Developmental Disabilities & Autism

24/7 Residences

Our Group Homes

Our 32 group homes in eastern Massachusetts are staffed 24/7 and provide a framework for supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, autism, or acquired brain injury as they learn daily living skills, develop meaningful relationships, and become valued members of their communities.

We provide homes in residential neighborhoods where people contribute to the community in which they live. Each residence has been designed or renovated to meet the needs of the individuals, with 3-4 people living in their own bedrooms with shared common areas. Residents are encouraged to decorate their rooms and socialize with housemates. Staff works with each person to get them involved in their community through daily activities, work, and volunteer opportunities.

Employees are available 24/7, and our staffing is adjusted to meet the needs of the individuals we serve. Staff assist with daily living activities and act as coaches and mentors for residents – encouraging safe skill development, community participation, and social activities.

Shared Living

Our Shared Living program matches adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, or acquired brain injury with welcoming individuals or families in their community for long-term, in-home placement. The goal is to have the provider family integrate the individual into their home and community life. Riverside is there every step of the way to support both the individual and the family.

We are committed to the philosophy that individuals with disabilities thrive when they are able to live in a family home. Over time, these new family members develop meaningful relationships and learn to be independent and active members of their community. This model enriches the lives of all who are involved.

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Interested in becoming a Shared Living provider or caregiver?

We’d love to have you join us! Riverside will provide you with a tax-free stipend, and ongoing support and training.

We ask that you have:

• Satisfactory background check
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Experience in human services and advocating for people with developmental disabilities – preferred but not required

Complete this form to begin your journey as a Shared Living Provider.

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Marty and Nancy’s Shared Living Story

Individual Support Program

Our Individual Support program offers home and community supports for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, autism, or acquired brain injury who live in their own homes or apartments. Our goal is to help these adults thrive while living independently. We develop individualized plans, support skill development, and help people served learn about their surrounding community.

Individual support plans are flexible and tailored to each individual, and can include assistance with:

• Tasks of daily living like grocery shopping
• Budgeting and managing money
• Coordinating appointments and attending medical visits
• Arranging leisure time activities and trips

Information about eligibility and referral to the Individual Support program can be obtained by contacting the individual’s Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDS) service coordinator.

Riverside Behavioral Treatment Services

Integrated, Compassionate Care

Riverside’s Behavioral Treatment Services help individuals and their care providers advocate for themselves and take part in their mental healthcare. We accomplish this by offering behavior therapy, counseling, and psychiatry in the communities where the people we serve work and live. Our integrated services enable improved care coordination and collaboration among clinicians, the individual, and their support network. Through this model, we can observe and treat behavioral symptoms and teach new skills in the individual’s preferred environment.

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Our Expertise:

• Communication Disorders
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder
• Anxiety Disorders
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

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Our Approach

Our multi-disciplined team works closely together to ensure continuity of care and a timely flow of information. After an evaluation, a Behavioral Treatment Services Clinician will regularly meet with the person served to provide ongoing therapy and care management. Our clinicians can treat each individual wherever it is convenient, whether in our offices or at the person’s home, residential, or day program.

A Behavioral Analyst may develop an individualized behavioral treatment plan to set goals and objectives. They also provide behavioral management training when needed. Our team psychiatrist then uses this information to manage the individual’s medications.

Family Support Center

Our Family Support Center serves adults and children with autism, and intellectual or developmental disabilities who live with their families. Supports include respite care, recreational activities, adaptive equipment provision, skill training, and specialized staff support.

Family Leadership Program

Riverside’s Family Leadership Program offers education, leadership training, and mentoring to families caring for children and adults with disabilities. Families of individuals with disabilities develop our training and mentoring programs to empower other families and their loved ones as they engage in community life.

The Family Leadership Program serves two regions – Metro and Northeast – with activities and opportunities tailored to local needs as described below. Both areas offer an annual Family Leadership Series, which is designed to:

• Offer information about “best practices” for people with disabilities
• Help families create a vision for their loved ones and a process to achieve their goals
• Develop family leaders who can advocate at the local and state levels to improve the lives of people with disabilities

We encourage people with family members of any age and disability eligible for services from the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to participate in our programs – free of charge!

Family Leadership Program – DDS Regions and Activities

Metro: For families in the Greater Boston, Charles River West, Middlesex West, and Newton/South Norfolk DDS areas. We partner with MassFamilies, a statewide, grassroots coalition to support individuals and families.

In addition to the Family Leadership Series, the Metro region provides trainings in Spanish, Portuguese, and English, including our regularly scheduled Advocacy Bootcamp for primary caregivers of young children (birth to age 10) with developmental disabilities, chronic illnesses, and/or complex medical needs. Advocacy Bootcamp focuses on building foundational advocacy skills so participants can empower their children to lead rich and meaningful lives.

Northeast: Supports families in the Merrimack Valley, North Shore, Lowell, Central Middlesex, and Metro North DDS areas.  The Northeast region offers the annual Family Leadership Series and provides trainings including Charting the Life Course – a framework created to help individuals and families of all ages and abilities develop a vision for a good life, find or develop supports, and discover what it takes to live the lives they want to live; along with Advanced Family Leadership, Advocacy Roundtables, and more.

For news, updates, and more information, complete this form.

Not sure which regional program serves your community? Check out this DDS interactive map tool.