Throughout the past 26 years, SDS has developed an exemplary model in community-inclusion services for people with disabilities. SDS provides a full spectrum of services and support for people with behavioral challenges through its Day Training Programs. A comprehensive range of job placement and training services are provided. Through SDS’s programs, Solano County’s business base has become more diverse. By opening its doors to SDS’s services, the county’s corporate sector is gaining workers that are dedicated to their jobs, well trained, and supervised to become long-term employees. This has given Solano County’s businesses a committed workforce. Subsequently, many employers have saved considerable expenses by avoiding high staff turnover and costs associated with staff recruitment and training. Moreover, an outstanding model has been created for other communities to utilize. For the past 26 years SDS has worked tirelessly to promote independence and self-sufficiency for people with disabilities. Below is a list of SDS’s milestones: In September of 1981, Louis Chiofalo, SDS’s founder, was awarded a start-up grant to establish Solano Developmental Services, Inc. In 1983 the first working wage was paid to an SDS program participant. 1984–1985, SDS was awarded its first Community Development Block Grant to establish a landscaping business that employed persons with disabilities. The grant funded working crews to provide free landscape and maintenance services to Vallejo’s low-to- moderate income residents, including the senior community. In July of 1988, after years of community support, SDS expanded its administrative and employment offices in Vallejo. In July of 1989, SDS received the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) Merit Award for its landscaping program. In October of 1989, SDS received the NAHRO National Agency Award of Excellence in Program Innovation at a national conference in Seattle. In March of 1991, SDS was awarded its first accreditation (1 year)  by CARF for supported employment. In June of 1993, SDS was awarded its first 3 year accreditation by CARF for supported employment In 1994, Solano Landscaping and Maintenance contracts totaled $20,652 for the year, a significant jump from the previous year’s total. In June of 1995, SDS was awarded a United Way Community fund grant of $7,125 to provide services and support to people with psychiatric disabilities. In June of 1996, SDS was awarded its second 3 year accreditation by CARF for supported employment In March of 1997, Freddie Jenkins, a supported employee, went to Washington, D.C. accompanied by SDS’s CEO, Louis Chiofalo and met with Congressman George Miller as part of a grass roots advocacy training program. In May of 1997, Solano Developmental Services changed its name to Solano Diversified Services. In June of 1997, SDS opened a Day Training Program in Fairfield, expanding its geographic scope of services. In March of 1998, SDS became a subcontractor to provide landscaping services at Travis Air Force Base. In June 1999, SDS was awarded its third 3 year accreditation by CARF for supported employment As of July 2001, SDS serves over 100 people with disabilities in its training and employment programs. Individuals placed in group employment average $5.51 per hour. People placed individually at jobs sites earn an average of $6.76 per hour. In 2002, SDS was awarded the Travis Air Force Base Telephone Switchboard Operations contract through NIB (formerly known as National Industries for the Blind). In June of 2002, SDS was awarded its fourth 3 year accreditation by CARF for supported employment In July 2004, SDS tripled the number of employees supported by its job coaching services In June 2005, SDS was awarded its fifth 3 year accreditation by CARF for supported employment In July 2005, SDS started its first production crew at the Clorox Products Manufacturing plant in Fairfield, CA. Later, a second crew was added. In July 2006, SDS began its Litter Abatement contract with Caltrans. 3 mobile crews were responsible for the Solano, Napa, Marin, and Sonoma counties. December 7, 2006: SDS had its 25th Anniversary Dinner Celebration In June 2007, SDS began its partnership with Meyer Corporation by providing a production work crew in a pilot program. Two months later another workcrew was added. May 2008, Caltrans renewed Litter Abatement contract which will allow the addition of 1 additional work crew

Diversified Training and Employment Services for People with Disabilities Since 1981