Dear DDS Community,

June has arrived, and with it comes some of the best parts of the year. School is winding down, summer vacations are being planned, and Connecticut's outdoor spaces are coming to life. After a long winter and a rainy spring, many of us are looking forward to spending more time outside with family and friends. 

One of our favorite traditions each year is DDS Community Day at Camp Harkness, taking place on Saturday, June 13th. In past years this event was held in May, but this year we moved it to June in hopes of warmer weather and to make it easier for more individuals and families to join us on the weekend. Community Day is a chance to come together, connect with friends, meet new people, learn about available supports and services, and enjoy everything Camp Harkness has to offer. Including the beach which will be open for the day. 

Whether you are attending for the first time or returning for another year, we hope you will join us for a fun filled day of information, recreation, and community.

We look forward to seeing you there and wish everyone a safe, enjoyable, and sunny start to the summer. 

Sincerely, 

Jordan Scheff & Elisa Velardo

DDS Commissioner & Deputy Commissioner 

News from DDS Employment and Day Services Division:

Micro-Enterprise Success Story: Chanel

Learn about Chanel and her Micro-Enterprise Creative Talentz here. Many individuals supported by DDS engage in self-employment and own their own Micro-Enterprises. DDS eligible Individuals can apply for up to $5,000 to start or expand their micro-enterprise.

Learn more about micro-enterprises on the new DDS Self-Employment page. 

DDS Self-Employment Guide 

Are you interested in learning more about self-employment? This guide is written for individuals and families in easy-to-understand language. The guide breaks down self-employment and important terms, DDS Micro-Enterprise funding, important considerations, as well as local, state, and federal self-employment resources. Check out the new guide here: DDS Self-Employment Guide.

Project SEARCH

Planning for the 2026–2027 Project SEARCH year is in full swing, and many sites are still accepting applications. If you’re interested in learning more about this exciting opportunity, please refer to the DDS Project SEARCH Contact List or reach out to the CT Project SEARCH Statewide Coordinator, Brian Gresko, at brian.gresko@ct.gov.

Rewarding Work:

Looking for a caregiver in your area? After you register and subscribe to Rewarding Work free of charge with the access code CTddsconnect, you can post a job and browse applicants right away.

Our Applicant Search uses zip code data to help you find caregivers local to you, giving you a head start on hiring as soon as you subscribe. Posting a job is the best way to attract applicants. The more detailed and compelling your job description is, the better your results. Take the time to make your job post stand out! For help writing a great job posting, check out our article Looking for a Skilled Caregiver in Connecticut? Here’s How to Write and Post a Successful Job Listing.

Ready to get started? Sign up today at RewardingWork.org and post your first job for free!

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

June 2026 

Seasonal changes always lead to adjustments in routine. This shift can sometimes bring extra challenges. Having the right care and support in place can make all the difference in creating a safe, comfortable, and fun summer! 

RewardingWork.org connects families with local caregivers looking for work. By posting a job on our job board, you can specify your schedule and needs to find someone that fits your family. 

Whether you need someone for the summer or are hoping to expand your care team beyond friends and family, Rewarding Work is the place to start your search. 

Register and subscribe to RewardingWork.org free of charge with the access code: 
ctddsconnect 

After subscribing, you can immediately post your job to begin recruiting qualified 
caregivers! 

In our blog, “5 Signs It’s Time to Hire a Caregiver,” we share helpful tips on recognizing when to seek support. If any of these signs feel familiar, Rewarding Work can help you take the next step. Sign up today to find reliable, local caregivers! 

https://www.rewardingwork.org/resource/blog-post/5-signs-its-time-hire-caregiver 
http://www.rewardingwork.org

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.