Are you a state agency?
No, Oak Hill is a private nonprofit organization. Oak Hill is a community provider with the State of Connecticut’s Departments of Developmental Services, Social Services and Children and Families and is a recognized vendor by the Home and Community Based Services Waiver. Oak Hill also has service contracts with school districts and the Department of Public Health.
Our legal name is the Connecticut Institute for the Blind, Inc., d/b/a Oak Hill, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.
Do you only provide services to people with visual impairments or blindness?
No, we provide services to children and adults with developmental, intellectual and physical disabilities, specializing in people with multiple disabilities, which include visual impairments. Oak Hill also has programs that specifically serve people who are visually impaired and blind.
Do you have locations outside of Hartford?
Yes, we have programs throughout the state.
What are self-directed services?
The State of Connecticut’s Home and Community Based Services (Comprehensive Waiver and Individual and Family Supports Waiver) through the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is designed to help people with disabilities and their families choose and design an individualized program that will encourage growth, independence and quality of life.
Is Oak Hill recognized by the state as a community vendor in this waiver program?
Yes. Individual and Family Supports Center at Oak Hill provides a full range of supports for individuals with developmental disabilities delivered by highly qualified and trained healthcare professionals. Program features: in-home supports; day service supports; comprehensive (24 hours/7 days a week) residential programs; and a wide range of living and employment options.
What is assistive technology?
Assistive Technology is frequently abbreviated to “AT”; which refers to devices and services that are used to increase, maintain or improve a person’s ability to function in any aspect of their life. This includes but is not limited to: communication, learning, productivity, mobility, and independence.
Assistive technology effectively eliminates learning and or access barriers, helping people accomplish tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible. An individual with low vision can read using a device that enlarges text; a individual with autism can use special noise-cancelling headphones to reduce sensory distraction; or someone with communication challenges can use iPad apps specially designed to improve language.
Oak Hill School
What type of child is educated at Oak Hill School?
Oak Hill students have a variety of disabilities, and the services they receive are outlined in the school’s Individual Educational Plan (IEP). Oak Hill serves children 3 to 21 years of age with significant cognitive impairments and multiple disabilities. We have classrooms for elementary, middle school, high school, and transition students. The Oak Hill School is state approved private special education school.
What types of educational curriculum or programs do you offer?
Our curriculum focuses on functional academics, life skills and community programs that meet the needs of our children, based upon the student’s Individual Educational Plan (IEP) goals. We specialize in developing a creative and individualized educational program for each of our students.
Where is Oak Hill School?
The Oak Hill School has 11 classrooms located within public schools and community sites throughout northern Connecticut. Classroom locations are in Avon, Bristol, Hartford, Hebron, Higganum, New Britain, New Hartford, and Plainville. Both the public school and community sites facilitate functional academics, independent living skills and vocational training; art and music therapy; and integration within the community.
Is it a residential school?
No, the Oak Hill School is a day school (Monday through Friday) and is open year round (250 days a year). Oak Hill does provide community-based housing for children with disabilities.
Who are the people who work with my child?
We have a dedicated staff who function as a team to best meet the needs of the students. The multi-disciplinary team consists of the special education teacher, SLP, OT, PT, RN/LPN, behavior specialist, and the consulting psychiatrist, as well as the paraprofessionals and teaching assistants.
Are your teachers, therapists and medical professionals trained and licensed?
Yes, Oak Hill teachers, therapists and medical professionals are fully certified or licensed by the State of Connecticut. All of our staff is highly educated and qualified, and receive additional professional development and training annually by Oak Hill.
What is your staffing ratio (teacher to student)?
Oak Hill School staffs their classrooms with a 2:1 student to teacher ratio, which is exceptional.
Does Oak Hill School comply with Title IX of the United States Education Amendments?
Oak Hill complies fully with Title IX of the United States Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibit sex discrimination in educational programs. Oak Hill School does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs including: recruitment, admissions, instructional materials, physical education, therapeutic services, recreational activities, vocational preparation, or employment.
Can I visit Oak Hill School?
Yes, we offer parent tours, and our referral team can help you set up a visit to an appropriate program.
Does Oak Hill School have access to technology and adaptive devices?
Yes, the Oak Hill School has access to the latest technological advances serving the needs of students with multiple disabilities, including Assistive Technology Specialists from the Oak Hill’s Integrated Center and assistive technology team.
How do I enroll my child in Oak Hill School?
Your child must receive a student referral from the school district where the child resides. The referral is made at your child’s Pupil Planning Team (PPT) meeting. Your child’s educational team, (which includes you, your child’s teachers, therapists, and school administration) make the recommendation to receive educational services with the Oak Hill School.
To learn more, please call the Oak Hill School Office at: 860.769.3891 or email: attendoakhillschool@oakhillct.org
Oak Hill’s Integrated Center – Assistive Technology Services
What services do you provide?
We provide a variety of assistive technology services including evaluation, consultation, individualized training, professional development and webinars, as well as a technology lending library, mobile smart home demonstration center, and adaptive gaming services.
Is there a fee to access Assistive Technology (AT) services?
Membership, which includes access to our extensive technology lending library and webinar offerings, is free for individuals who have disabilities, and their family members. Paid memberships are also available for professionals, provider organizations, nonprofits, businesses, and school districts.
AT services such as evaluation, consultation, individualized training, professional development does include a fee for service. Although, through partnerships with organizations and state agencies, services are often subsidized and at no cost to the individual with a disability.
Where are Assistive Technology services conducted?
Our location is within Oak Hill’s Integrated Center at 33 Coventry St. Hartford, CT 06112. All of our services are by appointment only and are typically conducted in the individual’s natural environment, whether that be at school, home, work or within the community. However, we do provide some services such as the technology lending library and smart home tours from our location.
Oak Hill’s Integrated Center – Durable Medical Equipment Reuse Services
What services do you provide?
Our Durable Medical Equipment Reuse services are one of a kind in the state of CT; it is a place to donate or buy gently-used adaptive or durable medical equipment at the fraction of what it would cost new.
Can I donate my gently used durable medical equipment and will you come pick it up?
Yes, Oak Hill accepts most gently used durable medical equipment and will arrange for pick up from your home or business. There may be a fee and that fee is determined by distance from our location. Your donation is also tax-deductible. For more information please email: CentersConnect@oakhillct.org
Oak Hill Services
What resources are available for individuals with visual impairments?
There are many resources: agencies, products, web sites, and support groups are available to help individuals maintain their independence. To learn more, email CentersConnect@oakhillct.org.
What services does Oak Hill offer for individuals with vision loss?
At present, Oak Hill offers assistance in finding needed services (rehabilitation, housing, transportation, community support), while also providing assistive technology services and individualized training opportunities. To learn more, email CentersConnect@oakhillct.org.