Developmental Disabilities Program
Through programs designed to address the mind, body, and soul, we meet the needs of adults with disabilities.
Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Developmental Disabilities Program Information
The Salvation Army's Developmental Disabilities Program (DDP) has been supporting people with disabilities since 1980. Today, DDP provides residential supports to nearly 100 people in Eastern Pennsylvania and the State of Delaware. The program has also assisted hundreds to find meaningful work and/or participate in community life. Our staff are highly trained and experienced in providing supports to people with a variety of needs in diverse, community-based settings.
Our Mission
Our mission is to enable people with disabilities to live as citizens in their local communities, in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. We are committed to serving the community by recognizing the gifts that each person brings to their home and community by supporting efforts to achieve their fullest potential.
Where We Operate: A Community We Call Family
Currently, The Salvation Army DDP manages programs in Philadelphia, Bucks, and Montgomery Counties in Pennsylvania as well as Sussex and New Castle Counties in Delaware. Community homes are maintained, employment opportunities are offered or community integrated day activities may be provided for individuals who may not be capable or interested in sustaining competitive employment. All programs and activities are designed specifically to build upon individual interests and strengths.
Program Schedule
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Where we choose to live is an important part about who we are and how we want to live our lives. The choice of the community we live in, the people around us, and type of home all impact on the quality of life.
The Salvation Army can assist you or your family member to find the housing option that best meets your needs. Our residential sites are located in urban, suburban, and small-town settings. People live by themselves, with a significant other or with friends. Our homes include single-family dwellings, duplexes, apartments, and townhouses.
Residential supports are personalized to meet the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities as well as autism, significant mental health or physical health issues. Supports are geared to promote happiness, independence, and enhance and maintain life skills. Assistance is provided with activities of daily living (personal care, cooking, and housekeeping) and community-based activities including shopping, banking, and coordination of medical care. People also have access to such therapeutic services as physical, occupational, speech, and behavioral therapy as well as nursing supports. Staff support may be provided 24 hours a day for persons with multiple disabilities or as few as several hours a week when staff drop in to provide assistance to people who are relatively independent. As people develop the skills, relationships and confidence to live more independently, Salvation Army staff assists them with the transition and continues to provide supports as needed to make these new living situations successful.
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The Supported Living program provides a person-centered approach to services that considers the uniqueness and abilities of each person served, regardless of disability. The Supported Living program was established to support those who wish to live more independently and is customized to meet each individual’s needs. It may include support for just a few hours a week or daily “drop-in” by staff for these individuals who are relatively independent. Individuals reside alone in their own apartment or may choose to live with a roommate. They are encouraged to pursue and participate in employment and are provided with resources to help achieve and maintain that goal.
Supports provided vary according to individual needs and may include financial management, grocery shopping, transportation, medication administration, medical care coordination, apartment care, counseling and pursuit of specific individual goals. Families are actively involved with strong communication networks in place among all involved in an individual’s life in the community. Consistent support fosters growth and involvement in community activities and the development of supportive community relationships.
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Persons with developmental disabilities who are not currently able or do not wish to participate in paid employment have another option that increases self-confidence, provides personal meaning and daily structure, promotes independence, and offers a way to give back to the community. The Salvation Army DDP’s Community Options Program assists individuals to volunteer in their communities or to get involved with community-based educational and recreational/social activities.
Community Involvement offers activities that enable people to regularly participate in the life of the community and to be a presence in the community, thus fostering an increased general awareness of the gifts and contributions persons with developmental disabilities can make to the community. Volunteer service projects have included Adopt a Park, Adopt a Highway, Meals on Wheels, and assisting other non-profits in a wide array of activities.
Ron's Story
For anyone, losing their roommate and best friend to a tragic accident would be beyond difficult. For Ron, who is developmentally disabled and cannot readily express or deal with grief, the loss was nearly devastating. Thanks to the help of the Developmental Disabilities Program (DDP), Ron was able to not only get through this difficult period, but to also keep growing his capabilities.
Celebrate Creativity with Creative heARTs
The art featured here has been created by Artists of The Salvation Army’s Developmental Disabilities Program (DDP) through its Creative heARTs Program. DDP is dedicated to supporting individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and Autism to become an integral part of their community. These cards were created to ensure that needed art supplies and instruction are available to the Artists so they can continue to grow their talent and celebrate their creativity.
Other Services
