Disability Rights Connecticut to Launch Six Areas of Priority

Disability Rights Connecticut, an independent statewide non-profit organization which advocates for the human, civil, and legal rights of people with disabilities in Connecticut, will be officially launching its six areas of priority focus for fiscal year 2022, effective this month.

The virtual “launch party” celebrating the new areas of focus is, in part, an expression of appreciation for the public input that contributed to determining the priority areas. DRCT had conducted a virtual town meeting this summer as part of an ongoing effort to gather public input on areas of most concern to Connecticut residents.

The six areas, described as current problems that have a significant adverse impact on people with disabilities and/or are the most widespread, are: Abuse and Neglect, Healthcare, Education, Employment, Individual Rights and Opportunities to Live in the Community.

The launch event will include a discussion by DRCT leaders highlighting each of the six areas, and will be held on Wednesday, October 27, 6:30-7:30 PM. ASL, Spanish and Vietnamese interpreters will be provided, as well as real time captioning. Registration is available here or at www.disrightsct.org.

“Through extensive public input and our work with clients, constituents, and our PAIMI Advisory Council, we have identified problems that are widespread or pose the greatest threat to the independence or safety of people with disabilities,” explained Deborah Dorfman, Executive Director of Disability Rights Connecticut. “We greatly appreciate to input of people throughout Connecticut, and we are determined to follow-through by advocating for the systematic change that is needed and necessary.”

DRCT’s mission is to advocate, educate, investigate and pursue legal, administrative, and other appropriate remedies to advance and protect the civil rights of individuals with disabilities to participate equally and fully in all facets of community life in Connecticut. DRCT is the Protection & Advocacy System for Connecticut, having replaced the state Office of Protection & Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities in 2017.

DRCT has outlined a series of objectives in each of the six priority areas, which will provide direction and clear goals for the organization, in their efforts throughout the year. A full list is available here, or can be accessed at www.disrightsct.org.

DRCT conducted a virtual Town Hall on July 19 to gather public input. The well-attended virtual event was helpful in providing direct comments on disability issues that state residents believe are important and that DRCT should work. Those comments had a direct role in the formulation of the priorities and objectives announced this month. DRCT plans to continue its strong advocacy for people with disabilities “to have opportunities and the necessary services and supports to live, remain, and participate in the life of the community.”

The full list of DRCT priorities and objectives for 2022 is available on the DRCT website, www.disrightsct.org. The organization’s fiscal year, and the newly approved list of priorities, is as of October 1, 2021. Disability Rights Connecticut is an independent statewide non-profit organization which advocates for the human, civil, and legal rights of people with disabilities in Connecticut.