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Pathways for Inclusive Connection Project
Fostering Social Health for Adults with Developmental Disabilities
Adults with developmental disabilities are 1.5 to 2 times more likely to experience loneliness than their peers, and only 16% are employed. Many face additional barriers, including limited access to programs, transportation challenges, and social stigma.
Meaningful change happens when community voices are centered: listening to what adults, caregivers, and support agencies identify as priorities.
This project empowers adults with developmental disabilities to build and maintain meaningful social connections, enhancing well-being, confidence, and inclusion through practical, evidence-informed strategies developed with community input.
Listening Sessions
In spring 2025, we hosted multiple listening sessions that included adults from across Connecticut with developmental disabilities, their families/caregivers, and support professionals about the ability to develop and sustain friendships and the barriers to social connection.
Action Guides
We are pleased to offer our Action Guides, which provide evidence-informed ideas, recommendations, and strategies to enhance social engagement and community participation for adults with developmental disabilities. Developed with input from self-advocates, caregivers, and support agency professionals, these guides equip stakeholders with practical tools to promote social health, inclusion, and meaningful connections.
Action Guides
Self-Advocate Action Guide
Self-Advocate Action Guide
Self-Advocate Action Guide
This guide provides tips for adults with developmental disabilities to improve their social connectivity.
Caregiver Overview
Self-Advocate Action Guide
Self-Advocate Action Guide
This guide provides an overview of social connection and introduces first steps to help loved ones. We recommend that caregivers start with this overview, then review the Caregiver Action Guide for further strategies.
Caregiver Action Guide
Self-Advocate Action Guide
Caregiver Action Guide
The caregiver action guide provides an overview of social health and sets forth actionable steps to support your loved one's social connectivity.
Community Action Guide
Policy and Programmatic Recommendations
Caregiver Action Guide
Each of us plays a role in helping adults with developmental disabilities build belonging and community. This guide provides everyday tips to assist neighbors with developmental disabilities do just that.
Support Agency Action Guide
Policy and Programmatic Recommendations
Policy and Programmatic Recommendations
Support agency personnel serve a critical role in enabling social connectivity for adults with developmental disabilities. This guide provides practical steps to help your clients build belonging and thrive.
Policy and Programmatic Recommendations
Policy and Programmatic Recommendations
Policy and Programmatic Recommendations
Adults with developmental disabilities face systemic barriers that limit opportunities for meaningful community participation. This document sets forth key barriers identified during our interviews and policy and programmatic recommendations to advance inclusion, independence, and social health.
Resources to improve social connection
Resources
- The Kennedy Collective
https://www.thekennedycollective.org/support-services
Resources for training, employment, and more support services. - Disability Rights Connecticut (DRCT) Resource Center
https://www.disrightsct.org/resource-center
Assistance with social services and advocacy. - MyPlace Connecticut – Social Engagement Opportunities
https://www.myplacect.org/services-and-supports/social-engagement/
Find social activities and community engagement options. - Connecticut DDS – Support Groups for Adults
https://portal.ct.gov/dds/searchable-archive/family/familyconnections/connections-for-adults?language=en_US
Join support groups to connect with others. - UConn UCEDD – General Resources for Disability Organizations
https://uconnucedd.org/disability-organizations/
Helpful links to various disability organizations. - Best Buddies Connecticut
https://www.bestbuddies.org/connecticut/
Programs that help people with disabilities build friendships and skills. - Friendship Community in Avon
https://avon.valleycommunity.cc/groups/group-detail/400608/
A weekly social program focused on friendship and inclusion. - Abilities Without Boundaries – Day Programs in Connecticut
https://abilitieswithoutboundaries.org/awb-day-programs-ct-i-dd/
Day programs supporting social engagement and activities. - Connecticut Adult Day Services
https://portal.ct.gov/ads?language=en_US
Information on adult day services and programs. - Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
https://portal.ct.gov/dds?language=en_US
Main resource for services and support for individuals with developmental disabilities. - Connecticut Social Services for Persons with Disabilities
https://portal.ct.gov/services/health-and-human-services/disability-services/social-services-for-persons-with-disabilities
Information on social and health services for people with disabilities. - Empowered Connection
https://empoweredconnection.us
Resources for personal growth, community involvement, and support for people with disabilities.
Read the full report
Download the full project report here.
