CDAC February - March 2011 Bulletin

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Disability Advocacy in Bridgeport

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We post the bulletin to our website in a variety of formats. For your convenience, the latest CDAC bulletin is attached in PDF format, but if your mail system removed or altered the attachment in any way, you can always access it on our website at: http://www.ct-dac.org/bulletin.htm in a variety of different formats. NOTE: AOL customers will need to access the file from the website as AOL is making the PDF attachment invalid and you will NOT be able to access it. 

PLEASE NOTE: Let us know if you have any problems accessing our information by sending your comments to us at announce@ct-dac.org.  Please specify what problems you encountered and if you have any suggestions to help improve our communication.

 

CCADV 2011 Spring Newsletter

SPRING 2011    CCADV's td411.org website and APP CCADV will be releasing its teen dating website and APP for the iphone and android phone within the  next month. The APP is the first of its kind in the country, and will include the following sections:   * Ur relationship & u - Relationship Quiz, Why does it happen?, Readin' the signs, and Technology & u.   * Helpin' u out - Know ur rights, Takin' the next steps, & self care.   * Do ur part - Speak up, Get involved, & Find out more!   * Interactive/Fun - Videos, Music, and Stories!   The micro website - td411.org - that accompanies the app is being reviewed by local high school students for their feedback. "We want to make sure the teens find the APP/website useful, so they can either use it for themselves or refer it to a friend. If anyone asks about teen dating relationships,  the response now is 'there's an App for that.'" - Macklin Xu   The APP will have a soft launch on March 31and be released on April 15th. td411.org will also be available on March 31. Look for the APP downloadable on www.ctcadv.org, our Facebook fan page, and Twitter account! Capitol News   Guided by our mission of changing the social conditions that perpetuate violence, CCADV works closely with our membership, state advocacy groups, and legislators to draft legislation and to organize for policy change.   Each year, we develop a domestic violence legislative agenda to present to our elected officials for their support.     CCADV continues to work with the Speaker's Task Force Against Domestic Violence to implement reforms to Connecticut's domestic violence laws.   Among this year's  recommendations from the Task Force are changes to insure that when defendants in criminal cases are required to surrender their weapons, they must be given to someone residing outside their home; to train judicial staff who cover docket courts and for judges covering temporary restraining order hearings; and to make victims of domestic violence eligible for restitution.     Representative Mae Flexer, Chair of the Speaker's Task Force on Domestic Violence presents the Task Force recommendations.     The Speakers Task Force presented their full set of recommendations on March 28, 2011. CCADV is in support of their recommendations and has chosen three issues to focus on this session:   1.     Domestic violence funding:  CCADV is recommending that the General Assembly support the Governor's budget proposal for domestic violence funding.  Governor  Malloy's budget holds funds steady based upon last year's allocation.   2.     Bail/Bond of domestic violence offenders: CCADV is recommending that when bail/bond is set in domestic violence cases, 1) no bail bond be set without charging the premium rate as approved by the Insurance Commissioner and 2) a 35% down payment must be made when the offender is entering into a payment plan with a surety bail bond agent.   When offenders are able bail/bond out by paying less than the premium rate to a bail bond agent or by providing no down payment in a payment plan arrangement, victims are left with a false sense of security because they are led to believe that the offender would be incarcerated.        3.     Teen Dating Protocols for Schools: CCADV is recommending the amendment of the definition of bullying (CGS 10-222d) to include teen dating violence. If teen dating violence is included in the definition of bullying, CCADV can work with school systems to  develop  policies and procedures to address  teen dating violence which will include provisions on reporting, investigation, notification, and intervention. The policies can also include provisions for addressing teen dating violence outside of the school setting if it has a direct and negative impact on a student's academic performance or safety in school. Let's Prevent Domestic Violence Before It Happens   Last year, CCADV began the process of rethinking our reasons for  being. Acknowledging that even though we have improved services for survivors, we have not been able to stop intimate partner violence from occurring.    CCADV believes that if we want a society free of domestic violence, we need to prevent it before it happens. After long hours of discussion, changes were made to our mission and vision and consequently a primary prevention component was included in our strategic plan for the next five years.     We believe that to end intimate partner violence we need to go beyond intervening to change individual behaviors. We must focus on building communities that promote healthy relationships, equality and respect for our children and grandchildren. We need to begin working to change those social beliefs and practices that condone domestic violence now.   We have engaged with the Center of Disease Control (CDC) through the DELTA PREP project,. DELTA PREP seeks to increase the coalition's capacity to prevent intimate partner violence. Through the participation in DELTA PREP, all staff at CCADV have been trained in primary prevention. We have also engaged the community educators of our member programs and started to increase their capacity by providing them with intensive training on primary preventive.  In the next six months, CCADV and its members will increase their understanding of community organizing, anti-oppression work, project planning and evaluation among other issues to develop a strong and sustainable primary prevention initiative. We have just started and we know that this path is going to be long and challenging but essential if we really want to eliminate domestic violence.    National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month Press Conference   The Stamford Government Center was filled on February 8, 2011 with more than 200 students, elected officials, organizations/non profits and supporters for the National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month Press Conference. In the audience, high school students from Stamford, Greenwich, and Brien McMahon held up signs and banners to show their support in ending teen dating violence. Elected officials present included Michael Pavia, the mayor of Stamford, Richard Moccia , the mayor of Norwalk, Peter Tesei, the first selectman of Greenwich and State Representative Gerald Fox.  Kiley Young of the Office of the Child Advocate, Karen Brown of the Fairfield County Community Foundation, and Stamford police were also there.   The goal of the event was to raise public awareness and further establish a social change campaign. "We need a chorus of voices to create change [...] with a future free of abuse," said Lindsay Swatland, Mayor Youth Leadership Council and keynote presenter. "Teen dating violence is after all a persistent issue that affects everyone in the United States."   Nationally: 10% teens surveyed were in a physical abusive dating relationship last year 1 in 3 teens report knowing a friend or peer who has been physically hurt by their partner 65% teens report that a partner checked up on him/her 10-30 times per day via phone 35% young women who report partner violence also report coercion or birth control sabotage   In Connecticut: 10% teens surveyed were in a physically abusive dating relationship last year 17% teens were in an emotionally/verbally abusive dating relationship last year 74% teens surveyed in Fairfield County believe verbal abuse is a serious issue among their peers who are in a dating relationship    "It's not a cliché. Violence in any form is not acceptable. [Everyone should be] united to stop all forms of violence" - Mayor Richard Moccia.   Volume 11 Issue 1 In This Issue Capitol News Primary Prevention Initiative National TDV Conference Get the Tax Credits You Deserve Upcoming Events    Got free time and want to do some good? Consider volunteering! Have an extra car taking up precious garage space? Lend it to Cars4Causes!   You've Been Working Hard - Now Get the Tax Credits You Deserve!   Families in Connecticut: Whether or not you owe income tax, you could get thousands of dollars in tax credits. You could qualify for:   Up to $2,100      Up to $5,666     Up to $1,000   per child from the federal Child Tax Credit.   Up to $800  from the Making Work Pay Credit, if you haven't already received it in your take-home pay. More families than ever are eligible for these credits this year. To get these credits, you must file a tax return.   Find out where you can get FREE help with your taxes by calling the IRS toll-free at (800) TAX-1040 or (800) 829-1040. National Women's Law Center Tax Credits Outreach Campaign, 2011 Tax Filing Season IF YOU BELIEVE IN OUR CAUSE     The Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) is working to create a Connecticut where domestic violence no longer exists. If you share this vision, please consider making a donation to CCADV.  Your support will help us continue our efforts to raise awareness about this pervasive problem and provide resources to domestic violence advocates across your community.  Make a tax deductible contribution to CCADV by check to: Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence 90 Pitkin Street East Hartford, CT 06108 Upcoming Events   March 9 - April 2: Uplifting Art: A community art show     Reception for the Women's    Center  of SE CT  March 23       5:30pm-7:30pm        190 State Street            New London               March 19          Bowl-a -Thon Brought to you by the Women's Center in SE CT 1:00-5:00 pm   Holiday Bowl, Groton     March 31  td411.org goes online April 9 Domestic Violence Workshop Hartford First Church   of the Nazarene 932 Capital Avenue   Hartford, CT 06106 9:00 am-12:00 pm    For more info contact Kai_Kai71@hotmail.com   April 10  "Parenting in the Age of Tiger Mom" Hartford Public Library   500 Main Street Hartford  2:00-4:00 pm For more info: sneha@sneha.org April 21 An Evening of   Hope & Healing    Waterbury UCONN Campus Room 113-116 6:30-7:30pm.   For more info contact 203-753-3613   May 6  9th Annual 'Shelter from the Storm' Matrix Corporate Center 39 Old Ridgebury Road Danbury  6:00 - 10:00 pm Purchase tickets or donate by calling (203) 731-5200 May 12 2nd Annual   Light the Way Breakfast Mystic Hilton Mystic Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) 90 Pitkin Street East Hartford, CT 06108  (860) 282-7899 www.ctcadv.org

National Work Incentive Seminar Event (WISE)

If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) there are free services that can you prepare for, find and keep employment. Register for this National Work Incentive Seminar Event (WISE) webinar for young adults ages 18-24, which will take place on March 23, 2011 from 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. (EDT). The webinar will present information about the Ticket to Work program, the Student Earned Income Exclusion and other work incentives. WISE events are also being held around the country. Find a seminar near you.

For more information visit https://www.disability.gov/benefits/working_while_receiving_benefits/help_going_back_to_work.

FCC Launches Online Survey to Learn About Emergency Calling by Individuals with Disabilities - Deadline April 24

Disability.gov Accessibility Update:

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched an online national survey (also in Spanish) of individuals with disabilities to determine the most effective and efficient technologies and ways to access emergency services. The survey asks questions to help figure out the best ways for Americans with disabilities to call and get help from 9-1-1 services. Comment deadline is April 24, 2011.

For more information visit https://www.disability.gov/technology/accessible_technology.

Parents & Teachers as Allies Program, We need more Panelists!!!

Parents and Teachers as Allies responds to the recommendation included in Goal 4 of President Bush's New Freedom Commission Report on Mental Health that calls for schools to play a larger role in the early identification of mental disorders in children and linking them to appropriate services.

Goal: To help mainstream school teachers better understand the early warning signs of mental health treatment needs in children and adolescents and how best to intervene so that youth with treatment needs are linked with services.


WE NEED VOLUNTEERS WHO MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA

* Willing to deliver a two-hour in-service presentation for school professionals as a member of a team of volunteer presenters who share their experiences:

•An education professional ( preferably a teacher who has a child with behavioral health issues)

•A facilitator ( an experienced Family to Family OR NAMI-Basics Teacher)

•The parent of a child or adolescent living with a mentall illness

•A person who struggled with mental illness as a young person


Training will take place on Saturday, May 07th 2011 at:

Connecticut Valley Hospital, Room # 207
P.O. Box 351, Silver Street
Middletown, CT 06451

A continental breakfast and luch will be provided.

From 8:30 am to 4:00 pm

PRE-registration is required

For more information contact:

Paloma B Dee
Program Manager at
800-215-3021
familyeducation@namict.org

"Next to Normal" NAMI-CT Benefit the The Bushnell

"Next to Normal"
Benefit the The Bushnell

For more information, contact, NAMI-CT at 860-882-0236

Next to Normal is a rock musical with book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt.

Its story concerns a mother who struggles with worsening bipolar disorder and the effect that her illness has on her family. The musical also addresses such issues as grieving a loss, suicide, drug abuse, ethics in modern psychiatry, and suburban life. Next to Normal received
several workshop performances before it debuted off-Broadway in 2008, winning the Outer Critics' Circle Award for Outstanding Score and receiving nominations for Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Actress (Alice Ripley) and Outstanding Score.

After an Off-Broadway run, the show then played at the Arena Stage in its temporary venue in Arlington, Virginia from November 2008 to January 2009. The musical opened on Broadway in April 2009. It was nominated for eleven 2009 Tony Awards and won three, Best Original Score,
Best Orchestration and Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical for Alice Ripley. It also won the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, becoming just the eighth musical in history to receive the honor. In awarding the prize to Kitt and Yorkey, the Pulitzer Board called the show "a powerful rock musical that grapples with mental illness in a suburban family and
expands the scope of subject matter for musicals."

The Broadway production closed on January 16, 2011 after 21 previews and 733 regular performances.

Disability.gov Blog Update: My Name Is Evan, Call Me by It

Subject: Disability.gov Blog Update: My Name Is Evan, Call Me by It

By Guest Blogger Evan Heller, Senior at Attleboro High School_
Who am I? Easy – my name is Evan, that's who I am and that's what I'm
called. And yet, for some of my friends, there are still people who
would identify them by saying, "Oh, him? He's a "special needs"
kid, "a SPED," – a "retard."

Why are some of my best friends, people who just happen to have intellectual disabilities, identified not by their names, but by their
disability? Is it out of ignorance? Is it because people feel some
unwarranted and overwhelming desire to label others? Or is the sad
truth that these friends of mine are not called by name, because their names
are not known?

Out of ignorance or out of fear, many people do not get to know
individuals with intellectual disabilities as anything more than just a
label. People need to start taking the initiative to do something as
simple as merely talking to someone with an intellectual disability;
getting to know them as more than a diagnosis, and maybe, as a
friend...

-------------------------

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--
Jennifer J. Gross
Deputy Director
Eastern Regional Mental Health Board
401 W. Thames Street
Campbell Building, Unit 105
Norwich, CT 06360
phone: 860.886.0030
fax: 860.886.4014
email:
website:
facebook:

Fwd: Fw: Town Hall Meetings/State Budget

Governor Malloy is proposing a budget that largely protects both the
children and adult mental health systems, invests in supportive
housing, expands the mental health waiver to divert and discharge people with
mental illnesses from nursing homes, invests in jail diversion and
re-entry programs, moves forward with the raise the age initiative, and
extends coverage for smoking cessation to all Medicaid recipients

BRIDGEPORT
February 21, 7-8 PM
City Hall Annex Auditorium
999 Broad Street

TORRINGTON
February 24, 7-8 PM
City Hall Auditorium
140 Main Street

NEW LONDON
March 2, 7-8 PM
Jennings Elementary School
50 Mercer Street

WATERBURY
March 8, 7-8 PM
Veteran's Memorial Hall
235 Grand Street

NORWICH
March 9, 7-8 PM
City Hall, 3rd Floor
100 Broadway

BRISTOL
March 14, 7-8 PM
City Council Chambers
111 North Main Street

MERIDEN
March 15
Time & Location TBD

MIDDLETOWN
March 16, 7-8 PM
Common Council Room
245 DeKoven Drive

HARTFORD
March 21
Time & Location TBD

STAMFORD
March 22, 7-8 PM
Government Center
4th Floor Cafeteria
888 Washington Boulevard

NEW HAVEN
March 23, 7-8 PM
Aldermanic Chambers
165 Church Street

GREENWICH
March 28, 7-8 PM
Town Hall Meeting Room
101 Field Point Road

MANCHESTER
March 29, 7-8 PM
Lincoln Center Hearing Room
494 Main Street

WINDHAM
March 30, 7-8 PM
Town Hall Auditorium
979 Main Street

NORWALK
April 4
Time & Location TBD

NEW BRITAIN
April 5
Time & Location TBD

DANBURY
April 6
Time & Location TBD