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Dear DDS Community,
This month's newsletter shares updates from across the DDS Community and highlights the ongoing work happening to support individuals and families throughout Connecticut.
Early February also includes Governor Ned Lamont's State of the State address and the start of the 2026 legislative session on February 4th. These events help guide discussions and decisions that can affect our work. I encourage everyone to stay informed as the session begins. Click here for information on how to reach your legislator and testifying at public hearings, if you are interested.
On a lighter note, February brings Groundhog Day. We will soon see whether Punxsutawney Phil, or Connecticut's own Chuckles see their shadows and what that means for the rest of winter. I am hoping for an early spring.
Thank you for your continued dedication and for the important work you do in your communities.
Sincerely,
Jordan Scheff
DDS Commissioner
News & Updates
News from DDS Employment and Day Services:
SELN Spotlight: Reimagining Day Programs
DDS’ Reimagining Day initiative was recently featured in a State Employment Leadership Network (SELN) Spotlight. Reimagining Day encourages providers to restructure day programming to include employment-focused pathways:
Employment Enrichment Services (EES): For individuals who are employed and seeking meaningful, supported activities to improve job retention and satisfaction.
Employment Exploration Option (EEO): For individuals in day settings who want to explore employment and enhance community inclusion.
See the SELN Spotlight below, and a list of providers offering Employment Exploration Option (EEO) and Employment Enrichment Services (EES) can be found on the DDS website under Reimagining Day Services.
Upcoming Events & Resources
CT APSE Online Training
CT APSE is offering an online training on March 5, 2026, from 10:00–11:30 AM titled “AI – Preparing Ourselves for What Lies Ahead.”
Check out the flyer below for more details.
Save the Dates!
11th Annual Connecticut Secondary Transition Symposium
The 11th Annual Connecticut Secondary Transition Symposium will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, with the location to be announced. This year’s theme is “Youth Leading a Changing World.” The Symposium is a statewide conference that connects students, families, educators, and professionals to strengthen secondary transition services and improve post-school outcomes for students with disabilities.
Welcome to DDS Employment and Day Services: You’re 22, Now What? Hosted by DDS Employment and Day Services, CT Family Support Network (CTFSN), and CT Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC)
Join us for a virtual presentation designed for individuals and families to learn about the next steps after turning 22 and moving into adult services. This informative session will provide an overview of DDS Employment and Day Services, including available supports and resources. The presentation will take place on March 26, 2026, at 6:00 PM.
Keep an eye out for upcoming flyers with full details!
Project SEARCH Forums
Please see flyers below for upcoming Project SEARCH Forums hosted by MARC (Middlesex Health) and CCARC (Hospital of Central CT).
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.
Remote Support:
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, Remote Supports might be a great option!
Remote Supports helps individuals increase independence and confidence by combining technology with trained staff who assist from a distance. Individuals can complete daily tasks with prompts or check-ins, enjoy more privacy, and learn new skills while knowing help is just a call or click away!
Remote Supports connects people through technology whenever support is needed — day or night!
Remote Supports gives an individual access to staff who can provide help from a distance when needed, and space when it’s not!
Remote Supports helps individuals learn, grow, and make more choices for themselves while still having the safety of support when needed!
If you wish to learn more, please reach out to your case manager 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:
Finding the right care shouldn’t feel overwhelming. Rewarding Work is here to make connections easier, whether you’re looking for after-school support, help with daily routines, companionship for a loved one, or respite so you can take a breath.
Everyone deserves care that’s flexible, compassionate, and built around your family’s unique needs. That’s why we connect families across Connecticut with caregivers who are ready to support the people and moments that matter.
Families across Connecticut can access RewardingWork.org free of charge with the access code: ctddsconnect . Post a job today and connect with caregivers who are ready to help. You will also gain access to a variety of free resources to support you every step of the way.
Visit www.rewardingwork.org to get started.
Mark Your Calendars!
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.
