New Employee Orientation

Welcome to Adaley Inc!

Goal for Orientation

This orientation training prepares Direct Support Professional(DSPs) to deliver safe, ethical, and high-quality services to individuals with developmental disabilities in accordance with California law and Regional Center requirements.

Training ensures DSPs understand: • The California Developmental Disabilities Service System • Consumer rights • Provider responsibilities • Abuse prevention and reporting • Service documentation and EVV requirements • Emergency and safety procedures • Expectations for respite providers

DSPs must complete orientation before providing services independently.

Overview of the Developmental Disabilities Service System

Government Building

California provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities through the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and a network of Regional Centers.

Key components of the system include: Department of Developmental Services (DDS) DDS oversees the statewide service system and establishes regulations. Regional Centers Regional Centers coordinate services for eligible individuals by: • Determining eligibility • Assessing needs • Developing Individual Program Plans (IPPs) • Authorizing services • Monitoring service providers

Service Providers
Service providers deliver direct services authorized in a consumer's IPP.

Direct Service Providers (DSPs) work directly with individuals and families to implement approved services.

Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) – Key Sections

  • WIC §4502 — Rights of Persons with Developmental Disabilities

    This section establishes that individuals with developmental disabilities have the same legal rights and responsibilities as all other individuals unless otherwise limited by law.

    Important principles:

    Individuals have the right to:

    • Be treated with dignity and respect

    • Make choices about their own lives

    • Live in the least restrictive environment

    • Receive services that promote independence and community inclusion

    DSP Responsibility:

    • Support consumer choice.

    • Protect dignity and privacy at all times.

  • WIC §4504 — Protection from Harm

    Individuals receiving services must be protected from:

    • Abuse

    • Neglect

    • Financial exploitation

    • Unnecessary restraint

    • Unsafe environments

    DSP Responsibility:

    • Ensure the consumer's environment is safe.

    • Report suspected abuse immediately.

  • WIC §4518 — Individual Program Plan (IPP)

    The IPP is the legal document that identifies services and supports for a consumer.

    Key elements:

    • Developed through a person-centered planning process

    • Includes the consumer, family, Regional Center staff, and others as appropriate

    • Identifies goals, services, and supports

    DSP Responsibility:

    DSPs must:

    • Follow the IPP goals and service authorizations

    • Deliver only approved services

    Document services accurately

  • WIC §4646.5 — Person-Centered Planning

    This law requires that services focus on individual preferences, strengths, and goals.

    Planning must:

    • Be directed by the individual whenever possible

    • Support independence and community participation

    • Respect cultural and linguistic needs

    DSP Responsibility:

    • Support consumer choice

    • Encourage independence

    • Respect personal preferences

  • WIC §4648 — Service and Support Authorization

    Regional Centers authorize services that are:

    • Necessary

    • Cost-effective

    • Consistent with IPP goals

    Services may include:

    • Respite care

    • Personal assistance

    • Behavioral supports

    • Community integration services

    DSP Responsibility:

    • Provide only authorized services

    Maintain accurate service records

  • WIC §4655 — Vendorization of Service Providers

    Service providers must be vendorized by a Regional Center to deliver services.

    Vendorization ensures providers:

    • Meet qualification standards

    • Comply with DDS regulations

    • Follow reporting and documentation requirements

    DSP Responsibility:

    • Follow agency policies and training

    • Maintain compliance with all service standards

  • WIC §4710 — Self-Determination Program

    This program allows consumers greater control over:

    • Service choices

    • Budget management

    • Hiring providers

    DSP Responsibility:

    • Respect consumer choice

    • Follow the service plan approved through the program

  • WIC §4710.5 — Self-Determination Principles

    The Self-Determination Program is based on five principles:

    1. Freedom

    2. Authority

    3. Support

    4. Responsibility

    5. Confirmation

    DSPs must support individuals in exercising these rights.

Consumer Rights - Title 17, Section 50510

  • Personal Rights

    Consumers have the right to:

    • Be treated with dignity

    • Live in a safe environment

    • Be free from abuse or neglect

    • Maintain privacy

    • Make personal choices

  • Communication Rights

    Consumers may:

    • Communicate privately

    • Receive visitors

    • Access mail and telephone

  • Consumer Participation Rights

    Consumers may:

    • Participate in planning their services

    • Voice complaints without retaliation

    • Access advocacy services

  • DSP Responsibility

    DSPs must:

    • Respect all consumer rights

    • Never restrict rights unless authorized by law

    • Report violations immediately

Role of the Direct Service Provider

DSPs play a critical role in supporting consumers and families.

Primary Responsibilities

DSPs are expected to:

  • Provide safe and compassionate care

  • Follow the consumer’s IPP

  • Respect consumer dignity and independence

  • Maintain accurate documentation

  • Follow agency policies

  • Communicate with supervisors regarding concerns

DSPs must maintain professional boundaries and never exploit the consumer relationship.

Documentation and Service Notes

Accurate documentation is required for:

  • Compliance with DDS regulations

  • Billing and reimbursement

  • Quality monitoring

Service notes should include:

  • Activities performed

  • Observations regarding consumer wellbeing

  • Any unusual incidents

Documentation must be:

  • Accurate

  • Timely

  • Objective

  • Confidential

Abuse Prevention & Strategies

  • Abuse includes:

    Physical abuse
    Hitting, pushing, or inappropriate restraint

    Emotional abuse
    Threats, humiliation, intimidation

    Sexual abuse
    Any unwanted sexual contact or exploitation

    Financial abuse
    Misuse of a consumer’s money or property

    Neglect
    Failure to provide necessary care or supervision

  • DSPs should:

    • Maintain professional boundaries

    • Follow supervision requirements

    • Report concerns early

    • Document unusual behaviors or injuries

Special Incident Reporting (SIR)

Certain events must be reported immediately to the agency and Regional Center.

  • Examples include:

    • Abuse or suspected abuse

    • Serious injury

    • Missing person

    • Hospitalization

    • Death

    • Law enforcement involvement

  • DSPs must:

    1. Ensure the consumer is safe.

    2. Notify their supervisor immediately.

    3. Provide accurate details of the incident.

    4. Complete required documentation.

Failure to report incidents is a serious violation of policy.

Emergencies & Emergency Procedures

DSPs must be prepared to respond to emergencies.

  • If a consumer experiences a medical emergency:

    1. Call 911 immediately

    2. Provide basic first aid if trained

    3. Notify the caregiver

    4. Notify agency supervisor

  • In case of a fire:

    • Evacuate immediately

    • Assist the consumer to safety

    • Call emergency services

  • If a consumer cannot be located:

    1. Search immediate area

    2. Notify caregiver and supervisor

    3. Contact emergency services if necessary

Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) System

Aaniie - SMARTcare

The agency uses Aaniie software (SMARTcare phone App) to verify service delivery.

Purpose of EVV

EVV ensures accurate documentation of:

  • Service start time

  • Service end time

  • Location of services

  • Staff providing services

DSP Responsibilities

DSPs must:

  • Clock in and clock out using SMARTcare phone app

  • Ensure times are accurate

  • Record service notes when required

  • Report technical issues immediately

Failure to properly document services may result in non-payment or disciplinary action.

Expectations as a Respite Provider

Respite services provide temporary non-medical care and supervision so primary caregivers can take a break.

Respite Provider Duties

Respite providers may:

  • Supervise the consumer

  • Assist with daily routines

  • Provide companionship

  • Ensure safety

  • Follow caregiver instructions

Respite providers do not replace parents or make major decisions regarding care.

Key Expectations

Respite providers must:

  • Arrive on time

  • Provide attentive supervision

  • Follow caregiver instructions

  • Avoid distractions (excessive phone use, visitors)

  • Maintain confidentiality

Expectations as a Personal Assistance provider

Personal Assistance enables consumers to complete activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). The service may include direct assistance (actually performing a task for the person) or supporting the individual to perform a task.

Personal Assistance services vary based on age and level of independence. While both children and adults receive non-medical support with daily living activities, the focus, structure, and decision-making differ significantly.

Service Overview

  • Children (0–17): Services support daily routines, supervision, and participation with strong involvement from the parent or guardian
  • Adults (18+): Services support Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) to promote independence

Type of Support Provided

  • Children (0–17): Supervision, assistance with routines (meals, hygiene, dressing), and support with play and structured daily activities
  • Adults (18+): Assistance with ADLs (eating, hygiene, mobility) and IADLs (meal prep, light housekeeping, daily tasks)
  • Key Difference: Adult services may include either direct assistance or prompting/support, depending on the individual’s needs

Role of the Provider

  • Children (0–17): Work in collaboration with parents/guardians and follow both family routines and the Individual Program Plan (IPP)
  • Adults (18+): Work directly with the individual and follow the IPP while respecting the individual’s choices and preferences
  • Key Difference: Parents guide care for children, while adults direct their own care whenever possible

Key Expectations

  • Children (0–17): Maintain active supervision, follow family routines, and ensure safety at all times
  • Adults (18+): Provide support as needed while promoting independence and respecting decision-making rights
  • Both: Must follow the Individual Program Plan (IPP), stay within authorized service scope, and document services accurately

Key distinction: For children, services are family-centered and supervision-based. For adults, services are independence-focused and guided by the individual’s choices.

Confidentiality and Professionalism

Consumer information is confidential and protected by law.

DSPs must never share:

  • Medical information

  • Personal information

  • IPP details

  • Family information

Information may only be shared with:

  • The agency

  • Authorized Regional Center staff

  • Caregivers

DSPs must demonstrate professionalism at all times.

DSPs must:

  • Maintain respectful communication

  • Follow schedules

  • Maintain appropriate attire

  • Avoid personal phone use during services

  • Maintain professional boundaries

✔ This orientation training helps ensure that services are delivered safely, ethically, and in compliance with California Department of Developmental Services regulations.

Orientation completion acknowledgment

Please fill out the form confirming you have reviewed and understand each section of the orientation