Oct
9
2:00 PM14:00
Events
Feb
29
10:00 AM10:00
9th Annual Arc Connecticut and IDD Caucus Family Hearing Day
For far too many years, people with I/DD and their families have shouldered a disproportionate share of the burden for the state's budget woes. This has resulted in long waiting lists for services, program closures, abysmal employment rates for people with I/DD, inadequate rates to meet support needs, high staff turnover and a shortage of direct service professionals.
IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE THIS WAY!
With a projected $290 million dollar budget surplus, this is the year lawmakers have a real opportunity to right the wrongs of the past eight years, and to make an investment in the supports people with I/DD need to live work and thrive in their communities.
LEGISLATORS NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU!
In the past, when families have shown up in large numbers we have been able to achieve amazing things in spite of huge budget deficits. We have protected funding for new graduates, we have passed legislation to allow providers to innovate and to serve more people and we have gotten funding for the waiting list.
In light of the huge budget surplus, this year we finally have the opportunity to ask legislators to properly fund the services and supports you need. But they will not do that unless they hear from you!
Don't pass up this opportunity to tell legislators what you, your family or a loved one with I/DD needs to live their best life in the community. RSVP today and stay tuned for more information in the coming days.
Dec
10
6:00 PM18:00
9th Annual Harvest of Hope Fundraiser
Please join us on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at 6:00pm for the 9th Annual Harvest of Hope. The event will be held virtually via Zoom out of an abundance of caution due to the increase in COVID infections this fall. This year, fine food prepared by notable chefs, Chef Billy Grant, Owner of Bricco Trattoria and Restaurant Bricco; Andy Blanton, Executive Chef and Owner of Cafe Kanadahar in Whitefish, Montana; and Chef Jennifer Magrey, Chef Instructor for Futures, Inc. will tease your pallet and inspire you to prepare new recipes.
Chef Billy Grant an acclaimed Best Chefs America, is a local celebrity chef and well-known in greater Hartford for his fine restaurants. Chef Andy Blanton is a four-time semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation’s best chef in the Northeast and Chef Jennifer Magrey turned a life-long passion for food into a career as a chef currently she teaches persons with intellectual developmental disabilities how to prepare great food in Future’s kitchen.
New information about the wider array of supports being developed by DDS (Deportment of Developmental Services) including community-based ideas for persons with disabilities to enjoy hobbies, social activities, and group recreation will be shared.
Harvest of Hope is our largest fundraiser and we are excited to have you attend.
May
4
10:00 AM10:00
8th Annual Arc Connecticut/IDD Caucus Family Hearing Day
For far too many years, people with I/DD and their families have shouldered a disproportionate share of the burden for the state's budget woes. This has resulted in long waiting lists for services, program closures, abysmal employment rates for people with I/DD, inadequate rates to meet support needs, high staff turnover and a shortage of direct service professionals.
IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE THIS WAY!
With a projected $290 million dollar budget surplus, this is the year lawmakers have a real opportunity to right the wrongs of the past eight years, and to make an investment in the supports people with I/DD need to live work and thrive in their communities.
LEGISLATORS NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU!
In the past, when families have shown up in large numbers we have been able to achieve amazing things in spite of huge budget deficits. We have protected funding for new graduates, we have passed legislation to allow providers to innovate and to serve more people and we have gotten funding for the waiting list.
In light of the huge budget surplus, this year we finally have the opportunity to ask legislators to properly fund the services and supports you need. But they will not do that unless they hear from you!
Don't pass up this opportunity to tell legislators what you, your family or a loved one with I/DD needs to live their best life in the community. RSVP today and stay tuned for more information in the coming days.
May
25
6:00 PM18:00
The Arc CT and Department of Developmental Services Transition Presentation
The Arc Connecticut and CT Department of Developmental Services Presents:
Transition Life After High School
a Virtual Presentation
By Brian Smith, MHA
DDS West Region
Developmental Services Assistant Regional Director,
Individual and Family Support
May 25, 2022
6:00 pm
Please fill out the form below to register by May 24, 2022
For more information contact: cscully@thearcct.org
Mar
23
6:30 PM18:30
ABLE Accounts: How Someone with a Disability Can Save for their Future
Historically an individual with a disability was limited to how much they could save for their future. In CT if you have more than $1600, essential government benefits such as Medicaid and SSI could be eliminated. Now with ABLE accounts individuals can save up to $15,000/year in tax advantaged savings accounts. Learn the ins and outs and the pros and cons to this exciting new planning tool for individuals and families with special needs.
Please use this link to register or email: jhawkins@FuturesPlanned.com
Stuart Hawkins has been a financial advisor for over 30 years, with a focus and passion for Special Needs Planning (SNP) since 2005. His journey as the parent of a young adult with special challenges enables him to offer in-depth knowledge, compassion, and experience to his SNP clients. He has presented his workshop to over 75 organizations throughout the state of CT. In his spare time, he is the Board Chair of PLAN of CT, a non-profit that acts as a trustee for Special Needs Trusts. He volunteers as a Special Olympics coach, and also actively raises funds for pediatric brain tumor research.
Stuart Hawkins, CLU®, AIF® 860.313.1447 shawkins@FuturesPlanned.com
FuturesPlanned, LLC 15 North Main Street, Suite 101, West Hartford, CT 06107
Securities offered through Parkland Securities, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Sigma Planning Corporation, a registered investment advisor. Futures Planned, LLC is independent of Parkland Securities, LLC and SPC. These workshops are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Consult your legal counsel regarding your specific situation.
Mar
15
7:00 PM19:00
Benefits Workshop Presented by Michael Beloff
The Arc Connecticut’s LOWER FAIRFIELD COUNTY FAMILIES FOR FAMILIES GROUP PRESENTS:
A Virtual Workshop on March 15, 2022 7:00 pm
Understanding Government Benefits for Special Needs Families
with Michael Beloff, CFP®, ChSNC®
A free workshop for parents and caregivers of teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) who are currently receiving or will be seeking services through the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Plan (SNAP)
• Housing Choice Voucher Program
• Social Security Disability Income (SSDI)
• Medicare
• ABLE Accounts
To register email Carol Scully Director of Advocacy cscully@thearcct.org
Michael Beloff is a is a Wealth Advisor at Belvedere Wealth Partners. Inspired by his son with Autism, Michael has become a Chartered Special Needs Consultant (ChSNC®) with extensive training and continuing education on the complex topics and particular challenges of caring for a dependent with special needs, including the constant changes in federal and state laws.
Mar
3
6:00 PM18:00
Building A Great Life Season 2
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
BUILDING A GREAT LIFE Season 2
Our first session of this season’s Building a Great Life series is “Building A Great Life - No Matter Who You Are”
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
JUSTINE “Justice” SHORTER
Justice Shorter is a Disability Justice advocate and Black Disabled Lives Matter amplifier. She is a national
expert on disability inclusive disaster protections, emergency management and humanitarian
crises/conflicts. Justice has authored three separate inclusion guides for the U.S. State Department and produced multiple people-centered projects via internships with The Hunger Project, World Learning and Women Enabled International. Justice also interned within the White House Office of Public Engagement &
Intergovernmental Affairs where she focused on disability outreach efforts, social inclusion policies and federal agency engagement. Justice is currently the National Disaster Protection Advisor for the National Disability Rights Network where she advises the 57 federally mandated Protection & Advocacy agencies on any issues related to pandemics, fires, disasters and other emergencies.
This session will focus on creating welcoming,
inclusive communities for all people with disabilities
Thursday, March 3, 2022
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Register through Eventbrite and a Zoom link will be sent to you before the webinar.
This session will be a one hour presentation
followed by 30 minutes of questions and discussion.
If you require a sign language interpreter or other accommodations, please contact Molly Cole at molly@ctsilc.org.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/building-a-great-life-no-matter-who-you-are-tickets-265209708377
Sponsored by the CT State Independent Living Council and The University of Connecticut Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
Feb
23
6:30 PM18:30
ABC’s of Government Benefits for your Loved One with Special Needs
This workshop will provide a greater understanding of the various government benefits available to your loved one. It will discuss in detail how to qualify, manage and best utilize, and preserve benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability (SSDI), Medicaid, Medicare, and the ABLE Act.
Stuart Hawkins has been a financial advisor for over 30 years, with a focus and passion for Special Needs Planning (SNP) since 2005. His journey as the parent of a young adult with special challenges enables him to offer in-depth knowledge, compassion, and experience to his SNP clients. He has presented his workshop to over 75 organizations throughout the state of CT. In his spare time, he is the Board Chair of PLAN of CT, a non-profit that acts as a trustee for Special Needs Trusts. He volunteers as a Special Olympics coach, and also actively raises funds for pediatric brain tumor research.
Please use this link to register or email: jhawkins@FuturesPlanned.com
Stuart Hawkins, CLU®, AIF® 860.313.1447 shawkins@FuturesPlanned.com
FuturesPlanned, LLC 15 North Main Street, Suite 101, West Hartford, CT 06107
Securities offered through Parkland Securities, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Sigma Planning Corporation, a registered investment advisor. Futures Planned, LLC is independent of Parkland Securities, LLC and SPC. These workshops are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Consult your legal counsel regarding your specific situation.
Jan
26
6:30 PM18:30
ABC’s of Planning for the Future of Your Loved One with Special Needs
This workshop educates families on the importance of planning for the future of their child or dependent with special needs. Properly addressing these vital issues ensures not only lifetime care, but quality of life for your loved one. It addresses the following important issues:
· Special Needs Trusts
· New ABLE Act
· Protecting Government Benefit Eligibility
· Guardianship and Conservatorship
· SSI, SSDI, Medicare, Medicaid
· Financial Security and Funding Options
· Letters of Intent
Please use this link to register or email: jhawkins@FuturesPlanned.com
Stuart Hawkins has been a financial advisor for over 30 years, with a focus and passion for Special Needs Planning (SNP) since 2005. His journey as the parent of a young adult with special challenges enables him to offer in-depth knowledge, compassion, and experience to his SNP clients. He has presented his workshop to over 75 organizations throughout the state of CT. In his spare time, he is the Board Chair of PLAN of CT, a non-profit that acts as a trustee for Special Needs Trusts. He volunteers as a Special Olympics coach, and also actively raises funds for pediatric brain tumor research.
Stuart Hawkins, CLU®, AIF® 860.313.1447 shawkins@FuturesPlanned.com
FuturesPlanned, LLC 15 North Main Street, Suite 101, West Hartford, CT 06107
Securities offered through Parkland Securities, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Sigma Planning Corporation, a registered investment advisor. Futures Planned, LLC is independent of Parkland Securities, LLC and SPC. These workshops are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Consult your legal counsel regarding your specific situation.
Nov
4
6:30 PM18:30
SELF-DIRECTING SERVICES AND SUPPORTS TO LEAD THE LIFE YOU WANT
If you or your loved one is looking for greater choice and individualization of supports and goals, increased flexibility with hours, and more robust planning to achieve your dreams, accessing programs in other parts of the state’s adult services through self-direction may get you closer to your goals. This presentation will explain the evolution of self-direction, the advantages and responsibilities of self-directing, and a step-by-step process of getting started self-directing your services.
This presentation is sponsored by the Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities.
Speakers: Win Evarts and Mary Lou Freitas, The Arc of Connecticut, Inc.
To register for this event, please complete the form below. A Zoom meeting link will be distributed to each registrant on the day of the event. Registration is limited to 95 attendees.
Oct
27
6:30 PM18:30
SELF-DIRECTING SERVICES AND SUPPORTS TO LEAD THE LIFE YOU WANT
If you or your loved one is looking for greater choice and individualization of supports and goals, increased flexibility with hours, and more robust planning to achieve your dreams, accessing programs in other parts of the state’s adult services through self-direction may get you closer to your goals. This presentation will explain the evolution of self-direction, the advantages and responsibilities of self-directing, and a step-by-step process of getting started self-directing your services.
This presentation is sponsored by the Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities.
Speakers: Win Evarts and Mary Lou Freitas, The Arc of Connecticut, Inc.
To register for this event, please complete the form below. A Zoom meeting link will be distributed to each registrant on the day of the event. REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT IS CLOSED DUE TO CAPACITY BEING REACHED. PLEASE REGISTER FOR THE NOVEMBER 4, 2021 SESSION.
Aug
5
6:00 PM18:00
Building A Great Life By Understanding Housing Rights, Part One
Building a Great Life By Understanding Housing Rights, Part One*
Speakers:
Pamela Heller, Connecticut Fair Housing Center
Nick Abbott, Desegregate Connecticut
If you require a sign language interpreter or other accommodations, please contact morariu@uchc.edu by August 3, 2021.
A Zoom link will be sent to you upon registration.
Sponsored by: The University of Connecticut Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities and the CT Council on Developmental Disabilities
*Watch for a separate announcement, Understanding Housing: A guide to Housing Options and Strategies, to be held August 12,2021. This will feature examples of housing options and strategies
Link for free admission:
Mar
4
6:00 PM18:00
Risk and Dignity of Risk - Personal Stories and Strategies
This presentation is for Family Members, People with Disabilities, Providers, and State Agencies and is part of the Building a Great Life Webinar Series. This will be a one hour presentation with time for questions and will be moderated by Molly Cole, Associate Director, University of Connecticut Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. Members of the panel will include parents and persons with disabilities who will discuss their challenges and solutions to deal with risk as they or their family members live good lives in the community. There will be time for questions and discussion.
The registration deadline is March 3, 2021
To register, visit Building a Great Life: Risk and Dignity of Risk Tickets, Thu, Mar 4, 2021 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite
A Zoom link will be sent to you after registration
If you require a sign language interpreter or other accommodations, please contact caclarke@uchc.edu at least two days prior to the event.
This event is sponsored by UConn University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities and the Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities
Feb
25
6:00 PM18:00
Sensory Integration for Children and Adults
Sensory Integration for Children and Families is a presentation by Debra Dickson PT, owner of Therapy Works Pediatrics LLC in Old Lyme, CT. Debra is a physical therapist specializing in children with special needs and has delivered lectures to therapists, psychologists, teachers, and parents across the country. Her workshops have evolved from both personal and professional experiences and incorporate her research, writing and professional credentials. Therapy Works is a multi-disciplinary clinic specializing in treating the Whole Child, utilizing the S.A.N.E. Strategies method of assessment and treatment. Debra has helped parents and schools to design environments for success and is also the inventor of the BEAR HUG pressure vest, the Sensory Snake, and several weighted blankets.
To register for this event, please complete the form below. A Zoom meeting link will be distributed to each registrant on the day of the presentation.
Feb
11
6:00 PM18:00
The Richness of Living a Life that Includes Risk
The Richness of Living a Life that Includes Risk is a presentation by Dr. Michelle “Sheli” Reynolds and is part of the Building a Great Life Webinar Series for Family Members, Persons with Disabilities, Providers, and Administrators. Dr. Reynolds teaches at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine and is the Associate Director of Training and Technical Assistance at the UMKC University Center in Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. She is leading the national work on Charting the LifeCourse to promote systems change to support families and persons with disabilities.
Registration deadline is February 10, 2021. To register, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/building-a-great-life-the-richness-of-living-a-life-that-includes-risk-tickets-136037970231
If you require a sign language interpreter or other accommodations, please contact caclarke@uchc.edu at least 2 days prior to each event.
Dec
6
6:00 PM18:00
Through the Cooking-Class: A Culinary Tour Led by Celebrity Chefs
Please join us for our 6th annual Harvest of Hope fundraiser!
The Arc Connecticut is delighted to invite you to celebrate our 6th annual Harvest of Hope program, this year presented as a virtual culinary gathering of family, friends, donors and supporters.
In past Harvest of Hope celebrations we have featured gourmet dishes prepared and served entirely by volunteers. This year we are continuing this tradition — but now through a very special program: Through the Cooking-Class: A Culinary Tour Led by Celebrity Chefs.
So please join us as these renowned chefs share favorite holiday dishes in a 1.5-hour very special seasonal celebration — and please bring family and friends, too!
Tickets can be purchased below and are $35 Single, $60 Couple, and $100 Family.
Sponsorship levels are $250 Bronze, $500 Silver, $1000 Gold and $2500 Platinum. Details below.
MEET OUR CHEFS:
Chef Ubaldo opened Farmer’s Table August of 2010. Although "Farm to Table" dining is a relatively new trend, he has been serving food he grows himself and other locally sourced ingredients throughout his entire career. Learn more about Chef Ubaldo and Famers Table here.
Growing up in a great big Italian family set the stage for Chef Maffucci’s life-long love of cooking. He started working at the age of 12 in his parent’s restaurant Vito’s Pizzaria and after 40 years in the industry is so well known for his fresh pasta dishes, that he was asked by The Food Network to compete in Beat Bobby Flay, in October 2015. Learn more about V’s Trattoria here.
A four-time James Beard Award semi-finalist, Chef Blanton offers thoughtfully constructed cuisine inspired by classic and modern influences. Learn more about Chef Blanton and Café Kandahar here.
A native of Italy, Chef Conte studied and perfected his art throughout Europe before coming to the states, where he worked in New York City as Executive Chef for some of the top restaurants in the city, including Barolo, Acquapazza, Cellini and Fiorini. Learn more about Chef Conte and Café Aura here.
Nov
19
6:00 PM18:00
Preventing & Responding to Sexual Abuse of People with I/DD
Did you know that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are 7 times more likely to be sexually assaulted than their peers without disabilities?
The Arc Connecticut & Oak Hill are partnering to provide people with I/DD, families, and human services professionals with insight, strategies, and resources to prevent and respond to this critical issue. Attendees will gain a better understanding of the barriers to healthy relationships and safe sexuality for people with I/DD and the ways that communication challenges often reinforce these barriers. We will bring specific awareness to the critical role that augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) plays in supporting this population of individuals who are more vulnerable to abuse.
Join us to learn:
why abuse and assault happen
what the “need to know” topics are for building critical judgement about safe, healthy relationships
how to use assistive augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices to help individuals learn, self-advocate, and report
what resources are available to help
Presenters:
Brenna Doyle is a nonprofit professional and consultant with a focus on the fields of reproductive health, violence prevention, and sexual health education. She currently coordinates Oak Hill’s Center for Relationship and Sexuality Education (CRSE). Holding an M.A. in Gender & Cultural Studies and an M.S. in Nonprofit Management, Brenna is committed to shifting the culture that makes sexual violence possible, helping organizations and individuals better understand how they can be a part of this work.
Elena Fader is an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Specialist at New England Assistive Technology (NEAT), an Oak Hill Center. With an M.A. in Speech-Language combined with an Assistive Technology Certificate, she is driven by the ways that technology can empower and create opportunities for those with communication differences and physical challenges. Elena has developed NEAT’s AAC services to align with this perspective, including coaching and community programs.
REGISTRATION CLOSED
Nov
12
6:00 PM18:00
Accessing Independence with Community First Choice
Community First Choice (CFC) is a Medicaid program that serves as a path off waiting lists and towards greater independence for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
This presentation will cover everything you need to know about accessing CFC, including:
Eligibility rules
The application process
How the program can help bypass a residential waiting list.
Presenters:
Kathleen D. Hayes is the owner and principal Attorney of The Office of Kathleen D. Hayes, LLC. Kathleen’s practice is founded upon a platform of educating and empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Kathleen’s work is driven by a personal passion—Kathleen’s relationship with her Uncle Danny, who has an intellectual disability. He taught her not only the beauty of disability, but also the incredible vulnerability, stress, and fear that families carry as they try to navigate a complex system that seems to plummet before every peak. Read More.
Andrew Komarow is the Founder of Planning Across the Spectrum and specializes in helping any self-advocating client or families with autism and intellectual disabilities. Andrew provides a unique planning perspective for those with special needs, their caregivers, and their families because as a man with autism, he has “walked in their shoes.” He has experienced the medical, social, educational, legal, vocational, and relational issues that come with being a member of the autism community. Read More.
registration closed
Sep
29
6:00 PM18:00
Medical Issues and Healthcare Advocacy for People with I/DD
The transition from pediatric medical care to adult medical care is often a difficult one for people with I/DD. Health care becomes more difficult to access and doctors are often lack experience treating people with I/DD.
Our presenter Dr. Lisa Weisinger, is the mother of a 25 year old son with Down syndrome and an internist in Hartford with a special interest in the healthcare needs of adults with disabilities. After experiencing her own challenges in obtaining healthcare for her son, she founded the Connecticut Healthcare Advocacy for Adults with Disabilities (CHADD), an organization committed to addressing healthcare inequity for all adults with disabilities. As part of this mission, Dr. Weisinger has dedicated herself to educating healthcare professionals and families on how to identify and collaborate in meeting the healthcare needs of people with I/DD.
In this presentation Dr. Weisinger will discuss:
> Preventative healthcare for people with I/DD.
> A sampling of medical and mental health issues that are common to people with I/DD.
> How to communicate with healthcare providers and what questions to ask to improve communication and positive outcomes.
This will be an online presentation. A Zoom link will be sen to all who register prior to the presentation.
YES! I would like to attend!
Jul
7
to Aug 12
Summer Fun with Ireland Activity Series
Our favorite intern Ireland Williams is home for the summer and she wants to have some fun! Join Ireland and her friends for a summer of art, cooking, music, dancing, and games. Sponge art and dancing should be fun and appropriate for people with I/DD of all ages. Please use your own discretion in determining age appropriateness and needed at home support for cooking and trivia activities.
July 7 - Sponge Art with Amanda Gonzalez - Registration closed for this activity
July 16 - Let’s Make Pizza with Chef Brian Wilson from Savoy - 3:00 pm - 4:00pm - Registration closed for this activity
August 7 - Dance Party with DJ Aaron A’vant - 7:00pm -8:00pm - CANCELLED
August 12 - Let’s Make Tacos with Charlie Dumas - 3:00pm-4:00pm - CANCELLED
Our summer activity series has concluded.
Jul
1
4:00 PM16:00
Inclusive Yoga
Yoga, relaxation and creative dance movement, designed specifically for the unique abilities, learning styles and sensory needs of children, teens and young adults with autism and other Intellectual and physical disabilities, but is open to all.
Improves strength, flexibility, balance and body awareness. Reduces stress and anxiety. Promotes emotional and behavioral self-regulation, social interaction and communication- All in a FUN, non-competitive, non-judgmental atmosphere.
Classes begin with breathing and stretching, followed by easy, gentle yoga, Creative dance activities build body and space awareness, enhance emotional expression and facilitate social interaction. Classes end with a period of relaxation that includes resting in stillness as in a typical yoga.
Instructor:
Lucy Rosenblatt, creator of Yoga Movement Therapy®, is a psychotherapist with 30 years of experience. She has taught classes, led workshops and trained teachers, therapists and parents in her techniques, throughout New England, since 2008. For more information about Lucy’s work, including her research, visit www.yogamovementtherapy.com.
Registration Closed
Jun
23
6:00 PM18:00
Planning for the Future of Your Loved One with Special Needs
This workshop educates families on the importance of planning for the future of their child or dependent with special needs. Properly addressing these vital issues ensures not only lifetime care, but quality of life for your loved one. It addresses the following important issues:
Special Needs Trusts
New ABLE Act
Protecting Government Benefit Eligibility
Guardianship and Conservatorship
SSI, SSDI, Medicare, Medicaid
Financial Security and Funding Options
Letters of Intent
Presenters:
Stuart Hawkins, FuturesPlanned LLC - Stuart has been a financial advisor for nearly 30 years, with a concentration in Special Needs Planning for 15 of those years. More importantly, he is the proud parent of a young adult with special challenges.
Colleen Masse, Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri - Attorney Collen Masse is the Special Needs Planning Department Chair at Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri. Her practice focuses on planning for both elders and persons with special needs of all ages.
Yes! I plan to attend.
Jun
10
6:00 PM18:00
REGISTRATION CLOSED - Town Hall Meeting with DDS Commissioner Jordan Scheff
We apologize, but this event is full.
Families who receive DDS supports and services have many questions about how COVID-19 and the gradual reopening of the state will impact on their loved ones with I/DD. Join us for and Zoom Town Hall Meeting with Commissioner Scheff to get some of your questions answered.
Topics covered may include:
Day & Employment Services
The visitation ban for DDS funded residential programs
Respite for families with loved ones at home
New Graduates
DDS Case Management
Entrance to the meeting will be limited to the first 1,000 people who register. Registration will close at noon on June 5. 2020.
We want to hear from you! Due the online format and the large number of people attending, we will not be able to take questions during the meeting, but each registrant may submit one question in writing upon registration. We will attempt to get through as many questions as possible.
Preventative healthcare for people with I/DD
A sampling of medical and mental health issues that are common to people with I/DD.
How to communicate with healthcare providers and what questions to ask to improve communication and positive outcomes.
May
28
6:00 PM18:00
Understanding ABLE Accounts - Zoom Presenation - REGISTRATION CLOSED
In this presentation you will receive an overview of ABLE accounts in Connecticut, then we will walk you through the ABLE account opening process and answer any questions you may have. Everyone will have the option to leave with an open ABLE account.
May
13
6:00 PM18:00
Understanding COVID-19 Government Benefits for People with I/DD
For parents and caregivers of teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) who are currently receiving or will be seeking services through the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).
Some questions that will be answered:
If an individual applies for unemployment benefits during this shelter in place pandemic, will it affect their benefits eligibility (SSI, Medicaid, rent subsidy, SNAP)?
Are there ways to manage the potentially higher income stream from unemployment benefits and maintain benefits?
Questions from the audience as time allows.
This meeting will be conducted on Zoom Meeting. A link will be sent via email to all those who RSVP below. Admittance will be first come, first serve to the first 500 people who RSVP.
Presenter Michael Beloff
Inspired by his son with Autism, Michael has become a Chartered Special Needs Consultant (ChSNC®) with extensive training and continuing education on the complex topics and particular challenges of caring for a dependent with special needs, including the constant changes in federal and state laws.
Registration Closed
Apr
9
6:00 PM18:00
Is it Sensory or is it Behavior? Identifying Sensory Processing Challenges and Advocating for Effective Interventions
This presentation is for parents and caregivers of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) who are transition age or adults.
Does your loved one with I/DD struggle with certain environments or situations?
Have you been told: “If you were just more strict?....Less strict?....More structured?...Less structured?...More flexible?....Less flexible?…”
Have your tried all of those things but have had challenges persist?
In this presentation, we will discuss how to identify some of the most common, but least well known, sensory challenges that can hinder daily life, and appear “behavioral”. We will also discuss the importance of environment and the best ways to advocate for supports.
Presenter: Debra Dickson, RPT/NDTA
Debra is the owner of TherapyWorks Pediatrics in Old Lyme CT. TherapyWorks is a multidisciplinary clinic specializing in treating the Whole Child, utilizing the S.A.N.E. Strategies method of assessment and treatment. Interventions include physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutritional interventions, sensory integration programs and assisting parents and schools to design environments for success.
YES! I plan to attend.
Mar
26
6:30 PM18:30
POSTPONED! Understanding Government Benefits for Your Loved One With Special Needs
POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
For parents and caregivers of teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) who are currently receiving or will be seeking services through the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).
Benefits Covered will include:
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Medicaid
Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Plan (SNAP)
Housing Choice Voucher Program
Social Security Disability Income (SSDI)
Medicare
ABLE Accounts
Presenter Michael Beloff
Inspired by his son with Autism, Michael has become a Chartered Special Needs Consultant (ChSNC®) with extensive training and continuing education on the complex topics and particular challenges of caring for a dependent with special needs, including the constant changes in federal and state laws. Michael’s expertise and ability to educate and empower has made him a noted speaker on the topic of special needs planning at both national and local venues including the National Autism Association, the Connecticut Down Syndrome Congress, the Autism Society of America, the US Autism and Asperger Association and COPAA. He has also appeared on CNN and in various publications including Financial Advisor magazine.
YES! I plan to attend.
Mar
4
6:00 PM18:00
Life Advocacy Presentation - Norwich
Who will advocate for my loved one with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) when I am no longer able?
This is the number one concern most parents and caregivers express about the future.
In response to these concerns The Arc Connecticut has been working with a group of families to establish an organization that would assist people with I/DD with (1) independent advocacy for services and supports; (2) benefits education and management; (3) quality oversight when parents, siblings and caregivers are no longer able to be part of an individual's support group. These services would be paid for by family resources in the absence of waiver or other Medicaid funding.
At this point in the process and before we take further action, we would like to share what we have created with families and to get your feedback in several areas:
1) Would the array of services we have envisioned meet your family's needs?
2) Are there other services you would like to see added to the array?
3) Would you purchase these services if they existed today?
We look forward to explaining our ideas and learning from you!
YES, I PLAN TO ATTEND
Feb
26
6:00 PM18:00
Understanding ABLE Accounts - Norwalk - CANCELLED
In this presentation you will receive an overview of ABLE accounts in Connecticut, then we will walk you through the ABLE account opening process and answer any questions you may have. Everyone will have the option to leave with an open ABLE account.