State assistance for developmental disabilities in Connecticut


Connecticut offers a variety supports, services and other assistance for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Approximately 4,900 children are served through Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in Connecticut’s Birth to Three program in the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood.

Approximately 50,000 students receive special education services for developmental disabilities in Connecticut public schools.

The Department of Children and Families provides child protective and family services, children’s behavioral health, prevention and educational services. The Department has approximately 200 children with autism or intellectual disability in their care.

The Department of Public Health operates a statewide program for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs.

Approximately 17,000 individuals receive services, supports or other assistance through Medicaid Home and Community Based Services waivers from the Department of Developmental Services. These services are provided by a large network of licensed, private social service providers.

Perhaps 34,000 individuals with developmental disabilities receive services, supports or other assistance from the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. These services are provided by a network of licensed, private social service providers.

Approximately 270 individuals with developmental disabilities receive independent living services from the Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind.

Approximately 4,000 individuals who have developmental disabilities are served by the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services with Vocational Rehabilitation, Supported Employment, job placement, assistive technology, and benefits counseling. These services are provided, in part, by a network of licensed, private social service providers.

The Department of Social Services assists about 3,100 individuals with activities of daily living through the Medicaid Community First Choice (CFC) program and provides Personal Care Assistants (PCA) to about 985 individuals through a Medicaid waiver. These services are provided by a network of licensed, private social service providers.

The Department of Social Services provides Medicaid for low income families with dependent children, which is branded as Husky A in Connecticut; the Children’s Health Insurance Program, which is branded in Connecticut as Husky B; Medicaid for aged, blind, and disabled (including Home and Community Based Services waivers), which is Husky C; and Husky D, Medicaid for low income adults. The Department supports approximately 21,000 individuals with disabilities in long term care facilities on Husky C.

The Department of Corrections has approximately 700 individuals with developmental disabilities in their care.

The Department of Housing administers the Rental Assistance Program and the Section 8 Voucher Program and Mainstream Housing Vouchers.

The Department of Labor supports American Job Centers that offer assistance to individuals who are seeking employment. 

The Department of Motor Vehicles provides Reserved Parking Permits to qualified individuals with disabilities.

The Department of Transportation operates regional ADA Paratransit systems and offers discount fares for busses and taxis.

The State Unit on Aging administers the Older Americans Act and includes Connecticut’s Long Term Care Ombudsman.