Table of Contents—DDS Online Policy Manual   Prepared and developed by DDS's Office of Planning, Policy, and Program Support  The Department on Disability Services (DDS) is a cabinet-level agency within the District of Columbia Government, dedicating itself to providing information and supports to meet the needs of people with developmental disabilities and their families. The agency also provides comprehensive vocational and independent living services to persons with disabilities to promote their opportunities for employment, economic self-sufficiency, and independence. The DDS Policy Manual was designed to support this mission, and to provide comprehensive and uniform guidelines for staff decision-making authority and accountability. All policies are ultimately statements of the Agency’s interpretation of a law or guiding statements specific to an issue of concern that helps maintain standards of practice for the daily operation of the Agency Program Policies: Program Policies include all policies related specifically to the programmatic operations of the Agency, such as the Human Rights Review Policy or the Individual Service Plan Policy. General Administrative Policies: General Administrative Policies include only those policies that directly impact the managerial and organizational standards of the agency, such as the Token Distribution Policy. Administrative Issuances: Administrative Issuances serve as interim policies, or as guidelines for procedures or protocols. These issuances provide staff and/or contracted service providers with pertinent information concerning modifications and/or revisions to existing policies or procedures. They also establish minimum standards of practice during such time as new policies or procedures are being developed. Quick Reference Guides: These guides are helpful for quick reference to pertinent procedures and protocols. See individual listings. Index: All policies and administrative issuances are listed in the index alphabetically with a key to category.Please note: if a policy is undergoing revision, the link will inform you and invite you,contact the Policy Unit for additional information.