Milford Families of Intellectual and Developmental Disabled Tell State Officials Their Stories

State Reps. Pam Staneski (R-119), Charles Ferraro (R-117), Kim Rose (R-118) and Sen. Gayle Slossberg (D-14) hosted an informational forum with officials from the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS) for families of children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Milford City Hall was at near capacity Thursday night as families who have intellectually and developmentally disabled loved ones turned out to share their stories with state legislators and staff from DDS, according to a prepared statement released by the lawmakers.

CT DDS Families First, the new grassroots group advocating for the intellectually and developmentally disabled, discussed challenges families are faced with regarding the DDS Residential Wait List for residential placement and DDS funding cuts in Connecticut.

Patricia Casey, Milford Board of Education Transition Coordinator, talked about the flow of services provided via the school district and some of the challenges that students face when they age out of the school based program.

Reps. Staneski and Ferraro, who are members of the 68-member Intellectually/Developmentally Disabled (I/DD) legislative caucus, wanted to provide Milford families with an opportunity to share their concerns with DDS and so that they are better positioned to be their voice in Hartford.

The conversation largely centered on cuts and rescissions that Gov. Dannel Malloy’s has proposed to the DDS budget. Through their stories, which at various points drew tears and laughter, the families conveyed in no uncertain terms how critical those services are and how devastating the cuts would be.

Rep. Ferraro said, “It was moving to hear so many stories of success from our I/DD-support families about how so many of our state’s most vulnerable citizens have experienced life-changing transformations through programs that allow them to stay in their families’ loving homes, acquire useful social skills, learn and work nearby. I share the same concerns that this new round of cuts that are targeted at CT’s most vulnerable families will have a deleterious effect and will impact how these families’ ability to provide the necessary care for their children. Furthermore, I am equally concerned with currently procedures and future remedy plans for unacceptable wait times for residential placements that these families are subjected to.”

Rep. Staneski said, “I learned tonight just how complex the concerns expressed are around service delivery, housing, employment opportunities, and prioritizing of funded care. It is important that we work together to protect the vital services and supports that these families depend on. The enormous turnout, on a rainy night, was evidence to just how important these discussions are to all of us. I am ready to work with the I/DD caucus to find solutions.”