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August is Back to School Access Month
Disability Rights Connecticut is a statewide non-profit organization with a mission to advocate for the human, civil, and legal rights of people with disabilities in Connecticut.
Announcements
Now is the time to Fill Out DRCT's
Priorities Questionnaire
Dear Disability Rights Connecticut Clients and Constituents:

My name is Deborah Dorfman. I am the Executive director of Disability Rights Connecticut (often referred to as DRCT). DRCT is an agency that helps to protect the legal rights of people with disabilities so that they can live better lives. DRCT looks for the wrongdoings in the systems and corrects them for people with disabilities. This past year alone, we advocated for people with mental health issues in prison, were able to extend special education services for students until their 22nd birthday, and advocated that people with disabilities in Connecticut be prioritized to receive the COVID 19 vaccine, among many other advocacy efforts. 

DRCT needs your help to understand and address the most pressing needs of people with disabilities in Connecticut. DRCT has created the attached questionnaire that I hope you will fill out. We will use your answers to guide us in setting future priorities.
 
If you look at the questionnaire and find you want to add a critical issue, please describe the situation to us in the space provided. And, if you don’t see your important issue listed or it does not fit into a specific category, we want to hear about it, so please feel free to write it in wherever you see the word “Other.”
 
If you need assistance filling out this form or would prefer to talk to someone about your ideas or maybe some of the topics listed are new to you, and you would like more information, please call us at (860) 297-4300 (voice), (800) 842-7303 (toll-free CT), (860) 509-4992 (videophone) or email us at info@DisRightsCT.org and someone will get back to you promptly.
 
And let us know if there is another person or organization you think should also fill out the questionnaire.
 
Thank you!
 
Sincerely,
 
Deborah Dorfman
Executive Director
Thank you for attending DRCT's first Annual Town Hall!

In case you missed it, you can watch the entire Town Hall meeting on CT-N here: https://ct-n.com/ctnplayer.asp?odID=18786

We enjoyed hearing from you last night! Since there was not enough time to hear from everyone, we hope you will fill out our questionnaire to help us understand your needs and guide us in setting future priorities.
If you’d like to fill out the questionnaire on paper or just want to speak with one of our intake staff, please call 800-842-7303 or 860-297-4300. You can reach us by videophone at 860-509-4992 or email us at info@disrightsct.org.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Disability Rights Connecticut
COVID-Corner
COVID-19 Vaccine in Connecticut

Clinics are taking walk-ins for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Find out if you're eligible and access support to help you get vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are experiencing disability-related accessibility barriers, please call DRCT at (800) 842-7303.

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Need a ride? Transportation is available for people who want the COVID-19 Vaccine.

Call the Vaccine Appointment Assistance Line at
(877) 918-2224 to schedule your COVID vaccine appointment AND get connected with a ride to and from your appointment.

The Vaccine Appointment Assist Line can also provide assistance to those who face language and technology barriers and those who are Deaf, Hard-of-hearing, or DeafBlind. 
Frequently Asked Questions about the COVID-19 Vaccine

What is COVID?

What if I need a Vaccine, but I can't go to a clinic?

Where is the nearest COVID Vaccine Clinic?
Want Text Message Alerts on COVID-19 in CT?
Residents can also subscribe to text message alerts from the state by texting the keyword COVIDCT to 888-777.
Other Updates
Housing Accommodation/Modification Request Letter
Earlier this year, Disability Rights Connecticut partnered up with Connecticut Fair Housing to give a presentation on housing rights for people with disabilities.

Check out this captioned video from this presentation on how to fill out a housing accommodation/modification request letter- all online! Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjFlnvM7_z8

If you need assistance on filling out the online letter generator and need a housing accommodation or modification, contact Connecticut Fair Housing at 888-247-4401 or info@ctfairhousing.org
Community Engagement
DRCT works with individuals with disabilities, their families and community partners to understand common goals, priorities and visions. DRCT staff provide outreach and training to establish and maintain community relationships, and implement strategies that promote diversity, equity and inclusion.

DRCT can provide training, upon request, on issues related to our focus areas. If you believe you, or a group you are a member of, could benefit from training, please contact our Community Engagement Advocate, Michael Whilby at 860-856-4158 or Michael.Whilby@DisRightsCT.org
Deborah Dorfman,
Executive Director

Disability Rights Connecticut
860-297-4300