Community living resources and supports

Living in your community

Person cooking at stove

Right at home

Our department's goal is to make sure individuals with intellectual disability enjoy a healthy life in their community. We do this by giving them the specialized support they need to thrive in their home. We give them the tools to form relationships, make decisions, and develop skills.


The types of community living services we provide include:


Supportive housing in your home or rental

Individualized home supports (IHS)

family member help you in home activities

Care and support in your home

IHS is a flexible and person-centered program that helps you or your family member with intellectual disability live in the home of their choice.

It is a tailored package of services and supports designed to best meet your needs, goals, and preferences in a home of your choosing.
More on individualized home supports  

Supportive housing

Person using wheelchair in home

The right rental with the right supports

Supportive Housing combines rental assistance with support from a qualified provider in an apartment setting. The goal is to help you or your family member live in their own home and community with the help they need to be successful.

More on supportive housing  

Community companion homes (CCH)

Two individuals hugging

Stay in the home of a welcoming, experienced family

In some situation, an individual with intellectual disabilities should live in a CCH. This is sometimes the best choice for you or your family member with an intellectual disability. A CCH is not a group home. It's a family that shares their home with someone eligible for DDS services.
More on community companion homes  

Group homes in your community

Community living arrangements (CLA)

Lady sit on chair

Community Living Arrangements (CLA) are also known as group homes. DDS regions or private companies run them. They allow you or your family member with intellectual disability to live in regular homes in their community. 

Most houses are small and have room for up to six people. Most CLA homes are enrolled in a Medicaid program called Home and Community-Based Waiver. With this permission, they can get funds from the federal government. Some of these homes are certified as ICF/IID. ICF/IID stands for Intermediate Care Facilities for People with Intellectual Disabilities.

Continuous residential supports (CRS)

People sitting around a table with activities

Shared living situations for a group of people

Another community living scenario is possible with Continuous Residential Supports. A CRS is a place where three or fewer individuals choose to share a house or apartment. It isn't registered as a CLA, but staff can offer services and support 24 hours a day.
More on continuous residential supports  
Self-Determination

Self determination

Self-determination is a nationwide movement that promotes personal rights and freedom. The goal is for disabled people to live the lives they want. With the help of family and friends, individuals can control their own budgets and hire staff to provide the services they decide on.

Live your most independent life: learn how to get started

Eligibility information 

Figure out what DDS services you are eligible for.

DDS Help line 

Get help from DDS staff in your region.

STEP 

Supports that focus on independence, integration, and empowerment

Report Abuse and Neglect

Report Abuse and Neglect


Report suspected abuse or neglect of any individual with an intellectual disability.

HOW TO REPORT >

STAY UPDATED

Stay Updated


Subscribe to our Newsletter below to receive updates.

SUBSCRIBE HERE >

CONTACT US

Contact Us


IN CASE OF A LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY, DIAL 911

To contact the State of Connecticut, Department of Developmental Services, either email us or give us a call:

Phone: 860-418-6000

Toll-Free: 866-737-0330

TD: 860-418-6079

Email: ddsct.co@ct.gov

SEE ALL CONTACT INFORMATION >