Dept. of Developmental Services Launches Website

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) unveils a new Family Website specifically developed for individuals and families associated with DDS services and supports. The new site features services that span the life of individuals with intellectual disability.

“I am very pleased that we’re able to launch this website and hope it will be a constant resource to families.  We listened to families about the need for this guide and worked with them to create it,” said DDS Commissioner Terrence W. Macy, Ph.D. in a release. “I very much appreciate the significant amount of time and energy that went into the development of this learning tool and hope it will grow with additional resources over time.”

The new site was developed over the last year with input from families, individuals, providers and DDS staff and focuses on the six stages of a life span; Birth to Three, Early Childhood, ages 3 -8, School Years, ages 9-15, Transition to Adulthood, ages 16-21, Adulthood, ages 22-65 and Retirement, over 65. 

The site is unique it that it asks and answers the same questions for each phase of life. Visitors will find information regarding Advocacy and Rights, Healthy Living, Education, Community Connections, Finance and Benefits and Planning for the Future all geared toward the specific phases of life. 

“The creation of the family website pages was a huge undertaking that would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of the family website team,” said Robin Wood, DDS Director of Family Support Strategies and Advocacy in the release. 

“The website team considers the family website to be an evolving process that will continue to improve over time.  We encourage everyone to use the feedback buttons found on each page of the family website to help us update and improve the information DDS provides to families.  Any input will help us to know what information is meaningful to families and to help us improve the way we support families.”

DDS serves more than 19,000 individuals in the state with intellectual disabilities. More than half of those served live at home with their families and this new site was developed to help them in planning for their loved ones future and understanding DDS services.

The website project was part of the department’s Five Year Plan and focuses on the DDS Mission: To partner with the individuals we support and their families, to support lifelong planning and to join with others to create and promote meaningful opportunities for individuals to fully participate as valued members of their communities.

Please visit the DDS website at: www.ct.gov/dds to view the New Family Website.