Integration & Community Living (DDS)

A Legacy of Care

At one time, children with developmental disabilities were routinely sent to state schools, away from their families and hidden from their communities. Eventually they “aged out” of those schools and transitioned to state hospitals for adults, still hidden. In the 1960s, MHA was a pioneer of the deinstitutionalization movement, and we continue to lead with innovative approaches to helping people with developmental disabilities lead better lives in their communities.

For more than 60 years, MHA has been a proven leader in the design, development, and delivery of residential services for people with developmental disabilities. Our services reflect the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential and deserves the support they need to pursue their personal vision and meaningfully participate in the life of their community.


MHA has a history of successful collaboration with the state Department of Developmental Services (DDS). We were the first agency to host people leaving Monson State School and first in the Springfield area to host people leaving Belchertown State School. We were also first to provide Supported Living outreach services that enable people with developmental disabilities to live with increasing independence in their own residence.


Today, MHA offers a full range of DDS-funded community-based residences and supported living arrangements that enable people with developmental disabilities or brain injuries to live their best life.


Emergency Respite

Emergency Respite is designed to offer temporary residential support and stabilization to individuals who are experiencing a difficult transition in their personal lives, such as the loss of a primary caretaker, leaving an abusive relationship, or homelessness.

Supported Living

Supported Living is a community outreach model with staff who engage with individuals living independently in their homes and community settings. Support focuses on activities of daily living and increased independence.

Shared Living

Shared Living offers individualized and personalized supports within a family home. Participants engage in community life, exercise choice, and build new skills while benefiting from the support of a family setting.

Private Contracts

Private Contracts are specialized services for individuals who have private financial resources and are not eligible for traditional state-funded developmental disabilities services. MHA creates a support plan to respond to an individual’s unmet needs, such as medical support, independent living skills, social and community interactions, entitlements, and money management.

Integration & Community Living
Brochure Contact Us
Meet Mike

Please Welcome, Mike "The Music Man"

By John Collins • March 24, 2025
To many at MHA, Mike is known as "Mike The Music Man." A natural entertainer and a valued member of MHA's Integration & Community Living (ICL), music has always played a significant role in Mike's life. From playing the accordion to rocking out on the drums, his passion for music serves as a way for him to connect with everyone around him.

Disability Pride Month: Joan and George

By John Collins • July 1, 2023
Megan realized a fundamental part of meeting their needs was for Joan and George to be together. Megan enjoyed her regular interactions with the couple, but she wondered whether she could provide the right opportunity. She approached MHA and asked to explore the possibility of becoming a Shared Living provider. MHA’s Shared Living program carefully matches persons with developmental disabilities to individuals and families who have room in their warm and welcoming homes to provide stability and a long-term solution. “People who are cared for by DDS, there is a lot of come and go in their lives. They may have the same staff for only one, two or even five years, but then leave for other opportunities, and then the person has to adjust to a whole new group. But for them [Joan and George] to be part of Shared Living, it would provide them with more stability and a long-term plan.”

Being Independent

MHA operates dozens of group homes throughout the Pioneer Valley. Our programs typically serve four people who live in a family-style setting, in modern, well-maintained properties, with 24/7 professional staffing. Our participants are proud to be your neighbors.

Get In Touch

Contact us to learn more about MHA’s Integration & Community Living Programs.

Please complete the form below to contact us. We utilize secure transfer and encryption for all information submitted in this form however for your personal safety, please do not submit any insurance account numbers, social security numbers, or other highly sensitive information.