Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) is the branch of Florida Parishes Human Services Authority that assures a person-centered approach in providing the following services to individuals and families affected by developmental disabilities.  A developmental disability, as defined by Louisiana statute (R.S. 28:451):

• Is a severe, chronic disability attributable to an intellectual or physical impairment or a combination of both;
• Is manifested before the person reaches age twenty-two;
• Is likely to continue indefinitely;
• Results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity:

• Self-care;
• Receptive and expressive language;
• Learning;
• Mobility;
• Self-direction;
• Capacity for independent living; and
• Economic self-sufficiency;

• Is not attributed solely to mental illness;
• Reflects the person's need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary or generic care, treatment, or other services which are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated; and/or
• Is a substantial developmental delay or specific congenital or acquired condition in a person from birth through age nine which, without services and support, has a high probability of resulting in those above criteria later in life that may be considered to be a developmental disability.

FPHSA DDS is the single point of entry in the five-parish area for the following services provided to individuals with developmental disabilities:

• Individual and family support;
• Cash subsidy;
• Personal support coordination;
• Supported living;
• ICF/DD residential placement;
• Crisis funds; and
• A community support team.