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CT LEND Trainees Engaging in Advocacy and Civic Leadership

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CT LEND trainees had the opportunity to attend the 2026 Nonpartisan Candidates Forum, joining Attorney General William Tong, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, Governor Ned Lamont, and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro.
Throughout the forum, trainees listened as candidates shared their perspectives on important issues affecting individuals with disabilities and their families.
This was a valuable opportunity for our future leaders to learn, engage, and better understand the importance of disability advocacy, public policy, and civic participation!

 

Shaping the Future of Disability Rights 2026 Nonpartisan Candidates’ Forum

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A nonpartisan educational forum featuring candidates or their representatives for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of the State, State Comptroller, State Treasurer, and Connecticut’s five U.S. House districts, answering questions on disability issues.
Forum questions are developed in advance by the Cross Disability Lifespan Alliance and asked by moderator Diane Smith. Candidates do not receive the questions in advance. Audience questions will not be taken during the forum.
Moderator: Diane Smith, Emmy award-winning journalist, documentary producer, and speaker.
REGISTRATION closes October 6th!
Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Contact: michele@ctsilc.org
Thank You to Our Sponsors, Community Partners and Community Supporters
Disability can affect any of us at any stage of life, including through aging, illness, injury, or military service.
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Bristol Event Center 112 Century DriveBristol, CT 06010
Doors Open: 12:00 PM Forum: 1:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Virtual registration options: English | Spanish | ASL
YOU MUST REGISTER TO ATTEND!
Scan to register or visit:
Registration closes Tuesday, October 6 at 12:00 PM.
FREE EVENT | Food and Beverages | Disability Resource Tables
Spanish and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation available in person.Other disability-related accommodations: michele@ctsilc.org by September 25.
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ctstateindependentlivingcouncil/2358768 

 

11th Annual Secondary Transition Symposium: Youth Leading a Changing World

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Wednesday, March 18, 2026

The Connecticut Secondary Transition Symposium brings students and their families together with educators and other professionals to improve secondary transition programming and services for students with disabilities.

The 11th Annual Secondary Transition Symposium will build the capacity of educators and other professionals, in partnership with middle and high school students with disabilities and their families, to help ensure successful postsecondary outcomes. There will be a variety of presentations for families, youth, and professionals.

The symposium is one full-day, in-person session. The event is hosted by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE), and the State Education Resource Center (SERC). Other supporting stakeholders include; the Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS), the Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC), the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS), the Connecticut RESC Alliance (Regional Educational Service Centers), and the University of Connecticut Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD).

To register!

To cover the cost for logistics there will be a $15 fee for participants. There will be no cost for students/youth.

Location CCSU Campus, New Britain
Student Center,
105 Ella Grasso Blvd, New Britain, CT 06053

The Inclusion Notebook: Problem Solving in the Classroom and Community (Fall 2021)

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In the Fall 2019 Issue of The Inclusion Notebook: Problem Solving in the Classroom and Community (TIN), we focused on Think College for Students with Intellectual Disabilities as another option for family members to consider (Vol. 1, Issue 1). In the Fall 2021 issue, we address considerations for ALL students with disabilities who want to pursue ANY type of postsecondary education.
Continue reading →

ABLE Guide by SARTAC Fellow Chris Blake

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ABLE accounts give people with disabilities or their families the ability to have tax free savings accounts that will not affect their eligibility to get or stay on government assistance. In addition, they let you make your own decisions about how to spend your money, without getting permission from a special trust. Overall, an ABLE account allows a person with a disability to set up and manage their own funds. This guide will explain the basics of ABLE accounts and will provide a state-by-state comparison. Continue reading →

I-3 Prep Training Program for Special Education & School Psychology

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I-3 PREP is a master’s training program offered by the University of Connecticut through funding provided by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education. The goal is to increase the number of master’s trained special educators and school psychologists with the capacity to provide high-quality integrated services for school-age students with developmental disabilities, such as autism, who have high-intensity behavioral needs. Continue reading →

Early Intervention Professionals Specialist Graduates

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Congratulations to the graduates of Co hort 4 Early Intervention Professionals Specialist Program.  This year long programs is a personnel preparation grant funded by the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).  The focus of the program is aimed to increase the number of qualified personnel across disciplines who currently provide services in the Connecticut Birth to Three (IDEA Part C) system. Continue reading →