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Dear DDS Community,
The start of a new year is often a time when people think about goals, possibilities, and what they want the months ahead to look like. At DDS, our work focuses on supporting individuals as they set their own goals and work toward the lives they choose.
As we begin the year, we remain focused on creating and strengthening supports that promote independence, choice, and meaningful participation in the community. We look forward to continuing this work together throughout the year ahead.
Sincerely,
Jordan Scheff
DDS Commissioner
News & Updates
News from DDS Employment and Day Services:
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 is now available here.
Project SEARCH
Project SEARCH at Backus Hospital in Norwich will be hosting informational sessions in the new year. Please refer to the below flyer for upcoming dates and times.
Ability Beyond will also be hosting informational sessions in February for the Danbury Hospital, Waterbury Hospital and Albertus Magnus College programs.
Please refer to the below flyer for upcoming dates and times.
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.
Micro-Enterprise Vendor Fairs
Entrepreneur Connect Inc. is hosting a series of upcoming Micro Enterprises Vendor Fairs—a great opportunity for small and micro-business owners to showcase their products, network, and connect with the community.
Registration is $25 per event. If you would like to participate as a vendor, please email truenorthteamct@gmail.com to reserve your spot. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Please see flyer below for dates and times.
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 help 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 connect people through technology whenever support is needed — day or night!
Remote Supports give an individual access to staff who can provide help from a distance when needed, and space when it’s not!
Remote Supports help individuals learn, grow, and make more choices for themselves while still having the safety of support when needed!
If you would like to learn more, contact your case manager, click here for more information and/or join us at this Informational Session on 1/14/2026!
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:
The start of a new year often invites a moment to pause and reflect on what might help daily life feel a little more manageable. As families think about new goals and routines, having the right support in place can make a meaningful difference. Rewarding Work is here to help families find care that fits their lives and supports those everyday moments.
Winter can bring its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to sleep, energy, and routines. We recently shared an article on resetting your body clock that explores how seasonal changes can affect our rhythms and how caregivers can help support healthier patterns during the darker months.
Through Rewarding Work, families can connect directly with qualified caregivers who are ready to support changing needs and new routines. Families across Connecticut can access RewardingWork.org free of charge with the access code: ctddsconnect.
Post a job today and start finding care that aligns with your goals for the year ahead.
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
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.
