Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services

06/12/2026

It was a fun and inspiring day in Pittsfield for the ribbon cutting of ’s brand new barn at Prospect Meadow Farm. The new facility will employ several dozen individuals living with intellectual or developmental disabilities, who are being trained for agricultural skills. According to Service Net’s CEO Bruno Calouro, “We plant more than crops. We plant hope and dignity, too.”

06/11/2026

Erinia Miller, a Human Services Coordinator I in our Hyde Park office, got the surprise of a lifetime earlier this month, when she was presented a citation by Maura Healey. The governor had been tipped off by a satisfied parent of an individual under Erinia's care, who lauded Erinia for securing placement for her son and her son's friend. Erinia has been with DDS for six years. Congratulations Erinia!

05/21/2026

The importance of community partnerships was on full display this morning at the opening of ’ (HOPE) and ’s (JVS) new facility in downtown Brockton. The sparkling newly renovated space is the product of selfless coordination, cooperation and collaboration between HOPE, JVS, the Liberty Mutual Foundation and the Old Colony YMCA (). This will help expand inclusive services and employment opportunities for people living with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

05/01/2026

The Massachusetts Family Leadership Series brought in advocates from across the Commonwealth for a lobby day at the State House. Jennifer Bertrand from the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council implored family members to personalize their stories when speaking to elected officials about their loved ones. furthered that point, saying, “There’s no more effective way to get through to a legislator than putting a face on the issue.” Commissioner Sarah Peterson encouraged family members to get involved through DDS’s Citizen Advisory Boards. For more information, please visit www.mass.gov/mddc.

04/30/2026

DDS Staff from the Planning, Development, and Autism Services Division represented the agency at the Autism Connections Conference in Springfield today to promote the Children's Autism Waiver Program. Pictured from left are Katherine Callaway, Lori Cusson and Susan Kraemer, all Children's Autism Waiver Clinical Managers.

04/29/2026

04/29/2026

At the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services, we support autistic people and their communities all year long through services, advocacy, and partnership.

We remain committed to building a more inclusive Commonwealth where autistic folx are respected, supported, and empowered—every day of the year.

04/28/2026

We were thrilled to attend today's Partners for Youth with Disabilities (PYD) Brunch and Build, which featured a keynote address from "Love on the Spectrum" star .

Brunch & Build is an employer-focused breakfast experience that features:
*Networking with leaders in inclusion and workforce development
*A live demonstration of LEARN, PYD’s new employer training program
*Round table discussions with fellow employers
*A panel of young professionals and employer partners who built their pathway through PYD.

In the first photo are (from left) DesNeiges Harkness, DDS's Adult Autism Support Manager; Ellen Kilicarslan, DDS's Director of Family Support; Dani Bowman; Stephanie Coburn, DDS's Children's Autism Waiver Manager; and Jennifer Manci, DDS's Workforce Development Manager.

04/27/2026

04/22/2026

You may have heard the terms person-first and identity-first language. Here’s a simple way to understand the difference:

Person-first language puts the person before the diagnosis.

Example: “person with autism”

This approach was designed to emphasize someone’s humanity, especially in medical or clinical settings where people were often reduced to labels.

Identity-first language places the identity front and center.

Example: “autistic person”

Many neurodivergent individuals prefer this because their neurotype is not something separate from them—it’s a core part of who they are, not something they “have.”

So which one is correct?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.

A neurodiversity-affirming approach means:

Respecting individual preferences

Avoiding assumptions

Listening to how people describe themselves

For many in the autistic and broader neurodivergent community, identity-first language feels more authentic and empowering. But the most important thing is honoring each person’s choice.

When in doubt, ask—and be open to learning.