Connecticut DDS says DOJ settlement requires ADA coordinator, launches training for staff and providers

Commissioner Jordan Sheff of the Department of Developmental Services said the agency entered into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice that requires DDS to designate an ADA coordinator and a compliance officer and to ensure training is available to DDS staff and private providers.

The recorded training, presented as "Rights of Supported Individuals under the Americans with Disabilities Act," opened with Sheff saying the settlement ‘‘called for the designation of an ADA coordinator and compliance officer.’’ He told viewers the requirement ‘‘is for DDS to ensure that training is available and provided to all DDS staff as well as private providers.’’

The training identifies the coordinator role as an "ADA informational source, point person for inquiries, conflict resolution, and compliance manager" and says DDS will post notices explaining how individuals supported by the agency and the public may file complaints, request auxiliary aids and contact the coordinator. The recording also calls for placing notices of accommodation and grievance procedures in common areas used by staff and the individuals DDS supports.

The presentation does not record a formal board vote or any other official action; it is framed as an agency announcement and staff training produced by DDS. The recording concludes by directing staff and providers to follow the posted procedures and the designated ADA contact for complaints and accommodation requests.

The training is a recorded deliverable that the commissioner said fulfills a settlement requirement. It does not itself change statute or regulation; it explains agency procedures and resources that DDS says it will provide to meet the DOJ agreement.

The recording ends with a note that it hopes the training was helpful and useful and that staff and providers should follow the posted guidance and contact the ADA coordinator with questions.