C o n n e c t i o n s

NEWSLETTER OF THE DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY

July – September 2011

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Welcome to the 3rd edition of DRCFC’s quarterly newsletter, Connections. Our goals with this newsletter are: 1. to make “connections” between individuals with disabilities and opportunities, and 2. to serve as a vehicle for people with disabilities to share their needs.    

CENTER HIGHLIGHTS

Third quarter (April - June) of the 2010-2011 fiscal year:

* 426 Information & Referral calls (1305 year-to-date)

* 205 Assistive Technology calls

* 182 active consumers

* 96 hours of Community Activities

* Staff participated in various Networking, Trainings & Meetings, including: CIL Suite training (new data system), CHOICES update training, Greater Bridgeport Disability Advocacy Collaborative meetings, Bridgeport Emergency Planning, Red Cross, Homeland Security, data/technology meetings, MS Society, SW CT Area Agency on Aging, Laurelwood Senior Apartment Fair, Fairfield Senior Center Wellness Fair, CES Transition Fair, Sagamore Place Wellness Fair, Bridgeport Rotary, MDA Support Group, Baldwin Senior Center, CT Association of Centers for Independent Living, Money Follows the Person, CT Disability Advocacy Collaborative, Statewide Independent Living Council, ADA Coalition of CT, CT Business Leadership Conference, job fairs.

DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER SERVICES

* Peer Support empowers by validating and recognizing the worth and dignity of the individual. This begins when a person becomes a consumer of DRCFC, meets with an advocate who is a peer, and sets a goal that is self-directed and not judged by an arbitrary medical or social standard.

* Information and Referral services are provided to the individual and to the community so that people with disabilities can make informed choices about their lives, and communities can address those barriers that restrict access to people with disabilities.  Advocates knowledgeable about a wide range of issues including civil rights, anti-discrimination laws, housing, benefits, insurance, adaptive technology, employment, education, along with services and programs of interest to people with disabilities, are available to assist individuals as well as communities, organizations and businesses recognize the importance of including people with disabilities.

* Independent Living Skills Training empowers by giving people the tools necessary to live more independently. Peer advocates share their knowledge in all aspects of living and working, by informing their peers of resources in the community that are available to help them overcome barriers and live fuller, more productive lives.

* Advocacy services are provided both to individuals, to reach their personal goals, and the community at large. Many issues that people with disabilities face are not unique to their disabilities but require the removal of systemic barriers that affect the independence of many. The Greater Bridgeport Disability Advocates was begun by consumers of DRCFC and has already met with success by reestablishing the Disability Commission of the City of Bridgeport.

* MFP/Nursing Home Transition. DRCFC is a participant in Money Follows the Person (MFP), an innovative federal program that takes money that would normally go to expensive nursing home care and instead uses it for community-based supports, so that adults can live independently in the community.  MFP is improving the quality of life for elders and people with physical, developmental and mental health disabilities.  The program builds on current programs by offering enhanced community services and support to those who have resided in nursing facilities for at least six months.

* Ramp Programs.  DRCFC administers ramp programs in the Town of Stratford and City of Bridgeport to help fund ramps for low income families.

* Pre-employment services. Employment is valued by society, and people with disabilities need to take their rightful place as employees and builders of society.  A fully inclusive community means a fully integrated work force. People with disabilities are twice as likely to be unemployed. Some lack necessary skills to enter and remain in the workplace, while others are discouraged by perceived barriers to employment. DRCFC’s pre-employment services are a new initiative to help people overcome these barriers to employment and develop the necessary skills to be valued workers.

* Ticket to Work at DRCFC. This program, administered by Social Security, assists individuals receiving Social Security Benefits to enter the workforce. As a new Ticket to Work Employment Network, DRCFC is beginning to help individuals who were considered too disabled to work by Social Security, develop and establish their careers.

* Emergency Personal Care Assistance. In the City of Bridgeport, funds are available to assist individuals who lack adequate personal assistance services to remain independent in their homes. Emergency Personal Assistance funds allow individuals to hire their own attendants on a time-limited basis to meet changing and unmet personal care needs. In addition, a registry of available personal care attendants and drivers is maintained to assist individuals who need to secure the services of a personal care attendant.

* Part B funding for removing barriers to independence. Consumers of DRCFC services who encounter barriers that limit or restrict their ability to continue living independently may be eligible for Part B services. Part B funds can be used toward goods and services that remove such barriers.