Every March, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) and its partners collaborate to observe Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM). This year's theme, Worlds Imagined, focuses on how the world is changing as we move through and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
The social media campaign highlights the many ways in which people with and without disabilities come together to form strong, diverse communities. The campaign seeks to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of community life, as well as awareness of the barriers that people with disabilities still sometimes face in connecting to the communities in which they live.
We at Benhaven recognize the unique attributes, talents, strengths and needs that individuals with disabilities present. We have so many stories about and examples of people we support who exceed our expectations of what they can achieve and the lives they can successfully enjoy. Individuals have demonstrated such ability to learn, build their skill set, develop new interests and contribute to their communities. Individuals in our programs build their confidence as their opportunities to engage with others and be involved in their community increases. We are feeling optimistic about the health of Connecticut as COVID recedes and the normal rhythms of life returns. Individuals with disabilities will have the chance to reconnect with their communities and the activities they enjoy.
Challenges remain though for people with disabilities. Acceptance within our communities grows but is not universal. Some people we know remain socially isolated and others want a real job but have trouble finding meaningful employment. Housing is a challenge, and many adults remain living at home who wish for greater independence because of a lack of funding for adults with disabilities who need some support to live away from their families. One way these challenges can be addressed is with increased resources to support individuals with disabilities. Connecticut’s Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and Aging and Disability Services (ADS) are providing funds for individuals who want to work to receive Customized Employment (see a description of this service on our Website). This is a highly individualized approach to supporting individuals with disabilities to find and secure jobs that meet their interests and skills. It is available for individuals with a variety of disabilities.
We at Benhaven are placing a priority on helping individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) to find meaningful employment. Annually, states participate in a survey called the National Core Indicators (NCI). The survey, which is based on determining satisfaction and outcome achievement, includes interviews with individuals with DD. It was developed jointly by the Human Research Services Institute (HSRI) and the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disability Services (NASDDDS). It has been used for twenty years. One area surveyed is employment. Data summaries from 2014 and 2016 (the last published studies) show little change. In both periods only 15% of individuals with ID/DD were employed in integrated businesses. Of the 85% in day programs without a paying job, 47% wanted to work.
While Connecticut demonstrated the highest percentage (42%) of individuals employed who were surveyed (355), half of them were in group employment situations and may not have been making minimum wage at the time. Our own state’s current data continues to demonstrate the same trend. We are hopeful that the inclusion of Customized Employment will start to change the work opportunities for many individuals with disabilities.
This year the Governor has proposed new funding that will help individuals and their families with both intellectual disabilities and those with ASD. The Governor has proposed in his budget for DDS to provide residential support for individuals in need of emergency placement; employment or other day programs for school graduates to help them transition to adult life; and wage increases for the direct support professionals, employment coaches, in-home support behaviorists, other clinicians and supervisors who support thousands of individuals with intellectual disabilities. While the wage increase does not automatically increase services to individuals with disabilities, it helps the providers who support individuals and families to be able to hire and retain qualified staff; bring stability to programs; and serve individuals who are lingering on waiting lists.
Additionally, the Governor has proposed to serve 150 more adults with ASD who are on the waiting list for the state’s Autism Waiver. For over a decade this waiver only served 150 adults. Last year the Legislature added funding for 50 additional adults. This increase of 150 will almost double the existing program and will allow many more adults to live independently, develop greater social skills and work.
I hope during this month of Disability Awareness you will take a moment to let your Legislative representatives know how important these initiatives are and how deserving they are of funding. Also, may we all find ways to open our businesses, civic endeavors and community activities to be more inclusive of individuals with disabilities.
Kathryn du Pree