Quick Facts Duvall Homes was founded 75 years ago, in 1945, by Alanson & Thelma Duvall. | Residents of Duvall Homes come from 24 states across the country. | We have 16 Group Homes in the County of Volusia, staffed and furnished to meet every need. | 24 / 7 Around-the-Clock Care is provided to all Residents of Duvall Homes. | We are GuideStar Gold rated and recipient of Florida’s Association of Rehabilitation Facilities 2016 Excellence in Innovation Award. | We employ 132 trained and certified professionals each with an average of 10+ years experience. | Residents and visiting participants are empowered to achieve success in all areas of wellness. | Endless support, encouragement and love given to those with developmental disabilities.
1. What are developmental disabilities?
According to the Developmental Disabilities Act, section 102(8), “the term ‘developmental disability’ means a severe, chronic disability of an individual 5 years of age or older that:
- Is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments.
- Is manifested before the individual attains age 22.
- Is likely to continue indefinitely.
- Results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity:
(i) Self-care;
(ii) Receptive and expressive language;
(iii) Learning;
(iv) Mobility;
(v) Self-direction;
(vi) Capacity for independent living; and
(vii) Economic self-sufficiency. - Reflects the individual’s need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic services, supports, or other assistance that is of lifelong or extended duration and is individually planned and coordinated, except that such term, when applied to infants and young children means individuals from birth to age 5, inclusive, who have substantial developmental delay or specific congenital or acquired conditions with a high probability of resulting in developmental disabilities if services are not provided.”
The term “developmental disability” can include several types of conditions including, but not limited to: autism, Down syndrome, Asperger’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy. Many states use different definitions for developmental disabilities based on the federal law.
2. What is the difference between intellectual and developmental disabilities?
The major differences are in the age of onset, the severity of limitations, and the fact that the developmental disability definition does not refer to an IQ requirement. Many individuals with intellectual disability will also meet the definition of developmental disability. However, it is estimated that at least half of individuals with intellectual disability will not meet the functional limitation requirement in the DD definition. The DD definition requires substantial functional limitations in three or more areas of major life activity. The intellectual disability definition requires significant limitations in one area of adaptive behavior.
3. Do you offer education, training and support help?
Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities may learn more slowly than others, but they have many of the same emotions, problems and needs that others do. They also have talents and abilities that can be developed through individualized education, job training and specialized therapies. Support can enhance individual functioning which can come from family, friends and community as well as licensed service providers like the Duvall Homes. Learn more about Duvall Homes Opportunity Enrichment Center (Adult Day Training) under the Programs & Services
4. What types of services are available at Duvall Homes for a person with intellectual and development disabilities?
Following professional assessment, our goal at Duvall Homes is to assist individuals in developing their own personal skills to help them achieve the highest level of independence possible. Training for most services takes place at Duvall’s Opportunity Enrichment Center and is further accomplished in the group homes and throughout the community, and/or facilitated through various service providers.
Adult Day Training | Behavior Analysis and Assistance | Communication & Social Skills | Community Integration & Outreach | Cultural Arts Experience | Dental Care | Dietary Care | Environmental Accessibility and Adaptations | Food Preparation | Financial Literacy | Life Skills Development | Medical Assessments & Evaluations | Medical Equipment & Supplies | Medication Education | Occupational Therapy | Personal Care Skills | Personal Emergency Response | Physical Therapy | Psychological Evaluation | Recreational Activities | Residential Services & Habilitation | Respiratory Therapy | Self-Advocacy | Sensory Integration | Speech Therapy | Technology/Computer Skills | Transportation | Vocational & Job Skills Training | Volunteering
Please visit our Programs & Services page to learn more about the many programs that take place at our Occupational Enrichment Center – Adult Day Training and services available to residents of Duvall Homes.
5. What is the admissions process?
All potential residents and Day Training participants will be evaluated to determine how Duvall Homes can best meet your loved one’s needs. This way we can ensure the very best placement is mutually beneficial for you and our current residents and day participants. Please review FAQs #9 for the forms of payment Duvall Homes accepts.
6. How is an individual’s program decided?
Every person with developmental disabilities has individual needs, capabilities, objectives and talents. Trained and certified professionals at Duvall Homes craft an individualized care and activity plan, personalized for each individual aimed to enhance independence, quality of life and quality of care to reach your loved one’s maximum potential. Learn more on the page Who We Are.
7. Are nonresidents allowed to participate in Duvall Homes’ Adult Day Training?
Yes. Following proper evaluation, nonresidents are welcome and encouraged to take part in Duvall Homes’ Adult Day Training – Opportunity Enrichment Center, which operates Monday to Friday at the Glenwood campus 3395 Grand Avenue, DeLand, FL from 8:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Learn more about our Adult Day Training programming at Programs & Services.
8. Can my child/family member be considered for admission if I live outside Florida?
Yes. Duvall Homes accepts referrals from throughout the U.S.
9. What forms of payment do you accept?
A. Private Payment from a family member, guardian or Trust Fund on a monthly basis. Many times Social Security or pension monies are incorporated in a private payment. Insurance coverage and Medicaid /Medicare benefits are also used to subsidize your loved one’s needs. Duvall Homes accepts referrals from throughout the U.S. as well as internationally for individuals under private pay.
B. Medicaid Waiver Payment from the State of Florida Medicaid Waiver program. This method of payment is obtained by completing an application with the Agency for Persons with Disabilities when you are a Florida resident. Following eligibility, there is a lengthy waitlist for services you choose as services do not transfer from state-to-state.
10. In addition to residential expenses, what other expenses can be expected?
In addition to the residential fee, there are additional costs for Duvall Homes’ Adult Day Training Program, medical copays, medication, clothes, personal allowance monies for activities, incontinence assistance/supplies, dental care, wheelchair repair and other services not covered by insurance.
11. Where does Duvall Homes get their funding? / How can I help?
Duvall Homes relies heavily upon donations and fundraising to help us enhance our programming, for repairs of aging buildings, to maintain our resident and client transportation system and other related expenses. Medical, room and board fees come from private and Florida’s iBudget Waiver program (#9).
As a nonprofit 501c3 organization, Duvall Homes is most grateful for any and all donations. We encourage you to visit our Get Involved page to learn where Duvall Homes receives funding, such as through planned giving, matched gifts, real estate, fundraising, volunteering and other ways. We also depend on donations for resale to one our two thrift stores. Please visit Bargain Stores.
For fundraiser sponsorship, corporation donations and other related philanthropy, please contact
Elizabeth Bhimjee, Chief Marketing and Development Officer
ebhimjee@DuvallHomes.org, 386.734.2874 x102
12. Are there any current employment opportunities at Duvall Homes?
Please visit our Careers page, under Contact Us.
13. What is your Title VI / Nondiscrimination Policy Statement?
Florida Department of Transportation – Title VI and Reasonable Modification Policy
14. Who should I contact for more information?
For residency consideration, please contact
Marsha Shankleton, Chief Operating Officer
mshankleton@DuvallHomes.org, 386.734.2874 x105
Lisa Herring, Administrative Assistant
lherring@DuvallHomes.org, 386.734.2874 x119
For Adult Day Training consideration, please contact
Shirley Zonnevylle, Director of Adult Day Training (Opportunities Enrichment Center)
shirleyz@DuvallHomes.org, 386.734.2874 x103
All prospective residents and Day Training participants will be evaluated to determine how Duvall Homes can best meet your loved one’s needs.
15. Where can I learn more about community outreach, volunteering and other inspiring stories in our community?
Visit our latest News & Events, Newsletters and/or our Facebook Page.
