Division of Developmental Disabilities
The Division is committed to our mission to serve the Intellectual and Developmental Disability (I/DD) community with transparency and excellence. This webpage shares details about the Division and the work it does.
Who We Are
The Division of Developmental Disabilities is responsible for planning, funding and overseeing a community system of services and supports for adults with developmental disabilities.
We believe that all Rhode Islanders deserve to live happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. Our work supports efforts across the state to expand opportunity and provide high-quality services for all Rhode Islanders.
What We Do
- Fund a statewide network of community services and supports for Rhode Islanders living with intellectual and significant developmental disabilities. These services are available through community provider agencies. Individuals and families may also receive self-directed services.
- Ensure access to available resources in response to the unique needs of each person receiving services.
- Support opportunities for meaningful roles in the community for people living with developmental disabilities. This includes opportunities for jobs at competitive wages.
- Work to achieve the terms of a 2014 federal consent decree and provide integrated employment and day services for individuals living with developmental disabilities.
- Support person-centered planning. This type of planning helps each person receiving services create a service plan matched to their unique interests and goals.
- Promote human rights and protect the health and safety of individuals living with developmental disabilities. We do this in part through quality improvement initiatives and the licensing and oversight of service providers.
Resources to Learn More About the Division
Annual Program Report
The Division recently released its first Annual Program Report (PDF). This report shares the Division's 2024 achievements and goals with the I/DD community.
DD Guidebook
The Division created a DD Guidebook (PDF). The purpose of this guidebook is to share information about the developmental disability (DD) service system and options. The guidebook includes information about:
- How to apply for services.
- How to pay for services.
- What a Person-Centered Plan (PCP) is and why it matters.
- What the different services are and how to get them.
- Tips to stay healthy and safe in the community.
If you have any questions or feedback about the annual report and/or DD Guidebook, please let us know by emailing BHDDH.AskDD@bhddh.ri.gov.