Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service

Overview

Since 2018, the UCEDD has provided support to People First of CT, the state’s premier self-advocacy group.  To date, there is a core group of leaders with intellectual/developmental disabilities involved in such projects as advocating for the closure of Southbury Training School; educating policy-makers and communities about fully inclusive, self-determined lives; advocating for necessary funding for state services to support community inclusion; and empowering others with intellectual and developmental disabilities to advocate for themselves.

Click here to access their website:  Home (peoplefirstofct.org)

Accomplishment

• Development of a job specification and hiring of a new facilitator.
• Establishment of meeting procedures with the Executive Board.
• Overseeing an election of Executive Board members including videotaped candidate speeches.
• Initial development of a website.
• Arranging trainings and guest speakers.
• Establishment of Friday Party Nights during the pandemic.
• Encouraging involvement of People First members in statewide advocacy efforts and as speakers.
• Production of videos, Things to Know about COVID 19 and They Say We Have Rights  People First Videos (peoplefirstofct.org)
• Development of accessible organizational documents (e.g., with large print and visuals).