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Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

To Apply for DDS:

  • Eligibility for services is based on the child's diagnosis. The child must have one of the following diagnoses to qualify:

  1. Acquired Brain Injury

  2. Autism Spectrum Disorder

  3. Prader-Willi Syndrome

  4. Smith Magenis Syndrome

  5. Intellectual Disability

  • In order to apply, you must complete an application online or by paper

  • Applications are available in English, Español, 中文, Português, Tiếng Việt, Русский, Kreyòl ayisyen

  • Download forms here: https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-eligibility-forms

  • You will receive a formal written decision within 60 days* of submitting the application 
    (* this is subject to change)

Programs Offered by DDS 

Autism Waiver Program​

  • Services children from birth through age 9 who qualify for MassHealth and have an autism diagnosis. This program allows for a budget up to $28,000. Families can use this money for expanded habilitation, education, in-home services and supports (such as ABA therapy and Floor Time), community integration activities, assistive technology, and respite for a total of up to 3 years

  • Applications are open for a short period of time once a year in October

  • CCSN patients who qualify to apply for this service will receive an application and information to their home mailing address in late September/early October

  • Visit the website here: www.mass.gov/dds-autism-waiver-service-program-overview

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Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and DDS

  • A program for children ages 6-21 focused on providing services for children and their families to prevent a student from requiring a more restrictive educational or out-of-home/residential placement

  • In-home supports focus on supporting skill building, independence skills, and social integration

  • Families must apply during the Open Interest Period that occurs once a year in March

  • Visit the website here: https://mass.gov/dese-dds-program

Family Support Programs

  • Family Training

  • Service Navigation

  • Social/Recreational Activities

  • Parent Networking

  • Community Connections and Resources

  • Family Inspired Programs

  • Planning and Emergency Respite

  • In-Home and Community Support Services

  • Family Leadership Series

  • Flexible Funding

Family Support Centers

Family Support Centers offer a range of services and activities for families, children, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Support Centers can help families with submitting an application for DDS

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  • Brockton: 60 Main Street 2rd Floor, Brockton, MA 02301

  • Greater Boston: 65 Sprague Street, Hyde Park, MA 02136

  • Lowell: 55 Technology Drive Suite 202, Lowell, MA 01851

  • Merrimack Valley: 280 Merrimack Street 2nd Floor, Lawrence, MA 01843

  • Metro North: 200 Harvard Mill Square Suite 41,0 Wakefield, MA 01880

  • Middlesex West: 300 Howard Street, Framingham, MA 01702

  • North Central: 49 Nursery Lane, Fitchburg, MA 04120

  • North Shore: 181 Eliot Street Beverly, MA, 01915

  • South Coastal: 220R Forbes Road, Braintree, MA 02184

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Acton

Cape Cod

Fall River

Franklin/Hampshire

Holyoke/Chicopee

New Bedford

Pittsfield

Additional locations in:

Plymouth

Southbridge

Springfield

Walpole

Worcester

Taunton

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