Q. Do we have a handicap-parking card?
A. No. To get a handicap placard, an individual must have a physician’s note stating that it is medically necessary for an individual to use handicap parking.  Individual musty apply for the placard through PennDot.

Q. How do you file for disability?
A. Contact Social Security at 717-272-5342, or 1-800-772-1213.

Q. Do you provide housing services?
A. No, the mission of DDS is to provide training and education.

Q. Do you have to live in Lebanon to receive services?
A. No, DDS provides services throughout the Lebanon Valley.

Q. What services do you provide and what extra curriculum activities do you offer?
A. DDS core programs are Early Intervention (EI) services and Job Coaching program.  Other programs include: Elks Home Service Nurse, Accessible Communities Today, Summer Stars Day Camp, Brave Art Studio, Recreational programs and Boy Scout Troop.  DDS will frequently offer free parent workshops and clinics.

Q. Do you have a preschool for children needing Early Intervention ? What is the classroom environment?
A. The Alley Learning Center Preschool is an integrated (children with and without disabilities) classroom designed for children who need special instruction and developmental therapies. Children of all abilities learn and grow together in a safe secure environment.

Q. Do I have to pay for Early Intervention Services?
A. No.  In the state of Pennsylvania, early intervention services are provided free to individuals and families.  Job Coaching services are also free to individuals.

Q. Can my child still attend the Alley Learning Center Preschool if he/she does not have a disability?
A. Yes, children of all abilities may attend the preschool, however, typical children will be asked to pay a $25 application fee and a $10 fee per each session.

Q. How do I get my child services?
A. Please refer to Early Intervention Services under Children Services on our web site.

Q. What is a developmental delay?
A. Developmental Delay is a general term used to describe a child that exhibits a 25% delay in any area of his/her development, whether it be physical, speech or cognitive development.
 
Q. Are DDS and Alley Learning Center the same building?
A. Yes, the main administrative offices for DDS are held at the Alley Learning Center.  DDS is the large umbrella that encompasses all DDS programs and services.  The Alley Learning Center is primarily the reference for our preschool program.  DDS and/or the Alley Learning Center is not affiliated with the Alley Center For The Blind.

Q. What is the job coaching program?
A. It is a community based program that helps adults with disabilities find and maintain employment in the community so that individuals receive gainful employment. A referral from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and/or Lebanon County MH/MRis needed.