Q: What is the Department of Developmental Services?
A: The Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS), known as the Department of Mental Retardation (DMR) prior to June 30, 2009, is the state agency responsible for assisting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. It is "dedicated to creating, in partnership with others, innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate fully and meaningfully in, and contribute to, their communities as valued members." The Department has a central office in Boston as well as regional and area offices. You can find out more about DDS here.
Q: How do I find out if NWW provides the particular service I am seeking?
A: Contact Bruce Pemberton, Program Director, at (617) 964-6860, extension 17, or at bpemberton@nwwcommittee.org.
Q: How can I add my name to NWW's mailing list?
A: Contact Betty Kazanjian, Administrative Assistant, at (617) 964-6860, extension 10, or at bkazanjian@nwwcommittee.org.
Q: How do I make a tax-deductible donation to NWW?
A: As NWW is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, your donation will be tax-deductible. You may donate on line. You may also print the donation form and mail the completed form with your donation to the NWW Committee, 1301 Centre Street, Newton Centre, MA 02459. For questions about donations, contact Betty Kazanjian, Administrative Assistant, at (617) 964-6860, extension 10, or at bkazanjian@nwwcommittee.org.
Q: How do I apply for a job at NWW?
A: You may fill out an on line employment application form for direct care positions in NWW's residential services or download the printable employment application form and mail it to the NWW Committee, 1301 Centre Street, Newton Centre, MA 02459 or fax it to (617) 630-9132.
Q: How do I apply for an internship at NWW?
A: For a graduate student internship in social work, contact Nancy Slamin, LICSW, at (617) 964-6860, extension 12, or at nslamin@nwwcommittee.org. For an undergraduate student internship, contact Christina Jameson, Volunteer Coordinator, at (617) 964-6860, extension 24, or at cjameson@nwwcommittee.org.
Q: How do I become a volunteer at NWW?
A: Contact Christina Jameson, Volunteer Coordinator, at (617) 964-6860, extension 24, or at cjameson@nwwcommittee.org.
Q: Do I need to register in order to participate in NWW's Wednesday Night Drop-In?
A: Yes. Please fill out the on line registration form to register for Drop-In or download the printable registration form and and mail it to the NWW Committee, 1301 Centre Street, Newton Centre, MA 02459. The printed form can also be faxed to (617) 630-9132. You may also contact Lisa Oberton, Drop-In Director, at (781) 431-0165 or at lisa.oberton.nww@hotmail.com for additional information about Wednesday Night Drop-In.
Q: How can I find out the current Wednesday Night Drop-In schedule?
A: Click here: Wednesday Night Drop-In Schedule
Q: What is the Arc?
A: The Arc is the largest national non-profit advocacy organization in the United States that works on behalf of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It has over 14,000 members who are affiliated through local and state chapters. You can find out more about the Arc at www.thearc.org.
Q: What is AAIDD?
A: The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) is the largest professional organization working on behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Until 2006 it was called the American Association on Mental Retardation (AAMR). You can find out more about AAIDD at www.aaidd.org.
Q: How can I learn more about intellectual and developmental disabilities?
A: Here are some good starting places: Fact Sheets
