State Rep. John Hampton Honored by The Arc of Connecticut

An announcement from The Arc of Connecticut organization:

State Rep. John Hampton (D-Simsbury) was joined Sen. Beth Bye and Rep. Jay Case in being recognized for their efforts to champion the many issues faced by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Arc Connecticut held the awards ceremony at their annual board meeting Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the Gouveia Vineyards in Wallingford.

“We chose to honor Senator Beth Bye, Representative Jay Case, and Representative John Hampton with the first annual Peg Dignoti Advocacy Award for their hard work and leadership in creating the first in the nation state level Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Caucus and for their tireless efforts to secure a pool of funding for those on the DDS residential waiting list.

Their dedication to building a solid bipartisan group of legislators, who will continue to partner with families in creating a more fair, just and sustainable system of support has lifted the veil and eased the fears of hundreds of families around the state,” said Leslie Simoes, Executive Director of The Arc Connecticut.

“I am honored and thrilled to receive this award in Peg Dignoti’s memory and to share it with Senator Bye and Rep. Case. I am so grateful to the Arc Connecticut for recognizing our efforts as Co-Chairs of the first-in-the nation bi-partisan I/DD Legislative Caucus,” Rep. Hampton said.

“We have made enormous strides in a short time towards providing a stronger voice for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. This award really belongs to the families for their strength, courage and incredible advocacy. We have so much more to do and I look forward to further success during the 2015-2016 legislative session.”

“Families for Families and The Arc Connecticut have accomplished so much this year with the support of the I/DD Caucus. The commitment Beth Bye, Jay Case and John Hampton have shown to our children and our family has been humbling.

“Their willingness to truly listen and work with families to improve our children’s lives and has renewed our faith in our leaders and in the democratic process,” said Rick and Fay Lenz of Simsbury.

“Our community suffered a great loss this year with the passing of Peg Dignoti, former Executive Director of The Arc Connecticut, a nationally recognized leader and a fierce champion for the civil rights for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD).

Peg Dignoti led the charge in so many of our state’s historic struggles including the closing of Mansfield Training School and the fight for full school inclusion, things that freed people with I/DD from the bonds of institutions and recognized their rights to live as full members of our community.

In her memory, we created the ‘Peg Dignoti Advocacy Award’ to honor those who are willing to pick up the banner and bring the same level of fire, tenacity, and dedication to our struggle,” said Shannon Jacovino Individual & Family Advocate, The Arc Connecticut.

The Arc Connecticut is an advocacy organization committed to protecting the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and to promoting opportunities for their full inclusion in the life of their communities. More information is available at: http://www.thearcct.org/

Editor’s note: This news release was slightly edited by Simsbury Patch: The word “Wednesday” was added and state Rep. John Hampton’s comments were moved higher up in the story.

Picture (contributed): From left: State Sen. Beth Bye, Rep. Jay Case, Rep. John Hampton