Denton State School Facilities
Denton State Supported Living Center (DSSLC) is the largest of 12 State Living Centers in Texas and home to over 525 intellectually and physically disabled individuals. Located on 200 wooded acres south of Denton, DSSLC serves 18 counties in the North Texas area. Initially, DSSLC started out as a State School for children with developmental and physical disabilities in 1960. The Denton Chamber of Commerce coordinated efforts to raise the money with the help of the community and purchased the land. The land was donated to the State of Texas with stipulation that the center be built there. Today the Denton Living Center is a division of the Department of Aging and Disability (DADS). In 2008, the 81st State Legislature agreed to change the "State Schools" to "State Supported Living Centers." The proclamation derived from the simple fact that most of the residents are in fact again and suffer from physical and mental disabilities.
Denton State Supported Living Center (DSSLC) is home to over 500 individuals and is the largest of 13 state supported living centers in Texas. Of the 525 residents residing on campus, there are approximately 320 residents who use wheelchairs and roughly 95 individuals who suffer from medically complex conditions. Due to the nature of the disorders and physical ailments all of the individuals require diversity in medical support. The full intent of our grant is to seek monetary donation to allow for the purchase of (20) new Reverse Trendelenburg beds in order to provide the individuals who are in the critical stages of their lives with comfort and the best medical care possible.
The facility offers a central kitchen, 30-bed infirmary, a small café, cemetery, dental clinic, laundry facilities, a shopping center, and much more. DSSLC also has a “Foster Grandparents” program, in which the individuals visit and spend time with older volunteers known as “grandma” or “grandpa.” Since many of the individuals no longer have family, especially grandparents, this is a wonderful experience for them. This community allows the residents to live independently and provides employment to each person who wants to learn the discipline of work and earning potential. The different areas individuals specialize in are: the greenhouse, ceramics, and three major workshops where individuals perform a myriad of procured work. As part of active treatment, the individuals are assisted 24 hours a day with learning daily tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and other household duties. Additionally, the residents enjoy shopping, eating out, and exploring the world around them (both on campus and off).
Denton State Supported Living Center (DSSLC) is home to over 500 individuals and is the largest of 13 state supported living centers in Texas. Of the 525 residents residing on campus, there are approximately 320 residents who use wheelchairs and roughly 95 individuals who suffer from medically complex conditions. Due to the nature of the disorders and physical ailments all of the individuals require diversity in medical support. The full intent of our grant is to seek monetary donation to allow for the purchase of (20) new Reverse Trendelenburg beds in order to provide the individuals who are in the critical stages of their lives with comfort and the best medical care possible.
The facility offers a central kitchen, 30-bed infirmary, a small café, cemetery, dental clinic, laundry facilities, a shopping center, and much more. DSSLC also has a “Foster Grandparents” program, in which the individuals visit and spend time with older volunteers known as “grandma” or “grandpa.” Since many of the individuals no longer have family, especially grandparents, this is a wonderful experience for them. This community allows the residents to live independently and provides employment to each person who wants to learn the discipline of work and earning potential. The different areas individuals specialize in are: the greenhouse, ceramics, and three major workshops where individuals perform a myriad of procured work. As part of active treatment, the individuals are assisted 24 hours a day with learning daily tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and other household duties. Additionally, the residents enjoy shopping, eating out, and exploring the world around them (both on campus and off).