PADD Program Anniversary - October 4th, 2024

by Tom Cosker, Advocate

In light of the anniversary of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights (DD) Act which provides federal funding for organizations like Disability Rights Connecticut (DRCT) to advocate on behalf of people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), DRCT would like to highlight some of the work we are doing on behalf of this community.

Employment - Over the past few years DRCT has been working to increase and improve opportunities for people with IDD to work in good paying fully integrated jobs in the community, referred to as competitive integrated employment. We have worked with individuals, families, providers and agencies to help ensure people with IDD have the information and resources, supports and services, and opportunities available to pursue meaningful work in the community and not be constrained to low paying, segregated workplaces. DRCT strongly believes in the full integration of all people with disabilities in our communities. Employment is a big part of everyone’s lives and the right of people with IDD to have meaningful, integrated employment is something DRCT will continue to fight for.

Education – Another recent focus for DRCT has been advocating for the appropriate, integrated education of students with disabilities free from harmful restraint and seclusion where they can receive equal educational opportunities as provided to their peers without disabilities. Too often in Connecticut, students with disabilities are educated in segregated schools and programs often with substandard education from unqualified staff. DRCT has been working on behalf of students to ensure they receive the education, supports, and services they deserve in the most integrated school environment. We have worked with students, families, schools, and agencies to fight for the rights of these students and will continue to do so.

Individual decision-making – Many individuals with IDD in CT have their decision-making rights severely limited by a variety of means including guardianship and conservatorship. DRCT has been working hard to educate and inform individuals, families, professionals, policy makers, and others about the benefits of supported decision-making (SDM). SDM is a means to allow individuals with disabilities to have more control over different areas of their lives and obtain the support they need from trusted friends and family to make well informed decisions. DRCT will continue to inform people about the benefits of SDM through clinics for individuals and families and education and outreach to professionals.

These are three of the many areas in which DRCT has worked tirelessly over the last few years to advocate for the rights of people with IDD in Connecticut. On this anniversary of the DD Act, we reflect on the work we have done but also acknowledge the great deal of work in front of us.