DRCFC Services to Individuals include the following:

Information on Assistive Technology and Ramps

Peer Mentoring for Youth in Transition

Support Group for People with Traumatic Brain Injury

Nursing Homes Transition

Independent Living Skills Training

Information and Referral

In-Person Direct Services to People with Disabilities

AGING & DISABILITY RESOURCE NETWORK (ADRN)

DRCFC and Southwestern  Connecticut Agency on Aging (SWCAA) have joined together to establish  the Aging & Disability Resource Network (ADRN). This network has been established to provide "one stop shopping" to the aging and disabled communities. With the assistance of our 14 city and town community partners, those looking for resources can contact DRCFC or SWCAA and get the help they need without making numerous telephone calls. They will be transferred to the correct service provider immediately through special telephone technology; this will prevent the consumer from having to tell their story again or having to hang up and dial another number.

ADRN will work with the 14 community partners to expand awareness of the programs that are available through DRCFC & SWCAA. Also, ADRN will work with these partners to expand awareness of their programs.

If you would like more information about ADRN, please contact Fran Sinish, ADRN Coordinator, at fsinish@drcfc.org or (203) 378-6977 ext. 111.

CONSUMER OPEN ACCESS COMPUTER WORKSTATION

State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) funded the purchase of a desktop computer, loaded with adaptive software, and an accessible workstation. Consumers of DRCFC can use the computer:

* To be assessed or trained by BESB Rehab Technologists and contractors;

* For personal web searches, emails, document development;

* For education, pre-employment activities and searches

The computer includes software for the visually impaired, including GUIDE hands-free, Scan and Read Pro, and Zoom Text. Staff are available to assist and/or orient consumers to the computer and software. Please contact DRCFC at (203) 378-6977 to schedule a convenient time.

TICKET TO WORK PROGRAM AT DRCFC

DRCFC is now an Employment Network (EN) for Ticket-to-Work, an employment program for people with disabilities who are interested in going back to work. The Ticket to Work program is part of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999—legislation designed to remove many of the barriers that previously influenced people’s decisions about going to work because of the concerns over losing health care coverage.

The goal of the Ticket Program is to increase opportunities and choices for Social Security disability beneficiaries to obtain employment, vocational rehabilitation (VR), and other support services from public and private providers, employers, and other organizations.

EMPLOYERS: Are some of your most valued employees going to retire soon? Do you worry about finding the right employees in the future? There is a pool of people who want to work…you can give them the opportunity! The Disability Resource Center Employment Network can help you find the right person and support your decision. Please contact Amanda Landi, Ticket to Work Coordinator, at alandi@drcfc.org or (203) 378-6977 ext. 105.

TICKET HOLDERS: For more information, or to assign your ticket to the DRC Employment Network, please contact Amanda Landi, Ticket to Work Coordinator, at alandi@drcfc.org or (203) 378-6977 ext. 105.  

YOUTH TRANSITION PROGRAM

Free services to youth with disabilities, ages 16-21

DRCFC is now offering free services to high school juniors and seniors with any significant disability through our new Youth Transition Program. The program focuses on the student’s goals and plans, and helps them to build the skills they need to be successful whether they plan to transition to secondary education or into a career. The Youth Transition Program’s primary focus is on self-determination, and helping students develop the skills they need to be successful.

Students will work in a group to train in important vocational “soft-skills” such as effective communication, teamwork, and professionalism. Some examples of activities include filling out job applications, performing mock job interviews, and effective communication exercises. In addition, students will develop self-determination and self-advocacy skills, learn about student rights and responsibilities, as afforded by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and discuss and prepare for the Planning and Placement Team (PPT) process.

A peer-facilitated support group will give individuals an opportunity to develop leadership skills, to share their concerns regarding their disability and the transition process, while learning from one another how to be better self-advocates.

We will be working from Skills to Pay the Bills, a text developed in cooperation between the Department of Labor and the Office of Disability Employment Policy, focusing on key skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership.

We will also use Building a Bridge, a guide for high school students with disabilities to help them make choices and become successful self-advocates.

If you would like more information about the Youth Transition Program at DRCFC, please contact Amanda Landi, Youth Transition Advocate, at alandi@drcfc.org or (203) 378-6977 ext. 105.  

MONEY FOLLOWS THE PERSON (MFP)

The Money Follows the Person (MFP) Program provides consumers in nursing homes with assistance finding the services and supports they need to live independently within the community.

If you would like more information about the Money Follows the Person (MFP) Program at DRCFC, please contact Victor Xavier, MFP Transition Coordinator, at vxavier@drcfc.org or (203) 378-6977 ext. 104.  

* All services are available in a bilingual (Spanish) format.