Our Mission
DDS...transforming lives through the power of independence. The mission of Developmental & Disability Services of Lebanon Valley is to empower children with developmental delays and persons with disabilities to lead more productive, satisfying and/or independent lives. We believe that through greater independence, individuals are able to experience a higher quality of life.
Our Impact
More than 350 individuals benefit from DDS Services each year, with majority of services provided for FREE. DDS serves over 100 children through early intervention services for children from birth to age five, including developmental, speech, occupational and physical therapies in a home base setting. DDS also operates a preschool for children with multiple needs in an integrated classroom, in which children of all abilities learn together. Approximately 50 adults are served through a Supported Competitive Employment Program. DDS Job coaches assist adults with intellectual delays to find and maintain employment in the community. The Elks Home Service Nurse program for Lebanon and Berks Counties is administered by DDS Recently, DDS implemented two new programs: Brave Art Studio and Summer Stars Day Camp. The average weekly attendance for the Brave Art Studio is 10 adults. Last year, 45 campers participated in the DDS-Summer Stars Day Camp over a three week period. DDS charters a special needs Boy Scout Troop. The troop meets weekly and has five boys participating.
Our History
Developmental and Disability Services of Lebanon Valley (DDS) was founded in 1961 as Cerebral Palsy of Lebanon County. Its mission was to provide assistance, training and education to people with Cerebral Palsy. The mission quickly expanded and began providing services to all people with disabilities and learning delays regardless of the cause. As a result of this growth, the board of directors realized three things: 1.) the name, United Cerebral Palsy, no longer defined the organization, 2.) while significant money was sent to the national United Cerebral Palsy organization, only a small portion was coming back into the county and 3.) the need for a permanent location. In 1993, the board decided to reorganize the structure of the agency. It elected to disassociate with the national Cerebral Palsy organization which saved thousands of dollars in dues, which in turn, enabled them to provide better services to the residents of Lebanon County. As a result of this break, the organization was renamed (Doing Business As) Developmental and Disability Services of Lebanon Valley and the board launched a capital campaign to raise money to build a new facility. Today, DDS is headquartered at the Alley Family Center, located at 12th & Walnut Streets in Lebanon, Pa. In 2006, DDS had its name officially changed from Cerebral Palsy of Lebanon County dba Developmental & Disability Services of Lebanon Valley, to Developmental & Disability Services of Lebanon Valley. Programs and services that are administered by DDS of Lebanon Valley include: Early Intervention-speech, occupational, physical and developmental therapies DDS-Alley Learning Center Preschool Competitive Employment program Elks Home Service Nurse Accessible Communities Today Quality Child Care Development Brave Art Studio Summer Stars Day Camp The majority of these programs are provided to individuals for free. Services are paid for by the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare, Education and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Our Board of Directors
Officers:
President Dr. Franklin Bergman
Vice President: Harris T. Booker
Secretary: Andrea Dawson
Treasurer: Kristen Tobias
Directors:
Board of Directors
Albert A. Alley, M.D.
Dr. Franklin K. Bergman
Harry Booker
Brion Crum
Patti Cover
Andrea K. Dawson
Rick Heisey
Betty Kleinfelter
Judy Leggat
Richard Margut
Nancy Rank
Lee Rhodes
John H. Shenk
Sara Shirato
Kristen Tobias
Michelle White
Christopher Coyle
Our Administration:
Colleen Christian, Executive Director
Jessica Penchard, VP Public Relations & Development
Robert Haynes, Fiscal Manager
Margie Loperfido, Administrative Assistant/Receptionist
Our Early Intervention Team:
Julie Mentzer, Developmental Therapist
Mary Jo Laughlin, Occupational Therapist
Sue Mauer, Physical Therapist
Pam Stammel, Speech Therapist
Liz Kelly,Physical Therapist
Katie Oriel, Physical Therapist
Nina Meanor, Speech Therapist
Barb Ward, Speech Therapist
Michelle Weisman, Occupational Therapist
Penny Boltz, Physical Therapist
Our Preschool:
Laura Davis, Preschool Coordinator
Tanya Sensenig, Preschool Teacher and Developmental Therapist
Mary Bradley, Teaching Assistant/Camp Coordinator
Melinda McKenna, Teacher's Aide
Kelly Hertz, Teacher's Aide
Our Competitive Employment Specialists:
Deb Eberly
Jody Mason
Melissa Vardzik