House Unanimously Passes Bill Concerning Persons With Intellectual or Developmental Disability

Hartford— The House has unanimously passed a comprehensive bill concerning resources and support services for residents with an intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD).

Rep. Bill Pizzuto (R-71) voted for HB 5001, which includes a number of bills brought up for public hearings by the Human Services Committee this session. Among other provisions, this bill would minimize waiting lists for support services, housing, and increase workforce development for individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability, as well as those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

“This bill includes funding to serve individuals with I/DD who are waiting for services through the Department of Developmental Services and individuals with ASD who are waiting for services through DSS and the Autism Waiver program. I’m pleased that this will also increase better interagency communication and coordination in order to better serve this population,” said Pizzuto.

The bill would also:

• Increase the maximum age for people with I/DD or ASD who can get special education services from 22 to 23
• Allows for more parental or guardian participation in the development of special education services for their children and keeping those parents or guardians better notified on those services
• Updates the Department of Education and Bureau of Special Education process for transition services from childhood to adulthood for children using special education services
• Adding persons with IDD to the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s “Purple Alert” missing persons system
• Requires employers using the JobsCT tax rebate program to have at least one new employee with an intellectual or other developmental disability to promote the hiring of persons with IDD

“This bill provides services in key areas including education, transitional services, career and job coaching, day programming, and housing,” said Pizzuto.

The legislation now heads to the Senate for further action. For it to become law, the Senate must act before the end of the current legislative session.