Read updates from DDS Commissioner Jordan Scheff about STEP and upcoming events
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State of Connecticut
Department of Developmental Services
DDS Stakeholders,
Wishing you all a very happy New Year filled with joy, good health and prosperity!
We have many exciting things happening this year to help the individuals and families supported by DDS. I want to let you know about a few updates coming this January.
New DDS Website Launches January 18
Starting Thursday, January 18th, DDS will launch an updated website as part of a larger initiative to enhance online accessibility across all state agencies.
While the link for the home page will remain the same (https://portal.ct.gov/dds), you will see a new design and look and feel across the website. Our new website will have improved navigation and it will be easier to find information about DDS, including eligibility, supports and service options, and much more.
You will see many newly designed pages across the new DDS website, but some links will return you to older pages with the old design. DDS will continue website improvements throughout 2024.
As the new website launches, if you have feedback or concerns, please email DDS.Updates@ct.gov.
STEP Video Series - Employment Services Video Launches January 16
Stay tuned for our new video featuring employment services! Check our social media channels to watch the debut. If you have not had a chance to watch our first four videos in the STEP Video Series, I encourage you to do so. They might help you envision how you or someone you care about could benefit from these supports.
Kick off 2024 by discussing how STEP's core supports could help you or a loved one with more independence, by contacting your Case Manager, Provider Staff or the DDS Regional Help Line. Many options can be explored! You can watch all of our videos at ct.gov/STEP and follow DDS on social media to catch the upcoming premieres.
Keep reading below for more important updates from DDS.
Wishing you a wonderful start to 2024,
Jordan A. Scheff
DDS Commissioner
STEP highlights these seven core supports:
1. Community Companion Home (CCH)
2. Supportive Housing
3. Individualized Home Support (IHS)
4. Assistive Technology
5. Remote Support
6. Employment
7. Self-Direction
Information on all the STEP supports, fact sheets, past newsletters, STEP video series, and important dates may be found at ct.gov/STEP.
STEP Survey Coming Soon - We Want Your Opinions!
This month, a survey about our Supporting Transformation to Empower People (STEP) initiative will be mailed out to many of you who receive DDS funding and supports.
We want to know what you have heard about STEP and what you think about STEP’s goal of helping you achieve more independence. Your input is very valuable to us as we continue to enhance and expand our supports, so please take a few minutes to fill out the survey when you receive it in the mail. The survey will come with directions on how to complete it and we’re including a stamped return envelope to make it easy to send back. There will also be an option to respond to the survey online, a Spanish version of the survey will also be available online.
This survey may look familiar to some of you who were sent a similar survey in January 2023. If you responded to that survey, please take a few minutes to respond by Monday, February 5.
Thank you for your help. Your feedback will help us improve and enhance our communications and initiatives at DDS over the coming years.
STEP Video Series - Employment Services Video Debut January 16!
On January 16th, we will release the next video in our STEP video series featuring employment supports! Stay tuned to our social media channels and YouTube for this debut. The new video highlights an individual who uses employment supports to assist him in developing work skills and obtaining a good job in his community, with the necessary support to ensure his success.
Watch the brief 30 second preview of the upcoming video on Facebook here!
We will also share additional fact sheets to provide you with information on other STEP support options that can help you live healthy, fulfilling, independent lives of your choosing.
Assistive Technology (AT) and Me - Free Technology Program
To support people with intellectual disabilities who receive support from DDS, DDS has a program called AT and Me which helps individuals learn how to use assistive technology (AT) in their everyday lives with everyday tasks. This program uses a kind of training called “Peer to Peer” where people learn from and teach each other, creating a unique and helpful learning experience.
To qualify, you must be able to use the technology from the AT & Me backpack and train two other people. Approved participants will receive free Assistive Technology (AT) equipment such as a cell phone, laptop, internet hotspot and wireless headphones.
Please contact your Case Manager if you have questions or would like to apply for AT & Me.
Self-Direction Op-Ed in the Hearst Newspapers
Susan Lucek, mother of Annalee who uses Self-Direction, wrote an op-ed about how the support has allowed her daughter to have more control of her life and making sure she feels valued and respected in the community. Read the op-ed by clicking here.
“Annalee’s transformation began during the height of the COVID-19 era when we decided the programs she was enrolled in to help her build life skills were not working for her. We searched for alternatives. The Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS) introduced us to a support called Self-Direction. Families and individuals approved for the Self-Direction support are given a budget - from DDS - that they manage on their own; hiring, training, and managing staff who specifically fit the needs of the individual in need of support services.”
Monthly Provider Engagement Meetings Relaunch
The DDS Employment & Day Services team is excited to announce the relaunch of our Monthly Provider Engagement Meetings!
The purpose and intent of this meeting series is to bring Employment and Day Providers together to discuss innovative and creative approaches to service delivery. These meetings will be similar to the ones held at the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic. This will also allow the Employment & Day team to engage with providers and share relevant information.
Meeting will occur on the 4th Monday of each month from 1:00 – 2:30 PM. Our team looks forward to the first meeting and hearing the wealth of information shared by each provider. The first meeting will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, January 22nd, 2024 with a focus on Project SEARCH and Innovative Employment Opportunity (IEO) Grants.
Upcoming Events!
Fourth Tuesday Forum on Remote Supports Solutions - January 23
The next Fourth Tuesday Forum will be January 23, 2024 at 3 pm on remote supports solutions. Check the DDS website for information on how to join via Microsoft Teams.
Visit our DDS calendar here for more events and updates: Calendar (ct.gov)
Follow DDS on social media
