Disability Services

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• Living the Mission

  The goals of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) are to work with individuals, their families and other support groups to develop long-term strategies for people with disabilities to live full lives in their communities. To do that, DDS promotes life-long learning, using local supports and resources, employment, using technology for learning and support and developing personal responsibility and strengths.

  Agency: Department of Developmental Services

• Support and Services Topics A-Z

  Residents can access an alphabetical listing of supports and services to find the help they need.

  Agency: Department of Developmental Services

• Council on Developmental Disabilities

  While not a direct service provider, the Council's mission is to promote the full inclusion of people with disabilities into their communities through advocacy, capacity building and system change activities in school, work and community life.  

  Agency: Council on Developmental Disabilities

• CT AHEAD: Association on Higher Education and Disability

  CT AHEAD helps high school students with disabilities learn about support programs at different colleges in the state. AHEAD also advocates for the needs of students with disabilities and promotes programs to help them succeed in college.  

  Agency: Council on Developmental Disabilities

• Department of Developmental Services Providers

  A collection of resources and information for the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Providers.

  Agency: Department of Developmental Services

• Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities

  An independent state agency created to safeguard and advance the civil and human rights of people with disabilities in Connecticut, the Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities investigates claims of discrimination and abuse and provides education and advocacy services.  

  Agency: Office of Protection and Advocacy of People with Disabilities

• Services for the Blind

  People who are experiencing vision loss that makes daily activities difficult can contact the Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB) for services that can include counseling, explanation of legal benefits, low vision rehabilitation services and job training. The bureau also can offer on-the-job training and tax incentives to employers who hire its clients.

  Agency: Department of Aging and Disability Services

• Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services

  Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services offers a counseling unit for Connecticut residents who are deaf, hard of hearing, or KODA/CODA (Hearing children or adults of Deaf parents) and their family members and also offers an interpreting unit with certified language interpreting services on a fee for service basis 24/7.

  Agency: Department of Aging and Disability Services

• Vocational Rehabilitation Services for the Blind

  Assists blind job seekers in breaking through physical, psychological, and educational barriers that are temporarily preventing them from obtaining careers that match their skills and motivation.  

  Agency: Department of Aging and Disability Services

• Independent Living Services

  The Independent Living Program provides comprehensive independent living services to persons with significant disabilities through contracts with Connecticut’s five community-based Centers for Independent Living.

  Agency: Department of Aging and Disability Services

• Driver Training Program for Persons with Disabilities

  Driver training program for persons with disabilities can help any qualified permanent Connecticut resident who requires special equipment in order to operate a motor vehicle. This is the only state-operated program of this type in the U.S. There is no charge for this training.

  Agency: Department of Aging and Disability Services

• Vocational Rehabilitation Services

  Connecticut residents with significant disabilities who need help finding and keeping employment can apply for services through the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services.  

  Agency: Department of Aging and Disability Services

• Connecticut Tech Act Program

  Helps individuals with disabilities of all ages and all disabilities, as well as family members, employers, educators and other professionals have access to Assistive Technology devices and services.

  Agency: Department of Aging and Disability Services

• Workers’ Rehabilitation Services

  Workers' Rehabilitation Services (WRS) is dedicated to assisting the eligible injured worker in returning to gainful employment by providing quality Vocational Rehabilitation services. Vocational planning focuses on enabling the injured worker to envision a new future and a new career.

  Agency: Workers' Compensation Commission

• Library Services for Persons with Disabilities

  An outline of some of the resources, programs and technology available to libraries to help people with disabilities access library collections and services.   Library Services for People with Disabilities

  Agency: Connecticut State Library