Archives: Resources
Child Development Watch (CDW) is a statewide early intervention program for children ages birth to 3. CDW provides services to families to help enhance the development of infants and toddlers with disabilities or developmental delays and support the family in meeting the needs of their children. Services include screening and evaluation services, family training and counseling, nutrition plans, nursing services, service coordination, speech-language therapy, and occupational therapy.
The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is located in the Delaware Department of Labor. DVR helps people with disabilities prepare for, obtain and maintain employment by offering individualized and person-centered services. Services include on-the-job training, rehabilitation technology, skill training, job placement assistance, and job coaching. For students in Delaware, DVR offers School to Career Transition Services, to prepare students for future careers.
The Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) is located under the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS). DSAMH serves adults (age 18 and older) in need of behavioral health services. Services include crisis intervention supports, mental health and substance abuse treatment, prevention support, counseling, peer support, and inpatient treatment, among many others.
Delaware’s Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) works to ‘improve the quality of life for Delaware’s citizens by prompting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations’. There are 11 divisions within the Department including Medicaid and Medical Assistance, Developmental Disabilities Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health, and Prevention and Behavioral Health. DHSS and its divisions offer a variety of services and supports for people with autism and their families. Services offered and eligibility is different for each department.
Learn the Signs. Act Early is a program from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and aims to improve early identification of children with autism and other developmental disabilities so children and families can get the services and supports they need. Families can learn about developmental milestones, understand how to address concerns with their provider, and use free resources to support their child such as a milestone tracking app or easy to use developmental checklists. Resources are also available for healthcare providers and early childhood educators through “Learn the Signs. Act Early”. You can contact Sarah Mallory at smallory@udel.edu to learn more.
The Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS) provides community-based services including residential supports such as support living and respite, family services, day habilitation, and pre-vocational, vocational and supported employment. DDDS also offers case management, therapy, nursing and other professional supports to ensure individuals with ASD and their families are able to lead full and productive lives.
Delaware Family Voices (DEFV) is a federally-funded organization led by parents of children and young adults with physical, developmental and mental health challenges. DEFV helps families of children with special needs to become informed, experienced, self-sufficient advocates for their children and families. Their website, the Family to Family Health Information Center, provides information about resources, trainings, and workshops available for families and children with special needs.
Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is a nonprofit organization run by and for autistic people. ASAN is dedicated to empowering individuals with ASD across the world to take ownership of their lives and their futures and provide education to their communities. ASAN’s members and supporters include autistic adults and youth, cross-disability advocates, and non-autistic family members, professionals, educators, and friends.
Parent Information Center (PIC) of Delaware is committed to improving outcomes for children by providing information and support around educational and related services to parents of children with disabilities, from birth to 26-years. PIC offers trainings and workshops, one-on-one assistance, and other resources to empower families to become advocates for their child and family.
Family SHADE is a collaborative community of family partners and organizations dedicated to empowering and enriching the lives of families of children with special healthcare needs. Family SHADE helps connect families to supports and services in their area and ensure that parents, siblings, and extended families have the resources, information, and social and emotional support to care for children with special needs.