August - September, 2008 CDAC Bulletin “Enhancing the effectiveness of disability activism by organizing and empowering individuals, families, groups, and organizations!” Empowerment! Opportunity! Justice! To include information in next month’s Bulletin please contact us! Website: http://www.ct-dac.org/contactus.htm Stan Kosloski, 860-614-8351 or StanKosloski@ct-dac.org Jayne Kleinman, 203-631-4800 or JayneKleinman@ct-dac.org *** In This Issue *** The “R” Word and Hate Speech The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (S. 3406) Economic Stimulus Checks, DMV & ID cards, & Winter Heating Assistance News Secretary of State Seeks Feedback, News on the Charter Oak Health Insurance Program, and a Health Research Service at UCONN Chronic Pain Support Group Meets in Greenwich Events & Activities: Northeast CT and Southwest CT Advocacy Networks, Family Support Council Retreat, Medical Home Conference, Supportive Housing Training, Family to Family Education Program, Convention & Expo News, Fragile X Society Hosts Conference, Positive Approach to Challenging Behaviors Conference, WeBelong Reconvenes, Communitas Walk “N” Roll set for October 4, Resource Fair in Windsor, UCEDD meeting, Infant Mental Health Conference Other Upcoming Events Regional Advocacy Networks *** Articles *** Advocates Put Correct Label on R-Word: It’s Hate Speech ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Most readers have heard by now the controversy over the movie “Tropic Thunder” and its use of the R-word sixteen times. Across the country advocates have adamantly declare the "R-word" and its prolific use in the film a prime example of such hate speech. Derogatory words and depictions that perpetuate fears, myths, and stereotypes around disability, no matter the genre of film, legitimize the continued misunderstanding, pain, and exclusion of people with disabilities. People with disabilities, and particularly people with intellectual disabilities, have suffered egregious civil and human rights violations throughout our country's history, including institutionalization, physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, abandonment by their families, state-sponsored forcible sterilizations, denial of education, employment, and healthcare, and targeted hate crimes. If you share these feelings go to www.aapd.com/petition/ - the web site of the American Association of Persons with Disabilities - and sign their petition. Along with the Arc of the United States, the Down Syndrome Congress, and Special Olympics, AAPD challenges the entertainment industry to remedy the harm that is being done by "Tropic Thunder" and to model respect for people with disabilities through their inclusion in employment in the industry and in all aspects of the creative process that creates films and television shows we love so much. DAC urges you to demand respect and reject hate speech! Your Task for August: Remind Senators Dodd and Lieberman of the Need to Pass the ADA Amendments Act, S.3406! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Advocates across the country are being called upon to call or fax a letter to their U.S. Senators, telling them to vote for the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, S.3406. This bill has been modified from its original language to reflect the deal the business and disability communities reached this spring. Below is a sample phone script and letter. The Collaborative urges readers to call Senators Lieberman and Dodd and tell them to pass the bill with no changes and no amendments. You can reach your senators online or through the Capitol Switchboard at 1-(800) 828-0498 or (202) 224-3121. To Fax click here for a Directory and Contact Information. [US mail sent to Congress can be delayed by up to four weeks because of security screening. Also, because the Senate receives so many emails, some Senators have chosen to block email. Given time constraints, phone calls and faxes to Senators are preferred.] Suggested language (rewrite to reflect your own style): “I am writing in support of the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (S.3406). S.3406 would revise the ADA in a manner designed to work for both people with disabilities and for entities governed under the law. The bill is a result of sustained efforts between Senators from both sides of the aisle and intensive and thoughtful talks between representatives of the disability community and representatives of the business community, including employers. For that reason, we believe that S.3406 strikes a delicate balance between the needs of individuals with disabilities and the realities experienced by entities including employers and public accommodations, which are covered under the law. We urge your support in making enactment of S.3406, the ADA Amendments Act, a reality as soon as Congress returns in September. We stand ready to work with you towards that end.” Got your Economic Stimulus Check Yet? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Whether you usually submit a federal tax return or not, you are eligible for the economic stimulus check the federal government has been distributing since April. The IRS has reported that up to 70,000 Connecticut residents would probably qualify for the payment but haven’t gotten one since they did not file a tax return. If you do not normally file a tax return you must file one this year to get the stimulus check. Contact the IRS immediately so you will not lose out. DMV Expanding Service to the Holders of Non-Driver ID Cards ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Until recently, only "Full Service" DMV locations could process non-driver identification card renewals.  DMV Satellite Offices and Photo Licensing Centers are now equipped to process these renewals as well. The DMV offices in nine additional locations - Derby, Middletown, Milford, New Milford, Putnam, Stamford, Waterbury Brass Mills Center (Wednesdays only), Willimantic and Winsted are now processing non-driver identification card renewals, in addition to the DMV mobile bus.  This doubles the opportunities available for non-driver identification card renewals from 10 to 20 locations. Card renewals will now be for a 6 year period, instead of 4 years, based upon passage of a new law that equalizes the renewal time period to match the driver's license renewal time. Below is a link to the section of the DMV website that lists all of these DMV offices - with hours of operation and directions - as well as the "Full Service" offices.  The "Full Service" offices remain the point-of-service for initial applications for non-driver identification cards and those locations will continue to do renewals as well: http://www.ct.gov/dmv/cwp/view.asp?a=808&Q=244586&dmvPNavCtr=|> State Now Taking Winter Heating Assistance Applications ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On August 11 Governor M. Jodi Rell announced the state has begun taking applications for winter heating aid for eligible low-income and some middle-income households under state energy assistance programs. To apply, call the Department of Social Service winter heating aid hotline at 1-800-842-1132 or visit the agency’s Web site at www.ct.gov/dss for full information on eligibility requirements. For more information, visit www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?A=3293&Q=421040. SOS Seeks Feedback ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Secretary of State is seeking to receive feedback from voters on their personal experiences in using telephone voting technology in the last election. Based upon the feedback submitted, the Secretary will be acknowledging the efforts of polling locations that offered good customer service and smooth utilization of the accessible voting machines. In addition, for locations where the experience was not positive, the Secretary wishes to learn of the specific issues encountered, along with the polling location involved, so that corrective action can be implemented prior to the November election. Your perspectives are very important, so consider sharing your observations by sending an email to: lesley.mara@po.state.ct.us. Charter Oak Health Plan ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On July 1 Governor M. Jodi Rell announced the opening of applications for the new Charter Oak health insurance plan. As proposed by the Governor and approved by the General Assembly, Charter Oak offers coverage to the uninsured and to adults experiencing financial hardship in paying unaffordable, non-group premiums on their own. The State of Connecticut is contracting with three private insurers - Aetna Better Health, AmeriChoice of Connecticut, and Community Health Network of Connecticut - to coordinate benefits and medical providers. When you join Charter Oak, you'll select one of these insurers and participating doctors. Your monthly premium and annual deductible will depend on your household income. Individual premiums will range from $75 to $259 and annual deductibles will range from $150 to $900.It's important to note that Charter Oak will cover enrollees with preexisting medical conditions (no exclusions). To get detailed information on Charter Oak, call the toll-free customer service center at 1-877-77-CTOAK (1-877-772-8625) on Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., or Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). You may also visit the Charter Oak website at www. charteroakhealthplan.com. Questions about Your Health or the Health of a Family Member/friend? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Healthnet, a program of the Lyman Maynard Stowe Library at the University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington, is one place to begin your search. Healthnet provides a free, customized research service for Connecticut residents who have questions related to their personal health. You may call Healthnet at 860/679-4055 to request a packet of information tailored to your specific information needs.  Experienced medical librarians will research the specific medical topics you request. Healthnet staff use medical textbooks, medical journals, computer databases, consumer health books, and the Internet as resources. Healthnet staff are available during the day Monday through Friday. You may leave a voice mail message anytime and someone will return your call within one working day.  Healthnet’s website, http://library.uchc.edu/departm/hnet, provides direct links to a topic-by-topic list of recommended and updated health websites. Included are reliable websites on subjects such as medical tests, medications, heart disease, local health resources, research news, nutrition, and health care providers. There are also links to Internet-based resource guides on navigating the health care system, patient advocacy, growing older, mental health, children’s health, and dental health resources. Healthnet notes that it provides health information but cannot provide medical advice, opinion, or recommendations. American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Greenwich Chapter Support Group The ACPA, founded in 1980, is an international, non-profit, self-help organization that offers educational materials and peer support groups for people experiencing chronic pain. The ACPA is dedicated to raising awareness about issues of living with chronic pain among the healthcare community, policy makers and the public-at-large. A local support group of ACPA meets every Wednesday at 27 Stag Lane, Greenwich, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. Please contact John S.Tamerin, M.D., jtamerin@optonline.net or call 203-661-8282 for further details. Do You Live in Northeast Connecticut??? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Northeast Regional Network of the Disability Advocacy Collaborative meets the fourth Tuesday of each month from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the Mansfield Senior Center. The next meeting will be held on August 19. Topics of Discussion will include transportation, building accessibility and other issues you may have. During the past year the group has held an informational forum on transportation, coordinated a meeting between WRTD and area residents, and informed members about a not well known drive-up mailbox behind the Willimantic Post Office. For more information on the Northeast Regional Network contact Mary Attardo at 860-429-6045 or maryjhvblue@yahoo.com or Carolyn Newcombe at 860-423-4849 or cnewcombe@charter.net. And if You Live in the Opposite Corner.... ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Southwest Region of the Disability Advocacy Collaborative will next meet on Wednesday, August 27 from 1-3 p.m. at the Norwalk police station. The Fairfield County group held a successful ADA workshop this past spring and is now exploring fair housing issues and developing a Disability Etiquette booklet. They have been focusing their advocacy efforts within the Town of Greenwich, and encouraging its members to meet with officials in their own municipalities. Carol Kana is the Southwest group’s organizer and she can be contacted at pkana@snet.net. Connecticut Family Support Council Annual Retreat ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Connecticut Family Support Council (CTFSC), [860-657-8180, www.ctfsc.org. 460 Capitol Ave., Hartford, CT 06106] will be holding its annual retreat on Friday, August 22. The mission of the CTFSC is to provide feedback to the Governor and General Assembly as to the status of families raising children with special care needs: what is working, where there are gaps and what needs to be changed. The CTFSC compiles an annual report that is presented at a legislative breakfast each year, where legislators and policymakers come together with families to work on positive outcomes for the year ahead. If you are a parent of a child with special care needs, or an agency/provider working with children with special care needs, the Family Support Council would greatly appreciate hearing from you concerning any legislative and policy recommendations you may have. To give input or feedback contact Tesha Imperati, Connecticut Family Support Network, South Central Regional Coordinator, 203-710-3041 or teshaimp@comcast.net. Connecticut Medical Home Initiative Conference September 8 and 9 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Connecticut Medical Home Initiative for children and youth with special health care needs will be holding a conference on September 8 and 9 at the Trumbull Marriott Hotel. The conference, entitled “Building and Sustaining a Medical Home Model of Care for Connecticut: Challenges, Solutions, Surprises and Successes”, seeks to strengthen, expand and sustain a state model of care coordination for children and youth with special health care needs through family partnerships, education, multidisciplinary collaboration, resource and policy development, and advocacy. For more information contact Tanika Simpson, LCSW - Primary Prevention Services Coordinator - Children's Trust Fund-Help Me Grow - 410 Capitol Avenue - Hartford, CT  06106 - 860-418-8776 (phone) - 860-418-8780 (fax) or email:  tanika.simpson@ct.gov. Supportive Housing Training to be Offered in September ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cheri Bragg, Keep the Promise Coordinator, reports that there will be three Supportive Housing Trainings in September, located in the Waterbury, Norwich and Fairfield areas.  To see the flyer announcing the trainings, click here .  The first training will be held September 9th with registration starting at 9:30 a.m. at the TimeExpo Museum in Waterbury (click here for the registration form).  The second training will be held at the United Way Building in Gales Ferry on September 23rd. Registration opens at 9:00 a.m.  (Please click here for registration form).  The third training date will be announced soon, and will be held at the First Church Congregational in Fairfield.  Light refreshments and beverages will be available.  Any questions or concerns call Cheri at 1-800-215-3021 or 860-882-0236 or by emailing keepthepromise@namict.org.  You can also find this information on the KTP website at www.ctkeepthepromise.org.   The Family to Family Education Program: Does someone you love have mental illness? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Connecticut (NAMI/CT) will be presenting twelve weekly sessions offering support and education to family members of individuals with mental illness. Beginning Tuesday, September 9 the sessions will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Waterbury Youth Services, 95 North Main Street in Waterbury. For information and registration contact: Debbie at 203-757-7569. Fragile X Society Hosting Conference ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Fragile X Society of Connecticut will host its first ever conference in Connecticut on Saturday, September 20 from 8:00 to 4:30 at the UCONN Health Center in Farmington. Entitled “Hyperarousal, Sensory Integration, and Motor Planning Issues: Day to Day Strategies for Home, School, and Beyond” the event will include a discussion of the two core challenges of Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) that can also be seen in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): hyperarousal and motor planning issues. This will be followed by a compendium of strategies for managing these two issues throughout the person’s day, both at home and at school. The strategies discussed will fall into several categories: sensory-based strategies, routine-based strategies, and language-based strategies. The strategies are based on best practice in Occupational Therapy (OT) and Speech and Language Therapy (SLT). Speakers include Tracy Murnan Stackhouse, MA, OTR and Sarah Scharfenaker, MA, CCC-SLPF. For further information, contact Tammy and Andy Selinger at xfamily@aol.com or 860-233-1904. This conference is sponsored by Montanari Financial Partners, the National Fragile X Foundation and the A.J. Pappanikou Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. Positive Approaches to Challenging Behaviors ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Positive Approaches to Challenging Behaviors: Looking, Listening and Learning” will be presented on Wednesday, September 24 from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center, 100 Berlin Road in Cromwell. For more information contact Angela Spino at the DD Council: 1-800-418-8700 (toll free) or angela.spino@ct.gov . WE BELONG: Inclusion in Fairfield County is back from hiatus!!! -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   WE BELONG: Inclusion in Fairfield County is back from hiatus with a full schedule of programs and speakers for the fall season. The schedule to date is as follows:   Saturday October 4, 2 - 5pm, Kathy Whitbread from St. Joseph’s College will present on “Curriculum Modifications”; the event is co-sponsored with Connecticut Down Syndrome Congress (CDSC) and will be held at the Westport Library. Early Dinner served, RSVP required.   Thursday October 29, 7 – 9 pm, Dr. Michael Weiss from Giant Steps and private practice will present on “Social Skills and Making Friendships”; the event is co-sponsored with the Westport SEPTA, at Coleytown Middle School, on North Avenue in Westport.   Monday November 17, 6 – 9 pm, Gala Awards Ceremony for 2008 with keynote speaker, Attorney David Shaw, providing an update of the PJ Case and Inclusion in the State of CT; the event will be held at the Westport Library.   Thursday December 4, 6-9pm, Dr. Linda Rammler of Rammler and Wood Consultants will present on Positive Behavior Supports, co-sponsored with CDSC, at the Westport Library. Dinner served, RSVP required. For more information contact Eva Greenwald at evagreenwald@sbcglobal.net. Kristin Debonee Walk “N” Roll Set for October 4 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Annual Kristin Debonee 5k (3.1 miles) or 1Mile Fun Walk “N” Roll will be held on Saturday, October 4 at 10 am at Manchester Community College. Registration is from 9:30 – 10:00 am in the AST Building (Tower). The event, a fundraiser for Communitas, will be held rain or shine. The Walk “N” Roll is sponsored by a number of Manchester Community College educational programs (Disability Specialist – Occupational Therapy Assistant – Sport & Exercise – Therapeutic Recreation Programs - Institute on Disability & Community Inclusion) & Communitas, Inc. For further information contact Joan Jakiela (860-512-2705) or e-mail: jjakiela@mcc.commnet.edu . Resource Fair to be Held in East Windsor ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Allied Rehabilitation Centers has announced that they will host a Resource Fair on October 16 from 4:00 -8:00 pm at the Clarion Inn & Suites (formerly Best Western) in East Windsor. Highlights include booths of resource information, seminars on important and timely topics, and professionals to answer your questions. A staffed Respite Room will be available There is no charge for this event. For more information or to receive a brochure call: 860-741-3701 Ext. 200. “The Promise of Partnerships: Combining Resources for Success” ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Learn about ways you or your organization/agency can be involved in the activities of the UConn A. J. Pappanikou Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Education, Research and Service (UCEDD) on Tuesday, October 28, 9:30 am – 2:30 pm at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center, 100 Berlin Road in Cromwell. Individuals with disabilities and families are encouraged to attend. For more information contact Gabriela Freyne-Calish at freye@nso2.uchc.edu of call 1-800-679-1502. This event is sponsored by the Consumer Advisory Council of the UCEDD. Infant Mental Health Annual Conference ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Connecticut Association for Infant Mental Health Annual Conference will be held on November 20 from 8:15 am - 3:30 pm at the Woodbridge Country Club in Woodbridge. The conference will feature a presentation by Dr. Serena Wieder , Director of DIR/Floortime Institute. For more information contact Margaret C Holmberg: margaret.holmberg@ct.metrocast.net. Other Upcoming Events ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The next event in the series offered by the Council on Developmental Disabilities will be held on Friday, September 19 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm and is entitled “Culture Of Death”. It will be take place at the Institute of Technology and Business Development at Central Connecticut State University. To register for the event, call 418-6157, or toll free 1-800-653-1134, or e-mail ed.preneta@ct.gov. There is no cost to attend. The Brain Injury Association of Connecticut is asking you to “Save these Dates!”: * September 12, 13, & 14 for BIAC’s Personal Enrichment Retreat at the Conri Lodge in Ashford.  Please register early for this popular event by calling the numbers listed above.  * October 4, 2008 for the 4th Annual BIAC United Steel Walk for Thought at Great River Park, East Hartford, Connecticut. Call 860-721-8111 for more information. The ADA Coalition of Connecticut (ADACC) has announced that its Annual Meeting, Luncheon & Awards Presentation will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2008 from 11:30 am - 3:00 pm at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cromwell. The cost to attend is $35/person and for table sponsors the cost is $350. Contact Project Director Lisa Caron by e-mail at adacoalition@sbcglobal.net or by phone at 860-297-4383 for more information. The Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism (CCT), in partnership with Young Audiences Arts for Learning Connecticut (YAC), the state's VSA arts affiliate, will be holding a statewide forum on careers in the arts for people with disabilities. The forum will be held on November 15 at the Carol Autorino Center for the Arts and Humanities at St. Joseph College. For more information contact Susan Docker at susan.docker@ct.gov. Disability Advocacy Collaborative Regional Contacts ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To get involved with one of the Collaborative’s Regional Advocacy Networks, contact the following: Northwest –- contact: Bill Knight (lackerman01@snet.net) – meetings are held at the Litchfield Arc Southwest –contact: Carol Kana (pkana@snet.net) – meetings are held at the Norwalk Police Department Danbury Area – contact Dale Brown (dbrown@wecahr.org ) – meetings are held at Ability Beyond Disability in Bethel North Central –– contact: Candace Low (clow@independenceunlimited.org) – meetings are held at 151 New Park Avenue in Hartford – next meeting is August 25 at 10 am Waterbury Area –contact: Mike Valuckas (mike.valuckas@independencenorthwest.org) – contact Mike for information about next meeting Northeast Area – contact: Carolyn Newcombe (cnewcombe@charter.net) – meetings are held at the Mansfield Senior Center – next meeting August 19 at 6 pm Bridgeport Area – contact: Tony LaCava (tlacava@drcfc.org) – meetings are on the third Thursday of the month at various sites. For three years the Bulletin was supported by a grant that the Disability Advocacy Collaborative has received from the Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities. In addition, in-kind support is being provided by the UCONN Center on Disabilities, and Communitas, Inc. serves as the project’s fiscal agent. To all three we extend our deep appreciation.