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Connecticut Assistive Technology Program
Connecticut Assistive Technology Program, is to increase independence and improve the lives of individuals with disabilities through increased access to Assistive Technology for work, school and community living.
https://www.CTtechact.com

Address:    55 Farmington Avenue 12th Floor
Hartford CT, 06105

They can be emailed at: arlene.lugo@ct.gov

(860) 803-0588

Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Monday to Friday

Connecticut Association of Centers for Independent Living (CACIL)

CACIL mission is to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities by supporting the Centers for Independent Living (CILs) in safeguarding the rights, ensuring equal access and opportunities and promoting the Independent Living philosophy both within the disability community and to the public.
https://cacil.net

Address:    300 Long Beach Boulevard Suite 1
Stratford CT, 06615

They can be emailed at: Sheddle@dnec.org

(203) 378-6977
Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM Monday to Friday

Connecticut Probate Courts: Conservators

Connecticut’s probate courts appoint conservators to oversee the finances and/or personal care of adults who are unable to manage their own affairs. The website outlines the duties and responsibilities of a conservator. They can be reached at 860-231-2442.

Connecticut State Council on Developmental Disabilities

(800) 653-1134
https://portal.ct.gov/ctcdd

Address:    460 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106

Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM Monday to Friday

DIAL

DIAL’s staff are trained to work with people of various communications abilities and will spend as much time as needed to ensure effective communication. DIAL’s Information Specialists can assist people in all languages and are trained to work with callers who are deaf and hard-of-hearing. To connect with a DIAL Information Specialist from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Eastern), Monday–Friday: 

Connect directly to an agent in American Sign Language using ASL Now

DIAL connects people with disabilities to a broad range of services such as housing assistance, accessible transportation, legal assistance, and more to support independent living in the community.

In addition, DIAL continues to be a critical hub for information and resources to support people with disabilities in staying up to date with vaccinations. DIAL trained staff are available to help people: 

  • Find local vaccination locations 
  • Make vaccination appointments 
  • Arrange accessible transportation 
  • Order or use free at-home COVID-19 test kits, which are again available through a partnership between the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response and the United States Postal Service 

Discounted internet program/free cell phone 

Lifeline is a federal program dedicated to making phone and internet service more affordable for low-income households.

Phone or Internet company enrolls you in the Lifeline program, manages your service, and answers questions about your service, phone or device, or bill.

If you have a disability and need assistance with your Lifeline application, please contact the Lifeline Support Center at (800) 234-9473.

An individual may opt to use the Lifeline Credit for a cell phone instead of a landline. Assurance Wireless, Frontier Communications and Cox Communications provides this benefit in Connecticut. Safelink do not provide phones, but they provide the free service or minutes to qualified individuals. Included are free phone and a free cellular or landline (Home) phone plan that provides free minutes each month.

Once they sign you up, you will start getting your Lifeline benefit.

Who is Eligible?

To qualify, a customer must either have an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participate in one of the following programs by providing a card, letter, or official document, as proof that you participate in one of these programs when applying for Lifeline.

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Medicaid
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance
  • Tribal-specific programs: Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF), Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), Head Start
  • Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit Programs

In addition, individuals are only allowed to get one Lifeline discount per household, not per person.

 Discounted Broadband Internet Services:

Affordable Connectivity Program: The Affordable Connectivity Program is the FCC benefit program that will be replacing the Emergency Broadband Benefit program that was created due the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic. This program starts March 1, 2022. The benefit provides a discount up to $30 per month towards internet services for eligible households. Qualifying Tribal household could receive up to $75 towards internet services. For more information check the link: https://www.fcc.gov/acp .

Who is Eligible?

A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:

  • Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline;
  • Participates in Tribal specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations;
  • Is eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision;
  • Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year; or
  • Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income internet program.

There is a twostep enrollment process:

  • Customer applies for the ACP benefit at org or print out and mail-in the application.
  • Customer contacts the internet provider to select a plan and have the discount applied to the bill.

Some internet providers may have alternative applications that may need to be completed.

Disability Rights Connecticut (DRCT)

Through public input and our work with clients, we identify problems that are widespread or pose the greatest threat to the independence of people with disabilities. Then we develop priorities to address those problems with the funding we receive.

Our focus areas in 2023 are:

  • Employment
  • Individual Rights
  • Opportunities to Live in the Community
  • Abuse and neglect
  • Healthcare
  • Education
  • Housing

https://www.disrightsct.org

Address:    75 Charter Oak Avenue Suite 1-101
Hartford CT, 06106

They can be emailed at: dlcmail@disabilitylawco.org

(860) 297-4300

Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM Monday to Friday

Independence Unlimited

The mission is to empower people with disabilities to achieve greater independence so that they can lead fuller and more satisfying lives

https://www.independenceunlimited.org

Address:    151 New Park Avenue Suite D
Hartford, CT 06106

They can be emailed at: contactus@independenceunlimited.org:

(860) 523-5021

Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Monday to Friday

UConn Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities

We have assisted in the advancement of early intervention, health care, community-based services, inclusive and meaningful education, child care, transition from school to work, employment, recreation and quality assurance, housing, assistive technology, transportation, and/or family support. Our activities are guided by a belief in individualized support, inclusion, self-determination, natural support, and collaboration with organizations to address policy issues and systems change.
http://www.uconnucedd.org

Address:    The Exchange Building #4
270 Farmington Ave., Suite 181
Farmington, CT 06030

They can be emailed at: bruder@uchc.edu
Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM Monday to Friday (860) 679-1500

CT Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS)

This is an umbrella CT state agency that administers services provided by ADS Bureau staff in addition to funding of nonprofit agencies to improve the ability of elderly and disabled populations to live independently.

  • 55 Farmington Avenue
  • Hartford, CT 06105
  • Phone: 860-424-5055
  • TTY: 860-424-4850

 

Bureau services include the following:

ADS-Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB) Provides independent living services to “legally” blind adults including daily living skills training, assistive technology and training, and vocational services.

  • 184 Windsor Avenue
  • Windsor, CT 06095
  • Phone: 860-602-4000

ADS- Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS)

Provides vocational services for all adults with disabilities, except legally blind adults, assistive technology and training, deaf counseling services, vehicle modification, and other services.

  • Phone: 860-537-2549

Brain Injury Association of CT (BIAC)

Provides counseling and support groups

  • 200 Day Hill Road
  • Windsor, CT 06095
  • Phone: 860-219-0291
  • Helpline: 800-278-8242
  • Email: generalh@iact.org

     CT (NLS) Library for Accessible Books

Lends free books to residents unable to read

regular print due to disability.

CT Radio Information Systems (CRIS Radio)

Broadcasts news to people unable to read due to disability.

  • 315 Windsor Avenue
  • Windsor, CT 06095
  • Phone: 860-527-8000
  • Email: info@crisradio.org
  • Website: org

Telecommunications Relay Services for Deaf/Deafblind individuals:

  • Voice users: 711 or 800-833-8134
  • Telecommunications relay: 211
  • TDD/TTY user to voice phone: 800-842-9710

Education

Continuing Education Program

Windsor Public Schools

Courses offered toward high school diploma or just for fun and enrichment. Also offering ESL courses.

Continuing Education Program Information Continued:

Literacy Volunteers of Northern Connecticut

Reading and writing assistance for adults as well as English as a Second Language.

  • Phone: (860) 233-3853

AARP Driver Safety Program

A safe driving course held several times throughout the year at various locations for mature drivers. For more information, call the Windsor Senior Center:

 

 

 

 

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