The Connecticut PCA program is a product of the Independent Living Movement, which evolved from the Civil Rights/Disability Rights movement in the United States. The Connecticut PCA waiver program began in 1996 and has since evolved into what is today. Through this program, consumers can employ their own staff and take control of their own care. Therefore, these consumers are known as consumer-employers. These consumer-employers hire Personal Care Attendants, or PCAs, to assist with many aspects of their daily lives.

The PCA Orientation Program at the 1199 Training Fund was established by the collective bargaining agreement between the State of Connecticut PCA Workforce Council and SEIU District 1199 NE. Attending a PCA orientation is a condition of employment (mandatory) for any PCA hired on or after January 1, 2015.

Over the years, collective bargaining agreements have also allowed funding for voluntary trainings for PCAs to expand their knowledge and skills.