MonticelloLive

Drew County Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. (DCDDC) anxiously awaits the completion of a renovation project of the old Monticello School on College Street. Director Sandy Patrick reported that the new facility will house all the administrative offices, along with part of the preschool and adult education program. The administrative offices will be moved by February 1, 2007 with the classrooms to be completed within one or two more months. The $750,000 project is funded through the agency.

Many individuals with developmental disabilities are served through the DCDDC by one of three programs. About 80 individuals are served “in-home” through case managers employed by the Council. It provides help for individuals in Drew County, and also some from 14 other counties in the surrounding area. The Adult Development program serves about 20 individuals, teaching life skills and independent living skills to adults with disabilities. Sesame School is also a part of the DCDDC with the capacity for teaching about eighty students. As part of each program, therapy services like physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy are provided for those clients who need them.
Some DCDDC funding for services is attained through grants, but most comes from Medicaid.

Employing 200 people, the DCDDC is one of the top employers in this area of the state.