Disability Health Clinic

Altus was selected to provide architectural planning and design services for an existing residential facility for developmentally disabled individuals.

The newly renovated inpatient behavioral health clinic for the Developmental Disability Center of Nebraska (DDCN) reimagines a former office building into a purpose-driven environment dedicated to safety, dignity, and empowerment for individuals in need of specialized behavioral health treatment and rehabilitative care. This extensive 32,000 SF renovation upgrades the facility to a Type II-B building with I-3 Occupancy classification, Condition 3, and enhanced fire safety through full sprinkler coverage.
The design fosters a comprehensive continuum of care that includes psychiatric consultations, group therapies, medication management, occupational skill development, and transitional rehabilitation to empower its residents. The ultimate goal is to provide respectful care for Nebraskans of all ages with mental health needs, facilitating reintegration into the community and reducing the risk of harm to self or others.
To balance healing and comfort with safety and durability, the design carefully integrates calming finishes with smooth, flowing transitions, minimal harsh edges, open floor concepts, abundant natural light, intuitive wayfinding, and specially tested reinforced materials. Soothing bedrooms and a vibrant media center combine serenity and autonomy to foster inviting environments that nurture comfort, confidence, and personal independence. Staff workflows are optimized with strategically placed high-visibility support zones, and flex spaces support private counseling, group therapy sessions, physical activities, and other developmental skill-building programs that assist with multi-sensory needs.
This new clinic not only expands DDCN’s capacity to serve more residents with accelerated access to care, but also establishes a resilient, adaptable foundation for future growth as community needs evolve. Altus is proud to support DDCN’s mission of providing dignified care where safety and compassion coexist, and where every individual is empowered to grow, heal, and shape the direction of their own life within a supportive community.