, fences, gates, latches, safety pool covers, alarms, education, throwing aids, rescue techniques, and swimming lessons. An updated resource for drowning prevention information is www.dds.ca.gov/Drowning/Index.cfm
DDS Safety Net
The purpose of the SafetyNet is to ensure that Californians with developmental disabilities are safe and healthy. With this in mind, the SafetyNet develops articles, presentations and tools based directly on trends among Californian individuals with developmental disabilities. We trust that both consumers (individuals with developmental disabilities) and supporters (direct support professionals, family members and other support providers) will find the information on this site relevant, practical and engaging. Visit the SafetyNet at: www.ddssafety.net