Rep. Case recognized for Developmentally Disabled efforts

HARTFORD – For years, State Rep. Jay Case has been involved in helping the intellectual and developmental disability community, organizing events and advocating on their behalf. In 2014, as a freshman state lawmaker, Rep. Case, R-63, launched the Intellectual and Developmentally Disabled (I/DD) Caucus, a legislative panel examining issues related to the I/DD community in Connecticut and how state government can improve addressing the community’s needs.

On Wednesday, The Arc of Connecticut honored Rep. Case for his continuous efforts and advocacy, deeming him a “Legislative Champion.”

“Our community suffered a great loss this year with the passing of Peg Dignoti, former Executive Director of The Arc Connecticut, a nationally recognized leader and a fierce champion for the civil rights for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD),” said The Arc of Connecticut Executive Director Leslie Simoes. “Peg Dignoti led the charge in so many of our state’s historic struggles including the closing of Mansfield Training School and the fight for full school inclusion, things that freed people with I/DD from the bonds of institutions and recognized their  rights to live as full members of our community. In her memory, we created the Peg Dignoti Advocacy Award to honor those who are willing to pick up the banner and bring the same level of fire, tenacity, and dedication to our struggle.

“We chose to honor Sen. Beth Bye, Rep. Jay Case, and Rep. John Hampton with the first annual Peg Dignoti Advocacy Award for their hard work and leadership in creating the first in the nation state level Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Caucus and for their tireless efforts to secure a pool of funding for those on the DDS residential waiting list. Their dedication to building a solid bipartisan group of legislators, who will continue to partner with families in creating a more fair, just and sustainable system of support has lifted the veil and eased the  fears of hundreds of families around the state,” Simoes added.

Through the I/DD Caucus and its conversations, Rep. Case achieved a solid footing in state governing that takes some lawmakers years to accomplish.

“It’s humbling to receive such an honor,” Rep. Case said. “The I/DD Caucus is a passion for me — a real labor of love — and I’m grateful for all the support, much of it from the Arc. Our state is slowly becoming a better society for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We’re gaining ground and making a splash. I look forward to continuing what we’ve done with my legislative colleagues, Shannon and The Arc, and the I/DD community.”

The I/DD caucus  began in February and has worked closely with the Department of Developmental Services, The Arc of Connecticut and many advocates throughout the state. One major issue the lawmakers addressed was moving 100 people off housing waiting lists and finding independent housing for them.

Rep. Case serves on the General Assembly’s Human Services Committee, which will tackle any proposals drawn up by the I/DD Caucus.