Longtime Rehabilitation Dept Worker

Named New Commissioner

HARTFORD — Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced Dr Amy Porter of Coventry will serve as director of the newly merged state Bureau of Rehabilitative Services during a brief ceremony January 17.

The bureau is a new agency created last year through the consolidation of several state offices, including the former Department of Social Services (DSS) Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, the State Board of Education & Services for the Blind, the Commission on Deaf & Hearing Impaired, and portions of the Workers’ Compensation Commission and Department of Motor Vehicles.

Dr Porter, who has 20 years of experience in the field of rehabilitation, currently heads the new office’s Rehabilitation Services Division. Prior to that, she was director of the DSS Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, which is now the Rehabilitation Services Division and is one of the state offices consolidated into this new agency.

She has a doctorate in rehabilitation counseling from Boston University and is a certified rehabilitation counselor.

“Amy has a sharp knowledge and understanding of the important programs for citizens with disabilities under the responsibility of this newly merged agency,” Gov Malloy said. “Especially as the office continues to undergo its transition, I’m confident that she will lead this merger in a way that continues to benefit those who receive its services while also ensuring that it efficiently and resourcefully meets its goals.”

“The creation of the new Bureau of Rehabilitative Services provides an exciting opportunity to realign disability services in Connecticut,” Dr Porter said. “With the deep roots of each of the programs coming together in the new bureau, we have tremendous experience to draw upon to create a new vision for disability services and supports. I am honored to help lead this effort, and look forward with optimism to the work ahead.”

DSS Commissioner Rod Bremby had served as the new bureau’s acting director since the consolidated agency launched on July 1, 2011. Commissioner Bremby stated, “During the transition, the bureau’s programs have continued to operate without interruption and have been successful in delivering appropriate and timely services. I look forward to continuing working with Amy in her new capacity as director of this vital agency.”