Disability Rights Connecticut
@disrightsct
DRCT is the protection and advocacy system (P&A) authorized by Congress to enforce federal laws protecting the human, civil, and legal rights of people with disabilities in Connecticut.
Join our virtual workshop to learn more about your rights under the IDEA and CT law as you prepare for adulthood. Accommodation requests can be made during registration. Thursday, September 17th 7-8 pm: https://bit.ly/Sept17KYR; OR Saturday, September 19th 10-11 am: https://bit.ly/Sept19KYR
DRCT is pleased to announce that Kasey Considine, Esq., has been named as Legal Director. Kasey has worked within the protection and advocacy (P&A) system since 2016 and joined Disability Rights Connecticut in 2018. https://www.disrightsct.org/meet-our-staff
August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness month. Learn more and find resources at https://www.disrightsct.org/disability-awareness
Please take a few minutes to complete our annual public input survey. Your input on this survey will help us make decisions about what DRCT focuses on in 2027 and beyond. https://bit.ly/DRCT2027Survey
Summer is the perfect time to discover new accessible and inclusive playgrounds in your area.☀️ https://www.inclusiveplayatlas.com/connecticut
Looking for a new activity this summer? Gymnastics and Cheer Academy in Fairfield, CT, offers an array of adaptive gymnastics, cheer, and ninja programs for participants of all ages. Programs are aimed at enhancing strength, movement, and belonging.
Chronic Disease Awareness Day raises awareness, promotes prevention, and drives action to reduce chronic disease nationwide. Learn more at https://chronicdiseaseday.org/
Come celebrate the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at the Legislative Office Building on Monday, July 27, 2026 from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. For more Information: https://www.cga.ct.gov/calendarofevents.asp
Disability Pride Month celebrates strength, diversity, and the ADA's legacy. This month, we challenge stigma, promote inclusion & accessibility, and affirm that disability is a natural part of life. Explore more: https://thearc.org/blog/why-and-how-to-celebrate-disability-pride-month/
July is Disability Pride Month and BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month! Visit https://www.disrightsct.org/disability-awareness for more information.
June 30th is Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita Awareness Day. AMC refers to a range of conditions that cause someone to have two or more joint contractures. Wear blue today to support! #AMSCI Learn More: https://amcsupport.org/amc-awareness-day/
DRCT will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026 in observance of Independence Day. We will resume normal business hours on Monday, July 6th.
Helen Keller, born June 27, 1880, was a renowned writer and advocate for the deaf and blind. Her legacy continues through the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), where she was active. Learn more about Keller: https://www.afb.org/about-afb/history/helen-keller/biography-and-chronology/biography
Isolation in institutions was once the only option for people with disabilities. The Olmstead decision (1999) paved the way for community living. P&A agencies fight to protect these services. https://www.olmsteadrights.org/about-olmstead/ Media Credit: National Disability Rights Network
DeafBlind Awareness Week happens the last week of June, honoring Helen Keller's birthday on June 27, 1880. It raises awareness about the 2.4 million individuals who have combined hearing and vision loss. https://www.helenkeller.org/
Travelling New England? Discover accessible travel with barrier-free boardwalks, adaptive outdoor adventures, and sensory-friendly cultural experiences welcome to all visitors. https://newengland.com/travel/new-england/accessible-travel-in-new-england/
June 22nd marks the 27th anniversary of Olmstead v L.C., affirming the right of people with disabilities to receive services in their community. Learn more and get self-advocacy info here: https://www.olmsteadrights.org/about-olmstead/
DRCT is closed today in observance of Juneteenth. What is Juneteenth? It's a celebration of freedom, marking the delayed emancipation of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865. https://allevents.in/hartford/juneteenth
🌈Autistic Pride Day features the rainbow infinity symbol, celebrating the diversity and value of individuals with ASD in our society. https://www.silverliningsinternational.org/post/embracing-autistic-pride-day-a-strengths-based-trauma-informed-perspective
The Center of Excellence on ASD at SCSU has partnered with local agencies for a free Traffic Stop Practice supporting autistic drivers and passengers. https://secure.touchnet.net/C21400_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=1186&SINGLESTORE=true
Summer Meals meet federal nutrition guidelines and are offered at hundreds of sites around the state from June to late August. Meals are free for any child age 18-and-under, no questions asked. Click here for to find the free meal sites: https://endhungerct.org/summer-meals/
Upcoming updates to CT accessible parking placards include a new design and stricter guidelines for healthcare professionals to prevent potential misuse. These changes aim to enhance accessibility and ensure fair use for everyone. Learn more here: www.pressreader.com/usa/connecti...
Assistance animals are protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). If Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and FHA requirements are met, these protections apply. Learn more: Learn more: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2020/rpt/pdf/2020-R-0277.pdf
June 12th is Women Veterans Day. Women Veterans and the VA have made substantial work towards supporting Veterans with Disabilities by developing clinics, boutiques, and adaptive sports programs. For more information: https://news.va.gov/58999/women-veterans-va-redefining-disabilities/
The Ride Ahead, by Samuel and Dan Habib, follows Samuel's journey through dating, college, and moving out as someone with a disability. It won an Emmy® for "Outstanding Social Issue." Watch: https://www.rideaheadfilm.com/watchpbs
As some states move to reduce screentime in schools, it is important to consider how students with disabilities might be negatively impacted by these polices. https://www.ctpublic.org/2026-06-04/screens-are-leaving-schools-fast-though-some-students-with-disabilities-rely-on-them
Explore outdoor activities and inclusive programs in Massachusetts this summer! #AccessibleSummer https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/massachusetts-state-parks-offer-accessible-recreation-opportunities-for-summer/ https://www.mass.gov/orgs/universal-access-program
Saturday, June 13th, 2026, is Community Day at Harkness Park! Celebrate the IDD community with music, activities, and more. RSVP here: https://portal.ct.gov/dds/news-and-updates/commissioners-corner?language=en_US
CT DEEP is now taking bookings for all-terrain wheelchair rentals at select state parks. For more information: https://portal.ct.gov/deep/news-releases/news-releases---2026/deep-now-accepting-all-terrain-wheelchair-reservations-for-seasonal-use-starting-on-june-6