Case Hosts Annual ARC Family Hearing Day
PHOTO: State Rep. Jay Case is with Win Evarts, Executive Director of the ARC Connecticut, prior to the start of Family Hearing Day.
HARTFORD – Thursday was the 8th annual ARC Family Hearing Day at the State Capitol in Hartford. Hundreds of individuals who are part of the Intellectual and Developmentally Disabled (I/DD) community, their families and caregivers took part in a day-long advocacy event to meet with legislators and share their personal stories.
“This is an important day on the calendar each year. With so many issues and different interest groups visiting us, it’s important that we remember why we are here – to ensure every citizen has access to the services they need to thrive. Hearing from the people that are having trouble with services, or are stuck on a wait list, is the best way to make a positive change and accelerate legislative action,” said Case, who serves as the co-chair of the legislature’s I/DD Caucus.
Case has been integral this session in advancing H.B. 5001, tailored toward eliminating the DDS and autism waiting list for housing and services. According to Case, far too many Connecticut residents are stuck on the sideline waiting for enrollment. This is an issue that has plagued Connecticut for years but can be vastly improved with appropriate funding and administrative improvements.
Families took time meeting with legislators during both House and Senate session on Thursday. It is expected that the House will take up H.B. 5001 in the coming days.
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