Connecting Families
Birth to Three
“Early Intervention” refers to a national program for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. It was created in 1986 under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). In Connecticut early intervention services — all the supports that children under three might need to grow and develop — are provided through the Birth-to-Three Program.
Information about the Birth-to-Three Program can be found here. Additional information describing how early intervention can help a child is available from the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities.
Connecticut Department of Developmental Services
The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is the government agency in Connecticut that oversees service delivery to people with developmental disabilities in the state. Although it does deliver some services itself, in recent years it has been moving away from that model of operation:
The Department of Developmental Services’ mission is to join with others to create the conditions under which all the people we serve experience:
- Presence and participation in Connecticut town life
- Opportunities to develop and exercise competence
- Opportunities to make choices in the pursuit of a personal future
- Good relationships with family members and friends
- Respect and dignity
Most people who have Down syndrome will qualify to be a DDS client. The diagnosis alone, however, does not guarantee eligibility. You must apply for services and be approved by the department. Applications can be requested on the DDS website, where you will find additional information about the application process.
If you do not have a case manager, you can call the DDS helpline in your region for assistance.
North Region: 1-877-437-4577
South Region:1-877-437-4567
West Region: 1-877-491-2720
If you need to verify what region your town is in, DDS provides a town finder on its website.