DNEC on the net

Assistive Technology Center Opens in Eastern CT

2009-06-24T14:54:00.002-04:00

Today was the opening day for the new Eastern CT Assistive Technology Center. The center is the result of a partnership between the CT Tech Act Project (CTTAP) and the Windham Regional Community Council, Inc (WRCC)

The center is housed in WRCC's office at 872 Main Street, Willimantic. It will be open part time, by appointment only, to showcase assistive technology in the workplace, as well as help you determine what assistive technology might help you, at work, at home, and in the community.

To make an appointment, call 423-4534.

2009-05-20T15:09:00.002-04:00

Deaf Focus Group

Blackberry Workshop

Come learn more about blackberry phones.

How to use? New features? Email, text, pictures etc.

Trainer: Kathy Darby

When: Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Where: Disabilities Network of Eastern Connecticut
238 West Town Street
Norwich, CT06360

This is open to the Deaf community, ASL students, Interpreters and to people with disabilities.
Please pass the word on to family and friends.

Please feel free to contact Brynn Hickey for more information at (860)823-1898 (v), Videophone 860-237-3445. AOL IM screen name DNEC Deaf or email me at bhickey@dnec.org.

Directions:

From the South: Take 395 north to exit 82. At the end of the ramp take a left. At the second set of lights take a left. "Sound One" store will be on the corner. Our office is next to Adelphia.

From the North: Take 395 South to exit 82. At the end of the ramp take a right. At the light take a left. The "Sound One" store is on the corner. Our office is in back next to comcast.

From Hartford: Take Route 2 East to exit 27. At the end of the ramp take a left. At the second light take a right. The "Sound One" store is on the corner. Our office is in back next to Comcast.

2009-05-20T15:06:00.001-04:00

Deaf Focus Group

Legislative issues

Presenters: Diane Wixted from CDHI
When: Wednesday May 20th, 2009
Time: 6:00-8:00
Where: Otis Library 261 Main Street Norwich, CT 06360

Diane Wixted will talk about issues relating to law and helping to change laws that would benefit people who are deaf.
This is open to the deaf community, interpreters, and ASL students. The presentation will in American Sign Language.

Linda Fafard
Underserved Populations Advocate
860-823-1898 ext 12(V)
860-237-3445(VP)
Lfafard@dnec.org

Deaf Focus April

2009-01-15T15:34:00.001-05:00

Deaf Focus Group
Alzheimer’s Association

Presenter: Patty Obrian

When: April 15th, 2009

Time: 6-8pm

Where: Otis Library
261 Main Street
Norwich, CT
06360

Patty Obrian will present about Alzheimer’s and talk about causes and symptoms. Alzheimer’s is a progressive fatal brain disease. As many as 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer's destroys brain cells, causing problems with memory, thinking and behavior severe enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies or social life.

Please feel free to contact Linda Fafard for more information at 823-1898 (V), Videophone IP address 75.149.135.141 or Lfafard@dnec.org

Deaf Focus Group March

2009-01-15T15:33:00.000-05:00

Deaf Focus Group
Relay Connecticut /Converse Communications and Sprint
Presenters: Dave Yurio, Converse Communications and Sprint Representative
When: Monday March 30th, 2009

Time: 4-6pm Gadgets /New Technology
Time: 6- 8pm Board Meeting

Where: Otis Library
261 Main Street,
Norwich, CT 06360

Come see what’s new with Dave Yurio from converse communications and a sprint staff member who will be showing all the new gadgets/ technology. After the gadgets are shown there will be a short break and then the Relay Connecticut board meeting will take place and you are welcome to stay.
Please feel free to contact Linda Fafard for more information at 823-1898 (V), Videophone IP address 75.149.135.141 or Lfafard@dnec.org

Deaf Focus Group February

2009-01-15T15:24:00.000-05:00

Deaf Focus Group
Legislative issues

Presenters: Diane Wixted from CDHI
When: Wednesday February 18th, 2009
Time: 6:00-8:00
Where: Otis Library 261 Main Street Norwich, CT 06360

Diane Wixted will talk about issues relating to law and helping to change laws that would benefit people who are deaf.
This is open to the deaf community, interpreters, and ASL students. The presentation will in American Sign Language.
Please feel free to contact Linda Fafard for more information at 823-1898 (V), Videophone IP Address 75.149.135.141 or Lfafard@dnec.org.

Free Presentation on Digital TV Transition

2009-01-05T10:54:00.003-05:00

Digital TV Transition
ALL ARE WELCOME!!!!!

Are you ready for your TV to continue to work after February, 2009?
Starting February, 2009 all TV will be broadcast digitally. Come learn more!!!!

When: January 21st, 2009
Time: 6:00-8:00pm
Where: Otis Library, 261 main street, Norwich, CT
Presenter: John Barios from Comcast Communications

We will provide ASL/English interpreters!

Please feel free to contact Brynn Hickey or Linda Fafard for more information (860)823-1898 (v), Videophone IP Address 75.149.135.141

2008-11-26T12:44:00.001-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 10, 2008

Office of Connecticut State Treasurer Denise L. Nappier and
Financial Planning Associations of Connecticut
Announce the FPA CT Pro Bono Network

Cromwell, CT- Speaking at the Seventh Annual Money Conference for Women, State Treasurer Denise L. Nappier announced Saturday the launch of a statewide initiative to help Connecticut families cope with personal financial management issues in the midst of a troubled economic environment.

The Office of the State Treasurer joined forces with the Financial Planning Associations (FPA) of Connecticut to develop the CT Pro Bono Network, which will provide a free half hour consultation with a certified financial planner to individuals who seek advice on issues such as how to juggle saving for retirement and college while paying off a mortgage or car loan.

In addressing the Money Conference for Women, Treasurer Nappier said, “The FPA CT Pro Bono Network could not come at a more important time. The unprecedented market turmoil, brought on by the credit crisis, threatens many Connecticut families with uncertainty about their jobs and enough money to pay their bills. People who live paycheck to paycheck are wondering how they will make ends meet. This Network is an important source of assistance to many Connecticut families struggling to find answers to the most important questions about how to make ends meet and plan for a secure financial future.”

The Financial Planning Associations of Connecticut serves the Connecticut Valley, Fairfield County and Greater New Haven with 50 members participating in the Network.
Individuals interested in speaking with one of the Association’s certified financial

planners can call 860-721-PLAN (7526) or toll free 1-800-490-4237. A planner will evaluate the callers’ specific financial concerns and assist them in identifying solutions to achieve financial growth and stability as their life circumstances change.

Christopher M. Lee, CFP and Director of the FPA CT Pro Bono Network said, “FPA chapter members have been searching for ways to reach out to those who would not be able to afford our services. We are excited about offering pro bono financial advice to the general public.”

Treasurer Nappier chose to announce this new initiative at the Seventh Annual Money Conference for Women in recognition of the conference’s unique attendance by women from all ages, economic backgrounds, and with varying degrees of financial knowledge. Over 400 women who attended the conference were introduced to the Pro Bono Network. Co-sponsored by the Treasurer’s Office and the YWCA of the Hartford Region, the Money Conference for Women has brought together more than 3,000 women since 2001 to learn about how to better manage their financial affairs.

Treasurer Nappier has made advancing financial education a hallmark of her administration, working collaboratively with community-based and faith-based organizations and the business community to promote financial education statewide, including programs aimed at young people, women and underserved communities. In February, 2008 the Nappier administration in partnership with the University of Connecticut convened the “Your Dollar, Your World,” a personal finance and economics conference attended by more than 500 high school students.

The Treasurer’s commitment to financial education also extends to ensuring that Connecticut citizens have an affordable and accessible college education. In her role as trustee of the Connecticut Higher Education Trust (CHET), the Treasurer helps families save for their children’s education. CHET is the official 529 college savings plan for Connecticut, created specifically to help Connecticut families save after-tax dollars for future college expenses. Anyone with a Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number can open an account with as little as $25 per Investment Option, or with as little as $15 per Investment Option via payroll deduction. CHET is the only 529 college savings program for which Connecticut taxpayers may claim a state income tax deduction on contributions made before December 31st.

Primary funding support for the Pro Bono Network counseling service has been provided by Bank of America with additional resource assistance from the National Foundation for Financial Planning, Chapter Grant program.

###

Contact: Lisa Monroe
Communications
(860) 702-3014
lisa.monroe@ct.gov

TODAY IS ELECTION DAY! GET OUT AND VOTE

2008-11-04T07:17:00.004-05:00

DNEC is not endorsing any candidate, however we offer the following information so that you can make an informed choice. In September, the Ohio Legal Rights Service prepared a side-by-side comparison of the Presidential candidates' positions on disability-related issues.

http://www.olrs.ohio.gov/prescompare.htm

EVERY VOTE COUNTS!

AN INVITATION FOR YOU TO APPLY FOR THE YOUTH LEADERSHIP FORUM (YLF) FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES - 2009

2008-10-29T18:01:00.004-04:00

FROM: Karen Halliday, Director, Kathleen Kabara, President
Connecticut Youth Leadership Project, Inc.

2009 will be the eleventh year we are offering this innovative leadership program. The four-day forum will include many exciting educational and motivational activities to assist you in strengthening your leadership skills. The forum will take place July 27- July 30, 2009 at the University of Connecticut, Storrs campus.

We are inviting you to apply, and are asking for your help in recruiting other students to apply for the forum. Completed application packets must be postmarked by January 16, 2009 and mailed to the address noted on the enclosed application. Through a competitive process, approximately 40 students will be selected to attend the forum. If you are accepted to YLF you will be required to attend follow-up sessions after the forum to implement your Community Action Plans.

It is the goal of the YLF planning committee to select students from all regions of Connecticut, who represent a wide range of disabilities and ethnic backgrounds.

The Youth Leadership Forum is sponsored through the cooperative effort of the public and private sector in Connecticut. There is no cost for you to attend the forum.

All information in your application is strictly confidential and will only be shared with members of the YLF selection committee. Applications may be downloaded by accessing the website at www.ctylp.org

APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 16, 2009

DISABILITY LAW LOWDOWN PODCAST in ENGLISH, SPANISH, and AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE

2008-10-24T11:32:00.001-04:00

PRESS RELEASE
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jacquie Brennan
DBTAC Southwest ADA Center
713.520.0232
jbrennan@bcm.edu

October 23, 2008 - The Disability Law Lowdown is a podcast series devoted to disability law issues. It is available for free download on both iTunes and the Disability Law Lowdown website at http://www.disabilitylawlowdown.com/. Listeners can subscribe to the podcasts to have shows automatically delivered to them. The podcasts are also available on the DLL website, where transcripts of the shows are simultaneously available.

New episodes are available today, including The ADA Amendments Act (the English podcast), Employment Discrimination and the ADA (the Spanish podcast), and Law Enforcement and the ADA (the ASL podcast).

The Disability Law Lowdown brings listeners the latest information about disability rights, disability case law updates, obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other disability-related topics.

Disability Law Lowdown is brought to you by the Disability Business Technical Assistance Center (DBTAC), which is a national network of ten ADA Centers, offering technical assistance and training in the Americans with Disabilities Act and other disability-related laws.

To subscribe or listen, look for the Disability Law Lowdown podcast on iTunes, or go to the website at http://www.disabilitylawlowdown.com/.

FLU SHOTS FOR VETERANS

2008-10-14T10:49:00.003-04:00

For those of you who get your flu shots at the VA, they are starting to give them on October 9th in West Haven. 8:30 am till 4pm, in the lobby in Bld. 2. No appointment is necessary, but you must be enrolled in the VA Connecticut Healthcare system, and ID is required.

The same requirement applies If you receive care at the Newington VA, they will start on October 16th and be administered from 8am till 11am on the 16th, 18th, 23rd, 25th, Nov. 1st, 6th, and 13th.

If you go to the clinics in Danbury, New London, Stamford, Windham, Winsted, or Waterbury you may call for an appointment, or get it when you go for your regular visit.

DON'T FORGET TO GO AND GET YOURS!!!!!

Stay well,
Ron

Ron Rusko
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Department of Connecticut

Mental Health Parity Legislation Heads to the President’s Desk for Signature

2008-10-06T14:12:00.003-04:00

Mental Health Parity Legislation Heads to the President’s Desk for Signature: Congratulations, Advocates!

Today we are one step closer to ending discrimination based on mental illness. Advocates have worked countless years to achieve this victory, and we applaud you! Congratulations on this historic day.

Your phone calls, email, faxes to and meetings with Members of Congress paid off. Congress included Mental Health Parity in their economic bailout package that is on its way to the President’s desk for signature! NCIL worked in coalition with Mental Health America and the Mental Health Liaison Group to enact this critical legislation. Below is a summary by MHA:

Mental Health America Hails Approval of Federal Parity Legislation

Bill Broadly Outlaws Health Insurance Discrimination; Recognizes Importance of Mental Health to Overall Health

Contact: Steve Vetzner, (703) 797-2588-Office or (202) 744-6341-Cell or svetzner@mentalhealthamerica.net

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (October 3, 2008) — Mental Health America today hailed as “a great civil rights victory” the approval of mental health parity legislation that will broadly outlaw health insurance discrimination against Americans with mental health and substance-use conditions in employer-sponsored health plans.

The legislation, which recognizes the importance of mental health to overall health, bans employers and insurers from imposing stricter limits on coverage for mental health and substance-use conditions than those set for other health problems. It will provide parity for 82 million Americans covered by self-insured plans and another 31 million in plans that are subject to state regulation.

It is estimated that roughly 67 percent of adults and 80 percent of children requiring mental health services do not receive help, in large part because of discriminatory insurance practices
Mental Health America, which has worked for years to pass mental health parity, applauded Senators Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Pete Domenici (R-N.M.) and Representatives Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.) and Jim Ramstad (R-Minn.), as well as Senate and House leadership key committee chairmen for championing the legislation and their long-standing commitment to ending this civil rights inequity. This victory also owes much to tireless champions such as Rosalyn Carter, David Wellstone and tens of thousands of Americans who have pressed for this historic reform.

“This is a historic day and a great civil rights victory for millions of Americans who have been unable to access mental health treatment,” said David Shern, Ph.D., president and CEO of Mental Health America. “With approval of this bill, we will tear down the walls of stigma and discrimination and the open the doors to the power and promise of treatment and recovery. It recognizes that mental health disorders are every bit as debilitating, and just as treatable, as cancer and diabetes.

“With economic problems making it even harder for Americans to afford treatment and driving up rates of depression and family difficulties, passage of this law is even more important.”
The legislation, called the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, builds on the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the recent approval of Medicare legislation that reduces discriminatory co-payments for mental health services. Dr. Shern said the law’s approval should spur further action to improve mental healthcare.

“This law sends a powerful message that we as a nation must address mental health conditions with the same urgency as other health problems,” he said. “We must continue to enact policies that embrace that principle.”

The legislation applies to group health plans of 51 or more employees. The bill takes the following steps:

There is no requirement as to what conditions must be covered. But when a mental health or substance-use condition is covered, it must be at parity with medical coverage (except to the extent that a state parity law requires broader coverage). Specifically, it prohibits group health plans that offer coverage for any mental health or substance-use conditions from imposing treatment limitations and financial requirements on those benefits that are stricter than for medical and surgical benefits.

If a plan offers out-of-network benefits for medical or surgical care, it must also offer out-of-network coverage for mental health and addiction treatment and provide services at parity.

Strong state parity and consumer protection laws are preserved while extending parity protection to 82 million more people who are not protected by state laws and 31 million in plans that are subject to state regulation.

State parity laws vary widely from state to state (for a map of state laws, visit www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/parity/states).

The legislation also establishes an important oversight mechanism to determine if insurers are discriminating against certain conditions or failing to cover some treatments.

In 2007, Mental Health America helped mount a nationwide tour that galvanized support for mental health parity. Led by Reps. Kennedy and Ramstad, the series of town hall meetings heard testimony from Americans living with mental illnesses, business leaders who have benefited from workplace mental health programs, experts on mental health and addiction, and administrators of programs that bear the huge cost of untreated mental illness.

For fact sheets on the legislation and more information, go to http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/parity

CT Association of Centers for Independent Living
151 New Park Ave. Suite 106
Hartford, CT 06106-2191

860-656-0430 Voice
860-656-0486 Fax
860-656-2353 TDD

2008-10-06T08:55:00.004-04:00

M. Jodi RellGovernor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 3, 2008

Governor Rell: Requests for Home Heating Aid Three Times Higher than 2007
Since Mid-August State has Received More than 18,000 Applications

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that more than 18,000Connecticut households have applied for winter heating assistance, more thantriple the amount the state handled the same period last year.

"There is no question that this winter will be one of the mostexpensive ever for Connecticut families," Governor Rell said. "Some ofthese families, who have never needed help before, are now reaching out. That iswhy I insisted that we expand our eligibility requirements so we can serve asmany as possible."

The Department of Social Services reports that intake agencies havereceived 18,816 since mid-August, compared to just over 6,400 on October 1,2007. Households can start receiving assistance on November 1. Assistance isavailable to low- and moderate-income residents and other vulnerable households.

"The chilly autumn days have arrived and we all know theConnecticut winter is not far behind," Governor Rell said. "Theconcerns over heating homes, coupled with the high cost of groceries and othergoods, deepen day by day."

The Connecticut Energy Assistance and Contingency Heating programsreceived a big boost this week when the federal government approved more than$104 million in heating assistance for Connecticut. The Governor also workedwith the legislature to ensure that state's entire $84 million surplus bededicated to various heating assistance programs.

For more information on energy assistance programs, includingeligibility and where to file and application:
Call 800-842-1132 or the state information line at 2-1-1

Visit www.ct.gov and click on CT Energy Resources link

Visit www.ct.gov/dss

Adaptive Clothing

2008-09-02T14:49:00.001-04:00

Have you ever sought adaptations to clothes for special needs?

Many special clothing companies have ceased operation.

Now "Special Clothes" is closing, but you can still find reasonably priced items at www.adaptationsbyadrian.com.

We've made high quality capes, body suits, sitter pants and other products for 15 years, with thousands of happy customers.

This is our new 800 #: 888-214-8372.

A professional receives a 10% discount on an order faxed to 760-481-7068. A free brochure will be mailed to you upon request.

Email Adrians1@sbcglobal.net.

FIRST EVER ASL VIDEO PODCAST

2008-08-28T12:44:00.001-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jacquie Brennan
DBTAC Southwest ADA Center
713.520.0232, jbrennan@bcm.edu
FIRST EVER ASL VIDEO PODCAST from the
DISABILITY LAW LOWDOWN

August 21, 2008 – The first ever video podcast series in American Sign Language announces new episodes on the Disability Law Lowdown website at ASL.DisabilityLawLowdown.com. The Disability Law Lowdown ASL podcasts bring a new level of service to the Deaf community by expanding traditional audio-only podcasts to include video that allows subscribers to see native Deaf speakers signing the show’s content. The podcasts deliver the latest in disability law information every other week via American Sign Language, captioning, voice-over, and transcripts to maximize accessibility. Free subscriptions to the ASL podcasts are available to have shows automatically delivered to MP3 players. The ASL podcasts are also available on the Disability Law Lowdown website, where transcripts of the shows are simultaneously available. And for the fastest viewing, the ASL podcasts are available on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/disabilitylawlowdown.

Topics currently available include: Your Legal Rights as a College Student, Legal Obligations of the Hospitality Industry, Requesting an Interpreter, and an Overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The hosts for the ASL Disability Law Lowdown are native Deaf signers Danny Warthling and AJ Roupp. They will provide the latest information about disability rights and obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other disability-related topics. Subscription is free and RSS feeds are available to automatically download the shows to video iPods, computers, phones, and other video-capable devices.

Disability Law Lowdown is provided by the Disability Business Technical Assistance Center (DBTAC), a national network of ten ADA Centers across the country, offering technical assistance and training in the Americans with Disabilities Act and other disability-related laws. DCRE Labs developed the Disability Law Lowdown website and brought together several new technologies as part of the Disability Law Lowdown project.

To subscribe, look for the ASL Disability Law Lowdown podcast on iTunes, or visit http://www.ASL.DisabilityLawLowdown.com .

Secretary of State's Office Wants to Hear From You

2008-08-25T13:33:00.002-04:00

The Secretary of State's office is doing extensive voter outreach as they prepare for the November 4th Presidential election. As you probably know, they use a paper-ballot voting machine and have a special telephone in each polling place that can be used to cast a ballot for people who are blind, sight-impaired or for some other reason would prefer not to fill out a paper ballot.

If there is anything they can do to help you feel more familiar and confortable with voting in November, please feel free to contact their office.

Lesley D. Mara
Deputy Secretary of the State
(860) 509-6268

Presidential Candidates' Stands on Disability Policy Issues

2008-08-11T16:17:00.003-04:00

The following is a letter from NCIL, the National Council on Independent Living, regarding the positions of our Presidential Candidates on Disability Policy Issues

Dear Fellow Advocates:

As many of you know, I announced at the NCIL annual conference that Senator McCain was changing his position on the Community Choice Act (CCA) and that he would be making a formal announcement of his support for the CCA at the Disabilities Issues Forum in Ohio. This information had been given to me by a staff person within the McCain campaign with direct responsibility for disability policy issues. Therefore, I felt confident in making this announcement to the NCIL membership during our time together at the conference.

However, as we all now know on July 26, the 18th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, at the Disabilities Issues Forum in Ohio, Senator McCain once again stated that he does not support the Community Choice Act.

The National Council on Independent Living supports two pieces of legislation in regards to people with disabilities receiving services in the community. They are the Community Choices Act and the Community Living Assistance, Services and Supports (CLASS) Act. There is a strong historical linkage between NCIL and the struggle for people with disabilities to live in their own homes and communities - not in institutions. We believe it is important for the NCIL Membership to know that Senator Obama is signed on as a co-sponsor of both of those pieces of legislation and Senator McCain is a co-sponsor of neither. For more information on where the candidates stand on our issues, visit the candidates’ campaign websites: http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues and http://www.barackobama.com/issues/disabilities.

The Community Choice Act would give people with disabilities the right to live with dignity in homes of our choosing, rather than to be forced into nursing homes or other institutions. Senator McCain said that he opposes the Community Choice Act because of cost, placing the value of money over the value of people with disabilities’ dignity and choice. Also, evidence-based research by Dr. Mitch LaPlante from the University of California San Francisco, who is recognized as one of the foremost disability researchers in the country, proves that the Community Choices Act is affordable.

We must end the institutional bias now. We have to stop locking people away from home, friends, and family just because they have a disability. Ending this bias will make a better and richer society because history has shown that ending bias and segregation against people, any and all people, is good for us all.

We encourage you to continue and ramp up your advocacy efforts and to exercise your right to vote. In the words of Justin Dart – “Vote as if your life depends on it, because it does.”

Sincerely,

Kelly Buckland
President

YOUR SUPPORT NEEDED to pass ADA Amendments Act of 2008

2008-08-11T09:08:00.003-04:00

The ADA Amendments Act of 2008, referred to earlier this year as the ADA Restoration Act, awaits action in the U.S. Senate. It passed the House of Representatives (HR 3195) by a 402-17 margin in June.

When the Senate reconvenes in September, we need to have them pass the new and improved ADA so we can get it signed into law before Congress breaks again for the November election. Senators Dodd and Lieberman need to hear from their CT constituents that the ADA Amendments Act has your support.

To contact Senator Lieberman:
Tel: (202) 224-4041
Fax: (202) 224-9750
For TTY Call 711

or for his CT office:
(860) 549-8463
(800) 225-5605
(860) 549-8478 Fax
For TTY Call 711

To e-mail a message, go to:
http://lieberman.senate.gov/contact

To contact Senator Dodd:
Tel: (202) 224-2823
Fax: (202) 224-1083

for his CT office:
(860) 258-6940
(800) 334-5341
Fax: (860) 258-6958

To e-mail a message, go to:
http://dodd.senate.gov/index.php?q=node/3128

ACT NOW TO SUPPORT DISABILITY RIGHTS

2008-08-11T09:02:00.004-04:00

The regulations governing accessibility standards required by the ADA are being revised, and there are many items about which we need to be concerned.

The proposal includes many items that affect private businesses as well as the accessibility of state and municipal government activities.

We have until August 18 to submit comments to the U.S. Department of Justice.

To review the proposed regulations, go to the Department of Justice website:
www.ada.gov/NPRM2008/ADAnprm08.htm.

The Disability Rights and Education Defense Fund (DREDF), perhaps the most respected disability rights organization in the country, has prepared draft comments for your review.

To review DREDF's draft visit www.dredf.org/DOJ_NPRM.

Act now to support disability rights!

Connect-ability Forums to be held in August

2008-07-31T17:11:00.002-04:00

The Windham Region Connect-ability Strategic Planning Committee will host community meetings in the month of August to solicit information from consumers, employers, service providers, friends, family and concerned citizens to identify barriers to employment for people with disabilities and identifying, developing and testing solutions with a focus on transportation issues.

PUBLIC MEETINGS

August 6, 2008 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Windham Regional Community Council
872 Main Street, Willimantic, CT

August 11, 2008 12:45 PM to 2:30 PM
Mansfield Senior Center
303 Maple Road, Mansfield, CT

August 13, 2008 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Windham Regional Community Council
872 Main Street, Willimantic, CT

August 20, 2008 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Willimantic Town Hall
979 Main Street, Willimantic, CT

August 27, 2008 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Willimantic Town Hall
979 Main Street, Willimantic, CT

The planning partners for this grant:
Connecticut Association of Centers for Independent Living

(CACIL) (860-656-0430)

Disabilities Network of Eastern Connecticut (DNEC) ( 860-823-1898)
Windham Region Transit District (WRTD) (860-4456-1462)

Feedback Needed on Telephone Voting Technology

2008-07-29T21:29:00.002-04:00

The Board of Education and Services for the Blind is pleased to announce that the Office of the Secretary of State is seeking to receive feedback from voters on their personal experiences in using telephone voting technology in the last election.

Based upon the feedback submitted, the Secretary will be acknowledging the efforts of polling locations that offered good customer service and smooth utilization of the accessible voting machines. In addition, for locations where the experience was not positive, the Secretary wishes to learn of the specific issues encountered, along with the polling location involved, so that corrective action can be implemented prior to the next election.

Your perspectives are very important, so please consider sharing your observations by sending an email to: lesley.mara@po.state.ct.us.

This announcement is also available on the BESB website by clicking on the link below.Accessible Voting <http://www.ct.gov/besb/cwp/view.asp?a=2850&q=331490>

Understanding money management/budgeting, Credit Reports, Credit Cards and Credit reports

2008-07-28T14:04:00.008-04:00

Deaf Focus Group - Free Workshop

Presenter : Sheryle McMillan from Consumer Credit Counseling Services will be presenting on topics such as how to obtain a FREE copy of your credit report, understanding what your credit report says about you gaining financial control in your life by making a budget work for you why credit cards are neither friend nor foe and how to make your dollar worth more!

When: Thursday, October 9th 2008

Time : 6:00-8:00

Where: Otis Library -261 main street Norwich, CT 06360

All are Welcome!

Please pass the word on to family and friends.

For more information click on picture below, or feel free to contact Brynn Hickey or Linda Fafard at (860)823-1898 (v), Videophone IP Address 75.149.135.141. AOL IM screen name DNEC Deaf or email at bhickey@dnec.org, or lfafard@dnec.org.

Directions:

From Route 2 East:

Turn right onto Washington Street (Backus Hospital on right). Head south and take left fork onto Broadway. About a half a mile take right onto Union Street. At intersection, take a right back onto Broadway. At next light take a left onto Main. Library is 3 blocks down on right.

Identity Theft and Scams

2008-07-28T13:53:00.003-04:00

Deaf Focus Group

Identity Theft and Scams

Mark Loundsbury, from crime prevention unit of the Norwich Police Department, is coming to our meeting. He will discuss identity theft and scams. We will learn how to protect ourselves. This is important to all people including the deaf community. We hope to see everyone there.

Presenter: Mark Loundsbury, Norwich police department

When: Wednesday, September 17th 2008

Time: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Where: Otis Library -261 main street Norwich, CT 06360

All are Welcome!
Please pass the word on to family and friends.

Please feel free to contact Brynn Hickey or Linda Fafard for more information at
(860)823-1898 (v), Videophone IP Address 75.149.135.141
AOL IM screen name DNEC Deaf or email at bhickey@dnec.org, lfafard@dnec.org.

Directions:

From Route 2 East:

Turn right onto Washington Street (Backus Hospital on right). Head south and take left fork onto Broadway. About a half a mile take right onto Union Street. At intersection, take a right back onto Broadway. At next light take a left onto Main. Library is 3 blocks down on right.

2008-07-28T11:28:00.003-04:00

New Charter Oak Health Insurance Plan

The new Charter Oak Health Plan began taking applications on July 1st with coverage to begin in September.

Premiums per person vary between $75 and $279/month with an annual cap on services of $100,000, in addition to the lifetime $1 million cap. Annual deductibles range from $150 to $900 (and up to $1,750 for families) and above that amount, consumers will have to pay 10% of inpatient hospital bills and 20% of outpatient surgery and medical tests. There will also be co-pays on office visits and prescriptions drugs, and there is a $4,000 annual cap on durable medical equipment.

The three participating health plans are Community Health Network, Aetna Better Health and AmeriChoice (UnitedHealth Plan). Charter Oak covers hospital care, doctor or clinic visits, X rays and lab tests, prescriptions, and some mental health and substance abuse treatment. There is no pre-existing condition exclusion and subsidies in premiums and deductibles are based on income.

While Charter Oak is an important new option for CT's uninsured, it may not be right for everyone. As with all insurance, consumers need to do their homework.

Charter Oak may not be right for consumers who:

Have insurance now - (with some exceptions, you may not be eligible if you've had insurance in the last six months)
Don't have money in the bank available for health costs ($900 deductibles plus 10% of hospitals stays can get very expensive)
Have high prescription needs (prescriptions are limited to $7,500/year)
Need to see a specific doctor (the provider panel is likely to be very limited)
Need dental or vision care (they are not covered)
Need mental health or substance abuse treatment (coverage is limited and high cost sharing applies to certain services)

Consumers who want more information or to sign up can go to http://www.charteroakhealthplan.com/ or call 1-877-77CTOAK

(1-877-772-8625).

This information is taken from the CT Alliance for Basic Human Needs (CABHN) June/July 2008 Newsletter and the CT Health Policy Project website http://www.cthealthpolicy.org/

Thank you,
Alicia Woodsby, MSW
Public Policy Director
NAMI-CT