From the Pacific ADA Center - learn how the ADA protects the rights of people with disabilities in emergency situations. This session covers how to plan for personal emergencies, communicate your needs, and ensure that emergency services and public alerts are accessible. https://ow.ly/YLQ250YpU0A
March is recognized as Developmental Disabilities, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, and Brain Injury Awareness Month.
March is Developmental Disabilities, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, and Brain Injury Awareness Month. Learn more at: https://www.disrightsct.org/disability-awareness
Grand opening event announcement for ADA and Disability Resource Center at Stamford Government Center on March 2, 2026, from 11 AM to 1 PM.
Don't miss it! The city of Stamford is opening brand new ADA and Disability Resource Center. Grand opening and ribbon cutting on Monday, March 2, 2026 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, 6th floor training room at Government Center, 888 Washington Blvd., Stamford, CT.
300 million people globally live with a rare disease as highlighted on Rare Disease Day, February 28, 2026.
Rare Disease Day is the globally-coordinated movement on rare diseases, working towards equity in social opportunity, healthcare, and access to diagnosis and therapies for people living with a rare disease. Click here to watch webinars on the topic: https://www.rarediseaseday.org/webinars/
Text emphasizing that everyone deserves treatment for eating disorders and encourages sharing symptoms with primary care for expert referrals.
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week highlights eating disorders' impact, especially on people of color and transgender individuals. Learn how to start a conversation with your health care provider: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/sharing-concerns-about-your-eating-behaviors/
Young readers under 18 who are blind, have low vision, or disabilities can enroll in the National Library Service to get free books, audiobooks, or braille by mail. https://www.loc.gov/nls/services-and-resources/resources-for-children/
Announcement for the 2026 Candidates' Forum on Disability Issues on October 7 at Bristol Event Center, Bristol, CT, from 1 to 7:30 pm.
Mark your calendars! The Candidates' Forum on Disability Issues will be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 from 1:00 PM - 7:30 PM at the Bristol Event Center. Share this with anyone interested in disability issues! Will we see you there?
DRCT submits comments to Connecticut Regulatory Commission on medical protections against utility shut-offs with website link.
On February 11th, DRCT submitted comment to the CT Regulatory Commission about proposed changes to requirements for medical protections from utility shut-offs. You can read the comments and learn more at www.DisRightsCT.org/Utility-Shut-Off-Protections
Title slide reading ‘Mail In Ballots: What Voters Need to Know. Recent changes at the US Postal Service make timing much more important this year. This is especially true of voters with disabilities for a few reasons.” It also features a blue “VOTE” sticker icon.
This image reads: “USPS recently updated their postmarking guidance. This doesn’t change how ballots are mailed, but it does mean postmarking may not always happen the exact day USPS gets your ballot. When it comes to submitting your ballot, we are encouraging folks to give yourself as much time as possible prior to state deadlines with upcoming primaries and the midterm elections.”
This image reads: “Why does this matter? Mail may take longer in some places. Because USPS has combined some mail processing centers, postmarks might show up later than expected, even if you mailed your ballot on time.” An image of a clock is also present.
This image reads: “Don’t wait. Plan ahead. USPS recommends mailing ballots at least 7 days before the postmarking deadline.” An image of a public USPS mailbox is also present.
Mail-in voting rules haven’t changed, but timing has.
Know the USPS postmark guidance updates, plan ahead, and protect your ballot.
Need help? Learn more:
https://ncavote.org/resource/new-postmarking-guidance-ballots-election-mail/
Following a thorough four-year investigation by DRCT into the sexual abuse of women at York Correctional Institution (YCI), the state's facility for female prisoners, lawmakers are currently considering new legislation. ctmirror.org/2026/02/19/a...
ICYMI International Epilepsy Day was February 9th. Epilepsy, a neurological seizure disorder, is diagnosed after multiple seizures (or after one seizure with a high risk for more). Learn more at https://epilepsyct.com/webinar-series/.
Black artists with disabilities have not only pushed artistic boundaries but have also been instrumental in advocating for accessibility and disability rights.
Click here to learn more about these amazing individuals: https://ow.ly/sv3w50Yhm0m
Invitation to Rare Disease Day 2026 event at Yale Peabody Museum on February 20 from 6 to 9 pm hosted by NORD and Yale Genetics with a friendly dinosaur illustration.
Rare Disease Day Celebration at Yale’s Peabody Museum of Natural History https://medicine.yale.edu/event/rare-disease-day-2026/
Date: Friday, February 20, 2026
Time: 6:00PM-9:00PM
Location: Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History - 170 Whitney Ave, New Haven, CT 06511
Flyer for E.M.B.R.A.C.E Autism Parent Support Group meeting on Feb 19, 2026, in Torrington, CT, featuring guest speaker Lauren Coughlin on sensory integration.
TAFA E.M.B.R.A.C.E. Autism Parent Support Group - this month's presentation is on Understanding Sensory Integration. WHEN? Thursday, February 19, 2026 from 6:00PM-7:30PM. WHERE? 932 East Main Street – Suite 2, Torrington, CT 06790. TO REGISTER: https://www.tafainc.org/upcoming-events.html
Hands gently holding a red heart symbol against a blue background promoting World Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day on February 14th.
February 14th is Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) Awareness Day ❤️ Understanding children’s learning needs helps families get support to thrive in school. Read more: https://www.cdc.gov/heart-defects/living-with/learning-and-educational-needs-for-children.html
DRCT will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026 in observance of President's Day. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, February 17.
Portrait of an elderly person framed in a circle on an orange background promoting World Cancer Day with the slogan 'United by Unique'.
ICYMI February 4th was World Cancer Day - a day to honor those we’ve lost, support those living with cancer, and to raise awareness for better prevention and treatment options. https://ow.ly/ewA850YcPWh
Flyer for the 1st Annual Transition Fair by Stafford Public Schools promoting resources for individuals with disabilities and their families, held in the SHS Cafeteria on Thursday February 12 from 4 to 6 PM.
1st Annual Transition Fair – Stafford Public Schools
Date: Thursday, February 12, 2026; Time: 4:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: Stafford Public High School (Cafeteria), 145 Orcutville Road, Stafford Springs, CT 06076
Notice for Medicaid/Husky patients about potential loss of prescription drug coverage requiring prior authorization from doctors.
Starting Jan 1, 2026, DSS requires prior authorization for many Medicaid medications. Coverage may end after Apr 1, 2026 without prior approval. Talk to your doctor and share your story. More info: https://www.disrightsct.org/medication-coverage
February highlights Low Vision Awareness Month and Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month on a blue background with star accents.
February is Low Vision Awareness Month and Jewish Disability Inclusion and Awareness Month. Learn more: https://www.disrightsct.org/disability-awareness
Alert about the joint report by DRCT and the Office of the Child Advocate highlighting risks for special education students in out-of-state schools that lack proper oversight.
DRCT and the Office of the Child Advocate investigation reveals poor oversight at out-of-state Special Education schools, risking student safety and rights. Read the full report: https://www.disrightsct.org/out-of-state-special-education #DisabilityRights #SpecialEducation #ProtectOurStudents
Black and white photo of a person with short curly hair wearing a collared shirt, seated indoors identified as Johnnie Lacy.
During Black History Month, NAM honors Johnnie Lacy, advocate for Independent Living and one of the founders of the first Center for Independent Living in Berkeley, CA. Learn more: https://nam.edu/product/black-history-month/
Two hands clasped with red highlighting joint pain, symbolizing Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day on February 2nd.
Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, which means that your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body by mistake, causing inflammation (painful swelling) in the affected parts of the body. For information on how to manage RA: https://ow.ly/YocP50Y7UmA
Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol has been extended to 2/5. Call 2-1-1 or visit 211CT.org to find a shelter or warming center. Transportation can be provided if necessary. Learn more: https://ow.ly/BRut50Y5w64
A happy family bonding while using a laptop together in a cozy indoor setting.
7% of U.S. parents have a disability, yet their rights are challenged. Explore the National Research Center dashboards to learn more about disabled parents. https://heller.brandeis.edu/parents-with-disabilities/data-hub/parenting-center-dashboard.html
Advocacy Summit on Supported Decision Making JANUARY 29, 2026, 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM 30 states have chosen to recognize SDM in their laws, but Connecticut is not one of them. Join us to learn more about SDM and how you can use your voice, so lawmakers understand that people with disabilities and seniors in Connecticut deserve the same rights and options as everyone else!
Advocacy Summit on Supported Decision Making - Thursday, January 29, 6:00 - 7:30 PM (Virtual). Learn how you can use your voice to help lawmakers understand the importance of SDM! Register here: https://ow.ly/M2TL50XVMrz
Checklist of winter safety tips for people with disabilities, including clothing advice and assistance dog care during cold weather.
People with disabilities may want to take extra care during the cold weather. Some conditions may limit sensory abilities and the ability to maintain body heat, so be particularly vigilant about staying warm when you are out in low temperatures. To locate a shelter or warming center, call 2-1-1.
Man in wheelchair holding a sign that reads 'Civil Rights for Disabled' during a protest.
January 23 is Ed Roberts Day! Thanks to him, thousands of students with disabilities attend college. He also opened the first center for independent living. Read about his advocacy: https://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=Ed_Roberts:_The_Father_of_Independent_Living
Snow-covered trees and road with a cold weather alert advising to call 211 or visit 211ct.org for shelter from January 23-28, 2026.
Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol has been activated. Call 2-1-1 or visit 211CT.org to find a shelter or warming center. Transportation can be provided if necessary. Learn more: https://ow.ly/wu6J50Y1ZeJ
Advocacy Summit on Supported Decision Making JANUARY 29, 2026, 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM 30 states have chosen to recognize SDM in their laws, but Connecticut is not one of them. Join us to learn more about SDM and how you can use your voice, so lawmakers understand that people with disabilities and seniors in Connecticut deserve the same rights and options as everyone else!
Advocacy Summit on Supported Decision Making - Thursday, January 29, 6:00 - 7:30 PM (Virtual). Learn how you can use your voice to help lawmakers understand the importance of SDM! Register here: https://ow.ly/M2TL50XVMrz
