Leadership and Community Support

Building a Great Life

Building A Great Life examines the case for closing Connecticut’s state institutions that provide congregate residential care for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, many with complex needs who receive a high level of state care and support. Could cost savings realized by closing the Southbury Training School and three regional centers be significant enough to ensure help for the two-thousand Connecticut families on a Department of Developmental Services waiting list for state supports? The one hour documentary explores how the notion of closing state institutions in favor of community living for persons with intellectual disabilities is both a moral and fiscal debate.

Building a Great Life logo

Season 2 - 2022 Webinar Series

Stay tuned for the announcement of the next session of Building a Great Life!

Season 2 – 2022 Webinar Series

  • Special Session - My Journey to Build A Great Life

Season 1 – 2021 Webinar Series

  • The Richness of Living a Life that Includes Risk – February 11, 2021
  • Risk and Dignity of Risk: Personal Stories and Strategies – March 4, 2021
  • Building a Livable Community through Friendships, Relationships, and Belonging – April 1, 2021
  • Financial Literacy: Benefits, ABLE Accounts, and More – May 6, 2021
  • Overview of Employment: Policies and Practices – June 3, 2021
  • Building a Great Life By Understanding Employment Opportunities in Connecticut – July 1, 2021
  • Building a Great Life By Understanding Housing Rights: Part One – August 5, 2021
  • Building a Great Life By Understanding Housing Options and Strategies – August 12, 2021
  • Advocating for a Great Life – September 9, 2021

Overview of Employment: Policies and Practices

The following are links to websites that contain many additional references for those wishing to learn more!

Charting the LifeCourse

What is LifeCourse?

Specific tools for families to use when exploring, planning, and problem-solving when thinking about a family member

Specific tools for a person to explore or plan their Good Life

Life Experience Guides organized by different life stages