Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services

09/14/2026

We thank, appreciate and honor Direct Support Professionals every single day, but this week we take the time to recognize how invaluable they are in making sure the entire human services structure works for the individuals for whom they provide supports and services, the family members and their colleagues. Thank you for all you do all year long!

09/09/2026

The New England Revolution Soccer Team is building a waterfront park on the grounds of its new soccer stadium in Everett. Please join Cathal Conlon, Vice President of Marketing & Community Relations for the New England Revolution Soccer Team, as he presents a brief layout of the park's overall map and seeks your input on how you would like to experience the park. The New England Revolution Soccer Team wants to ensure everyone who will use it has a voice in shaping what it becomes.

Mass Families, in partnership with the Massachusetts Developmental Disability Council and the New England Revolution Soccer Team, is seeking your voice to help shape the possibilities for their waterfront park as a go-to destination for all.

This session is about listening to the disability community. As plans for the waterfront park are developed, we want people with disabilities, families, caregivers, and others with lived experience to have an opportunity to help shape what accessibility and inclusion should look like.

We want to hear about more than basic ADA accessibility. We’re interested in what would make the entire park experience welcoming and usable—from arriving and getting around to seating, restrooms, sensory needs, communication, recreation, events, and anything else the community thinks The New England Revolution Soccer Team should consider.

You do not need to be an expert in park design or accessibility. We want to hear about your lived experience: What would help you or someone you support enjoy the park? What barriers should we avoid? What would make you feel like this park was truly designed with you in mind?

We’re not just asking about specific features; we’re asking how to experience the park. How it feels to move through it, use it, and belong in it. From your perspective, what should the flow, gathering spaces, and any waterfront participation look like to be truly inclusive? Given your lived experience, are there any barriers to full utilization of the park that may not have been noticed?

We’d love to have you join our community listening session. We hope you’ll join us to help shape the future of this park.

Please scan the QR code to register or visit https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/366quec

08/31/2026

Looking for a meaningful career where you can make a lasting difference? The Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is hiring compassionate professionals to support people with developmental disabilities in leading full, empowered lives.

📅 Thursday, September 17, 2026
🕚 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
📍 Palmer Public Library — 1455 N Main Street, Palmer, MA 01069

Open positions:

Direct Care Worker I — $23.44/hour

Qualified applicants may receive on-the-spot interviews and offers, with application assistance available.

📌 Open positions are available in Palmer, Monson, Belchertown, Amherst, Ware, South Hadley, Wilbraham, Southbridge, Warren and North Brookfield.

Bring your driver’s license and a second form of ID. Applicants must meet minimum entrance requirements.

👉 Reserve your spot: https://lnkd.in/em7Q5dpP

08/21/2026

08/12/2026

It was a special afternoon in Foxborough as Lifeworks showcased the new community garden in its backyard. What had previously been an overgrown section of the property was transformed into a beautiful parcel with raised beds that allow neighbors to grow their own vegetables and flowers. This is the perfect encapsulation of community first, as neighbors become friends as they tend to their gardens, share their bounty and get to know each other.

08/07/2026

It was a wonderful day in the Southeast region to celebrate our Urban Youth Collaborative Program graduates! Program Coordinators
Kelsey Charland and Brennan Correia were joined by Yemi Ogunlesi and Carol Boushell of Southeastern Residential Services in honoring the interns.

The graduates spent the summer participated in shadowing opportunities in a variety of clinical roles, including focusing on a career in architecture and accessibility.

08/07/2026

As Assistance Dog Week wraps up, DDS is excited about this pilot program. It is specifically designed to support individuals with "invisible disabilities," including those on the autism spectrum. These service dogs receive specialized training to perform tasks that can significantly improve daily functioning and well-being, such as:

*Behavioral Interruption: Helping to redirect panic attacks or self-harming behaviors.
*Environmental Support: Creating personal space in public settings to reduce overwhelm.
*Deep Pressure Therapy: Providing grounding sensory input to help calm the individual.
*Routine Assistance: Waking individuals from nightmares or providing reminders for daily routines.

08/06/2026

The Urban Youth Collaborative Program's interns at the Wrentham Development Center were celebrated yesterday for their excellent work with residents and staff this summer. DDS Commissioner Sarah Peterson, Wrentham Development Center Facility Director Judi Lydon-Ruby and UYCP coordinators Kathy Stoffel and Chrissy Hanchett were on hand to congratulate the interns!

08/04/2026

Today marked the Urban Youth Collaborative Program’s 35th graduation ceremony, with HHS Secretary Dr. Kiame Mahania and DDS Commissioner Sarah Peterson thanking the 239 interns for their outstanding work in human services this summer. Morgan Bohannon from Turning Point, Inc.; Rafael Quiroz of TILL, INC.; and Sylvie Preira of the Wrentham Development Center delivered remarks about how the UYCP has inspired them to careers in human services. Additionally, three interns were singled out for awards: Mickael Tocci was presented the Paulette Anjorin Leadership Award; Emma Bowes won the Jerry Scott Community Service Award; and Luca Moretti was given the Steven E. Collins Leadership in Disability Advocacy Award.

Congratulations to all graduates!

07/29/2026

It was an honor to recognize 12 human services workers for completing the LPN Certificate Program. Receiving their certificates at the graduation ceremony at the Renaissance Hotel in Framingham were Vivian Smith; Terence Nkeng; Sharon Hunter; Rose-Carlie Boromee; Rodrick McKoy; Peter Serwadda; Monica Garcia; Jayme Leonard; Cornella Coppedge; Frederick Asamoha; Chase Davis; and Zachary McCann. Congratulations to each of you on all of your hard work!