Our Story

Center for Developmentally Disabled (CDD) was founded in 1972 with the mission to support persons with disabilities in achieving their fullest potential. Formally known as the “Sutton Group Homes”, Iva Sutton, a parent who needed services for her son opened the first two homes. Both homes were located in the Kansas City area. In order to meet the community’s growing need for services, the Sutton Homes were incorporated in 1975 as a 501© (3) nonprofit organization and changed its name to Center for Developmentally Disabled (CDD).

We believe that lives are enriched through social relationships, active community involvement and access to comfortable and safe residential opportunities. Everyone has the ability to learn, grow, maintain skills and make lifestyle choices with encouragement and assistance. We serve individuals in the greater Kansas City, MO area who have developmental and intellectual disabilities. CDD was the first agency in the state of Missouri to become CARF (Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) accredited and have been accredited for over 30 years.

In 1975 the United States Senate passed the Developmentally Disabled Assistance and Bill of Rights Act to assure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of, and have access to needed community services, individualized supports and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion in all facets of community life, through culturally competent programs authorized under the law.

In 1972 Sutton Group Homes started with 19 staff and 35 individuals. CDD has grown over the years and now serves 180 people and 310 staff. In 2016 CDD consolidated with Special Neighbors Incorporated (SNI) and moved into their new location in November of 2017 located across from the Truman Sports Complex in Kansas City, MO. Timeline of Facility Based Services Openings: CDD provides services for individuals diagnosed before the age of 22 with a lifelong disability whether intellectual, physical or both.

Timeline of Facility-Based Services Openings