Finding the Right Fit For CT's Workers

The Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is slated to review the most recent draft of its Five-Year Plan in coming weeks. The Plan addresses the needs of DDS clients employed in sheltered workshops, or places like VARCA, Inc. in Derby that provide work opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.

But while VARCA representatives have the Plan could bring, DDS Director of Communications Joan Barnish said the state is not looking to totally eliminate the facility and all its jobs. Rather, they are seeking to find the best employment fit for each person.

"There is nothing in the plan about individuals losing their job. The goal is to increase competitive employment," Barnish said. "National trend, the core indicators—everything is leading in that direction, this is not something new that we made up or anything like that. This is a national statistic that [says] it’s better for people with disabilities to work in competitive employment."

In other words, yes, under the Five-Year Plan some intellectually disabled people could lose their positions at VARCA and similar state sheltered workshops. DDS would then find those individuals jobs in the community and, in some cases, provide them with coaches to ease the transition.

Barnish said DDS uses a "level of need tool" to determine what kind of services a client will need and to prioritize their resources. There are currently about 500 people in sheltered workshops, "and about half of them have a low level of need" whereas others require full-time care, she said.

Barnish said DDS is looking at individuals across the board, not just in sheltered workshops. "We aren't targeting anyone. Our concern is for the services that would fit someone's needs."