DRCT Press Releases/Statements
In the News
Disability Rights Group Finds ‘Pervasive’ Problems Remain After Scandals at Whiting Forensic and Connecticut Valley Hospitals, Hartford Courant, 11/26/2019 [PDF Copy]
Upon completion of a detailed inquiry, Disability Rights Connecticut (DRCT) substantiated abuse, neglect and violations of patients’ rights at Whiting Forensic Hospital (WFH) and Connecticut Valley Hospital (CVH). The extensive Investigative Report includes a series of findings and recommendations and a call to action for the Connecticut General Assembly to place CVH under the licensure of the Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) to enact immediate reforms in the areas of concern identified in this report.
ADA Settlement Ensures Access for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals at Concentra Facilities Nationwide, Department of Justice 11/20/2019 [PDF Copy]
DRCT filed a complaint with the Department of Justice (DOJ) on behalf of a deaf client who was denied an interpreter when receiving care at a Concentra location in Norwich, CT. The client requested an interpreter but was told he had to provide his own. Knowing this was wrong, he repeatedly made the request but was never provided with an interpreter. The DOJ investigated the complaint and has resolved the matter. As part of the resolution, Concentra will make changes to how it operates, such as providing auxiliary aids and services, including interpreters when necessary, to ensure effective communication. The client will receive $7,500 in compensation for the civil rights violation. For more information on the changes Concentra will make, please see the DOJ’s press release
Settlement reached after CT complaint about communications for deaf, hard of hearing, CT Post 11/20/2019 [PDF Copy]
