Welcome to Michael's Page

This page is dedicated to the late Michael J. Richards M.A., Ed.M. who served as the State Director of Connecticut for over two decades. He had been with The Institute since 1985, initially filling the role as the New Hampshire State Director and then moving to Connecticut to direct the services in that state. He was responsible for the over all operation of The Institute's programs in Connecticut and was a member of the agencies senior managers team in Vermont. Under his direction, The Institute in Connecticut has grown into a comprehensive service vender and is recognized for it's excellence in service delivery to people with disabilities and children in need. Michael received his M.A. in Philosophy from SUNY Albany, his M.A. in Education from Johnson State College and his Ed.M. in Reading, Language and Learning Disabilities from Harvard. Among his areas of interest were mediation and the negotiation process. Michael's absence will leave a great void in our hearts, but his vision for service excellence will endure through the work of those who shared his commitment and values.

Michael Jay Richards
In Memoriam
(1954-2010)

It has been nearly a year since the death of Michael Richards our longtime CT State Director.  It has been a difficult year for many of us who continue to proceed through a grieving process for the man we saw as our Mentor, Visionary and Friend. Those of us who worked closely with Michael for many years feel his presence each and every day both in our personal as well as our professional lives.  We hear his voice encouraging us to "be the best we can be" for ourselves and for the clients we serve. Michael would be proud to know that we are moving forward as he hoped we would.  And that we will continue to carry the lessons he taught us - both as our leader, as well as through his example - into IPPI's future here in Connecticut. Michael, although we still miss you terribly, please know that your influence will be felt for many years to come.

March 2010 

ICF Day Program formally renamed "Michael's Place" in a permanent tribute

 (Note: if you have any special memories or photos that you would like to share on Michael's Page please forward to slagasse@ippi.org )