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GOV. MALLOY ANNOUNCES DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES COMMISSIONER TERRENCE MACY TO DEPART FROM THE AGENCY IN JANUARY
(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that he has been informed by Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Commissioner Terrence W. Macy that he intends to resign from state service effective January 7, 2015.
"The State of Connecticut and the Department of Developmental Services strive to partner with individuals and their families to create and promote meaningful opportunities for our residents to fully participate as valued members of their communities. Commissioner Macy's leadership has helped DDS carry out this core mission, particularly serving persons with intellectual disabilities and autism," Governor Malloy said. "I appreciate his service to the state and thank him for what he has provided in this core function of state government."
Governor Malloy appointed Commissioner Macy to the position
in April 2011
. Prior to assuming the position, he served as the Executive Director of SARAH Tuxis Residential & Community Resources, Inc., where he led efforts to provide support to individuals with disabilities along the central Connecticut shoreline.
"It has been an honor to have been chosen by Governor Malloy to lead this large state agency serving persons with intellectual disability and autism," Commissioner Macy said. "I am proud of the agency's many accomplishments over the past nearly four nears. As I began, we created a comprehensive five-year plan, and I am happy to report that to date, many of the 25 goals have been accomplished or are well on their way. It has been a privilege to work along so many talented and extraordinary individuals, including our agency staff, persons supported by DDS, their families, staff from other state agencies, and our private and public providers."
DDS serves over 19,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities, including over 4,000 infants and toddlers.
During Commissioner Macy's service with the agency, DDS has had many notable accomplishments, including:
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Substantial increase in the number of self-advocates and families involved in the development of the agency's future services. In 2011, the agency had approximately 220 active self-advocates, and today it has over 800, all of whom have been trained to exercise their rights. They have been making their voices heard regarding many issues, particularly employment. DDS staff have been working with 35 family advocacy groups to provide them with a forum where they can develop common advocacy goals and strategies.
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Expansion of the DDS autism program from a very small pilot program to two waiver programs that is on track to begin screening thousands of children through an amendment to the state Medicaid plan. The expansion of autism services is overseen by a very active and professional Autism Council consisting of some of the state's leading autism experts.
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Conversion of the DDS legacy systems of service to be more person-centered and cost-effective. The agency has moved to reduce its reliance on institutional and other congregate settings, while smaller and more responsive kinds of settings are being developed to take their place. An innovative program known as the Living the Mission Mentoring Protect is allowing eight private agencies to be innovative and creative in developing new types of supports.
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Implementation this year of a $4 million state allocation to begin supporting at least 100 people off of the DDS residential waiting list. To date, nearly 70 individuals have been allocating funding by the regional Planning and Resource Allocation Teams (PRAT) and at least 30 individuals have started services to date. In total, regional staff are actively engaged with over 90 individuals and their families in the planning process for supports and services thank to this new funding. These services and supports will have a significant positive impact on the lives of these individuals and their families.
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State institutions overseen by the agency are shrinking. Southbury's census was 440 when Commissioner Macy began his service with DDS, and today 318 people live there - soon to be reduced by another 40 who have homes being constructed. Forty more are actively in the planning process. Similarly, the agency's five regional centers have reduced their census and plans are in place to begin closing individual buildings on various campuses.
Governor Malloy will announce a successor to serve as Developmental Services Commissioner in the coming weeks. The Governor is scheduled to be sworn into a second term in office on January 7, 2015.
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For Immediate Release: December 22, 2014
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