Agenda
Commission for Accessibility
Meeting Agenda
Monday, April 15, 2024 5:00PM
Via Zoom (access information below). Should someone need a special accommodation in order to participate in this meeting please contact Karen Gaudian at 203 807-4524.
Policy: Commission for Accessibility meetings will be conducted under Roberts Rules of Order and all participants are expected to conduct themselves with dignity and treat all those present with respect, empathy and civility.
Commission for Accessibility Chairman, Don Ciota, is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting hosted by Tony Philips, Town ADA Coordinator.
Topic: Ridgefield Commission for Accessibility
Time: This is a recurring meeting.
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5:00 PM. Call to Order
Public Comment
Connecticut Sources of Disability Resources
The following is a compendium of services offered by the CT Department of Aging and Disability Services, the CT Departemt of Social Services, and other CT agencies. This can be used as a resource for this Commission and town residents to identify and obtain a wide range of services offered by the state.
CT Disability Services:
Aging and Disability Resources Centers provide consumers of any age and ability with benefits counseling, person-centered planning to help identify available long and short term services and supports, application assistance and general information and assistance.
The Department of Social Services Waiver for Persons with Autism provides home-and community-based services to individuals with autism who do not have an intellectual disability (a full IQ score of 70 or higher).
This program provides services to help eligible residents live in the community. Eligible applicants must be 65 years of age or older, be at risk of nursing home placement and meet the program’s financial eligibility criteria. To be at risk of nursing home placement means that the applicant needs assistance with critical needs such as bathing, dressing, eating, taking medications and toileting. CHCPE helps clients continue living at home instead of going to a nursing home. Each applicant’s needs are reviewed to determine if he/she may remain at home with the help of home care services.
Helps individuals with disabilities of all ages and all disabilities, as well as family members, employers, educators and other professionals have access to Assistive Technology devices and services.
Members of the public who want to contact DDS staff members or meet with them can use the directory to find phone numbers for the main and regional offices and directions to all the offices.
While not a direct service provider, the Council's mission is to promote the full inclusion of people with disabilities into their communities through advocacy, capacity building and system change activities in school, work and community life.
CT AHEAD helps high school students with disabilities learn about support programs at different colleges in the state. AHEAD also advocates for the needs of students with disabilities and promotes programs to help them succeed in college.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services offers a counseling unit for Connecticut residents who are deaf, hard of hearing, or KODA/CODA (Hearing children or adults of Deaf parents) and their family members and also offers an interpreting unit with certified language interpreting services on a fee for service basis 24/7.
Links to individuals and organizations that provide developmental services.
A collection of resources and information for the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Providers.
The department provides links to numerous forms to request services and assess needs and skills.
The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Production Studio produces informational videos that educate consumers and their families about DDS services and supports. In addition, training videos are produced for agency staff and DDs private providers.
Support is tailored to meet the needs and desires of consumers and their families through various stages of life, from infancy to retirement age.
The Department administers programs which promote social, physical and economic well-being while providing people with disabilities with opportunities to achieve their full potential for self-direction. The Department works closely with an advisory council comprised primarily of people with disabilities which makes recommendations to improve the planning, development and administration of programs.
Driver training program for persons with disabilities can help any qualified permanent Connecticut resident who requires special equipment in order to operate a motor vehicle. This is the only state-operated program of this type in the U.S. There is no charge for this training.
The Department of Social Services Durable Medical Equipment program provides equipment to help you move around: canes, crutches, walkers and wheelchairs. DME also includes equipment needed to care for you at home: bed pans, heat lamps or pads, hospital beds, special toilet seats and machines that help make breathing easier. *Service available to Medicaid recipients only
The Independent Living Program provides comprehensive independent living services to persons with significant disabilities through contracts with Connecticut’s five community-based Centers for Independent Living.
Members of the public with questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can read about the law, find resources and contact people and get information about filing complaints and accessibility requests.
An outline of some of the resources, programs and technology available to libraries to help people with disabilities access library collections and services. Library Services for People with Disabilities
The State of Connecticut offers a variety of services to help eligible individuals who need support to live at home or to return to community living. Many of the programs are administered under a Medicaid ‘waiver,’ meaning that Connecticut has received federal approval to waive certain Medicaid requirements to meet the service needs of older adults and adults with disabilities in the community.
The goals of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) are to work with individuals, their families and other support groups to develop long-term strategies for people with disabilities to live full lives in their communities. To do that, DDS promotes life-long learning, using local supports and resources, employment, using technology for learning and support and developing personal responsibility and strengths.
Connecticut’s Strategic Plan to Rebalance Long-Term Services and Supports, including a town-by-town projection of Connecticut’s long-term care needs and strategies to meet those needs.
Medicaid for Employees with Disabilities, also known as MED-Connect, provides medical assistance to employed individuals with disabilities. Enrollees can earn up to $75,000 per year and qualify for full Medicaid/HUSKY Health coverage.
Current State Plan Amendments submitted to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
An independent state agency created to safeguard and advance the civil and human rights of people with disabilities in Connecticut, the Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities investigates claims of discrimination and abuse and provides education and advocacy services.
People who are experiencing vision loss that makes daily activities difficult can contact the Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB) for services that can include counseling, explanation of legal benefits, low vision rehabilitation services and job training. The bureau also can offer on-the-job training and tax incentives to employers who hire its clients.
Residents can access an alphabetical listing of supports and services to find the help they need.
CT Veterans requiring home and based services in order to remain in the community and avoid institutionalization have the opportunity to self-direct their own care. Through this program veterans serve as an employer and have the freedom to hire and fire their own Personal Care Assistants and with the help of a fiscal management service, manage their individualized care plans and corresponding budgets.
Connecticut residents with significant disabilities who need help finding and keeping employment can apply for services through the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services.
Assists blind job seekers in breaking through physical, psychological, and educational barriers that are temporarily preventing them from obtaining careers that match their skills and motivation.
Workers' Rehabilitation Services (WRS) is dedicated to assisting the eligible injured worker in returning to gainful employment by providing quality Vocational Rehabilitation services. Vocational planning focuses on enabling the injured worker to envision a new future and a new career.
Protocol for Budget Expenditures
7.2. Expenses
Before a BCC member incurs expenses connected with their assignment, they must obtain approval by their chairperson, who has obtained approval of the First Selectman depending on funds available in the budget.
7.2 from TOR Information Guidelines
Invoice of CfA Promotional Materials
Discussion for approval of invoice for promotional items used by the Commission.
Discussion of Chamber of Commerce Interest
Adjourn
Meeting Dates for 2024:
May 6 June 10
July (none) August (none) September 9
October 7 November 18