What is connections?

Our services are designed for individuals who have been diagnosed with an intellectual and/or developmental disability. This includes individuals with mild-severe intellectual disability, Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and other developmental disabilities. Typically, participants join our programs after graduating high school. 

Our services are covered by the Virginia state Waiver program (Community Living & Family/Individual Support). Individuals who have been assigned a waiver spot can choose to participate in our programs without any cost to them.

We accept self-pay for participants who are interested in attending Connections but who do not have a waiver spot. The rate for self-pay is $18/hour. Prior to starting we will schedule an intake meeting with you to gather the information needed. 

Typically, families and caregivers schedule a time to come to the Connections center for a tour. This is a time for us to answer any questions you may have and to make sure that our programs would be a good fit for you. If you would like to move forward with attending, you can then speak with your case manager who will submit a formal referral (available on this website) and schedule a time for a shared planning meeting. At the meeting we will identify the team goals for the participant during their time at Connections, set a schedule for attending, and plan a start date. It takes about 2 weeks from the time of the meeting to the start date, to allow for the service to be approved in the waiver system.

Our staff are trained in medication administration and can give medications that have been prescribed by a doctor to participants when they are with us. To do so, we will need medications to be in their original packaging and be accompanied by a doctor's order with administration guidelines.

Our programming is developed by a Licensed Behavior Analyst. The Service Manager will be your go-to for service participation from the beginning and is a great resource for any questions or concerns you may have during your time with us. The center is overseen by a knowledgeable supervisor who plans and schedules a variety of activities and events each day. Although the regulations say that we could have a ratio of 1 Direct Support Professional (DSP) to 7 participants, we aim to keep our ratios much lower (4:1) to allow for a higher quality of care. 

The Connections staff receive intensive and ongoing positive behavioral strategies and supports that align with that of a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), with an emphasis on working with older adolescents and adults. 

We are excited to offer the opportunity for adolescents in high school (age 14+) to join program for the summer months when they are out of school. We are hopeful that in the future we will have the accommodations to be able to support elementary and middle-school aged children during this time as well. 

We do not offer transportation to/from the Connections center, however there are many Medicaid-funded transportation companies available in our area that can help with this. You or your case manager can set this up. 

We are located within the Pulaski County Youth Center. When you arrive, drive through the parking lot and around to the back. You'll see the Connections sign and vans. There is a handicapped entrance there.