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Welcome to our December Newsletter!
Dear DDS Community,
As the year comes to a close, we take time to recognize the many moments of growth, independence, and achievement that has taken place across the DDS community. This past year has been filled with meaningful steps forward. From individuals reaching personal goals, to families building stronger support networks, to communities creating more inclusive and welcoming spaces. Every new skill learned, every challenge overcome, and every step towards greater independence matters.
This year also brought new opportunities through Remote Supports. These supports use technology to help individuals live more independently while staying connected to help when it is needed. Remove Supports are designed to work alongside existing supports or to add another layer of assistance for individuals who may benefit from them. They are not about replacing anything someone already has, but about enhancing independence, safety, and connection in a way that fits each individual's needs, goals, and circumstances.
As we look ahead, we encourage individuals and families to explore whether Remote Supports may be a helpful option as part of their overall support plan, now or in the future.
We wish you and your loved ones a peaceful holiday season and a happy, healthy new year. Thank you for being part of this community, and we look forward to continuing this work together in 2026 and beyond.
Sincerely,
Jordan Scheff
DDS Commissioner
News & Updates
News from DDS Employment and Day Services:
EDS Resource List
The Employment & Day Services (EDS) team is happy to announce the creation of the EDS resource List! This document links the various employment & day brochures and resource documents in one location. The Resource List is printable and has a QR Code so it can be printed and shared! Click here to view the EDS Resource List.
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:
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, or for current openings, please talk with your case manager, or visit Supportive Housing.
We have openings for Supportive Housing!
Rewarding Work
As the days get shorter and the mornings darker, many people feel the shift in mood, alertness, and sleep. Seasonal transitions affect everyone, but those who spend a lot of time indoors can be especially sensitive. This is a time when having a little extra support can make a big difference.
Rewarding Work allows families to find qualified caregivers to support themselves and their loved ones through every season. Caregivers play a key role in noticing these changes and supporting healthy routines. By posting a job on our job board, you can attract interested and available applicants who are ready to provide support that fits your family’s needs.
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!
http://RewardingWork.org
Photo of Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with Abilis staff and families with Timothy Braziel, assistant regional director, West Region of the CT Department of developmental services, Amy Montimurro, CEO & president, Abilis, Caroline Simmons, Stamford Mayor and Shannon O’Brien, regional director of the CT department of developmental services, West Region.
Second Photo: Exterior of the new medical model home.
Abilis Opens First Medical Model Home
This fall, Abilis proudly opened the doors to its first Medical Model Home in Stamford, Connecticut — a groundbreaking residence designed for adults with complex medical needs and developmental disabilities. The completion of this innovative home marks a major milestone in Abilis’ mission to provide compassionate, comprehensive care for individuals regardless of medical challenges.
“We are thrilled to add this medical model home to our more than 76 residences throughout Fairfield County,” said Amy Montimurro. “Its central location in Stamford makes it convenient for families to visit and easily accessible to our programs in Greenwich and at The Cohen Abilis Advancement Center.”
City and state leaders joined Abilis for the ribbon cutting, including Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons, Shannon O’Brien and Timothy Braziel of the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS), Mitch Cohen, Abilis board member and former chair, and Laura Lategui, Jen O’Gorman, and Erica Klair of Abilis’ leadership team. They were joined by Abilis residential community members, staff and families.
Abilis purchased the single-story home last year, fully renovating and expanding it to include six private, accessible bedrooms and large bathrooms. Five residents have already moved in, with one more to come. Each room is tailored to individual needs, featuring lift systems, adaptive technology, and personal touches that make it feel like home.
Current residents include Nick, age 35, whose room is decorated with family photos and favorite keepsakes, who moved from his childhood home into Brook Run Lane; Sarah, age 47, who uses a wheelchair and delighted guests at the ribbon cutting by playing the keyboard. Sarah also previously lived with her parents up until her move into this new home. “It took six seconds for Sarah to acclimate to her new home. She loves it!” her mother Judith shared at the grand opening. Other current residents include Joe, who brought artwork from his childhood home; and Gus, whose room features a large photo of a favorite TV character. The home also includes a recreation room, TV lounge, and exercise space.
“This home helps fill a critical gap for individuals who need continuous medical oversight, 24/7 care, but also want the dignity, comfort, and stability of a true home,” added Amy. “We’re proud to have the support of the state, our partners at DDS and the City of Stamford, and our families to create a warm, safe, and inclusive environment where individuals can age in place. The opening of this medical model home is a milestone to ensure supportive residential options with long-term support that is also close to families in Lower Fairfield County.”
Abilis was awarded development of the home through a competitive DDS Request for Proposals, part of a statewide initiative to expand high-level care options in community settings. The new Medical Model Home reflects Abilis’ ongoing commitment to provide lifelong, community-based housing with the highest level of support, dignity, and inclusion.
DDS Self Advocate's Corner
Mark Your Calendars!
DDS Sponsored Events
Fourth Tuesday Forums on Innovative Options
All virtual forums are 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
December 2, 2025 - A Year in Review - STEP Success Stories
January 27, 2026 – Sensory Settings: Discover the Therapeutic
Power of Sights, Sounds, and MovementFebruary 24, 2026 – How Remote Supports are Enhancing Lives
March 24, 2026 – Home, Work, and Technology - How It All Comes
TogetherApril 28, 2026 – Opportunities and Possibilities: Out-of-the-Box
Options
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.
