Our Story
In 2003 John Esteved founded the Disability Resource Network, LLC. out of his van. At the time John worked with students in highschools in southern CT as a mentor who helped teach them self-advocacy, how to access their community, and helped make plans for post-secondary education.
Disability Resource Network, Inc. was granted 501(c)(3) status to become a nonprofit dedicated to peoples with disabilities. DRN opened our first branch in Ansonia, CT and began providing Alternative Education, Transition Supports, and Benefits Counseling.
DRN became a certified provider for the Department of Developmental Services. DRN also opened a Bridgeport branch of the company.
DRN purchased, renovated and moved into our Derby building which houses our Derby Day Program, Derby Alternative Education Program, and Derby Transition Center. This location is considered the headquarters of the company.
Meet our dedicated Staff
Disability Resource Network, Inc. is proud to have built a team with diverse backgrounds and skill sets.
Founder and Executive Director
John became disabled in 1993 due to an automobile accident at 27 years old and is a wheelchair user. His eldest son was also born with a disability and required special education services at school. After years fighting for his son and navigating benefits available for people with disabilities, John founded DRN to help others achieve independence, educate parents about their rights, and connect people to the services available to them. .
In 2017 John was honored from Senator Blumenthal, in 2016 he was honored with the Educator of the Year award from the WeCare Organization, and in the past was the awarded Mentor of the Year, the Governor's Public Service Award, and the Spirit of the ADA Award.
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As John's daughter, Jessica watched her father navigate the challenges of the newly disabled and go on to found DRN. Jessica earned her Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Sacred Heart University in 2010 and her Juris Doctorate from Quinnipiac University School of Law in 2018. Jessica worked with individuals as a paraprofessional then later as group direct care staff and a one to one for a high need individual until being transferred into the administrative office as an assistant
After working as a paraprofessional in a local high school, Luis joined the DRN team in 2008 and helped build our Alternative Education program. Luis helps connect with students from diverse backgrounds and helps them navigate their way to adulthood.
In 2017 Luis received the Educator of the Year Award from the WeCare Organization and was honored with an award from Senator Richard Blumenthal.
Jay began his career at DRN as a paraprofessional for a group of teenagers with intellectual disabilities, later became a one to one staff for a high need individual, and worked his way to Program Manager. Jay oversees our Derby DDS Day Program as well as some of our other ancillary supports such as In Home Supports, Personal Supports, etc..
JC began his career at DRN as a direct care staff for a group of DDS individuals, later became a one to one staff for a high need individual, and is now the co-program manager in our Bridgeport location.
Stacie began her career with DRN as direct care staff for a group of DDS individuals, later became a one to one staff for a high need individual, and then served as the administrative assistant for a number of years at our Derby Day Program. She transferred to our Bridgeport location and is the co-program manager.