BRIDGE CT helps schools support students with disabilities as they get ready for life after high school. Students may be learning how to live on their own, getting ready for college, or thinking about jobs. BRIDGE CT connects families to helpful resources, training, and support.
This program works with schools to build strong partnerships, improve teamwork, and give students better support as they plan for the future. BRIDGE CT works with Level Up. It does not replace or change your student’s Level Up plan or services.
Goals of BRIDGE CT
- Help students and families find helpful resources and support
- Offer training for school staff and partners
- Improve teamwork between schools and community groups
- Help students have better outcomes after high school
- Increase awareness about the program
For more information, please contact: ADS.BridgeCT@ct.gov
Who Can Participate
Students can join if they:
- Attend a participating school
- Have a disability
- Are between 10 and 22 years old
What You’ll Get
- Self-Advocacy: Students learn how to speak up for themselves and make good choices.
- Peer Mentoring: Students get support and guidance from other students.
- Financial Literacy: Students learn how to manage money and make a budget.
- Career Readiness: Students learn skills to help them succeed at work.
Local and Regional Interagency Teams meet every month to share resources and support students together. This helps groups across Connecticut work as one team instead of working separately.
- Learn more about BRIDGE CT, its partners, and its goals.
- Learn how your organization can work with BRIDGE CT to help students with disabilities and support your community.
- Learn more about free appropriate public education (FAPE). This means students who need help can get special education and related services.
Early Engagement
Schools now introduce Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors earlier. This helps students start job training and work experiences sooner.
Our Community Partners
- Connecticut State Department of Education
- Connecticut Association of Centers for Independent Living
- Connecticut Department of Correction
- Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center
- University of Maryland College of Education Center for Transition and Career Innovation
This project is supported by the University of Maryland Center for Transition and Career Innovation.
The contents of this website were developed under grant 421E230011 from the U.S. Department of Education (Department). The Department does not mandate or prescribe practices, models, or other activities described or discussed in this document. The contents of this website may contain examples of adaptations of, and links to resources created and maintained by another public or private organization. The Department does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. The content of this website does not necessarily represent the policy of the Department. This publication is not intended to represent the views or policy of or be an endorsement of any views expressed, or materials provided by any Federal agency (EDGAR 75.620).