Agencies that Provide Services for Adults with Disabilities
- EASING into SECONDARY TRANSITION: A Comprehensive Guide to Resources and Services in Connecticut – This guide is an opportunity for educators, students and families throughout Connecticut to identify and access these secondary transition planning resources. The first section of the Guide provides the user with a Contact Information Sheet that includes names, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, and websites for each Agency. The second section of the Guide provides the user with a list of statewide secondary resources and services.
- SSI Title 19 and Guardianship – At age 18, an individual should apply to the Social Security Administration (SSA) for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and once the SSI has been approved, then apply to the Department of Social Services (DSS) for Title 19/ Medicaid.
- The Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) – The Connecticut Department of Social Services administers a range of services and programs though bureaus and agencies with local offices throughout the state.
- Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) – BRS is an agency that provides services to assist persons with disabilities to obtain and maintain employment. BRS can provide individualized services to eligible persons that may include vocational assessment, guidance and training, career education and on-the-job training, supported employment services, rehabilitation technology services and information on State and Federal benefit programs.
- Board of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB) – BESB is an agency that is responsible for the confidential registry of people who are blind in Connecticut and provides, within available resources, comprehensive low vision services, specialized education services, life skills training, case management, and vocational services to individuals of all ages who are legally blind and to children who are visually impaired. The agency assists them in acquiring the skills and support services necessary to be independent.
- Commission of Deaf and Hearing Impaired (CDHI) – The Commission of Deaf and Hearing Impaired’s mission is to advocate, strengthen and implement state policies affecting Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals and their relationship to the public, industry, health care, and educational opportunities.
- Department of Developmental Services (DDS) – DDS provides, and funds, a wide array of services for people with intellectual disabilities.
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) – The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) promotes and administers comprehensive, recovery-oriented services in the areas of mental health treatment and substance abuse prevention and treatment throughout Connecticut.
- Disability Rights Connecticut – Disability Rights Connecticut, Inc. (DRCT) is an advocacy organization dedicated to identifying and eliminating the barriers that people with disabilities face in exercising their civil, legal and human rights. As Connecticut's protection and advocacy system (P&A), DRCT works to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities, their families and our community
- Client Assistance Program (CAP) – CAP provides clients and client applicants with assistance in obtaining services from: Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) or Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB). CAP also addresses complaints related to services from Connecticut's Independent Living Centers.
- Social Security Administration – The Social Security Administration offers benefit programs (SSI, SSDI, PASS, Work Incentives, or Medicare) that individuals with disabilities may be eligible under the adult service agency system. Social Security Income pays monthly benefits to people who are 65 or older, or blind or have a disability and who don't own much or have a lot of income. Social Security Disability Income pay cash benefits to individuals who are unable to work because of a disability. Plan for Achieving Self Support, is a special work incentive program for individuals with disabilities who receive or would like to receive SSI but would like to work.
- Regional Educational Service Centers – All RESCs support the instructional and operational components of Connecticut school districts. RESCs design and deliver community-based education, training, and human service programs, which add to the economic well-being and quality of life throughout the state. Through RESCs, districts and communities have access to high quality, cost-effective collaborative programs and initiatives.