Dear DDS Community,

April marks the start of spring. As the weather gets warmer and the days grow longer, many of us look forward to spending time outside and reconnecting with our communities.

April is also Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. This is an important time to reflect on our shared responsibility to protect the safety, dignity, and rights of individuals with intellectual disability, as well as the safety of everyone in our community. Individuals with disabilities may face a higher risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, which makes what we all do every day important. 

DDS takes all reports of abuse and neglect seriously. If you notice something that does not seem right, it is important to report it. Speaking up helps protect individuals and ensures concerns are addressed. Information on how to report abuse and neglect, along with available resources, is linked below.

I also encourage you to review the Individual and Family Guide on Abuse and Neglect. This guide offers clear information on understanding rights and knowing what to do if there are concerns. By staying informed and working together, we can help ensure individuals feel safe, respected, and supported. 

Sincerely, 
Jordan Scheff
DDS Commissioner

News & Updates

MARCH Madness Basketball Competition at Mahoney Recreation Center:

Thanks to Keith McGilvery, Journey Found, and MARC, Inc. of Manchester for hosting the 2nd annual March Madness Basketball Competition.

DDS participants were Dawn Frey-Caron, ARD, Jennifer Galvan, CM, Angela Beebe, Resource Supervisor, Edwin Anderson, Transition Adviser and Deputy Commissioner Elisa Velardo.

We came in 5th out of the 7 teams. 

See pictures from the event below:

News from DDS Employment and Day Supports:

Reimagining Day Success Story: Liz

Liz, a participant in Harc’s Employment Enrichment Service (EES), set out to move beyond retail and pursue her dream of becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). With support from EES and the American Job Center, she was accepted into Goodwin University’s CNA program. Read Liz’s success story here!

Reimagining Day is an opportunity for providers to restructure day programming to include employment-focused day support models. This opportunity emphasized two pathways, Employment Enrichment Services (EES) and Employment Exploration Option (EEO). EES is a service for individuals employed in any capacity, who are seeking meaningful, supported activities to enhance their day. EES creates an employment focused option to supplement employment hours with skills-based day supports leading to improved job retention and satisfaction with supports. EEO is a service for individuals in a day setting who want to explore employment and enhance community inclusion. EEO aims to create options to learn about working, the workplace, and expectations leading to more individuals pursuing employment. EEO is a foundational introduction or inquiry into employment supports that provides discovery and exploration activities. 

A list of Providers that offer EEO/EES can be found on the DDS website: Reimagining Day Services.

Project SEARCH Information Nights

Please see flyers below in the "DDS Sponsored Events" section for upcoming Project SEARCH Forums hosted by MARC, Inc. of Manchester. 

Project SEARCH is a nine-month internship training program, available to school transition age students and young adults eligible for DDS services, who need intensive employment skills training. DDS provider agencies partner with host businesses, generally larger employers, to help individuals with disabilities develop strong competencies as they seek competitive integrated employment. 

To learn more about CT Project SEARCH programs, please check out the Project SEARCH contact list.

Micro-Enterprise Market

Make sure to mark your calendars for the Creative Abilities Makers Market, April 9th from 11:00AM - 1:00PM at the STW Community Center, (1332 Middletown Avenue, Northford, CT 06472). Please see flyer below under "DDS Sponsored Events". 

The event will showcase multiple micro-enterprise owners who will be selling their items. Individuals who own their own micro-enterprise are invited to attend the event to sell their items.

Please contact North Branford Parks & Recreation at (203) 484-6017 if you're interested in vending! Please see flyer for more details.

Assistive Technology & Remote Supports

Promoting Independence Through Technology

Do you, or someone you know: 

• Want to live more independently? 
• Want to build new skills while living on your own? 
• Want more independence at home, in the community, or at work? 
• Have difficulty finding or keeping staff? 
• Want more choice over who provides support and when they come into your home? 

If so, Assistive Technology and Remote Supports might be a great option! 

What is Assistive Technology (AT)

Assistive Technology (AT) includes devices, equipment, or systems that help individuals increase independence, safety, communication and daily living skills.

AT can include:

• Smart home devices (lights, thermostats, doorbells)
• Medication reminders
• Communication devices
• Tablets and apps
• Adaptive equipment
• Safety Technology
• Environmental controls
• Wearable alert systems

AT helps individuals:

• Complete daily tasks with more independence
• Improve communication
• Increase safety at home and in the community
• Build confidence and new skills
• Reduce reliance on in-person support when appropriate 

What are Remote Supports?

Remote Supports combine Assistive Technology with trained staff who provide support from a distance.

With Remote Supports, individuals can:

• Receive prompts or reminders
• Check in with staff by phone, tablet, or computer
• Get help during unexpected situations
• Enjoy greater privacy and independence
• Access support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Remote Supports connects people through technology whenever support is needed, day or night!

Remote Supports gives individuals:

• Access to staff when help is needed
• Space and independence when it is not
• More choice and control over their support
• Increased opportunities to learn and grow

Combining Assistive Technology & Remote Supports

When used together, AT and Remote Supports:

• Promote independence
• Increase safety
• Expand personal choice
• Build new skills
• Support aging in place
• Help address staffing shortages
• Create flexible, person-centered supports

Technology does not replace people; it enhances independence while keeping support available when needed.

What’s new in the AT Division?

National Assistive Technology (AT) Awareness Day is recognized on April 30, 2026: Celebrate the vital role of Assistive technology in empowering individuals with disabilities and older adults.

Ways to celebrate:

Share your Story: post videos, photos or stories about how AT has enhanced your life

Learn more: contact local AT centers to learn more about AT

Attend a Demo:  Join CT’s leaders on AT supports and services for live demos and an interactive panel of experts at the 2026 Aging Matters conference on 4/22/2026 located at the Newington Senior and Disabled Center from 1:30pm to 3:00pm

Guidance Documents on Remote Supports have been updated, Check them out on our website Assistive Technology and Remote Supports.

New Opportunities with Remote Supports!

Recent Graduates Initiative

DDS has an exciting opportunity for recent graduates without residential funding to receive residential Remote Supports services.  Are you, or someone you know:

• Between the ages of 22 and 26
• Not currently receiving any residential funding from DDS
• No longer in school
• Interested in becoming more independent
• Interested in using technology

If yes, then this might be for you!  DDS has funding available to work with only 50 recent graduates, so submit your request while funding remains available.

If you wish to learn more, please reach out to your case manager, the Remote Supports team by emailing dds.remotesupports@ct.gov, or click here for more information! 

Supportive Housing:

Supportive Housing: A little more Support.  A lot more independence.

Are you interested in living in your own apartment?

Do you know someone who is considering living in their own apartment?

Do you, or someone you know, just want to learn more about living in your own apartment?

DDS Supportive Housing might be a great option!

Supportive Housing provides an individual supported by DDS with rental assistance in an apartment setting and support from a qualified DDS provider. Apartments are accessible, affordable, and tailored to an individual’s needs. On-site residential support staff help with personal care and daily living.

To learn more, talk with your case manager, or visit Supportive Housing.

Rewarding Work:

Start fresh this spring by posting a job on Rewarding Work for free!

Spring is the best reminder that fresh starts can bring amazing growth. Rewarding Work helps families grow by connecting you with qualified caregivers to support you and your loved ones. Whether you’re building your care team or hiring for the first time, we’re here to help!

Register and subscribe to RewardingWork.org free of charge with access code: ctddsconnect. After subscribing, you can explore caregiver profiles, post your hiring needs on our job board, and find meaningful connections. With the right support, creating a reliable network of care can be easier than you think.

Visit www.rewardingwork.org to get started.

Mark Your Calendars!

DDS Sponsored Events

DDS Community Events

Providers, family groups, and advocacy organizations, send us your events to share: DDS.Updates@ct.gov

The Department of Developmental Services is dedicated to providing the community with informative, educational, and beneficial content, including information about free and paid events. Please note that we do not accept submissions related to fundraisers or requests for donations.

To submit content for consideration in the newsletter, please send your PDF or JPG files, along with any relevant links, to DDS.Updates@ct.gov. For more information, feel free to contact us at this email address.