NEWSROOM
For inquires on a specific story or issue in the news, please email Deborah Dorfman at Deborah.Dorfman@DisRightsCT.org
Media Contact
Deborah Dorfman
Executive Director
860-469-4463
Deborah.Dorfman@DisRightsCT.org
DRCT Press Releases/Statements
Investigation into Practices and Oversight at Special Education Schools Reveals Serious Systemic and Numerous Specific Failings; Office of the Child Advocate & Disability Rights Connecticut Call for Urgent Improvements to Protect Rights of Students with Disabilities and Overhaul of State Oversight, 3/12/2024 [PDF copy]
Brown, Goldstein & Levy and Disability Rights Connecticut obtain victory in ADA lawsuit on behalf of an autistic and deaf client who failed to receive accommodations as an elected official, 01/18/2024 [PDF copy of Press Release]
Testimony of Sheldon Toubman before the Human Services Committee Regarding HB 1173, 1205, 6885
Yale University Violates Federal Law in Treatment of Students with Mental Health Disabilities, Lawsuit Alleges, Seeking Court Action to End University’s Discriminatory, Unlawful and Harmful Practices [PDF Copy of Press Release] [COMPLAINT]
Governor Lamont Announces Agreement With Disability Rights Groups on Distribution of COVID-19 Rapid Tests and N95 Masks, 1/14/2022 [PDF Copy of the Joint Press Release] [PDF Copy of the New Guidance]
Disability Advocacy Organizations Say State Fails to Address Needs of People with Disabilities and Individuals in State Custody in Broadly Promising COVID Test Kits, N-95 Masks First Come, First Served, 12/31/2021 [PDF Copy of the Press Release] [PDF Copy of our Letter to the Governor]
Disability Rights Connecticut Says State Department of Social Services Violates Federal, State Law in Denying Medicaid Coverage of Robotic Arm for Individuals with Severe Disabilities, 10/25/2021 [PDF Copy]
Statement by Disability Rights Connecticut, RE: Interview Comments by NYC Mayoral Candidate Eric Adams, 9/28/2021 [PDF Copy]
Settlement Reached in ADA Complaint Filed by Disability Rights CT; $10,000 in Compensation, Revised Practices & Training at Hartford Hospital’s Institute of Living, 8/27/2021 [PDF Copy]
Federal Appellate Court Decision Upholds Right of Connecticut Students with Disabilities to Public Education Until Age 22, 7/8/2021 [PDF Copy]
Lawsuit Seeks to End Patient Transfers at Whiting Forensic Hospital; Recent Actions Violate Longstanding Court Order, 6/4/2021 [PDF Copy]
Expanded Eligibility for Special Education in Connecticut, 4/28/2021 [English] [Spanish]
Disability Rights Connecticut Seeks Expedited Action from U.S. Office for Civil Rights; Says Connecticut’s New COVID Vaccine Policy is Unlawful and Discriminatory, Places People at Increased Risk, 3/30/2021 [PDF Copy] [COMPLAINT]
Connecticut’s New COVID Vaccine Policy is Unlawful and Discriminatory; Complaint Filed with U.S. Office for Civil Rights Seeks Immediate Federal Investigation, Policy Revisions [PDF Copy] [COMPLAINT]
Lawsuit Seeks to End Physical and Psychological Abuse of People with Mental Illness Incarcerated in Northern Correctional Institution [PDF Copy] [COMPLAINT]
State Continues Refusal to Prevent Discriminatory Rationing of COVID-19 Care; State Legislature Considers Stepping In to Require Protections [PDF Copy]
Broad Statewide Coalition Calls on Department of Public Health to Immediately Issue Statewide Guidance to Hospitals to Prevent Discriminatory Rationing of COVID-19 Care [PDF Copy]
DRCT Honors Ruth Bader Ginsburg [PDF Copy]
Federal Court Decision Upholds Right of Connecticut Students with Disabilities to Public Education Until Age 22 [PDF Copy]
Connecticut Agrees to Assure Equal Access to Medical Care for Individuals with Disabilities Hospitalized During Covid-19; Federal Office for Civil Rights Acts on Complaint by Disability Organizations [PDF Copy]
Statement in Support of Social Justice [PDF Copy]
An Open Letter To Hartford Healthcare CEO [PDF Copy]
Connecticut Denies Equal Access to Medical Care for Individuals with Disabilities Hospitalized During COVID-19; Federal Office for Civil Rights Called on to Order State to End Unlawful Discrimination [PDF Copy]
DRCT Statement on Hospitalization of Individuals with Disabilities [PDF Copy]
Governor, Attorney General Urged to Protect Rights of Disabled as COVID-19 Cases Increase at Hospitals, Medical Care Systems [PDF Copy]
Autistic Elected Official Sues Enfield, CT, Board of Education 12/3/2019 [PDF Copy]
Investigative Report into Treatment of Patients at Whiting Forensic Hospital, Connecticut Valley Hospital Finds Systemic Issues Remain 11/26/2019 [PDF Copy]
Disability Rights Connecticut Files a Complaint Against the Connecticut Department of Transportation 6/8/2018 [PDF Copy]
In the News
‘Little Evidence’ Managed Care Would Reduce CT Medicaid Costs, Report Finds | CT Mirror, 12/11/2024
Medicare Advantage insurers deny care too often, Blumenthal says | CT Mirror, 10/17/2024
New complaint blames CT DOE for issues at High Road Schools , 9/19/2024
Connecticut Ballot Measure Could Make Voting More Inclusive, 09/13/24
4 Connecticut school districts accused of disability discrimination (wtnh.com), 07/01/2024
CSDE: CT students outplaced to residential facility with a (courant.com), 06/28/2024
Report: CT-run mental health center rife with sexual abuse, violations (nhregister.com), 5/22/2024
Report: CT failed to monitor private special education schools (ctpost.com), 03/12/2024
Report claims 'alarming lack of oversight' of CT special ed schools (ctmirror.org), 03/12/2024
Autistic CT woman wins discrimination case against town (courant.com) | Hartford Courant, 01/22/2024
Former Enfield School Board Member Wins Discrimination Lawsuit | CT News Junkie, 01/22/2024
Jury Rules In Favor Of Former Enfield School Board Member In Lawsuit | Enfield, CT Patch, 01/18/2024
The Great Medicare Advantage Marketing Scam - The American Prospect, 01/12/2024
“Connecticut lawmakers taking action against deceptive health advertisements", WTNH, 01/02/2024
“Yale to update policies after lawsuit over student mental health.”, Washington Post 08/25/2023 [PDF]
“Opinion: There is no reason why Connecticut cannot close Southbury Training School,” Hartford Courant 04/23/2023 [PDF]
“Disability Advocates Fight For Access To Legislative Process,” CT News Junkie 3/30/23 [PDF]
“Bill Would Speed Up Repairs for Power Wheelchairs in CT, News8/WTNH, 3/29/23 [PDF]
“Yale Discriminates Against Students Like Me With Mental Health Disabilities. That’s Why I’m Suing.” Cosmopolitan, 12/21/2022 [PDF Copy]
“Yale Lawsuit Cites Bias Against Students with MH Disabilities,” 12/9/2022, Mental Health Weekly
“Yale Negotiates Settlement in Mental Health Lawsuit,” Yale Daily News, 12/9/2022 [PDF Copy]
“Colleges Face More Pressure to Keep Students With Mental-Health Conditions Enrolled,” Chronicle of Higher Education, 12/8/2022 [PDF Copy]
“Yale Requests Settlement Conference for Mental Health Discrimination Lawsuit,” New Haven Register, 12/8/2022 [PDF Copy]
“Opinion: This is a problem that is bigger than Stanford or Yale,” 12/7/2022 [PDF Copy]
“Yale Suspension Withdrawal System Draws Criticism Accused of Discrimination Against Students with Psychological Disorders,” Journal of NCCU, 12/7/2022 [PDF Copy]
“Students Sue Yale for Allegedly Discriminating Against Students with Mental Health Disabilities,” Daily Pennsylvanian, 12/6/2022 [PDF Copy]
“Abandoned? Meet a Student Suing Yale for Pressuring Those with Mental Health Needs to Withdraw,” Democracy Now!, 12/5/2022 [PDF Copy]
“Lawsuit Claims Yale Doesn’t Accommodate Mental Disabilities,” Ability Media, 12/2/2022 [PDF Copy]
“Yale Students Sue the University for ‘Systemic Discrimination’,” University Business, 12/2/2022 [PDF Copy]
“Students Sue Yale University, Alleging Discrimination Against Students with Mental Health Disabilities,” CNN, 12/2/2022 [PDF Copy]
“Students Sue Yale, Alleges Systemic Discrimination Against Students with Mental Health Disabilities,” Diverse Issues in Higher Education, 12/1/2002 [PDF Copy]
“Yale Sued Over Discriminating Against Students with Mental Health Disabilities,” South China Morning Post, 12/1/2022 [PDF Copy]
“Students at Yale Faced Mental Health Crises. Instead of Helping Them, Yale Forced Them Out,” Reason 12/1/2022 [PDF Copy]
“Yale University Sued for Alleged Discrimination Against students with Mental Health Disabilities,” Yahoo! News, 12/1/2022 [PDF Copy]
“Yale University Sued for Alleged Discrimination Against Students with Mental Health Disabilities,” ABC 12/1/2022 [PDF Copy]
“Yale Sued Over ‘Systemic Discrimination’ Against Students with Mental Health Disabilities,” Today 12/1/2022 [PDF Copy]
“Yale Sued Over 'Systemic Discrimination' Against Students with Mental Health Disabilities,” NBC, 12/1/2022 [PDF Copy]
“Students And Alumni Sue Yale, Alleging Discrimination,” Yale Daily News, 12/1/2022 [PDF Copy]
“Yale University Sued Over Discriminating Against Students With Mental Health Disabilities,” USA Today, 11/30/2022 [PDF Copy]
“Yale Facing Lawsuit Over Alleged Discrimination Against Students with Mental Illness,” WWLP, 11/30/2022 [PDF Copy]
“Yale Discriminates Against Students With Mental Health Issues, Lawsuit Claims,” Bloomberg, 11/30/2022 [PDF Copy]
“Yale Discriminates Against Students With Mental Illness, Lawsuit Says,” Patch, 11/30/2022 [PDF Copy]
“Lawsuit Accuses Yale of Discriminating Against Students with Mental Health Issues, Unfair Withdrawal Policies,” Hartford Courant, 11/30/22 [PDF Copy]
“Yale Facing Lawsuit Over Alleged Discrimination Against Students With Mental Health,” The Hill, 11/30/22 [PDF Copy]
“Yale University Sued Over Mental Health Policies,” Associated Press, 11/30/22
“Yale Students, Alumni Sue University for Discriminatory Practices Toward Those with Mental Health Disabilities,” New Haven Register, 11/30/22 [PDF Copy]
“Yale Accused of Discriminating Against Students with Mental Illness,” Washington Post, 11/30/22 [PDF Copy]
“A Who’s Who of Candidates Gather to Take Questions and Talk About Disability Issues,” CT Examiner, 10/13/2022 [PDF Copy]
“UConn Law and Disability Rights Connecticut Establish Legal Clinic,” UConn, 9/12/22 [PDF Copy]
“Blumenthal Calls for Reversal of Trump-Era Rule Cutting Disability Benefits,” CT Post, 9/2/22 [PDF Copy]
“CT Plaintiffs Urge Biden to Rescind Trump Era Medicaid Cuts, CTMirror,” 8/17/22 [PDF Copy]
“CT Women with Disabilities Sue Feds Over Trump Medicaid Cut After ‘20 Election,” CTPost, 8/8/22 [PDF Copy]
A CT group home director wants to cash in on her state-funded properties, CT Mirror, 4/24/2022 [PDF Copy]
Interpreter shortage challenges appropriate medical care for deaf patients, Connecticut Mirror, 4/16/2022 [PDF Copy]
For deaf patients in Connecticut, interpreter shortage challenges appropriate medical care; ‘it’s a universal issue,’ Hartford Courant, 4/15/2022 [PDF Copy]
“Catherine John and Sheldon Toubman: Primary Care Roadmap Won’t help Connecticut Health Care Consumers,” Courant, 3/24/22 [PDF Copy]
CT aims to build disability workforce ‘pipeline’, CT Mirror, 3/8/2022 [PDF Copy]
“Lamont’s Healthcare Bills Drew Criticism from Advocates,” CTMirror, 3/4/22 [PDF Copy]
“Next Round Of Newtown COVID Test Distributions Scheduled,” The Newtown Bee, 1/14/22 [PDF Copy]
Lamont reaches agreement with disability rights groups on rapid COVID test, N95 mask distribution, News 8, 1/14/2022 [PDF Copy]
“Gov. Lamont, Disability Rights Groups Reach Agreement on Distribution of COVID-19 Rapid Tests and Masks,” Hartford Courant, 1/14/22 [PDF Copy]
“Lamont Announces Agreement With Disability Rights Groups on Distribution of COVID-19 Rapid Tests and N95 Masks,” New Fairfield Hamlet Hub, 1/14/22 [PDF Copy]
Coalition Calls For Greater Access To Mental Health Services, CT News Junkie, 1/11/2022 [PDF Copy]
“Disability Rights Groups File a Federal Complaint Against Connecticut for Coronavirus Response,” WSHU Public Radio, 1/7/22 [PDF Copy]
“Groups File Federal Discrimination Complaints Over CT Test, Mask Distribution,” CTInsider, 1/6/22 [PDF Copy]
32 years after ADA, disabled people face barriers to employment, fair wage [PDF Copy]
Lamont secures 426,000 COVID tests; hospitals restrict visitors, CT Insider, 12/31/21 [PDF COPY]
For Connecticut people with disabilities, systemic change means assuring rights, opportunities are protected, CT Mirror, 11/26/2021 [PDF Copy]
Disability Rights CT Says Connecticut Violates State, Federal Law, Patch, 10/26/2021 [PDF Copy]
State Denies Wheelchair User Robotic Arm, 10/25/2021 [PDF Copy]
Data Shows Higher Numbers of Kids With Disabilities and Kids of Color Get Referred To Police, 9/15/2021 [PDF Copy]
Study: Police Referrals Disproportionately Affect Students With Disabilities, 9/13/2021 [PDF Copy]
Data: Students with disabilities aren’t faring well during the pandemic, 9/2/2021 [PDF Copy]
Settlement Reached in ADA Complaint Filed by Disability Rights CT, 8/26/2021 [PDF Copy]
Institute of Living Settles ADA Complaint, Ensures Access for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals, 8/6/2021 [PDF Copy]
Appellate Court Upholds Right of CT Students with Disabilities, 7/8/2021 [PDF Copy]
Suit wants high-security wing at state hospital to stay open, 6/4/2021 [PDF Copy]
Lawsuit over solitary confinement in limbo as state pushes for mediation, 4/30/2021 [PDF Copy]
Opinion: CT vaccine policy discriminates on basis of race and disability, 4/14/2021 [PDF Copy]
How people with disabilities are accessing the coronavirus vaccine, CTMirror, 4/7/2021 [PDF Copy]
As positivity rate climbs, CDC ranks CT third worst in nation for COVID cases per capita, CTPost, 3/30/2021 [PDF Copy]
Physicians’ biases, lack of knowledge, partly to blame for health care disparities among people with disabilities, 3/27/2021 [PDF Copy]
Disabled people overlooked in push to end pandemic, Bloomberg News, 3/19/2021 [PDF Copy]
Vaccine Rollout Leaves Behind the Blind, Paralyzed, Autistic, Bloomberg Equality, 3/18/2021 [PDF COPY]
Mothers advocating for young people with medical conditions amid stat’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout, The Day, 3/10/2021 [PDF Copy]
Vaccine Rollout Discriminates Against Conn. Residents of Color, Federal Complaint Alleges, CNPR, 3/9/2021 [PDF COPY]
Vaccine rollouts discriminates against CT residents of color, federal complaint alleges, CTMirror, 3/8/2021 [PDF Copy]
Connecticut organization allege Lamont’s age-based COVID-19 vaccine rollout discriminates against Black and brown residents, Hartford Courant, 3/8/2021 [PDF Copy]
Some States Drop CDC Guidelines and Vaccinate People by Age Group, NPR, 3/3/2021 [PDF Copy]
Legislation and Lawsuit Take Aim At Solitary Confinement in Connecticut Prisons, CT Examiner, 3/2/2021 [PDF Copy]
Connecticut school districts begin planning vaccine clinics, AP News, 2/25/2021 [PDF Copy]
State's Age-Based Vaccine Plan Faces Civil Rights Challenge, NBC Connecticut, 2/25/2021 [PDF Copy]
Disability rights group files civil rights complaint over CT vaccine plan, CT Post, 2/25/2021, [PDF Copy]
Disability Rights Connecticut files federal civil rights complaint claiming state’s age-based plan for COVID-19 vaccinations is discriminatory, Hartford Courant, 2/25/2021 [PDF Copy]
Disability Rights CT files federal complaint over age-based vaccine rollout, CT Mirror, 2/25/2021 [PDF Copy]
Disability Rights Files Complaint over Vaccine Schedule, CT News Junkie, 2/25/2021, [PDF Copy]
“'What Is Going on There Is Gross': Why Attorneys Are Tracking This Federal Lawsuit,” Connecticut Law Tribune, 02/05/2021 [PDF Copy]
“Disability rights group alleges abuse of people with mental illness at state’s maximum-security prison in suit against Department of Correction” Hartford Courant, 02/04/2021 [PDF Copy]
“Nonprofit files lawsuit seeks to end ‘abuse’ of mentally ill inmates at Somers ‘supermax’ prison,” Journal Inquirer, 02/04/2021 [PDF Copy]
“Lawsuit: Mentally Ill Inmates Shackled, Isolated in Cells,” Associated Press, 02/04/2021 [PDF Copy]
“Disability Rights, ACLU Sue State Over Conditions at Supermax,” CT NewsJunkie, 02/04/2021 [PDF Copy]
“Persons with Disabilities Face Challenges Voting” WTIC 1080, 10/27/2020 [PDF Copy]
“State Will Appeal Federal Court Decision to Educate Special Ed Students Up to Age 22,” CT NewsJunkie, 7/14/2020 [PDF Copy]
“Federal Judge Rules in Favor of Special Education Students Turning 21,” CT NewsJunkie, 6/11/2020 [PDF Copy]
“Connecticut Settles Disability Complaint Over Hospital Visitation,” CT Post, 6/10/2020 [PDF Copy]
“Connecticut Changes Covid-19 Policy to Allow Hospital Visitors for People with Disabilities,” Westfair Business, 6/10/2020 [PDF Copy]
“Connecticut Hospitals Ordered to Allow Visitors for Patients with Disabilities,” NY Times, 6/9/2020 [PDF Copy]
“People with Disabilities Can Have Support Person in Hospitals Despite Covid-19,” CT Mirror, 6/9/2020 [PDF Copy]
“Federal Decisions Unravel Parts of Two Covid-19 Executive Branch Orders,” CT Mirror, 6/9/2020 [PDF Copy]
“Hospitals Ordered to Allow Support for Disabled Patients,” Associated Press, 6/9/2020 [PDF Copy]
“State Issues Order Allowing People with Disabilities Companions in Hospital Settings, Settling Civil Rights Complaint, Hartford Courant, 6/9/2020 [PDF Copy]
“CT, Hartford HealthCare Resolve Civil Rights Complaint Over Visitor Restrictions,” CT Business Journal, 6/9/2020 [PDF Copy]
“Hospitals Ordered to Allow Support for Disabled Patients,” Greenwich Time, 6/9/2020
“Connecticut Settles Disability Complaint Over Hospital Visitation,” CT NewsJunkie, 6/9/2020 [PDF Copy]
“Disability Rights Complaint Resolution Announced in CT,” Yahoo! News, 6/9/2020 [PDF Copy]
“OCR Resolves Complaints After Connecticut Safeguard the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to Have Reasonable Access to Support Persons in Hospital Settings During Covid-19,” HamletHub.com, 6/9/2020 [PDF Copy]
“Disabled Allowed Support Visitors in Connecticut,” Bloomberg Law, 6/9/2020 [PDF Copy]
“Disability Rights Complaint Resolution Announced in CT,” Patch.com, 6/9/2020 [PDF Copy]
“OCR Paves Way for Reasonable Access to Support for Covid-19 Patients with Disabilities,” Healthcare Finance, 6/9/2020 [PDF Copy]
“HHS: Hospital Restrictions Mean ‘Too Many Dying Alone’ During Coronavirus,” Catholic News Agency, 6/9/2020 [PDF Copy]
“Hospital Visitor Bans Fail Disabled Patients, Complaint Says,” CT Mirror 5/27/2020 [PDF Copy]
“Federal Government Asked To Tell Hospitals Modify Visit Bans,” NPR, 5/17/2020 [PDF Copy]
“Hospital No-Visitor Policies Endanger People With Disabilities, Advocates Say,” Disability Scoop, 5/8/2020 [PDF Copy]
“Formal Discrimination Complaint Filed on Behalf of People with Disabilities,” Channel 3/WFSB, 5/5/2020 [PDF Copy]
“Daily Coronavirus Updates,” Hartford Courant, 5/4/2020 [PDF Copy]
“Disability Rights Groups File Complaint With Office of Civil Rights,” CT NewsJunkie, 5/4/2020 [PDF Copy]
American School for the Deaf’s director reassures community, state child advocate blasts ‘concerningly brief’ abuse report, Hartford Courant, 3/2/2020 [PDF Copy]
Reports of sexual and physical abuse at the American School for the Deaf prompt scrutiny from disability rights watchdog, Hartford Courant, 2/23/2020 [PDF Copy]
After investigative findings, state action required to assure patient rights and safety, CT Mirror, 2/19/2020 [PDF copy]
Hospital, U.S. attorney reach settlement over deaf patient’s complaint, 1/29/2020 [PDF Copy]
Lawrence + Memorial Hospital Agrees to Comply with ADA Regarding Deaf and Hard of Hearing Patients, 1/29/2020 [PDF Copy]
Hospital Task Force Plans to Address Disability Group Report, Associated Press, 12/13/19 [PDF Copy]
EDITORIAL: Time for change at CVH, Whiting, Record Journal, 12/9/19 [PDF Copy]
Ex-School Board Member Files Suit: Says she was discriminated against because of her disabilities, Journal Inquirer, 12/5/2019 [PDF Copy]
Former Enfield School Board Member with Autism Sues Board, Claiming Discrimination, CT Mirror, 12/5/2019 [PDF Copy]
Former Enfield School Board Member Sues Town, Charging It Discriminated Against Her Because of Her Autism, Hartford Courant, 12/4/2019 [PDF Copy]
Former Enfield School Board Member Files Lawsuit, Patch, 12/3/2019 [PDF Copy]
Autistic Elected Official Sues Enfield, CT, Board of Education, Brown Goldstein, 12/3/2019 [PDF Copy]
Watchdog Group: Whiting Forensic Hospital Needs ‘Drastic Change’, CT Post, 11/27/2019 [PDF Copy]
Report Shows 'Pervasive' Problems At Connecticut Psychiatric Hospitals, WSHU Public Radio, 11/27/2019 [PDF Copy]
Disability Rights Group Calls For More Oversight of Whiting Forensic, CT News Junkie, 11/27/2019 [PDF Copy]
New Report Shows Unresolved Problems Psychiatric Hospitals, Chicago Tribune, 11/26/2019 [PDF Copy]
New Report Shows Unresolved Problems Psychiatric Hospitals, The Middletown Press, 11/26/2019 [PDF Copy]
New Report Shows Unresolved Problems Psychiatric Hospitals, Westport News, 11/26/2019 [PDF Copy]
New Report Shows Unresolved Problems Psychiatric Hospitals, U.S. News & World Report, 11/26/2019 [PDF Copy]
Whiting, CVH Still Come Up Short on Patient Care Reforms, NBC Connecticut, 11/26/2019 [PDF Copy]
New Report Shows Unresolved Problems at CVH, Whiting, WTNH News 8, 11/26/2019 [PDF Copy]
Report: Problems Remain At Psychiatric Hospitals, WTIC Radio, 11/26/2019 [PDF Copy]
New Report Shows Unresolved Problems Psychiatric Hospitals, The Associated Press, 11/26/2019 [PDF Copy]
Watchdog Organization Calls for ‘Drastic Change’ at Whiting Forensic Hospital, CTMirror, 11/26/2019 [PDF Copy]
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]
After State's Disability Rights Office Is Disbanded, A New Approach Taking Shape, Hartford Courant, 3/9/2017 [PDF Copy]
Radio
Sen. Blumenthal warns about Medicare Advantage plans (audacy.com) | WTIC Radio, 01/02/2024
Blumenthal calls out United Healthcare for 'deceptive ad' on Medicare plans (wshu.org), 01/02/2024
“Yale Students and Alum are Suing,” The News Movement, 12/1/2022
“Yale University Sued Over Student Mental Health Policies,” WSHU Public Radio, 12/1/2022 [PDF Copy]
Group Says State's New Vaccine Policy "Unlawful", WTIC 1080 Newstalk, 2/25/2021 [PDF COPY]
Disability Rights Group Calls Foul On Connecticut Age-Based Vaccine Distribution, WSHU, Sacred Heart University, 2/25/2021 [PDF COPY]
Complaint: For Those With Disabilities, Underlying Conditions, Vaccine Policy 'Discriminatory', WNPR, Connecticut Public Radio, 2/25/2021 [PDF COPY]
Persons with Disabilities Face Challenges Voting, 1080 WTIC Newstalk, 10/27/2020 [PDF Copy]
Taking Care of the Disabled During Coronavirus, Where We Live, Connecticut Public Radio, 4/16/2020 [PDF Copy]
A New Chapter For Whiting Forensic, Connecticut's Maximum Security Unit, Connecticut Public Radio, 1/18/18 [PDF Copy]
Videos
“Buyer Beware: Sen. Blumenthal warns seniors about Medicare Advantage plans” - News 12 CT 10/17/2024
“Current and Former Students File Lawsuit Against Yale,” Fox 61 12/1/2022
“Students Sue Yale University for Discrimination Against Mental Illness,” Bing 11/30/2022
“Students Sue Yale University Alleging Discrimination,” CNN 11/30/2022
“Yale Sued for Student Mental Health Concern,” WFSB 11/30/2022
Identifying And Eliminating Disability Related Barriers People Face, Comcast News Makers, 3/21/22
Deaf Connecticuters describe hospital interpreting issues, Daily Moth, 4/14/2022
Disability Rights Connecticut Launch Party on Priorities for 2022, 10/27/2021 (CT-N)
State's Age-Based Vaccine Plan Faces Civil Rights Challenge, NBC 30 Connecticut News, 2/25/2021
CVH Whiting Forensic Legislative Task Force Meeting, CT-N, 1/27/2020
New Report Shows Unresolved Problems at CVH, Whiting, News 8, 11/26/2019
