The DDS Step Initiative is a Step in Right Direction

In what has been a massive effort, the state of Connecticut is trying to move people out of traditional group home settings into more integrated, community-based living settings, and they are doing so through the Department of Developmental Services Supporting Transformation to Empower People Initiative, better known as the “DDS STEP Initiative.” Whether that living setting be an apartment or shared living, Connecticut wants to support more independence in the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities community. Within the last year, the Dungarvin Connecticut team has been recognized as being at the forefront of this initiative – cited as a model for other agencies to follow.

Connecticut State Director, Robert Gallant, and Area Director, Melissa Mascari, have developed a plan that identifies barriers to independent living and what it will take to move past those obstacles allowing more people to succeed. They have been invited to share their plans by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) at Town Hall meetings. Late last year, Dungarvin presented to fellow providers further identifying tactics they have employed to successfully place more individuals in independent settings.

Dungarvin Connecticut has identified 16 individuals with whom they are working closely, as well as their families, seeking opportunities for greater independence through this program. The DDS STEP Initiative is financed by the State’s Department of Developmental Services.

“It’s nice because the incentives are great, but it also eliminates barriers for people like security deposits, moving expenses, and anything that could diminish their chances for success,” said Mascari.

“We keep individuals involved in the process, so they understand this is not happening to them, it’s happening with them and for them,” said Mascari. “But when individuals feel overwhelmed, we break it down even further and slow down the process. It can move as fast or slow as it needs in order to meet an individual’s needs.”

The process looks like this: Dungarvin meets with the team, lies out what the individual needs or wants to achieve to get to that next step of independence. (For example, this could mean learning more about an individual’s medications, administrating said medications themself, etc…) All scenarios are prepared for in terms of what they may need, so the individual supported may become more independent in the process of getting ready for that next step.

Beyond people, new technology will support this process. Gallant says one person’s journey will not be the same as another.

“We have everything from door chimes, portable med-minders (so they can take their meds wherever they go,) technology that confirms teeth have been brushed, to two-way video screens so individuals can talk to staff if needed,” said Gallant. “It’s a very person-centered process, as we have numerous assessments that are completed.” (The Connecticut team has partnered with sister-company Syngistix for them to provide helpful technology, help answer questions and sit in on team meetings to develop assistive tech plans for the individuals.)

The technology has proven helpful for individuals who have never lived in an environment on their own with no attending staff. Especially during overnight hours, persons supported can feel vulnerable when alone for the first time, so technology provides the ability to contact staff and feel supported face to face.

“The whole process is exciting because it’s something new and it’s nice to see in-home supports grow to support individuals’ independence,” exclaimed Mascari. She continued to say, “This initiative complements Dungarvin Connecticut’s goals to empower individuals who want to live more independently.”

To learn more about Dungarvin Connecticut and our services, please visit our website https://www.dungarvin.com/locations/connecticut/.