Eliminating barriers for people with disabilities

Britni Shrout| June 10th, 2025

MJ Foundation

Across 60 counties in Indiana and from birth through adulthood, people with disabilities can find support from Developmental Services, Inc. (DSI). The organization, which celebrates a half-century of service this year, offers early intervention, residential living, job training, family support, and a host of other resources to help adults and children with disabilities overcome barriers and live independent lives.

Reaching infants and children

For many families, helping a child with a disability thrive means developing some new skills, and DSI provides the knowledge and support they need. Their services for children and their families include:

Behavior management, including assessments and support plans, social skills training, caregiver training, and 24-hour emergency services: DSI’s specialists help identify behavioral issues and build a strategy to monitor and address them.
First Steps, an early intervention strategy for infants and toddlers with special needs: Parents can work with DSI to learn about and plan the most effective supports and services to build a foundation for learning and physical development. DSI provides services including occupational, physical, and speech therapy; developmental therapy; and family education and support.
Keys for Kids, learning environments: Keys for Kids offers preschool and general classroom education for children ages 6 months to five years with developmental delays or mental, physical, or emotional challenges. Keys for Kids’ research-based curriculum is offered in a safe, positive learning environment.
Reaching Every Adult and Child’s Home (REACH), outreach program: DSI offers in-home and community-based services and education for individuals with disabilities. REACH gives families and care providers time away from their caregiving responsibilities.

Programs for adults

The range of programs DSI provides for adults is designed to help each person reach their goals and increase their independences. The organization’s 11 adult programs range from transportation to and from services to group homes that give residents a comfortable environment that offers on-site activities and skill-building as well as community outings. DSI programs for adults also include the following:

Adult day programming and habilitation services: Participants can take part in DSI’s day programming to work toward their greatest potential by developing social behaviors and cognitive skills, learning daily living skills, participating in a choir, developing job skills, and a lot more. These 30- to 60-minute classes focus on goal-centered activities.
After-hour creative learning and recreational opportunities: Clients can visit DSI for pure fun. After-hour programs give adults with disabilities avenues to learn a craft, participate in wellness and exercise programs, and just enjoy themselves in a safe, stimulating environment.
Personal enhancement program (PEP): For clients who want to continue skill-building so that they can live more independently, DSI offers an alternative program with meaningful day activities that include community- and facility-based habilitation.
Supported living: As an alternative to institutional care, DSI offers family-oriented services for eligible adults to help them become as independent as possible. Depending on the situation, these services may be provided in-home or in the community, for up to 24 hours per day.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Helping adults with disabilities overcome barriers is a community effort, and DSI’s reach extends to area businesses with whom the organization partners to build and utilize job skills.

Not only does DSI create tailored programs to match business needs with client needs, the organization starts early to help clients with vocational rehabilitation and pre-employment transition services. They facilitate job-matching and work with clients to ensure the match is a success. They even provide transportation services through their employment journey.

How you can help

DSI relies on volunteers in a wide range of capacities. Whether you have a few hours or are looking for a regular weekly volunteer slot, DSI will welcome you to the team. Here are some of the volunteer opportunities available:

Supporting client special events
Providing office and clerical support
Helping set up, break down, and facilitate fundraisers
Providing client yard clean-up and light maintenance
Assisting with skill-based projects; current areas of need include computers, adaptive technology, health and wellness, training, and more
Sharing your special talents or hobbies: DSI welcomes group discussions and activities that introduce our clients to opportunities for learning

Ready to get started? Drop DSI a line by using their contact form. And if you’d rather provide financial support, the information you need to become a donor or sponsor is available on DSI’s donation page, where you can learn more about the impact your gift will make for people with disabilities.

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