The DSWD protects and promotes the welfare of persons with disabilities (PWDs) through its community-based and center-based programs and services which are designed to make them productive members of society. These include livelihood and vocational skills training, job placement and community participation in DSWD’s non-residential centers .

DSWD likewise assists the PWDs in finding jobs suited to their skills, interests and qualifications. These include open employment, self employment or sheltered employment.

Non-residential facilities for PWDs - Non-residential facilities are maintained and operated by the DSWD for the PWDs, where they are conditioned and are trained to become productive members of society. These facilities implement programs and provide services to persons with disabilities and other special groups particularly on vocational/social rehabilitation and skills training for socio-economic independence and productivity. Scientific Massage, Handicraft, Tailoring/Dressmaking, Watch Repair, Computer Repair, Canteen Management, and Daily Living Skills are  some of the courses available for PWDs. Services provided in non-residential centers include social services, medical and dental service, psychological services, vocational skills training, job placement, recreational and other cultural activities.

• Rehabilitation Sheltered Workshop (RSW) –Project 4, Quezon City
• National Vocational Rehabilitation Center (NVRC) - Project 4, Quezon City
• Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center (AVRC) - Region I - Bonuan Gueset, Dagupan City, Pangasinan,  Region VII - Camomotan Fanza Road Labangon, Cebu City, and Region IX - Talon- talon, Zamboanga City
• Center for the Handicapped - Region XII - San Isidro Ave., Rosary Heights, Cotabato City

Residential Facilities - Residential care facilities operate on a 24- hour basis and provide care and rehabilitation services to PWDs. Services provided in residential care facilities include social, health, paramedical, physical, occupational and therapy activities, sports activities, spiritual services, and community participation. Aside from these, residential facilities also offer homelife services, such as the provision of basic clothing, beddings, personal effects for maintenance of health, proper sanitation and hygiene. On the other hand, dietary services are also provided to meet the nutritional needs of the clients.

Psychological services include psychological testing and evaluation,  counseling and psychotherapy. Other services include provision of therapeutic and productive activities for self- development and self reliance. Projects are gardening, animal raising, horticulture, handicraft, among others; special education services comprise training along self-care and grooming, social skills, and functional 3R (reading, writing, arithmetic).

• Elsie Gaches Village - Provides care and rehabilitation services to abandoned and neglected children with special needs such as those with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, visual and hearing impairment, mental retardation, autism and other related conditions. The facility is located at Alabang, Zapote Road, Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
• Sanctuary Center - A residential facility located at Welfareville Compound, Mandaluyong City, that serves as halfway home to female residents 18 years-old and above who are recovering from psychosis and other mental challenges.