CDAC “Enhancing the effectiveness of disability activism by organizing and empowering individuals, families, groups, and organizations!” Empowerment! Opportunity! Justice! July-August, 2010 Bulletin To include information in next month’s Bulletin please contact us! Stan Kosloski, 860-614-8351 or StanKosloski@ct-dac.org Jayne Kleinman, 203-631-4800 or JayneKleinman@ct-dac.org Website: http://www.ct-dac.org/contactus.htm In This Issue ------------- ADA Anniversary Celebrations This Month An update on the 2010 Disability Convention and Expo Southbury case settled Juried artists exhibition continues BIAC to offer art exhibit in September DDS offers employment conference on July 21 BRS Council to meet on July 21 Low income adults to be included in Medicaid New statewide emergency alert system kicks off UHart conducting PT study UCEDD and Kennedy Center hosting workshop P&A releases annual Legislative Report News from Disability.gov Contents -------- Watch your in-box for a special announcement about special plans being put in place for the 2010 Disability Convention and Expo! ADA Anniversary Commemorations This Month ----------------------------------------- A number of events are taking place this month commemorating the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): The ADA Coalition of Connecticut, Inc. (ADACC) cordially invites you to: The ADA at 20: Dreams Delivered, Dreams Deferred A reception to recognize the Twentieth Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act and those who have been key in making the ADA work in Connecticut and The premier showing of ADACC’s informative and exciting video: “The 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Human Rights in Progress”, which reviews reasons for the ADA, highlights some accomplishments we have achieved, and issues a call to action from the current status. Honorary Chairperson of Event and Keynote Speaker: Former Governor and U.S. Senator Lowell P. Weicker, Jr., a chief architect of the ADA Date: Monday, July 26, 2010 Place: Legislative Office Building - Room 2-C Time: 2:30 p.m. Program to be followed by a reception with light refreshments in the LOB Atrium Please RSVP by contacting Lisa Caron, ADACC Project Director, at 860-297-4383 or adacoalition@sbcglobal.net by July 22. State Judicial Branch to Celebrate ADA Anniversary -------------------------------------------------- The State of Connecticut Judicial Branch will celebrate “Possibilities, a 20th Anniversary Commemoration of the Americans with Disabilities Act”, which will feature art work by adults with disabilities from July 26 – September 13 in the Jury Assembly Room at the Middlesex Judicial District Courthouse, 1 Court Street, Middletown. An Opening Reception is set for July 26 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. If you wish to attend RSVP to ada.program@jud.ct.gov by July 22. SERC to Celebrate ADA Anniversary --------------------------------- The State Education Resource Center (SERC) will host open house commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on Monday, July 26 from 9:00 to 11:00 am at the SERC offices, 25 Industrial Park Road, Middletown.  Refreshments will be served. Please R.S.V.P. by Thursday, July 22 to Karyn Champion-Kamm at champion@ctserc.org or 860-632-1485, ext. 225. Contact Sally Esposito, ADA Coordinator, at esposito@ctserc.org or 860-632-1485, ext.379, for disability-related accommodations. An update on the 2010 Disability Convention and Expo ---------------------------------------------------- The 2010 Disability Convention and Expo is set for Saturday, August 28, 2010 at the CT Expo Center, 265 Reverend Moody Overpass in Hartford (off I-91, Exit 33). Doors will open at 10 am and close at 4 pm. There is no charge to attend, and parking is free. The Candidates’ Forum: This year’s event promises to be particularly interesting as there are no incumbents in the running for Governor, U.S. Senate, Attorney General, and Secretary of State. All offices will be filled with newcomers, and at this point, all the races promise to be close. Candidates for these offices will receive a special invitation to attend, as will candidates for the five Congressional seats that will also be on the ballot in November. Although all candidates have been invited, the Collaborative is focusing its energies on the Governor’s race. The Exposition: The deadline for any agency, organization, or business to register for a booth at the event is Saturday, July 24. In the past exhibitors have included durable medical equipment providers, technology businesses, van modification companies, private service providing agencies, advocacy organizations, and state agencies. If you are a part of an entity that fits with any of these descriptions, make sure your business, agency, or organization is there – go to: www.ct-dac.org and download an exhibitor’s booth registration form. Through the courtesy of the Connect-Ability project, this year’s Convention and Expo will feature a section devoted to employment. Plans are being finalized, so stay tuned for a special announcement in the near future. Other Features of the 2010 Disability Convention and Expo As in the past, funds will be made available to agencies and organizations that would like to help transportation disadvantaged people to attend the Expo. A $200 stipend will be offered and mileage costs reimbursed for any agency or organization that transports at least four individuals with disabilities to the event. This is a great opportunity designed to overcome one of the biggest barriers individuals must overcome to attend statewide events. Check out our web site for a copy of the form. The Collaborative also wishes to thank the following organizations for their support: * Platinum Sponsor– the State Independent Living Council * Gold Sponsor – Connect-Ability & the Office of Protection and Advocacy * Silver Sponsor – Council on Developmental Disabilities * Bronze Sponsor - Ride-Away Corporation and the Arc of CT. Putting on event like the Convention and Expo requires the support, financial and in-kind, of many organizations and agencies, and the Collaborative appreciates the support and cooperation it receives from the above entities and many more, too numerous to mention. Southbury Settlement Announced! ------------------------------- On July 13 the Arc of Connecticut announced that a negotiated settlement agreement had been reached in Messier v. Southbury Training School, a class action lawsuit that sought decent care and community placement for the residents of the institution. Senior U.S. District Judge Ellen Bree Burns presided over the trial that began in January, 1999. At that time Southbury had over six hundred residents. Arc Executive Director Lynn C. Warner called the action “a momentous occasion for the residents of Southbury Training School. With this agreement in place, the focus is now rightly on opportunities and solutions rather than roadblocks and litigation.” Speaking on behalf of the state association, its board of directors, 23 local chapters, the individuals for whom they advocate and their families, she said, “We are relieved with the long-awaited, favorable outcome.” The settlement agreement was filed July 12, 2010, and the court has been petitioned for approval. Judge Burns’ signature is anticipated soon.  The agreement assures that the Department of Developmental Services and its staff are committed to insuring that each class member has the opportunity to have an assessment of the supports that would be needed to live successfully in a community setting and that the class member and his/her guardian have sufficient information to make an informed decision about the merits of community placement to meet the particular needs of the individual class member. Jean Bowen, former Executive Director of WeCAHR in Danbury and an advocate for a number of Southbury residents, noted that “Although there is justice in the agreement it is not a revolutionary decision.  Residents, their remaining families and guardians and staff will have serious consideration to move to community living.  They will have access to "portability of funds" so that the money can move with them to live as where they wish.  With friends, allies and good planning folks can move. She went on to say that “It [the settlement] does not guarantee that STS will close.  But it puts in place the careful planning for people to leave.” The Collaborative congratulates Lynn, Jean, former Arc of CT Executive Director Peg Dignoti and all others who have worked so hard for so many years to bring us to this momentous point in time. Artists with Disabilities Juried Exhibition Continues Through August 20 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- A Juried Exhibition of visual art created by artists with disabilities continues through August 20th at the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism Gallery, One Constitution Plaza, 2nd Floor, Hartford. Entitled “CHANGE:  The exhibit can be seen Monday - Friday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Visitors should sign in at security desk and take the elevator to the 2nd Floor. For more information go to the Commission’s web site: www.cultureandtourism.org. BIAC to Sponsor Artwork Exhibition in September ----------------------------------------------- The Brain Injury Association of Connecticut (BIAC) is proud to present the Brain Injury Survivor Art Exhibit, which will take place from September 1 – 30 at the South Windsor Public Library. A reception will be held on September 16th at 6:00 pm.   Artwork will be displayed in a glass enclosure across from the Children's Library on the first floor. Each floating glass shelf is approximately 18” x 18”. Larger pieces can be accommodated on pedestals or on the floor. Artists are encouraged to submit a three-line biography on an index card and a picture to be displayed along with their artwork.   BIAC is moving to a new office in late July and they ask that artwork be submitted in August to their new office at 200 Day Hill Rd. - Suite 250 - Windsor, CT 06074. For more information call BIAC at 860-721-8111. DDS Offers Employment Conference -------------------------------- An employment conference for individuals with developmental disabilities, families, state agency staff and providers will be held on Wednesday, July 21 from 8:15 am – 4:00 pm at the Hartford Marriot Farmington, 15 Farm Springs Road, Farmington. This conference will bring individuals, families, state agency staff and providers together for an exciting day of learning and dialogue designed to improve employment opportunities and outcomes for individuals served by DDS. BRS Council to Meet ------------------- On Wednesday, July 21 from 1:00 – 3:30 pm, the bi-monthly meeting of the BRS State Rehabilitation Council will be held at the Southeastern Mental Health Authority (SMHA), 401 West Thames Street, Building 301, Norwich. All meetings of the Council are open to the pubic. If you plan to attend, need accommodations, or have questions, contact Evelyn Oliver Knight at 860-424-4871 or evelyn.knight@ct.gov. Low Income Adults Added to Medicaid ----------------------------------- Connecticut has added low-income adults to its Medicaid program under the new Affordable Care Act (the official name of the health care reform legislation). Prior to passage of the new law, many uninsured adults in Connecticut received coverage through a state-funded program, known as State-Administered General Assistance (SAGA).   The Affordable Care Act (ACA), signed into law by President Obama on March 23, permits states to receive federal funding for providing Medicaid coverage to adults with incomes up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level, or $14,400 for an individual in 2010. Prior to passage of health care reform, states could only cover childless adults by applying for a waiver of Medicaid rules.  These waivers were temporary and states had to meet strict criteria for approval and renewal.  The ACA requires states to cover all low-income individuals in Medicaid starting in 2014, but also allows states to get federal funding to enroll them right away.   The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Connecticut’s state plan amendment on June 21, making it the first in the nation to take up this new option.  Connecticut estimates that approximately 45,000 adults will become eligible for Medicaid under this health reform expansion.   New Emergency Alert System in Place ----------------------------------- The State of Connecticut is now signing up residents for a statewide emergency notification system, the first comprehensive one of its kind in the U.S., according to state officials.   CT Alert allows state authorities to communicate critical information to its residents before, during and after emergencies. The system is a fast and efficient way for Connecticut authorities to reach residents during events such as natural disasters and public-health emergencies. Some towns in Connecticut - such as Mystic and Pawcatuck -- already have used the CT Alert system to help people stranded by storms in the spring. Connecticut Public Safety agencies (police, fire, homeland security, public health, local officials) will use the CT Alert system during hazardous events, such as natural disasters and public health emergencies.  The CT Alert system was developed in partnership with state and local officials, as well as the emergency notification company Everbridge.      CT Alert enables state and local officials to provide potentially life-saving information to all Connecticut citizens quickly and efficiently across multiple communication devices, including cell phone, home phone, e-mail, text message, fax, pager, PDA, and more.   For this system to be effective, it is vital for Connecticut residents to register on the site www.ctalert.gov to receive emergency alerts. For more information, visit www.ct.gov/dps/cwp/view.asp?Q=462250&A=11 . UHart PT Department Conducting Study ------------------------------------ The University of Hartford Physical Therapy Department is performing an exploratory study about success, happiness, and priorities for care of adults with cerebral palsy. The information obtained from the study may help physical therapists and other professionals provide meaningful, relevant care to this largely underserved population. The intended audience for the study is adults with cerebral palsy who are over the age of 35 and can independently answer questions. Participation in the study includes two interview sessions each lasting about an hour. Interview questions will include focus on people describing what makes them happy, if they are happy, what people think they need to be happy and what people think physical therapists and health professionals can do to help adults with cerebral palsy. Call Mary Gannotti, PT, PhD, at 860-768-5373 or email her at gannotti@hartford.edu for more information. UCEDD and Kennedy Center Hosting Workshop ----------------------------------------- On Tuesday, August 24 from 1:30 - 4:30 pm (registration at 1:00 pm) the A. J. Pappanikou Center on Disabilities and The Kennedy Center will host a workshop entitled “Practical Approaches to Caregiving for Adults with Developmental Disabilities”. Dr. Jerry Kerins will be the presenter and the workshop will include a panel discussion focusing on practical strategies for maximizing functioning in adults with disabilities. This free workshop will be held at the Hospital of St. Raphael in New Haven. You may register for the workshop by clicking http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JRZ9X23. P&A Releases 2010 Annual Legislative Report ------------------------------------------- Beth Leslie, Legislative Liaison for the Office of Protection and Advocacy, has announced that her Annual Legislative Report is now available on the P&A web site (www.ct.gov/opapd); on the left side of the webpage click on Legislation, then Bill Tracking Report. News from Disability.gov ------------------------ The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has issued a report on the participation of students with disabilities in school athletics and physical education. The report found that students with disabilities participated in athletics at consistently lower rates than students without disabilities. Some schools or districts provide opportunities by partnering with community programs or offering athletics designed specifically for students with disabilities, such as wheelchair basketball. School officials also indicated a lack of information on ways to expand athletic opportunities, lack of clarity regarding schools' responsibilities and budget constraints as key challenges. The report makes recommendations on actions that the U.S. Department of Education should take to improve access to PE and extracurricular athletics to students with disabilities.  For more information visit this link: http://www.disability.gov/education/research_%26_statistics. The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness has released a comprehensive federal plan that will serve as a roadmap to prevent and end homelessness. The plan notes that in 2009 forty-three percent of adults without families in shelters or transitional housing had a disability. The plan calls for ending Veterans and chronic homelessness by 2015, and to ending homelessness among children, family and youth by 2020. Opening Doors includes strategies based on the fact that housing, health, education and human service programs must be coordinated to end homelessness. The plan also calls for increased access to stable and affordable housing and permanent supportive housing.  For more information visit this link: http://www.disability.gov/housing/homelessness. *********************************************************************** An independent advocacy organization, the Collaborative has received federal recognition as a 501(c) 3 organization. Tax-deductible contributions may be made directly to the Collaborative. DISCLAIMER: Inclusion of an event, article, fund raising activity or legislative initiative does not imply endorsement by CT-DAC, nor can CT-DAC guarantee that all information provided is accurate or current.