Governor Rell: State Seeking Organizations to

Increase Employment for Individuals With Disabilities

Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today that through its Connect-Ability initiative, Connecticut is offering up to $2 million in funding to non-profit agencies, employers, schools and other organizations to plan and implement creative ways to help people with disabilities join the workforce. 

“Connect-Ability focuses on ability, not disability,” said Governor Rell. “Our employers are recognizing that the individual qualities of workers, regardless of whether they have a disability, are keys to a successful business. Helping everyone to see the ability in current or prospective employees is the message we are sending.”

The Department of Social Services’ Bureau of Rehabilitation Services is requesting qualification submissions from organizations that address school-to-work transition (for high school students) and recruitment, hiring and promotion of individuals with disabilities.

Qualified organizations must address transportation related to the chosen priority and also demonstrate how they can develop and implement local-level strategic plans that will extend the reach of the state’s recently-launched Connect-Ability initiative, which is addressing barriers to employment for people with disabilities.

The Department anticipates awarding up to ten contracts to successful bidders – up to $200,000 each for the development and implementation of local-level strategic plans.  The contracts will consist of two phases.  The planning phase is anticipated to begin on April 1, 2008, and end up to six months later.  The implementation phase will begin upon Department approval of resulting strategic plans and end on December 31, 2009.

Announced by Governor Rell and Social Services Commissioner Michael P. Starkowski in June, the Connect-Ability initiative will range from a social marketing campaign to encourage Connecticut employers in the hiring of able job-seekers with disabilities to specific measures designed to place job-seekers with employers.

“Connect-Ability began as a federal grant, but its success depends on the how well we can work together in a public/private partnership,” said Amy Porter, Connect-Ability project director for the state.   “We’re eager to facilitate connections between employers and able employees.  We encourage organizations, coalitions and/or collaborations with experience to review our Request for Qualifications. We also invite people who have ideas to improve the way students with disabilities can transition to college and jobs. These local initiatives will help us achieve Connect-Ability goals in a more meaningful way.”

Copies of the Connect-Ability Strategic Planning Initiative RFQ and instructions for applicants may be obtained at www.ct.gov/dss/lib/dss/pdfs/connectabilityrfq.pdf.

Mandatory Letters of Intent are due no later than November 14, 2007, at 3 p.m.  Sealed proposals must be received at the Department of Social Services in Hartford no later than December 12, 2007, at 3 p.m.  

Visit at www.Connect-Ability.com or call toll-free 1-866-844-1903.