About us

Get to know Aging and Disability Services

The mission of Aging and Disability Services (ADS) is: Maximizing opportunities for the independence and well-being of people with disabilities and older adults in Connecticut. We design our programs, policies, and practices to:

Deliver aging and disability services that meet the changing needs of Connecticut’s citizens.
Lead on aging and disability issues statewide.
Coordinate aging and disability programs and services. This includes employment, education, independent living, accessibility, and advocacy.
Advocate for the rights of Connecticut residents with disabilities and older adults.
Serve as a resource on aging and disability issues at the state level.

ADS was first established in 2011 when many existing disability programs were merged into one office. In 2017, Department on Aging became part of ADS. This allowed us to provide more unified services for people with disabilities and older adults in Connecticut.

Find out more about ADS, including our service and administrative bureaus, senior leadership, and more.

Contact ADS

Our core values

Integrity

We interact honestly and fairly with all others, adhering to strong ethics, values and principles.

Respect

We value and recognize others for their unique skills, talents and contributions, and are considerate in all interactions.

Professionalism

We are mindful of our daily conduct and strive to have the highest work standards with a courteous attitude.

Open communication

We encourage the sharing of information and knowledge in an accurate, honest and supportive way.

ADS service bureaus

Aging

We oversee federal and state aging services programs within Connecticut.

Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Services

We provide services for residents who are deaf, DeafBlind, or are hard of hearing to live and work independently.

Disability Determination Services

We determine medical eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income programs.

Education and Services for the Blind

We provide services for residents who are blind, DeafBlind, or have low vision to live and work independently.

Rehabilitation Services

We help people with disabilities to train for work, find a job and thrive in their careers. We also provide services to help them live independently.

Long Term Care Ombudsman Program

Have a concern about a skilled nursing facility, residential care home, or assisted living facility? The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) advocates for residents’ rights, care, and well-being.

Learn more about the LTCOP

Administrative Bureaus and Units

Human Resources >

The HR Unit is tasked with supporting ADS employees and providing guidance when needed.

Legislative and Legal

This includes the Legislative Liaison and the Staff Attorneys, who advise ADS on matters of law and legislation.

Organizational Support

ADS’s primary business unit, supporting all of the agency’s programs with accounting and contracting services.

Public Information and Communications

Your main contact for all ADS outreach: media, social media, and web. This office also handles Freedom of Information requests.

Meet ADS Senior Leadership

Commissioner Amy Porter

Meet Commissioner Amy Porter, the driving force behind ADS. Her leadership reflects our core values of integrity, respect, professionalism, and open communication. Commissioner Amy Porter is committed to enhancing the independence and well-being of Connecticut's disabled and older adults. She has championed innovative approaches and inclusive solutions. Her focus is on honest, fair interactions and recognizing the unique contributions of every individual. Commissioner Porter embodies the spirit of ADS in every endeavor.

Deputy Commissioner Suzette DeBeatham-Brown

Deputy Commissioner Suzette DeBeatham-Brown has over 20 years of municipal, community engagement, and human services experience. This includes work in the non-profit, corporate, state, and religious fields. An award-winning community leader, DeBeatham-Brown has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to engagement and impact through her leadership. She has been influential in the areas of: 

Community development
Municipal leadership
Development for women and youth
Community service and advocacy
Philanthropy

Every day, Deputy Commissioner DeBeatham-Brown draws from the resilience, strength, and determination of her Caribbean heritage and the support of her local community. She brings her strong commitment to aging and disability issues to the state of Connecticut.

Interested in working with ADS?

Check out our Careers page for information on careers with Aging and Disability Services. Find out more about job openings, how to apply, potential career paths, and more.

Explore ADS careers

Advisory Groups

Want to get involved? Join our Advisory Groups! They provide many benefits to ADS and the state of Connecticut by studying issues, plans, and policies, and encouraging open communication and advocacy between the department and the communities we serve. Information on membership can be found on each group’s page.

Advisory Board for Persons who are Blind or Visually Impaired

Serves as an advisory to ADS in fulfilling its responsibilities in providing services to persons who are blind or visually impaired in the state.

BESB Statewide Rehabilitation Council

Advises the Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind Vocational Rehabilitation Program.

BRS State Rehabilitation Council

Works with the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services to improve career outcomes for people with disabilities.

Coalition for Elder Justice

A statewide group working to prevent elder abuse and protect elders. ADS serves on the Coordinating Council.

DeafBlind Advisory Committee

Works to assist ADS to improve services and advocacy for CT’s deafblind community.

Nutrition Stakeholder Group

This group supports ADS administration of senior nutrition programs through the Area Agencies on Aging.

Statewide Committee of Blind Vendors

Supports vendors working with the State of CT owned by those in the blind community.