FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 10, 2023

SELF-DIRECTION HIGHLIGHTED BY DDS IN
4th STEP VIDEO RELEASED TODAY
Video series features CT residents with intellectual disability
using supports to live and work more independently

(Hartford, CT) – In the fourth video of the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services’ (DDS) STEP video series released today, viewers meet Kyle and Annalee, two individuals with intellectual disability who employ their own support workers and control their own budgets through a STEP support called Self-Direction. Watch the video on YouTube here. The videos showcase real individuals and their families who are using STEP supports to achieve greater independence in their home and work lives.

Kyle runs his own farm, Kyle’s Awesome Farm, where he raises chickens, makes honey, and grows a wide variety of fruits and vegetables that he sells at a roadside stand, all with the help of employees Kyle has hired and pays through his DDS benefits. Annalee employs her own personal care assistant who helps her do her family’s weekly grocery shopping, volunteer at a local food pantry, fundraise for the Wounded Warrior Project, and play Mrs. Claus each Christmas season.  Both individuals use DDS’ Self-Direction support, which allows an individual to be their own boss: hiring their own support staff, setting work schedules, controlling payroll and setting their own budget. Self-Direction gives an individual the most control over the supports they receive.

“Self-Direction allows an individual the choice and freedom to direct their supports and services.  DDS provides guidance, payroll software and other services to help individuals use Self-Direction in a way that best suits their individual needs,” said DDS Commissioner Jordan Scheff.  “Kyle and Annalee are wonderful examples of individuals who are living their best, most independent lives, fully empowered to direct their supports as they see fit.”

The video series is part of a DDS system-wide effort, known as STEP, to transform its programs and services to focus on providing supports that allow individuals with intellectual disability to live more full, independent lives of their own choosing in home or other community-based settings. At the same time, STEP will continue to support individuals with higher levels of need in group home and other congregate settings.

The STEP videos and other resources available to individuals and families will be available through the DDS STEP website, distributed directly to DDS’ provider partners and other community organizations, and posted to DDS’ social media platforms.

STEP is part of a larger transformational initiative being undertaken by DDS in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using funds made available to the states by Congress through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), DDS is working with providers across the state to fundamentally shift and expand the continuum of supports to serve as many individuals as possible in the most independent setting possible. By providing Community Companion Homes and supports to individuals who can live and work more independently, DDS will be able to lessen the reliance on group homes, conserving beds for higher-needs individuals, and reduce waitlists for services.  

Link to the Self-Direction video with English captioning: https://youtu.be/1yK7A0Aotso 
 
Link to the Self-Direction video with Spanish captioning: https://youtu.be/vm0EZQ0QtTU 

To learn more about STEP visit: www.ct.gov/STEP


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