Family support
How can DDS help me or my family member?
Family Supports and Services help people with developmental and intellectual disability and their families. DDS Family Supports and Services include:
- In-home services
- Respite services
- Grants
- Skill training, behavioral and clinical support
Our services promote participation in family and community life. Plans are flexible and individualized to meet your needs. We are here to help in times of crisis or transition.
Home services
What services are offered in the home?
In-home services help people who live independently or with their families. Think of DDS as an extension of your family – DDS team members can help you from the comfort of your home. In-home services include:
- Respite
- Crisis support
- Behavioral support
- Nursing support
- Educational support
- Transition coordination
Am I eligible for in-home support?
You can receive help from our family support teams if you live on your own or with family, and have a disability. Your case manager can refer you to your local resource team for needed services.
Frequently asked questions about family support resource teams:
Individual and family resource teams
Find out what supports are available and who’s eligible to receive them.
Family support workers
Find out what types of assistance are available to the families of DDS individuals and families.
Educational support
Get help understanding your child’s school program and supports.
Nursing
What supports are available from the nurses on Family Support Resource Teams?
Behavioral support
See if a behaviorist or psychologist might be right for your team.
Peer network
Find out more about the benefits of joining a peer network for support.
School to adult life transition resources
DDS can help prepare your family for the transition from school age to adulthood. Learn more about employment, secondary education, financial services, and more.
Respite services
What are respite services?
(DDS) recognizes that you or your family member may need occasional breaks. There are different types of respite services to help, depending on your family’s unique situation. Some services involve planned breaks outside of the home at a local Respite Care Center.
Visiting the Respite Centers gives you or your family member a chance to meet new people and participate in activities in a home-like environment. At the same time, it gives families some relief from ongoing caregiver responsibilities. Respite breaks allow family members to go on vacation, attend an event, or spend time with other family members and friends. It's also a chance to catch up on work or relax, knowing their loved one is in a safe environment.
Find answers to frequently asked questions about respite
- What is respite?
- Am I eligible?
- What is the cost?
Family respite center locations
Newington, Storrs, Windsor.
New Haven, Meriden, Middletown, Waterford.
Lower Fairfield, Spruce, Torrington, White Plains.
Individual and family grants
What are individual and family grants?
If you are eligible for DDS services, Individual and Family Grants are available in cash payments to help pay for extra care that people with disabilities and their families may need. You can use these grants to pay for respite services including:
- In-home support
- Behavioral support
- Nursing, medical, or clinical support
- Temporary help
- Crisis support
Families can buy anything that helps them care for a family member who lives with them who has a disability. People who live on their own and get no other help from DDS at home may also be eligible for these funds.
Individual and Family Grants FAQ
- What are Individual and Family Grants?
- Typical grant amounts
- How can I request an Individual and Family Grant?