CT Disability Advocacy Collaborative July, 2011 Calendar and Bulletin “Enhancing the effectiveness of disability activism by organizing and empowering individuals, families, groups, and organizations!” Empowerment! Opportunity! Justice! For future reference, you may contact the Collaborative through our web site: http://www.ctdac.org/contactus.htm This month the Bulletin includes the July Calendar of Events. This has been done to try to keep you informed both of developments relative to the state budget that will have substantial impact on services provided to children and adults with disabilities, and of events taking place over the next couple of months. In This Issue ------------- The State Budget: Disability Services at risk ARC/CT looking for new Executive Director New Jobs Program set to begin & victory for lower electric rates CT parent creates new Blog & new 211 website Calendar of Events for July and August National News: Two articles on Medicaid Developments National Association of the Deaf files suit against Netflix New IL legislation Introduced Articles -------- The State Budget: Disability Services at Severe Risk ---------------------------------------------------- To say that following state budget developments over the last two weeks has been difficult would be a colossal understatement. Sometimes it seems there are changes every hour. The rejection of the agreement made between the Governor and the unions that represent state employees will likely mean the layoff of over 5,500 state employees. According to announcements made last week, state agencies may be forced to lay-off employees in the following numbers (note that the Office of Protection and Advocacy leads the way with 42% (13) of their state positions targeted for lay-off): * Office of Protection and Advocacy – 13 positions targeted for lay-off – 42% of staff * Department of Developmental Services – 540 positions – 15% of staff * Department of Mental Health/Addiction Services – 486 positions – 14% of staff * Department of Social Services – 239 positions – 13% of staff * Department of Education - 201 positions – 12% of staff * Bureau of Rehabilitation Services – 20 positions -18% of staff * Department of Children and Families – 359 positions – 11% of staff It is estimated that between 12 - 15% of the positions targeted above are now vacant and will not be filled; nonetheless, the overall effect of layoffs will be devastating. The Malloy administration has ruled out a renegotiation with the unions because the multi-faceted agreement that was rejected on June 24 took months of intense negotiations and compromises to complete. In recent days the unions have said that while there will be no recount of the vote, but they are looking for other ways to save state positions and also meet the State’s need to balance the budget. In a Special Session of the legislature on June 30, called by the Governor to respond to the union “no” vote, the Governor ‘s plan to reduce aid to municipalities was found unacceptable, meaning that addition layoffs of state employees may be required to make up the budget gap. The Governor was given additional authority to cut budgets for State Fiscal Year 2012 (which began on July 1st) and 2013 up to 10% of the total appropriation from any fund or up to 10% of any specific appropriation. [Before the rescission bill was passed, the Governor the authority to reduce the total appropriation from any fund by no more than 3% or reduce any appropriation by not more than 5%.] As noted at the outset of this article, developments are occurring daily, so remain vigilant as the Governor moves ahead with plans to close the budget gap. If you have any specific issues you want to see addressed, or services that you want saved, now is the time to act. You may e-mail the Governor through his web site at www.ct.gov/malloy/cwp/view.asp?a=3998&q=479082. His office phone number is 860-566-4840. To find your state Representative or Senator go to www.cga.ct.gov. Click the House or Senate links (located on the left side of the home page or at the top of a secondary page), and click "Find Your Legislator". Enter your address in the respective fields to bring up a list of your state House and Senate representatives. Alternatively, you can go to the "View District Town Maps" link (located at the bottom of the Find Your Legislator page) to locate your representative by town. Click the district number for your town and you will get to their individual web page, which contains contact information. If your town has more than one legislative district (more than one representative or senator) you will be directed to a map of your area to determine in which district you live. The address for all legislators at the State Capitol is: (Legislator's Name) Legislative Office Building Hartford, CT 06106-1591 Telephone Numbers for all legislators are: Senate Democrats (860) 240-8600, 1-800-842-1420 Senate Republicans (860) 240-8800, 1-800-842-1421 House Democrats Leadership: (860) 240-8500, 1-800-842-1902 Rank and File: (860) 240-8585, 1-800-842-8267 House Republicans Leadership: (860) 240-8700, 1-800-842-1423 Rank and File: (860) 240-8787, 1-800-842-8270 This is a crucial time for CT residents with disabilities and their families - make your voice heard! The Arc of CT Looking for New E.D. ---------------------------------- The Arc of CT is soliciting applications for the position of Executive Director. Here is the announcement that describes the position: “Statewide advocacy group seeks passionate self-starter with excellent leadership, communication and advocacy skills. Create and implement vision, mission and goals for The Arc Connecticut. Energetically work with Board, members, chapters and execs. Lead statewide initiatives; work with government to improve service delivery systems. Organize individuals and families. Build and maintain community partnerships. In conjunction with The Arc chapters and Board, implement short and long range plans. Administer daily work of the organization, including budget, promotion, grants and special events. Experience and/or thorough knowledge in working with and for rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities a plus. Social media know-how and/or willingness to learn a must.  Please reply to The Arc CT, 43 Woodland Street, Suite 260, Hartford, CT 06105. Email thearcctbdpres-edsearch@yahoo.com. New Jobs Program to Begin ------------------------- On June 16, a coalition of several Hartford area nonprofits and Connecticut employers announced an initiative that will use $2 million in federal funds to match more than 275 individuals with disabilities with retail and gaming jobs. The public-private partnership, which includes Connect-Ability, the Mohegan Sun, Lowe's Distribution Center of Plainfield, and Home Goods Distribution Center of Bloomfield and the state Department of Social Services, will also provide candidates with on-the-job training.  A total of $1.98 million in Title I vocational rehabilitation services funding from the U.S. Department of Education is being awarded for the partnership. The project will enroll Connecticut residents in training programs that transition into jobs in the hospitality and product distribution industries.  Through a competitive procurement process, the state is awarding grants to community rehabilitation providers linked to the three major employers.  Mohegan Sun will work with Windsor-based Community Enterprises Inc. and Southeastern Employment Services to create 113 job opportunities over two years.  Lowe's Distribution Center will work with ARC of Quinebaug Valley, based in the Danielson section of Killingly, to create 105 job opportunities.  HomeGoods Distribution Center will partner with Community Enterprises Inc. to create 60 job opportunities.  Victories for Lower Electric Rates ---------------------------------- AARP/CT reports that the fight to lower electric rates scored two milestone victories this legislative session with the elimination of an unfair electric surcharge tax on electric bills and passage of a major energy reform package that will lower rates and protect consumers.  With one day left in the legislative session, the General Assembly approved legislation eliminating an unfair surcharge on electric bills.  The surcharge was added to the bills of Connecticut Light and Power (CL&P) ratepayers beginning in January 2011, and would have extended to United Illuminating (UI) customers in 2012. Eliminating the surcharge will save Connecticut ratepayers a total of more than $600 million. The legislature also gave final approval to a piece of legislation designed to provide electric rate-relief to residents, extra help for low-income ratepayers, and ensure consumer choice in the retail electric market, while protecting residents from aggressive, fraudulent marketing practices. The elimination of the electric surcharge and passage of the energy reform bill mark a great leap forward in the effort to rein in Connecticut’s sky-high electric rates and finally provide relief to consumers who have been struggling with the highest rates in the Continental U.S.  Together the passage of comprehensive energy reform legislation and the elimination of the CTA surcharge on the bills of CL&P and UI customers will put money back into the pockets of Connecticut ratepayers and begin the process of bringing our electric rates more in line with those of neighboring states. CT Parent Creates Blog ---------------------- A CT parent who is also a social worker has created a blog about her daughter’s transition process from school support services to adult services.  It is a very informative and compassionate blog – worthwhile reading. The blog can be found at:  http://thecouplestoolkit.com/one-day-at-a-time-parenting-adult-special-needs-collected-posts/. Introducing the New 211ct.org ----------------------------- United Way 2-1-1 has redesigned its website - www.211ct.org - to make it easier for CT residents to find the resources they need. When visiting www.211ct.org you will now go directly to a search engine to search for services. There are also easy links to the 2-1-1 eLibrary, 2-1-1 Navigator, 2-1-1 Child Care, and Child Development Infoline. In addition the website offers: * Translation into over 50 languages.  * Maps to show the location of all of the agencies in the database. * Sorting by agency, town or proximity to your location. * More information on all of the other services available through an agency.  Every time you visit www.211ct.org you will be connected to a database that contains listings for over 4,600 agencies providing over 48,000 services in Connecticut. The database is updated everyday. You may dial 2-1-1 or visit www.211ct.org 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Calendar of Events ------------------ Ryan Martin Wheelchair Basketball Camp -------------------------------------- Ryan Martin, a wheelchair athlete who plays basketball professionally in Spain, is hosting his annual basketball camp the week of July 11 in South Windsor. The program includes basketball instruction, guest speakers, and an NCAA style tournament. Interested teenagers should check out his web site for more information: www.ryanmartinbasketball.org. CT Down Syndrome Congress Annual Picnic --------------------------------------- The 2011 Annual Picnic of the CT Down Syndrome Congress is set for Camp Harkness 301 Great Neck Road in Waterford. It will be held on Saturday, July 16, from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. Live entertainment with the White Eyed Lizard Band. This is a free event for CT Down Syndrome Congress members. Registration is required for food count. R.S.V.P to Laureen at newlaurs@gmail.com or call 860- 608-9967. LEEP at Oak Hill ---------------- From Sunday, July 17 through Saturday, July 23 Oak Hill will offer its sixth annual LEEP Program (Low vision/blind Education Employment Program) on the University of Hartford campus. The activity is a week-long, overnight program for students 15-21 years old with low vision or blindness. There is no fee to students to attend but space is limited. If you are interested, contact Steve Famiglietti (860-286-3100 or famiglietti@ciboakhill.org) or Karin Agritelly (860-286-3105 or agritelly@ciboakhill.org). State Rehab Council to Meet --------------------------- The State Rehabilitation Council will hold its regular meeting on Wednesday, July 20 at 1 pm at the CT Hospital Association in Wallingford. Other meetings this year are scheduled for Wednesday, September 21 at ACES in Hamden and Wednesday, November 16, location TBA. Meetings are at 1 pm and are open to the public. Contact Evelyn Oliver Knight at 860-424-4871 or evelyn.knight@ct.gov for more information. ADA Coalition to Celebrate ADA Anniversary ------------------------------------------ The ADA Coalition of CT has announced that Governor Dannel Malloy will join Disability Advocates on July 26 to discuss “The ADA In CT: New Challenges for New Leaders”. The event will be held from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm in the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. DNEC Hosts Meeting on Project Endeavor -------------------------------------- Also on Tuesday, July 26 the Disabilities Network of Eastern CT (DNEC) will host a meeting on Project Endeavor. Project Endeavor is the official name of a project of the Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD), which has received a $14 million-dollar federal contract from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration through its Broadband Technology Opportunities Program.  The impetus of this grant is to encourage, enhance, and expand broadband connections for deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind individuals across the United States.    Project Endeavor’s main thrust is to provide linkages and connections to services through high-speed broadband by offering a range of communication equipment options to deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind people such as laptops, videophones, mobile devices, and Project Endeavor’s web portal.   The company has recently entered partnerships with VRS providers such as Purple, Sorenson, and ZVRS to provide equipment to consumers at no cost with a menu of rate plans (DSL, cable, Internet, WiFi) suitable to their personal budget, which will be supplemented by vouchers sent out to assist with payment.     To sign up for the meeting, or for more information, contact Brynn Hickey, Underserved Populations Advocate, Disabilities Network of Eastern CT at 860-823-1898?? x121 (v) or 860-237-4515(VP). DNEC, located in Norwich, has a new website, so check them out at www.dnec.org. Ivan Lendl Sports Camp ---------------------- During the week of Monday – Friday, August 8-12, the Hospital for Special Care in New Britain will host the Ivan Lendl Adaptive Sports Camp at the University of Hartford. The one- week camp will not only provide sports instruction, but also promote independence and self-confidence for kids, ages 6-19, with physical disabilities. Participants will have an opportunity to try various adapted sports, including tennis, wheelchair basketball, track and field, swimming, bowling, badminton, table tennis, and wheelchair soccer.  For more information contact Janet Connolly, Sports and Community Programs Manager at the Hospital for Special Care, at jconnolly@hfsc.org, phone 800-220-7723, or visit www.hfsc.org. Save the Date!! ---------------   The ADA Coalition of CT will hold its Annual Meeting on Thursday, October 13 at the Four Points Sheraton, Meriden, from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm. The seven extraordinary individuals who will receive Spirit of ADA Awards are Thomas Cheeseman, Kathy Flaherty, Suzanne Liquerman(posthumously), Corey Novak, Elanah Sherman, Joe Wendover, and Susan Werboff.   For more information, contact Lisa Caron, ADA Coalition Project Director, at 860-297-4383. Disability Mentoring Day Set for October 19 ------------------------------------------- Connect-Ability and the Connecticut Business Leadership Network have announced that “Disability Mentoring Day,” a project of The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), will be commemorated this year on Wednesday, October 19.. As part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Disability Mentoring Day promotes career development for students and job seekers with disabilities through job shadowing and hands-on career exploration. The day brings students and adults together with area businesses for informational sessions about career opportunities and one-on-one mentoring with volunteers at public and private places of employment. To register on-line to be a host for Disability Mentoring Day, go to www.connect-ability.com, look for the employer tab and select Disability Mentoring Day. You may also call Connect-ability at 866-844-1903 or CT BLN at 860-561-1232 for more information. National News ------------- ADAPT Calls For Real Medicaid Reform ------------------------------------ The activist organization ADAPT has issued a call for real Medicaid reform that protects the civil rights of seniors and individuals with disabilities. The call comes in response to efforts by members of Congress and state governments to cut Medicaid funding and give states "flexibility" to cut programs that assist people with disabilities and seniors to live in their own homes and communities. Over the next few months, ADAPT and other disability organizations are mobilizing their members to visit their Congressional and state representatives and organize events in Washington, DC and every state. The campaign will be highlighted with a rally in Washington DC on Wednesday September 21st. ADAPT and the other campaign organizers are urging disability, senior and civil rights organizations in every state to hold their own events this summer and immediately begin working to bring people with disabilities and older Americans to our nation's capital in September. For more information on the rally, go to ADAPT's website at http://www.adapt.org. Oppose Medicaid Block Grants!! ------------------------------ As many readers know, Medicaid pays for vital health care as well as services and supports for people with disabilities and older adults. The budget proposal submitted to the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Ryan would seriously undermine the Medicaid program, which provides long-term services and support, prescription drug coverage, and durable medical equipment. Congressman Ryan’s proposal would create a block grant, reduce Medicaid funding for the next ten years by a total of $772 billion from the current spending level, and cap the program while giving tax breaks to the rich.  States, including CT, are already facing financial shortfalls that are resulting in cuts to services and eligibility.  If Ryan’s proposal is enacted, this situation would only become worse.  States may decide to eliminate services, cap enrollment, and impose high premiums and co-payments on low-income beneficiaries, including those on SSI who live well below the federal poverty line. Medicaid pays for: * wheelchairs and prosthetic devices for people with spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy and other disabilities. * prescription drugs for persons with mental illnesses and epilepsy and other medical conditions. * programs to enable people with intellectual disabilities to live and work in the community rather than be forced into institutions. * Medicaid’s Early and Periodic Screening Diagnosis & Treatment program helps identify disabilities early for children with disabilities and gets them the care they need. * community based long term services and supports which allow seniors and people with disabilities to live independently in the community. Block granting is described as giving states “flexibility”, but what it really means is that states will have no accountability for their Medicaid programs. Too many states have already demonstrated that they will bow to local pressure from institutional facilities, and ignore the Supreme Court affirmed civil rights of Americans to choose to receive long-term services in their homes and community.  Starting in the second decade, the House plan also eliminates the current Medicare structure and transforms the program into a voucher system.  It shifts the cost of services to the beneficiaries, almost doubling amount that individuals pay out of pocket for their ongoing health care. The proposed plan also repeals and defunds the Affordable Care Act (ACA) including programs that are vital for people with disabilities.  ADA News -------- National Association of the Deaf Files Disability Civil Rights Lawsuit against Netflix On June 16, the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), the nation’s premier civil rights organization of deaf and hard of hearing individuals, announced the filing of a major federal lawsuit against Netflix. The lawsuit charges the entertainment giant with violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to provide closed captioning for most of its “Watch Instantly” movies and television streamed on the Internet. Netflix has over 60% of the streamed video services market share. An estimated 36 million Americans are deaf or hard of hearing. “We have tried for years to persuade Netflix to do the right thing and provide equal access to all content across all platforms. They chose not to serve our community on an equal basis; we must have equal access to the biggest provider of streamed entertainment. As Netflix itself acknowledges, streamed video is the future and we must not be left out,” said NAD President Bobbie Beth Scoggins. The ADA requires that all “places of entertainment” provide “full and equal enjoyment” for people with disabilities. Plaintiffs are asking the court to declare that Netflix’s behavior constitutes a violation of Title III of the ADA, and to require that Netflix provide closed captions on all of its streaming content. In addition to NAD, other plaintiffs include the Western Massachusetts Association of the Deaf and Hearing-Impaired (WMAD/HI) and a deaf Massachusetts resident. The plaintiffs are represented by, among others, the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF) in Berkeley, CA. DREDF and NAD ask deaf and hard of hearing individuals who want to learn more about the lawsuit to visit: www.dredf.org/captioning, call the toll-free number 1-800-348-4232 (V), or email clanvers@dredf.org. NCIL Announces New IL Legislation --------------------------------- The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) has announce that a bill has been filed with the Senate HELP Committee which creates the establishment of a new Independent Living Administration (ILA), and strengthens America’s Independent Living (IL) Program. The ILA would elevate the IL Program at the federal level, and would create an organization independent of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) within the Department of Education. The ILA is created through the reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which is contained in the larger Workforce Investment Act (WIA). NCIL has been pushing for the reauthorization of WIA and the Rehabilitation Act for nearly a decade, and the introduction of a bill to reauthorize both pieces of legislation presents a unique opportunity to improve the IL Program and substantially increase consumer-control at the federal level.