CONNECTICUT COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, January 12, 2021, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
(Online via Microsoft Teams)
The 228th meeting of the CT Council on Developmental Disabilities was held on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Microsoft Teams.
Presiding: James Hexter, Chair
Recorder of Minutes: Donna Devin, Program Assistant
Voting Members Present: Chuck Bergamo; Vice Chair, April Burke, Kevin Daly, Antonia Edwards, Ann Gionet, James Hexter; Chair, Bryan Klimkiewicz, Joyce Lewis, Ellyn Little, Patricia Richardson, Lauren Traceski, Brenda Stenglein,
Members Absent: Mary Beth Bruder, Louis St. Felix,
New Non-Voting Council Members Present: Emily Ball, Michelle Baughman, Andy Cirioli III, Doris Maldonado, Alfred Piehl, Kaitlynn Ramos
Staff: Walter Glomb, Director
1. Meeting Begins: Without a quorum present, James Hexter, Chair, started the meeting at 10:00 a.m.
2. Discussion of Director’s Report: James Hexter, Chair, asked about the Parents with Disabilities initiative, objective 2.4. Because of the difficulty The Parent Leadership & Encouragement Group has experienced in meeting due to Covid-19 and the lack of access to technology, The Arc of CT and the UCONN UCEDD (University of Connecticut University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities), wanted to work to increase the availability of technology and establish an infrastructure for the group. Walt Glomb, Council Director, said plans are in the works and other non-profit organizations have also expressed interest in this endeavor.
3. People First of Connecticut has been connecting with Special Olympics since the President of People First, Jossie Torres, has been recovering from Covid-19.
4. Official Call to Order: With a quorum present, James Hexter, Chair, called the meeting to order at 10:14 a.m.
5. Approval of Agenda:With a quorum present, Chuck Bergamo, Vice Chair, motioned to approve the agenda. Bryan Klimkiewicz seconded the motion. The agenda was approved.
6. Approval of November 10, 2020 Council Meeting Minutes: April Burke motioned to approve the minutes. The motion was seconded by Brenda Stenglein. The minutes were approved.
7. Continued Discussion of Director’s Report: Council Member, Patricia Richardson, reminded the Council that many CT residents had received $600 Federal stimulus checks and that as part of the funding stream, that people who are eligible for Medicaid or SNAP will have increased broadband access. It’s called “The Stay Connected Program”. She asked about finding a way to make sure people are aware of it and assist them to use the funding for technology and internet.
Council Members had in a robust discussion about the new Covid-19 vaccine and the importance of people with developmental disabilities at high risk being able to receive the vaccine in a timely manner. Since a lot of confusing information in circulation, James Hexter, Chair, recommended members keep asking questions and engaging in legislative advocacy.
Walt Glomb, Council Director, pointed out that in the rules of the General Assembly passed the previous week, they are creating a new Legislative Commission for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities to address Covid-19. He will reach out to its members when they are appointed to find out what is on their agenda.
James Hexter, Chair, inquired if the UCONN UCEDD had put together a Customized Employment “do it yourself” kit for individuals and families seeking customized employment. There are plans for it, but due to staffing changes, groups sharing resources, and the Covid-19 crisis, nothing has been rolled out yet.
Walt, the Council’s Director, looks forward to resuming his On Demand Transportation discussions with Richard Andreski, Bureau Chief of Public Transportation at the CT Department of Transportation. Meetings were discontinued due to Covid-19. Topics will include the expansion of the Freedom Ride program and issues concerning Para-transit.
The Council continues to work with the Partnership for Strong Communities, the Keep the Promise coalition and other non-profit groups on changing legislative policy to create more Housing for people with developmental disabilities in Connecticut. They are waiting to find out what legislation will be introduced. The biggest obstacle continues to be local zoning laws. Legislation on the housing effort is expected to be introduced very soon.
8. Budget Report:The Council’s Disability Policy Specialist is on medical leave. The budget is on track and staff continues to look for opportunities to save money and cut back on costs whenever possible.
9. Five-Year Plan Committee Update:Council Member, Andy Cirioli, gave an update on the Five-Year Plan Committee meeting held the previous week.
10. Discussion of Five-Year Plan Development and Process: Suggestions were offered for objectives and goals for the new Five-Year Plan.
11. Announcements and Adjournment:Kevin Daly made a motion for adjournment. Antonia Edwards seconded the motion. The meeting concluded at 1:00 p.m. The next Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., online, via Microsoft Teams.