Helping Students with Disabilities Succeed with Connecticut’s Level Up Program
Parents of children with disabilities often worry about what happens after high school. Thinking about work and independence can feel overwhelming, especially when traditional job paths aren’t always designed for their needs.
Connecticut families have a great resource: the Level Up program from the Connecticut Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS), part of the Department of Aging and Disability Services.
What is the Level Up Program?
Level Up helps students ages 16–22 with disabilities get ready for competitive jobs and independence. Students with an IEP, 504 plan, or special education services can usually join.
The program connects schools, families, and employers to create real work opportunities and skill-building for students. Instead of leaving families to figure out the transition to adulthood alone, Level Up gives support every step of the way.
How Level Up Helps Students
BRS vocational rehabilitation counselors work with students to support their goals. The program helps by:
- Teaching Self Advocacy: Students learn to speak up for themselves, make choices, and ask for what they need. That is an important goal!
- Guidance for College or and other Post Secondary Education: Students get advice about college, vocational school, and other post-high school options.
- Career exploration: Students learn about their strengths, interests, and jobs that match them.
- Real-world work experience: Students get hands-on practice through job shadowing and work-based learning. They also build connections with employers.
- Workplace skills: Students practice important skills like communication, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving.
More Than Just Jobs
Level Up also teaches life skills, money management, and community involvement. These skills help students become more independent and confident in adult life.
The program focuses on each student’s strengths and matches them with opportunities that fit those strengths. This helps students feel confident and excited about their future instead of anxious.
Building Independence Step by Step
Level Up uses a gradual approach so students aren’t thrown into work without preparation:
- Meet a Level Up counselor and plan services
- Learn new skills and get guidance for education or work
- Try work-based learning experiences with support and accommodations
- Get ongoing mentorship as needed
- Transition to full BRS services as the program ends
This step-by-step approach helps students build confidence and succeed in the long term.
How to Start
Parents of students aged 16–22 with an IEP, 504 plan, or special education services can:
- Talk to their child’s special education teacher or transition coordinator
- Contact your local ADS Rehabilitation Services office. Find the complete list at the bottom of our contact us page.
The application is easy, and BRS staff guide families through each step. The sooner students join, the more they benefit.
A Community for Families
Level Up also connects families. Parents meet others who understand their experiences, learn about resources, and become strong advocates for their children.
For families thinking about life after high school, Level Up offers more than services – it offers possibility, independence, and a path for young people with disabilities to build their future.
Complete the online Contact Us form to get started.