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Welcome to our November Newsletter!
Dear DDS Community,
As we begin the month of November, it is a good time to pause and say thank you. I am grateful for everyone in our DDS community- individuals, families, and providers, who work with us every day to make Connecticut a more inclusive place for people of all abilities. Your ideas, feedback, and experiences help make us stronger and more responsive to what individuals need.
If you have not already, please register and join us for one of the DDS Community Forums on Monday, November 4, or Tuesday November 5. You can choose to attend the morning or evening session. These forums are a great way to stay informed, hear updates, and share your thoughts with DDS Leadership. Your voice really does make a difference.
Thank you for being part of the DDS community and for helping us build a state where everyone can live, work and thrive together.
Sincerely,
Jordan Scheff
DDS Commissioner
Join us for DDS Commissioner's Community Forums
This November, Commissioner Scheff and Deputy Commissioner Velardo will be hosting a series of community forums designed to engage, inform, and listen to all the voices of our DDS community. These forums are a great opportunity for you to share your thoughts, learn about recent developments, and help shape the future of our supports & services. Your input is invaluable to us.
To accommodate everyone's schedule, we are offering both a late morning and evening session. Please feel free to attend the session that best fits your availability. There is no need to attend both.
News & Updates
NEAP, CCARC Manufacturing Internship Site Tour
Normand Rioux from DDS' North Region was recently able to visit NEAP, one of the CCARC manufacturing internship sites.
While there, he learned that Reba, one of the interns has been offered a position with NEAP. Great work Reba!
Picture below from the event:
STS Mini Walk to Fight Cancer
On October 3rd, a walk to fight against cancer was held at the Pavilion at Southbury Training School. It was a beautiful day and everyone enjoyed the food, live music, prizes and fresh, sunny air. We raised $700 with the generous donations of sponsors supporting our walkers and wheelers. All proceeds were donated to the American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and Seymour Pink.
Pictures below from the event:
AllWorkCT Forum Event
The annual AllWorkCT Forum was held this Thursday, October 30th, at BeanZ & Co. in Avon, CT.
The event is hosted by AllWorkCT, CT PIE (CT Pathways to Competitive Integrated Employment—a federally funded grant) and the Connecticut Department of Aging & Disability Services, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (CTBRS).
The Forum brings together Connecticut leaders from government, business, and community organizations to explore how hiring individuals with disabilities strengthens our workforce and our state.
Picture below from the event:
News from DDS Employment and Day Services:
13th Annual Disability Resource Fair
On October 17th, the Employment and Day Services (EDS) team proudly participated in the 13th Annual Disability Resource Fair hosted by Oak Hill's NEAT (New England Assistive Technology) Center in Hartford. The event brought together individuals, families, and professionals to explore a wide range of disability-related resources and services.
EDS was on hand to share valuable information about employment and day program opportunities, connecting with attendees and community partners to promote inclusive employment and day support options for individuals with disabilities.
SELN Annual Meeting
DDS continues its collaboration with the Statewide Employment Leadership Network (SELN), including active participation in its annual meeting. Darrell Spears Jr. from Employment and Day Services represented Connecticut at the event, showcasing the achievements of individuals supported through recent initiatives such as Reimagining Day, Micro-Enterprise Start-up Funding, and Fiscal Account Management (MIC).
This year’s conference theme, "Engage, Equip, Empower," inspired participants to engage by fostering collaboration and strategic planning with other state agencies, equip Case Managers, Transition Advisors, and Provider staff with tools and knowledge, and empower families and the individuals we support to reach their full potential.
Darrell Spears, Jr. (second from left)
EDS Presents at Deputy Commissioner's Fourth Tuesday Forum
On October 28th, the Employment and Day Services (EDS) team presented at the Deputy Commissioner’s Fourth Tuesday forum. The session focused on Career Exploration and Employment Options, offering insights into pathways and supports available for individuals seeking meaningful employment.
If you missed the forum, the recorded event will be available soon on the website. You’ll be able to find it here once it’s posted.
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, talk with your case manager, or visit Supportive Housing.
Rewarding Work
Finding care for someone you love can feel overwhelming. Between busy schedules, unique needs, and finding the right match, it’s not always easy to know where to start.
With Rewarding Work, you can take control of the process. Our platform connects individuals and families directly with qualified caregivers throughout Connecticut. We make it simple to find someone who fits your needs and helps your household thrive.
Explore caregiver profiles, review experience, and build meaningful connections that bring comfort and consistency to everyday life. With the right support, creating a reliable network of care can be easier than you think.
Get started today at RewardingWork.org and register free of charge with the access code: ctddsconnect.
http://RewardingWork.org
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
Be sure to check back next month for the announcement of our 2026 4th Tuesday Forum dates and topics
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.
