Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation

Annual Report
July 1, 2001 — June 30, 2002

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
 Mitt Romney, Governor
Kerry Healey, Lieutenant Governor

 Executive Office of Health and Human Services
 Ronald Preston, Secretar y Department of Mental Retardation Gerald J. Morrissey, Jr., Commissioner

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The Department of Mental Retardation is a state agency within
the Executive Office of Health and Human Services that
provides a wide range of services and supports to
Massachusetts’ citizens with mental retardation.

Every day, DMR provides these supports to 31,718 people.
Their level of disability may require assistance in job placement,
transportation, or residential services, or more intense levels of
treatment, monitoring or care.  DMR provides these services
through facility and community based state operated programs
and by contracting with 257 private provider agencies
across the state.

DMR strives to provide support services in safe and healthy
environments and promotes the creation of opportunities
for people with disabilities to become fully integrated
participants in their communities.  It promotes individual
development and encourages family involvement,
and emphasizes consumer and family involvement
in the decision making process.

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Department of Mental Retardation
Annual Report
July 1, 2001 – June 30, 2002

Fiscal Year 2002 (FY02) was a difficult year for all Americans.  From the tragic events of 9/11 to the downturn in economic prosperity, it was a time to reflect, refocus, and move forward.

The Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation (DMR) adapted to these challenging times and managed significant change and growth by providing high quality supports and services to more than 31,718 individuals with mental retardation and their families.

<Image of  “ Summer intern Alyssa Bartasha, (l.), with Melodie Fairclough at the
Glavin Regional Center in Shrewsbury”>

In FY02, more individuals and families than ever before received services.

DMR offered a wide range of innovative supports.  The agency continued to do a better job of       tracking federal dollars to bring more revenue into the
Commonwealth. DMR’s workforce is better trained and more diversified.  DMR has created and fostered greater linkages and partnerships with provider agencies, law enforcement, communities, and the state to enhance the acceptance of people with mental retardation and their families so they can lead more complete lives.

   The DMR community is a dynamic system of dedicated and caring professionals, six developmental centers, five regional and 24 area offices, 257 provider organizations, vibrant advocacy organizations, self-advocates, and community activists.  This partnership works together to ensure that individuals with mental retardation and their families receive the necessary supports to meet their needs.

Growth in Services
    Over the last decade, the number of individuals with mental retardation receiving support services has increased by 34%.  In FY02, there were 31,718 individuals receiving services.  A portion of this growth has been in expanded support services to multicultural families and children.  

<Image of  “Distribution of Resources FY02 Budget” pie chart>

   DMR budget for FY02 was $968.5 million.  A significant portion of this budget ($364.6
million) was funded with federal dollars through the Medicaid program.

   The majority of people with mental retardation live with their families, but an increasing number live in community residences that include small homes located across the state.  In FY02, there were 9,015 people living in community residential programs.  There are now more than 1,890 24-hour state and provider managed homes across the state. More independent individuals live in their own apartment with some support, and there are instances where individuals have even purchased their own homes.

Family Support and Community Partnerships
   DMR continued to see significant growth in bringing families who have children with mental retardation into the system.  There were 13,957 families that received support in FY02.

   The partnership that DMR has forged with individuals with mental retardation and their families has increased empowerment.  Groups like the Mass Families Organizing for Change have formed with DMR’s support to share information, ideas and common concerns, network, and work in partnership with the DMR to improve the lives of all citizens with disabilities.  Self- advocacy groups managed by individuals with mental retardation such as the Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong, (M.A.S.S.) have also been established and have grown.  Over the last decade, DMR’s advisory boards on the state, regional, and area levels have been energized and refocused.

   DMR has also reached out to form stronger partnerships with the provider community starting ongoing summits to address and solve concerns.  Similarly, DMR has reached out to
communities and businesses to promote understanding and acceptance so that people with mental retardation have increased opportunities to find good jobs, social and recreational opportunities and the best chance to lead a normal life.  In FY02, 6,202 individuals spent some part of their work experience in jobs in the community.

Federal Home and Community Based Services Waiver
   Several times over the last decade, DMR has been successful in expanding the Federal Medicaid Home and Community Based Services Waiver.  This program covers individuals18 years and older with mental retardation and children under the age of 18 who have a developmental disability.  It offers a comprehensive array of home and community-.based services that are designed to support people in the community and thus prevent institutionalization.

<Image of “DMR Budget Grouth FY92 to FY02” bar chart>

301.6	
The Department operates this Medicaid waiver program under a five-year approval granted by the federal government.  Ten years ago, 2,800 individuals were served through this program. Today, more than 11,000 adults are being served.
301.7	
     As part of its oversight responsibility for this waiver, federal CMS reviewers visited several community programs throughout the state in January, 2002.  Special mention was made in their reports on the high level of care provided in these programs and on the quality assurance systems that DMR has in place to protect the health and safety of the adults served.

Waiting List Progress
     DMR continued to reduce the number of individuals and families waiting for services. Each year since 1999, DMR has received funding that enabled it to fully serve the entire graduating class of Turning 22 students.  In FY02, DMR handled a very large class of 547 individuals, who graduated out of the education system and turned 22 years of age.  All were offered at least day, family support, or transportation services, and about 25 per cent of that class were offered residential services as well.

 <Image of “Bethany Olivera from Fairhaven”>

   Efforts to address the Waiting List for services to older individuals across the state were addressed as part of the lawsuit entitled Boulet v. Cellucci, et al.   In January 2001, as part of the settlement agreement, the Commonwealth unveiled the details of a five-year plan to eliminate the wait list for services to individuals with mental retardation throughout the state. The plan provides 2,225 individuals with mental retardation with residential placements and introduces many new support services.  Under the terms outlined in the plan, the state will place between 375 and
400 individuals per year in community- based residences over the next five years. The plan also provides for additional support services such as respite care, transportation services, and recreational activities to assist these individuals and their families until they move to community residences.

<Image of “Percentage of Individuals By Residential Support Type (As of June 30, 2002) bar chart”>

   Over the last two fiscal years, DMR has moved forward with this plan, and achieved the goals set in the plan.  In FY02, DMR again delivered on its promise to provide out-of-home placements for individuals on the waiting list:
*   		375 individuals received an out-of-home placement
*   245 individuals were offered and received day supports
*   more than 1,500 individuals were offered and received interim supports

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Individuals in Nursing Facilities

     In FY02MR kept pace with community placement  targets in a case entitled Rolland et al., v Cellucci et al. This agreement provides a comprehensive plan to provide community-based care to hundreds of individuals with mental retardation or developmental disabilities currently residing in nursing facilities.

   The goal of this initiative is to move hundreds of individuals with mental retardation and developmental disabilities who could be better served in community residential arrangements
out of nursing facilities over a seven-year period.  Community living provides more opportunities to interact with family and friends, and better access to work, recreation and community supports.

<Image of “Commissioner Morrissey, (center), with members of the Monorom Family Support Program  of Lowell who were honored at the State House on March 27th.”>

In FY02:
*     175 individuals who were living in nursing facilities moved to community                    residential placements.
*     Specialized Services were arranged for more than 900 individuals who live in nursing facilities such that ongoing habilitation was being provided to address their needs.

   The Department has also increased its efforts to prevent unnecessary admissions by offering supports to enable individuals to stay in a community setting.

Nursing Facility Grant

In the fall of 2001, DMR was awarded a $770,000 grant from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to transfer residents of Worcester area nursing facilities to community settings. “The Massachusetts Bridges to Community Project” is an interagency, cross disability effort to effectuate system changes and improvements that will enable successful transitions.  The project also identifies service gaps, barriers and challenges to these goals.

   Members of the “Bridges” team work together with the individual, nursing facility
staff, family members, provider agencies, and community leaders to ensure each transition
is successful.

<Image of “DMR People served FY92 to FY02”bar chart>
   “The Massachusetts Bridges to Community Project” is an interagency collaboration of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Executive Office of Elder Affairs, the Division of Medical Assistance, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, the Department of Mental Health, the Department of Public Health, and DMR.

Consolidation and Maintaining Quality
In February, the Paul A. Dever Developmental Center in Taunton closed. This closure followed a careful initiative in the Southeast Region that placed the vast majority of former Dever residents into small community homes.

     This facility closure and these placements were consistent with recent trends in Massachusetts and across the country.  Since FY92, the state’s DMR facility population has declined from 2,643 to 1,175 in FY02, with most opting for community placement.  The care and attention for these transfers was very high as was evidenced in independent satisfaction surveys from parents and loved ones once the moves were completed.

<Image of “Number of People Living in Developmental Centers” bar chart>

   DMR currently operates six facilities, known as Developmental Centers.  DMR management and staff maintain high levels of care and treatment at these facilities.  For several consecutive years, all of these centers have maintained high standards on the federal Title XIX review programs that measure the appropriateness, quality, and effectiveness of the services provided, and FY02 was no exception.

In February, Central Office moved to new quarters at 500 Harrison Ave., Boston. The office
completed the move efficiently and with minimal disruption of service.   Also, three greater
dBoston offices, West Boston/Brookline, the Harbor Office, and Dorchester/Fuller, consolidatet into one central Greater Boston Area Office in Hyde Park.

tStrategic Plan
    Progress cont ni

ued on the development of a comprehensive Strategic Plan that will better

manage future challenges for the agency.  The new plan will establish a framework, set prior     s,itie make practices across the system more uniform, and enhance communication among all constituencies.

Throughout the year, various workgroups met and reported on their areas of responsibilities.
Informational forums for key constituencies were held across the state to update them on the strategic planning progress.

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Once the Strategic Plan is completely implemented, individuals and families will have a clearer understanding of where they stand, more knowledge about available supports, and be assured
that they are being treated with respect and fairness.

   For specific information on the DMR Strategic Plan, workgroup summaries, and key questions, please visit the About DMR section of the DMR web site at http://mass.gov/dmr.

Workforce Development
   Several years ago, DMR recognized the need to enhance the quality and the professionalism of its workforce in both the state and provider sectors.  It established linkages with the University of
Massachusetts and the Community College System to develop course concentrations to more adequately prepare people for human service careers. Several provider agencies have also formed partnerships with area colleges.

     In FY02, 62 students graduated from the Direct Support Certification Programs at Community Colleges across the Commonwealth.  The program consists of 21 college level credits in coursework of immediate value to the direct support worker.  Courses are offered at Bristol Community College, Holyoke Community College, Middlesex Community College, and Northern Essex Community College.

    DMR offers a Leadership Development Institute, a program that provides leadership and educational opportunities to participants who are committed to making a long-term impact on the lives of people with disabilities.  Sixteen students this year joined nearly 100 people who have graduated from this institute over the past eight years.  DMR also has a Service Coordinator Institute to prepare new staff and a Management Institute to help new managers develop supervisory skills and further enhance the skills of those already in management.

   Nine DMR staff graduated from the DMR/AFSCME Career Advancement Licensed Practical Nursing Program. This was the third graduating class from this program that was developed in conjunction with the state’s Human Resource Division, AFSCME Council 93, and the Departments of Mental Retardation and Mental Health.

Diversity
DMR continued its efforts to promote and bring more diversity to the agency.  In addition to workforce recruitment and retention programs, DMR pursued numerous initiatives to reach out to multicultural communities.

<Image of “ DMR Senior Staff”>

   DMR formed a Diversity Council to formulate strategies to more effectively promote diversity within the Department. In addition, managerial and professional staff formed, the Black, Latino, and the Asian/Pacific Islanders Professionals, to discuss common concerns and issues specific to their ethnicity.

   DMR developed an agency diversity plan that respects and values the differences in race, culture, religion, age, sexual orientation, marital or parenting status, national origin, language, veteran status, economic background, or disability.  (A copy of the plan is available on the DMR website at www.mass.gov/dmr.) DMR promotes and supports diversity through its hiring practices and through education and training to effect positive change in service delivery, policies, and practices.  Despite early retirement programs and workforce reductions, the number of minority managers in the agency remained at 11.3 per cent of all DMR managers.

<Image of “Commissioner Morrissey (l.), with State Sen. Dianne Wilkerson, (D-Boston), Dora Robinson, Executive Director of the Martin Luther King Center, winner of the Paulette Anjorin Community Service Award, Robert McCollum, DMR Springfield Area Office Director, Kola Anjorin, and Gerald Scott, DMR EEO Administrator, at the UYCP event at the State House.”>

   DMR continues to maintain a positive relationship with purchasing goods and services from Minority & Women Business Enterprises (M/WBE’s).  The Department purchased $56.9 million of services with M/WBE’s, a $7.4 million increase over the previous year.

   The Urban Youth Collaborative Program celebrated its 10th year of success.  Operating in 14 cities together with programs in the Central Region, this program places inner city youth in human service jobs providing support to people with developmental disabilities.  UYCP has placed more than
1,200 students in summer jobs since it began in 1992.  Over the last decade, a significant number of these students have gone on to full-time human service careers.

   Significant strides and creative outreach programs continue to reach out to culturally diverse families to bring them into state services including the Cambodian communities in the Lowell/Lawrence area, the Latino communities of Merrimack Valley, the Portuguese communities in New Bedford, the Asian/American, Hispanic, Haitian, and African/American communities in the Metro Boston region.  These initiatives enhance access for multicultural

DMR Statewide Advisory Council

Rita Fallon
Chairperson,Georgetown

Richard Krant
Vice Chairperson, Norwood 

Polly Litchfield, Secretary,       Duxbury 

Martin Adolphe
                    Hyde Park

                Almanda Alexander
                    Springfield

         Ron Asbjornson
Chelmsford

Gustav Christensen
Lexington

Robert W. P. Cutler, Jr.
Arlington

Jon Johnansen
Hyde Park

Wanda Grant-Knight, Ph.D.
Boston

Cynthia Levine
Grafton

Daniel Shannon
Plympton

Gary N. Siperstein, Ph.D.
Marblehead

Ralph Edwards
Director, Office of Citizen
Leadership

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populations to DMR support services.

   The Southeast Region established a Cultural Interpretation Center that provides translation services through this region.

Massachusetts Rates High in State of States
   Massachusetts received very favorable ratings in the latest State of the States in Developmental Disabilities, a study of financing and programming trends in the United States. The ongoing study is compiled by David Braddock and Richard Hemp at the University of Colorado.  The
2002 Study Summary is based upon data through fiscal year 2000.

Among key highlights were:
Massachusetts scored high in persons living in community settings with six or fewer persons.
Massachusetts exceeded national averages with a 31% increase in community placements between 1996 and 2000.
During the 1996—2000 period, the number of people with MR/DD residing in nursing facilities in the United States declined by 11%, from 38,960 to 34,743. Massachusetts exceeded that rate, decreasing by 16%, from 1,777 to 1,499. Massachusetts continues to be one of the leaders in using the Federal Home and Community Based Services Waiver program and ranks 13th among all the states in federal waiver per capita spending.  In addition, Massachusetts is among the top six states in total expenditures for HCBS Waiver programs.
In supported employment, only six states, including Massachusetts (41%), reported 40% or more people in supported employment of all day program participants in the study. The national average was just 23%.

   To obtain a copy of the State of the States in Developmental Disabilities, 2002 Study Summary, please go to their web site at: http://www.cusys.edu/ColemanInstitute/stateofthestates/home.htm.

Conferences and Events
   DMR hosted a series of public recognition events statewide to honor people, government agencies and businesses who have made a difference towards improving the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families.  These events increase public awareness and bring significant recognition to the contributions people with disabilities make to society.

   On March 27th, DMR held its annual MR/DD Recognition Ceremony in the Great Hall of the
State House. More than 300 people attended.  Gil Santos, Sports Anchor for WBZ Radio and

DMR Human Rights Advisory Council

Pat Freedman
Boston, Chairperson 

Bernadette Gomes Taunton, Vice Chairperson

Carol Tubman Braintree, Secretary 

Delma Boyce Boxborough

Suzanne Choumitsky Boston

Laurie Dupuis
Springfield 

Rita Fallon Georgetown

Janice Feldman
Worcester

Florence Finkel
Sharon, Emeritus 

Charles Hamad Belmont

Todd Kates
Watertown

Joana Johnson-Smith
Dorchester

Diane Porter
Tewksbury 

Richard Santucci Lynn

Tom Anzer Director of Office for Human Rights

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Voice of the Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots, served as the master of ceremonies for the event that honored 15 individuals and groups for their accomplishments.

   Daniel Becker, a long-time parent and advocate, received this year’s Gunnar Dybwad Leadership Award. The award, named in honor of the late Dr. Dybwad, honors individuals and groups who have made outstanding contributions to persons with mental retardation, their families and the field of developmental disabilities.

   He served as president of the Greater Boston Arc and on its Governmental Affairs Committee.  He is also an active member of Arc Massachusetts and one of the founders of Family to Family, a group that unites ArcMass, the DMR, Families Organizing for Change, and Citizen Advisory Boards to address common issues.

<Image of “Dan Becker (l.), receives the Dybwad Award from Commissioner Morrissey”>

   The event was the culmination of a series of events DMR hosts along with families, boards and other advocacy organizations to commemorate Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities month and the accomplishments of people with disabilities.

   On June 4th, more than 1,000 people attended the 18th Annual DMR Human Rights
Conference in Sturbridge.  The theme for this year’s conference was “A Life Like Any Other.”
    Commissioner Morrissey dedicated the conference to the memory of Dr. Gunnar Dybwad.

   The keynote speaker was Paul Young, Chair of the Council of Canadians with Disabilities. Young, a self-advocate, told his life story explaining the challenges he faced as he tried to lead a normal life.  The Donald E. Leal Memorial Award For Excellence in Human Rights Advocacy was presented to Samuel Stoller, a resident of the Templeton Developmental Center.

As with previous human rights conferences the audience had an impressive number of self- advocates, DMR and provider staff, family members, board members, and others in attendance.

Appointments
         The year saw several key appointments:
Gail Grossman became Assistant Commissioner for Quality Management. Gail Gillespie was named Regional Director of the Metro Region.

Governor’s Commission on Mental Retardation

James T. Brett
Boston, Chairperson 

Allen Crocker, MD Boston

Florence Finkel
Sharon

Alfred Gray, Esq.
Boston

Cynthia Greene
Roxbury

Dafna Krouk-Gordon
Dedham

William McIlvane
Waltham

Mary McTernan, PhD
Lynnfield

John Nadworny, CFP
Melrose

Robert Reidel
Easthampton 

Ruth Shir Waban

Gary Siperstein, PhD
Marblehead 

Richard Vincent Falmouth

Barbara Mazella
Administrator

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   During this past year, the MR Community lost three leaders and long-term advocacy pioneers: Dr. Gunnar Dybwad, Irwin Alterson, and Chuck Harrison.

   Few in the MR Community accomplished as much, nor inspired as many as Dr. Dybwad.  For more than 65 years, Gunnar was a visionary, a teacher and a scholar, a voice for change, a leader and an inspiration to thousands in the social movement that led to self-determination by people with developmental
disabilities.  Much of the supports and

services society provides in the 21st Century exist because Gunnar advocated for change decades ago.

Irwin was dedicated to supporting the developmentally disabled and served with distinction as a local, regional, and Statewide Advisory Council member, and on the board of directors of Arc Massachusetts.

   Chuck was a long- time advocate for individuals with mental retardation and their families. Together with his wife, Mary, he was an effective leader
and advocate for more than 30 years.

DMR at a Glance
As of June 30, 2002

Total Budget for Department                                     $968.5M

Number of employees (FTE’s)                                    7,190.88

Number of people served                                          31,718

Number of people living in community
residential programs                                                    9,015

Number of people living in
developmental centers                                                 1,175

Number of people in supported
employment programs                                                  6,202

Number of families receiving
family support                                                              13,957

Number of providers contracting
with DMR                                                                          257

2002 DMR Annual Report
Editor & Design: Gerald Ryan, Paul Procacinni, Kathy Phillips; Photography: Colleen Perkins, Janet Roxborough

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Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Performance Recognition Program

Each year, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts recognizes state employees who have provided exemplary and outstanding service to the Commonwealth over the last year.

This year, DMR staff who were honored are:

2002 Manuel Carballo Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Service

Marcel Charpentier, Clinical Social Worker, Northeast Region

Performance Recognition Award Recipients
Central Office
Jeffery M. Weigold, EDP Systems Analyst III Joseph G. Parslow, Senior Investigator Amanda Chalmers, Regional Director

Western Region
Michael Naldrett, Acting Assistant Area Director; Daniel Lunden, Program Monitor;
& ThankGod Maduka, Program Monitor, Springfield Area Office
Kathleen Ekmalian, Clerk IV, Springfield Area Office Linda Healy, MRW II, Commonwealth Community Services Maureen P. Kirk, Program Coordinator, Regional Office
Joann Vye, Human Service Coordinator, Holyoke-Chicopee Area Office

Central Region
River Street State Op Staff Sharon Brown, Program Manager Susan Boucher, Program Coordinator
Susan J. Tracy, Human Service Coordinator, South Valley Area Office

Northeast Region
Beverly McGovern, Program Monitor, North Shore Area Office
Darryl S. LaCroix, Human Service Coordinator, Metro North Area Office
Ann Marie Carroll, Program Monitor, Lowell Area Office

Southeast Region
Cynthia F. Miller, Area Office Director, Plymouth
Barbara Manganiello, Residential Supervisor, Southeast Residential Services
Susan DoCanto, Director of Consumer Supports & Training, Southeast Residential Services

Metro Region
Anne F. Cormier-Kelley, Program Coordinator, Fernald Developmental Center Amy N. Boone, Human Service Coordinator, Middlesex West Area Office Lisa M. Beucier, Human Service Coordinator, Charles River West Area Office
Nancy Dumart, Assistant Area Director, Middlesex West Area Office

DMR was also one of several state agencies that received the Governor’s Special Achievement Award
for its work on the Managing for Results Initiative.

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How to Contact the Department of Mental Retardation
500 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02118
 (617) 727-5608 or visit our website at: www.mass.gov/dmr

West Regional Office
1380 Main Street

Lowell                                                        Central Middlesex

Springfield, MA 01103                                        325 Chelmsford Street                                        20 Academy Street
(413) 731-7742                                                   Lowell, MA 01851                                               Arlington, MA 02174
 (978) 970-0223                                                  (781) 646-5500

Franklin/Hampshire                                  Merrimack                                                 Charles River West
One Roundhouse Plaza

Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 586-4948

200 Main Street                                                  255 Elm Street
Haverhill, MA 01830                                           Somerville, MA 02144
(978) 521-9432                                                   (617) 623-5950

Berkshire                                                  Metro North                                               Greater Boston
333 East Street                                                   27 Water Street                                                  65 Sprague Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201                                            Wakefield, MA 01880                                         Hyde Park, MA 02136
(413) 447-7381                                                   (781) 338-2300                                                   (617) 360-2400

Holyoke/Chicopee                                    North Shore                                              Middlesex/West
88 Front Street                                                    100 Cummings Center                                        46 Park Street
Holyoke, MA 01040                                            Suite 150B                                                          Framingham, MA  01702
(413) 535-1022                                                   Beverly, MA 01915                                             (508) 879-1111
(978) 927-2727
Springfield                                                                                                                    Newton/South Norfolk
436 Dwight Street

Springfield, MA 01103
(413) 784-1339

Southeast
Regional Office
68 North Main Street

125 West Street
Walpole, MA 02081
(508) 668-3679

Westfield                                                   Carver, MA 02330                                               South Coastal
125 N. Elm Street                                               (508) 866-5000                                                   1221 Main Street
Westfield, MA 01085

(413) 562-1599                                                   Taunton/Attleboro
21 Spring Street

So. Weymouth, MA 02190
(781) 337-2165

Central                                                Taunton, MA 02780                                            Facilities

Regional Office
Glavin Regional Center
214 Lake Street
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
(508) 845-9111

North Central
285 Central Street
Leominster, MA 01453
(508) 792-7490

South Valley*
79 North Street
Southbridge, MA 01550
(508) 764-5304

South Valley - Milford

(508) 824-0614

Brockton
500 Belmont Street
Brockton, MA 02401
(508) 427-5731

New Bedford
908 Purchase St.
New Bedford, MA 02740
(508) 992-1848

Fall River
305 Pleasant Street
Fall River, MA 02720
(508) 730-1209

Walter E. Fernald
Developmental Center
Waltham, MA
(781) 894-3600

Irving A Glavin
Regional Center
Shrewsbury, MA
(508) 845-9111

Hogan Regional Center
Hathorne, MA
(978) 774-5000

Monson
Developmental Center

Westview Mall                                                     Cape Cod/Islands
194 West Street, #9                                            270 Communication Way
Milford, MA 01757                                              Hyannis, MA 02601
(508) 792-7749                                                   (508) 771-2595

Monson, MA
(413) 283-3411

Templeton
Developmental Center

Worcester
40 Southbridge St.

Plymouth
61 Industrial Park Road

Baldwinville, MA
(508) 792-7435

Worcester, MA 01608                                         Plymouth, MA 02360

(508) 792-7545

(508) 732-3100

Wrentham
Developmental Center
Wrentham, MA

Northeast                                            Metro

(508) 384-3114

Regional Office

Regional Office

* satellite office

Hogan Regional Center                                      Fernald Developmental Center
Hathorne, MA 01937                                          200 Trapelo Road

(978) 774-5000

Waltham, MA 02452
(781) 894-3600, ext. 501

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Mission Statement
The Department of Mental Retardation is dedicated to creating, in partnership with others, innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with mental retardation to participate fully and meaningfully in, and contribute to, their communities as valued members. Guiding Principles
Respect the dignity of each individual through vigorous promotion of the human and civil rights which, in part, strives to keep people free from abuse or neglect;

Promote the capacity of people with mental retardation to exercise choice and to make meaningful decisions in their lives;

Empower individuals and their families to speak out for themselves and others, initiate ideas, have choices and make decisions about supports, consistent with available resources;

Enhance public awareness of the valuable roles persons with mental retardation assume in society through promotion of physical and social integration;

Recognize that realizing one's potential takes courage, skills, and supports;

Support the dignity of achievement that results from risk-taking and making informed choices, while recognizing that the Department’s role in supporting consumers to minimize risk to themselves and ensuring that their choices do not infringe upon the rights of others;

Recognize that services providing meaningful benefits to individuals require a commitment to ongoing monitoring and evolutionary change;

Provide access to services through a single, local, and familiar setting;

Assure that ethnic and cultural diversity of each individual and staff are valued and respected in the design and delivery of services;

Ensure that services and resources are flexible, cost effective, allocated according to standards of fairness and equity, and provided in the least intrusive manner possible;

Operate according to sound fiscal and management practices which lead to the responsible use of public funds;

Operate with an appreciation for the responsibilities that come with public service.

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Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Department of Mental Retardation
500 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02118
www.mass.gov/dmr, www.dmr.state.ma.us,
(617) 727-5608

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