Navigate New England Access

A Guide To State and Family Support Resources

Navigating Disability Services in New England: A Guide to State Support & Family Resources

Families seeking disability services in New England must navigate various state systems to access support. This guide provides a breakdown of available resources in each state, including grants, Medicaid waivers, and Family Support Centers.

General Steps for All New England States

  1. Determine Eligibility – Contact your state’s disability agency and review the eligibility criteria.
  2. Apply for Services – Complete the application and submit necessary documentation (medical, psychological, and educational reports).
  3. Meet with a Case Manager – Once approved, a case manager will help create an Individualized Service Plan (ISP).
  4. Find Family Support Services – Identify Family Support Centers for respite care, financial aid, and other resources.
  5. Explore Funding and Grants – Apply for available grants and funding programs.
  6. Keep Records – Maintain a digital and printed copy of all applications, approvals, and service plans.

Family Support Centers: What They Are & Why They Matter

Family Support Centers (FSCs) are local organizations that assist individuals with disabilities and their families by offering resources such as respite care, advocacy, and training. Unlike state disability agencies (DDS), which focus on funding and eligibility determination, FSCs provide direct, hands-on support to help families navigate services.

Key Services Provided by FSCs:

  • Respite Care – Temporary relief for caregivers
  • Advocacy & Guidance – Assistance with applications, benefits, and legal matters
  • Workshops & Training – Education on financial planning, guardianship, and more
  • Support Groups – Emotional support for parents, siblings, and caregivers
  • Social & Recreational Activities – Inclusive events for individuals with disabilities
  • Crisis & Emergency Assistance – Help with urgent financial or caregiving needs
  • Assistive Technology & Home Modifications – Access to necessary equipment and home adaptations

State-by-State Guide to Disability Services & Grants in New England

Connecticut

Agency: Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
🔗 DDS Website

Grants & Funding:

Family Support Centers:
🔗 DDS Family Support Services

Maine

Agency: Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS)
🔗 OADS Website

Grants & Funding:

Family Support Centers:
🔗 Maine Parent Federation

Massachusetts

Agency: Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
🔗 DDS Website

Grants & Funding:

Family Support Centers:
🔗 List of DDS Family Support Centers

New Hampshire

Agency: Bureau of Developmental Services (BDS)
🔗 BDS Website

Grants & Funding:

Family Support Centers:
🔗 List of Regional Family Support Centers

Rhode Island

Agency: Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (BHDDH)
🔗 BHDDH Website

Grants & Funding:

Family Support Centers:
🔗 Family & Community Support

Vermont

Agency: Developmental Disabilities Services Division (DDSD)
🔗 DDSD Website

Grants & Funding:

Family Support Centers:
🔗 Find Local Support

Key Takeaways

  • Each New England state has a Department of Developmental Services (DDS) or equivalent agency that oversees disability services.
  • Family Support Centers (FSCs) offer direct support, respite care, advocacy, and social programs.
  • Medicaid Waivers & State Grants help fund long-term care and assistive services.
  • Keeping digital and printed copies of all applications, approvals, and service plans is essential.

For more personalized assistance, contact your state’s DDS or Family Support Center directly.

NEW ENGLAND'S DISABILITY RESOURCES

Connecticut

State Agencies & Government Resources

Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) Administers Medicaid, disability services, and financial assistance programs.

Connecticut Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) Provides vocational rehabilitation, independent living services, and employment assistance.

Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Offers services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Connecticut Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities Enforces disability rights and advocates for individuals with disabilities.

Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities (CTCDD) Advocates for policies that support individuals with disabilities.

Connecticut Medicaid & HUSKY Health Provides healthcare coverage, including assistive technology and disability-related services.

Education & Advocacy

Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC) Helps families navigate special education, IEPs, and disability rights.

Disability Rights Connecticut (DRCT) Provides legal advocacy and protection for individuals with disabilities.

The Arc Connecticut Advocates for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Connecticut State Department of Education – Special Education
Oversees special education programs and services across the state.

Autism Services & Resources Connecticut (ASRC)
Provides advocacy, education, and support for individuals with autism and their families.

CT Family Support Network
Offers guidance and advocacy for families of individuals with disabilities.

Assistive Technology & AAC Support

Connecticut Tech Act Project (CTTAP) Provides assistive technology device loans, demonstrations, and training.

New England Assistive Technology (NEAT) Center at Oak Hill Offers AAC evaluations, assistive technology support, and adaptive equipment.

Easterseals Capital Region & Eastern Connecticut – Assistive Technology Services Provides assistive technology evaluations, training, and equipment loans.

Yale Child Study Center – AAC & Assistive Technology Program
Specializes in AAC evaluations and therapy for children with communication needs.

UConn Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD)
Offers research, education, and assistive technology support.

Employment & Independent Living

Connecticut Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) – Vocational Rehabilitation Helps individuals with disabilities find and maintain employment.

Connecticut State Independent Living Council (CTSILC) Supports independent living programs and policies for individuals with disabilities.

Connecticut Department of Labor – Disability Employment Services Provides job training and placement for individuals with disabilities.

The Kennedy Collective (formerly The Kennedy Center) Offers employment training and independent living support for people with disabilities.

Independence Northwest – Center for Independent Living Provides peer support, advocacy, and independent living resources.

The WorkPlace – Disability Employment Initiative Helps individuals with disabilities gain meaningful employment.

Chapel Haven Schleifer Center Provides employment, independent living, and life skills training for individuals with disabilities.Recreation & Social Support

Special Olympics Connecticut Offers year-round sports training and competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Gaylord Sports Association Offers adaptive sports programs, including cycling, skiing, and water activities.

Leaps of Faith Adaptive Skiers Provides adaptive water skiing and winter sports for individuals with disabilities.

The Miracle League of Connecticut Offers inclusive baseball and other sports programs for children with disabilities.

The Autism Project Connecticut Provides social skills groups and recreational programs for individuals with autism.

Marc Community Resources Offers social and recreational programs for individuals with disabilities.

High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Provides equine-assisted therapy and recreational horseback riding.

CT Final Notes: Many services require an application or referral, so it’s best to contact organizations directly for details.

If financial assistance is needed, Medicaid or Vocational Rehabilitation (BRS) may help cover some services.

 

Maine

State Agencies & Government Resources

Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Oversees disability services, Medicaid, and long-term care support.

Maine Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) Provides services for individuals with disabilities, including home and community-based supports.

MaineCare (Medicaid) Offers healthcare coverage, including disability-related services and assistive technology.

Maine Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) Helps individuals with disabilities find employment, maintain independence, and access vocational training.

Maine Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) Advocates for policies that support individuals with developmental disabilities.

Maine Parent Federation (MPF) Provides advocacy and support for families of children with disabilities.

Education & Advocacy

Disability Rights Maine (DRM) Provides legal advocacy and protection for individuals with disabilities.

Maine Special Education Services Oversees special education programs and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).

The Autism Society of Maine Provides advocacy, education, and support for individuals with autism and their families.

Speaking Up For Us (SUFU) A self-advocacy group for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Pine Tree Society Provides support and resources for individuals with disabilities, including speech and communication services.

Assistive Technology & AAC Support

Maine CITE – Assistive Technology Program Offers AT device loans, demonstrations, and training.

Pine Tree Society – Communication Pathways Provides AAC evaluations and training.

The Iris Network – Assistive Technology for the Visually Impaired Offers assistive technology training for individuals with vision impairments.

University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies (CCIDS) Provides AT research, resources, and training.

Hear ME Now Supports individuals with hearing loss and provides assistive listening technology.

Employment & Independent Living

Maine Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) – Vocational Rehabilitation Helps individuals with disabilities find and maintain employment.

Maine Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) Supports independent living programs and policies for individuals with disabilities.

Alpha One – Center for Independent Living Provides peer support, advocacy, and independent living resources.

Maine CareerCenters – Disability Employment Services Offers job training and placement for individuals with disabilities.

Goodwill Northern New England – Workforce Services Provides job training and employment assistance for individuals with disabilities.

Work Opportunities Unlimited Offers job coaching and career development services for individuals with disabilities.

Recreation & Social Support

Special Olympics Maine Provides year-round sports training and competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation Offers adaptive sports programs, including skiing, cycling, and paddling.

Pine Tree Camp Provides inclusive summer camp experiences for children and adults with disabilities.

STRIVE (Social & Recreational Programs) Offers social, educational, and independent living programs for young adults with disabilities.

The Iris Network – Social & Support Services Provides support groups and social activities for individuals with visual impairments.

Camp CaPella Offers recreational and camp experiences for individuals with disabilities.

Mobius Inc. – Community & Social Services Provides recreational and community support programs for individuals with disabilities.

Wayfinder Schools – Alternative Education & Social Support Offers alternative education and social support for students with disabilities.

ME Final Notes:

Many services require an application or referral, so it’s best to contact organizations directly for details.

If financial assistance is needed, MaineCare or Vocational Rehabilitation (BRS) may help cover some services.

Massachusetts

State Agencies & Government Resources

Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) Oversees disability services, Medicaid, and other human services programs.

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) Provides vocational rehabilitation, independent living services, and disability determination.

Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Offers services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) Supports individuals who are blind or visually impaired with employment and independent living resources.

Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) Provides communication access, education, and advocacy for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

MassHealth (Massachusetts Medicaid) Offers healthcare services, including disability-related supports and assistive technology coverage.

Education & Advocacy

Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) Provides support for families navigating special education and disability rights.

Disability Law Center (DLC) Offers legal advocacy and protection for individuals with disabilities.

Massachusetts Advocates for Children (MAC) Supports children with disabilities in accessing educational resources and special education services.

Autism Commission of Massachusetts Coordinates services and policies for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

The Arc of Massachusetts Advocates for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL) Provides peer support, advocacy, and resources for individuals with disabilities.

Assistive Technology & AAC Support

Massachusetts Assistive Technology Program (MassMATCH) Provides assistive technology device loans, assessments, and training.

Easterseals Massachusetts – Assistive Technology Services Offers AT assessments, equipment loans, and training for individuals with disabilities.

Boston Children’s Hospital – Augmentative Communication Program Specializes in AAC evaluations and training.

Perkins School for the Blind – Assistive Technology Center Provides AT training and resources for individuals with vision impairments.

University of Massachusetts Medical School – Assistive Technology Center Offers AAC and AT consultations and services.

Employment & Independent Living

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) – Vocational Rehabilitation Helps individuals with disabilities find and maintain employment.

Work Without Limits Connects individuals with disabilities to job training and employers committed to disability inclusion.

The Carroll Center for the Blind Provides job training, independent living skills, and technology support for individuals with vision impairments.

The Polus Center for Social & Economic Development Offers employment and independent living support for individuals with disabilities.

The Massachusetts Statewide Independent Living Council (MASILC) Supports independent living programs and policies for individuals with disabilities.

Disability Resource Center (DRC) Provides independent living resources and advocacy.

Recreation & Social Support

Special Olympics Massachusetts Offers year-round sports training and competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers Provides adaptive sports programs, including cycling, skiing, and water sports.

All Out Adventures Offers inclusive outdoor recreation activities for people of all abilities.

Access Recreation Boston Supports inclusive recreation programs and accessibility in sports.

The Autism Alliance of MetroWest Provides recreational and social programs for individuals with autism and their families.

Pine Tree Camp – Massachusetts Adaptive Summer Camp Offers an overnight camp experience for children and adults with disabilities.

Waypoint Adventure Provides outdoor adventure experiences for individuals with disabilities.

MA Final Notes:

Many services require an application or referral, so it’s best to contact organizations directly for details.

If financial assistance is needed, MassHealth or Vocational Rehabilitation (MRC) may help cover some services.

 

New Hampshire

State Agencies & Government Resources

New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Oversees Medicaid, developmental services, and long-term support programs.

Bureau of Developmental Services (BDS) Provides services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

New Hampshire Medicaid Offers healthcare coverage, including assistive technology and disability-related services.

New Hampshire Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (NHVR) Helps individuals with disabilities find and maintain employment.

New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities (NHCDD) Advocates for policies that support individuals with developmental disabilities.

New Hampshire Governor’s Commission on Disability (GCD) Enforces accessibility laws and promotes disability rights.

Education & Advocacy

New Hampshire Family Voices (NHFV) Provides advocacy and education resources for families of children with disabilities.

Disability Rights Center – New Hampshire (DRC-NH) Offers legal advocacy and protection for individuals with disabilities.

New Hampshire Parent Information Center (PIC) Helps families navigate special education and disability rights.

The Moore Center Provides advocacy and support services for individuals with disabilities.

The Institute on Disability (IOD) at UNH Conducts research, training, and advocacy for disability inclusion.

ABLE NH (Advocates Building Lasting Equality) Advocates for disability rights and accessibility in education and community services.

Assistive Technology & AAC Support

Assistive Technology in New Hampshire (ATinNH) Provides AT device loans, demonstrations, and training.

Crotched Mountain ATECH Services Offers AAC and assistive technology assessments and services.

Granite State Independent Living (GSIL) – Assistive Technology Provides assistive technology support for independent living.

New Hampshire Statewide Assistive Technology Program Offers AAC evaluations, AT loans, and training.

Future In Sight – Assistive Technology for Vision Impairments Provides assistive technology training for individuals with visual impairments.

Employment & Independent Living

New Hampshire Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (NHVR) Helps individuals with disabilities find and maintain employment.

Granite State Independent Living (GSIL) Provides independent living services, peer support, and employment resources.

New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities (NHCDD) Supports programs for self-advocacy, employment, and independent living.

WorkReadyNH Offers job readiness training and employment support for individuals with disabilities.

Community Bridges – Independent Living & Employment Support Provides career development and housing assistance.

Waypoint NH – Disability & Independent Living Support Assists individuals with disabilities in finding housing and employment.

Gateways Community Services Offers employment, independent living, and social programs for individuals with disabilities.

Recreation & Social Support

Special Olympics New Hampshire Provides year-round sports training and competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

New England Disabled Sports (NEDS) Offers adaptive skiing, biking, and water sports programs.

Crotched Mountain Accessible Recreation and Sports (CMARS) Provides adaptive sports and outdoor activities.

Future In Sight – Social & Recreational Programs Offers social programs for individuals with visual impairments.

Camp Allen – Inclusive Summer Camp Provides a camp experience for children and adults with disabilities.

Zebra Crossings Offers recreational and social programs for children with chronic health conditions.

Waypoint NH – Social & Support Programs Provides recreational and peer support programs.

Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country Offers year-round adaptive sports and recreation.

NH Final Notes:

Many services require an application or referral, so it’s best to contact organizations directly for details.

If financial assistance is needed, New Hampshire Medicaid or Vocational Rehabilitation (NHVR) may help cover some services.

 

Rhode Island

State Agencies & Government Resources

Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) – Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS) Provides vocational rehabilitation, disability determination, and independent living programs.

Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) Administers Medicaid and other health-related services for individuals with disabilities.

Rhode Island Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Offers services for individuals with developmental disabilities, including residential and employment support.

Governor’s Commission on Disabilities (GCD) Oversees accessibility initiatives and enforces disability rights policies.

Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (BHDDH) Provides mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorder services.

Education & Advocacy

Rhode Island Parent Information Network (RIPIN) Helps families navigate special education, healthcare, and disability services.

Disability Rights Rhode Island (DRRI) Offers legal advocacy and protection for individuals with disabilities.

Rhode Island Special Education Services Oversees special education programs and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).

Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Council (RIDDC) Advocates for inclusive policies and self-advocacy programs.

Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities at Rhode Island College Provides training, advocacy, and educational support.

Assistive Technology & AAC Support

TechACCESS of Rhode Island Provides assistive technology services, AAC training, and device loans.

Adaptive Telephone Equipment Loan (ATEL) Program Offers free adaptive telephones to individuals with disabilities.

East Bay Educational Collaborative (EBEC) – Assistive Technology Services Supports schools and individuals with AAC and AT needs.

Sherlock Center’s Assistive Technology Services Provides AT assessments and training.

Employment & Independent Living

Rhode Island Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS) – Vocational Rehabilitation Helps individuals with disabilities find and maintain employment.

Rhode Island Center for Independent Living (RICIL) Provides peer support, skills training, and advocacy.

Skills for Rhode Island’s Future Connects individuals with job training and employment opportunities.

Goodwill Industries of Rhode Island – Workforce Development Offers job training and placement services.

Perspectives Corporation Provides employment and independent living support.

Community Provider Network of Rhode Island (CPNRI) Connects individuals with employment and community living resources.

Recreation & Social Support

Special Olympics Rhode Island Offers year-round sports training and competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

RI Adaptive Sports & Recreation Provides adaptive sports programs, including cycling, skiing, and water sports.

Access Recreation Rhode Island Supports inclusive recreation programs.

Flying Kites Rhode Island Provides inclusive social and recreational programs.

The Autism Project – Social Groups & Recreation Offers social skill-building activities and recreational programs.

Shake-A-Leg Newport Offers adaptive sailing and water-based recreation programs.

RI Final Notes:

Many services require an application or referral, so it’s best to contact organizations directly for details.

If financial assistance is needed, Medicaid or Vocational Rehabilitation (ORS) may help cover some services.

 Vermont

State Agencies & Government Resources

Vermont Agency of Human Services (AHS) Oversees health, developmental, and disability services.

Vermont Division of Disability and Aging Services (DDAS) Provides services for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living (DAIL) Offers long-term care, vocational rehabilitation, and developmental disability services.

Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council (VTDDC) Advocates for policies that support individuals with disabilities.

Vermont Center for Independent Living (VCIL) Helps Vermonters with disabilities live independently.

Vermont Medicaid & Health Access Provides Medicaid and health coverage for individuals with disabilities.

Education & Advocacy

Vermont Family Network (VFN) Offers education, support, and advocacy for families with children who have disabilities.

Disability Rights Vermont (DRVT) Provides legal advocacy for individuals with disabilities.

Vermont Special Education Services Oversees special education programs across the state.

Green Mountain Self-Advocates (GMSA A disability rights organization run by people with disabilities.

Vermont Assistive Technology Program (VATP) Provides information and training on assistive technology.

Assistive Technology & AAC Support

Vermont Assistive Technology Program (VATP) Offers assessments, device loans, and training on AT and AAC.

University of Vermont Center on Disability & Community Inclusion (CDCI) Provides AAC and AT services and research.

Communication Training Center (CTC) at Vermont Family Network Supports individuals who need AAC devices.

Howard Center Assistive Technology Services Provides support for communication devices and AT solutions.

Employment & Independent Living

Vocational Rehabilitation Vermont (VR Vermont) Helps individuals with disabilities find and maintain employment.

Vermont Center for Independent Living (VCIL) Provides support for independent living, employment, and peer mentoring.

HireAbility Vermont (formerly VocRehab Vermont) Offers career counseling and job placement services.

Champlain Community Services (CCS) Provides supported employment and independent living services.

Project SEARCH Vermont Offers employment training for young adults with disabilities.

Recreation & Social Support

Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports Provides year-round adaptive sports and recreation programs.

Green Mountain Adaptive Sports (GMAS) Supports inclusive recreational activities.

Special Olympics Vermont Offers sports programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Vermont Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired (VABVI) Provides social and recreation programs for individuals with vision impairments.

Northeast Disabled Athletic Association (NDAA) Offers competitive and recreational sports programs.

Pride Center of Vermont – Disability & LGBTQ+ Support Provides community events and social support for LGBTQ+ individuals with disabilities.

VT Final Notes:

Many services require an application or referral, so it’s best to contact organizations directly for details.

If financial assistance is needed, Medicaid or Vocational Rehabilitation (VR Vermont) may help cover some services.