Developmental Disabilities Service Organization

My daughter Jaime is a client of DDSO and has grown tremendously, but mostly she's become a very happy woman that is excited to attend each day to see her friends and participate in her classes. My husband and I are happy because she's happy, and my interactions with the staff have been very positive. I feel blessed to have found such a great program for Jaime.

I loved working with the consumers and seeing the creative process of the Audio Podcasting class at Employment Plus (a program within DDSO). It was great to see the consumers light up when they heard their voice after recording as well as getting them involved in the editing process. I love seeing the consumers filled with confidence as well and experiencing the potential they have within them, that they might not have realized before.

My mom works for DDSO. I helped set up and run the art booth at the Art Fiesta in May, 2009. I also was a Volunteer Teachers Assistant at one of the programs, Employment Plus. I love all of the creative work as I love to write, draw, create and perform too. I love the scarves that one of the programs made. I also love the jewelry they make. I like to make earrings too. The people there are special and make me smile when I see them. This is a great program.

My niece Tina has been attending ASC for almost 2 years. She is 40 years old and I believe attending this 'school' as she likes to call it is the best thing that has happened to her in a long time. Before Tina enrolled she had lost her Mom & her Grandma (who raised her) so needless to say her world has changed drastically. Since she has started attending ASC her mood, personality & her outward appearance all have changed for the good. She is constantly talking about her teachers and all the staff & how well she is treated. I am thankful to God for the staff at ASC. With so many budget cuts they still make their clients feel great about being there. Thank you!!!!

Our son Alan, who is now 39 years old, was disabled from an automobile accident when he was fourteen. We are so thankful for DDSO and the Short Center North, where Alan attends classes every day. He does artwork, exercises, and sometimes gardens, under the supervision of caring and dedicated teachers. I became a DDSO Board member two or three years ago. As a Board member, I have had the chance to work with DDSO's outstanding executive leaders and staff. I am honored to serve in this wonderful organization.

My name is Marcus Higgins. I first started as a student with the Short Center North in 1984. I drew and painted pictures with Paul Ford and in 1985 I started reading plays with Jim Anderson. I performed in such plays as Taming of the Shrew and Tartoth and some other plays by Shakespeare. And I made a cigarette holder which I sold at a special art show for $20.00. I also drew a picture of an old woman for $65.00. I started writing stories with Mike, though I don't remember Mikes last name. The picture I sold was made in oil pastel colors. I still work with Jim Anderson, performing in plays 30 years later. I recall performing in a play with Jim Anderson last year -- I think it was in 2009 at the Music Circus. Currently, I am rehearsing a play called Extensions with Jim Anderson's assistant, Caverly Morgan. We intend to take the play to local theatres and homes for the aging. Without DDSO I might never have learned how to use computers and woudn't be working as an actor now.

My son has been a DDSO client for the past six years. He enjoys his program immensely. He is always treated with respect and the staff always has his best interest at heart. My son is non-verbal so it is not often easy to know what kinds of things interest him. The staff never tires of trying to find things that he will be interested in. This program provides him with daily stimulation, and allows him to get out into the community to interact . We are very fortunate to have DDSO poviding for our son.

I am writing on behalf of my sister, Sarah. She is unable to speak or write, but despite this, I am 100% positive that she could convince you how much she loves her day program, Adult Development Center (ADC for short). Sarah has a unique method of communication and without a doubt, makes her feelings known. Sarah has been a client since November 1996. Five days a week she is lucky to be able to leave her home and go to a place where she is loved, where she has friends and where she is safe. The world is not always a kind place and I often fret about my sister and her well being, but when she is at ADC, I am completely at ease, knowing that the people who care for her, the staff and her dear friends at the program, will always keep her best interest in mind. The biggest peace of mind I have is that I know if anything is wrong with my sister, even the tiniest concern, ADC staff will reach out to me to make sure I am aware. I am free to drop by at any time, unannounced (which I do) and I am sure to be greeted by happy clients, busy with projects and never ignored. ADC can be relied upon to keep their clients challenged, stimulated and most of all, happy. My sister loves her day program and not a day goes by that she doesn't eagerly get on the bus and is excited about spending another day with her other family. ADC is an amazing place. They do remarkable things with very limited resources. It is not just a program, it really is a family. I recently gave my sister a 50th birthday party. Nearly every staff member from ADC came to celebrate with us,along with Sarah's other friends in the program. The staff at ADC truly care about their clients, above and beyond what is necessary or expected. I cannot say enough about the beauty of their services and I cannot imagine the void there would be for Sarah if she did not have this joy in her life.

Let me take the opportunity to say how unique DDSO is. Not only has Christopher benefited from the training and patience offered to him; I have seen him grow immeasurably. DDSO has offered Christopher such a wide range of opportunities and this tactic is exceptional. This brings much excitement to his life and he looks forward to everyday. Christopher's personal growth has been stupendous. He has become more aware of his hidden talents and feels safe to express his own goals. I am very grateful to everyone at DDSO for a wonderful accomplishments.

Hello! My name is Michael D. I attended the Alan Short Center for 23 years. I now attend Short Center South. I have been there 7 years this year. DDSO has given me the honor of being the MC for their awards dinner. I really enjoy working with DDSO. They work hard every day to keep their programs open in spite of the budget cuts. Thank you for helping us all to learn new things in life. A lot of people have asked me why I like DDSO. If you read this, you will know why. I really like what I do. I like all of the people here. Everyone is special. The staff and the students may have their ups and downs but that's OK. I think DDSO is the best! I'd like to make a special award and present it to DDSO to say thank you for your support!