Advocacy & Action

Advocacy

Arc Connecticut advocacy programs support, promote, and protect the civil and human rights of people with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities in Connecticut and we work with The Arc of the United States to approach federal public policy with a values-based voice to affect system change. 

Without strong advocacy at all levels, people with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities may not have access to needed support as well as opportunities to exercise inherent civil and human rights. Additionally, strong advocacy may be required to prevent and/or address abuse, neglect, and exploitation that people with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities may experience.

Please get in touch with Danielle M. Middlebrooks, Director of Advocacy, for more information on the workshop series: dmiddlebrooks@thearcct.org.

Action

The Arc has created an extremely efficient and effective way to make sure your voice is heard by key decision makers in the State.  Once you sign up—and it’s easy!—you will not only be kept up to date on events as they happen, but be in a position to let our leaders, including your state representative and state senator, know your views.  Click and you are on your way to having a voice in decisions that directly affect you and your family.

2026 Legislative Agenda

 1. Closing Critical Funding Shortfalls

The Arc Connecticut supports legislation that fully funds essential services for people with IDD by closing longstanding gaps between Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and Department of Social Services (DSS) reimbursement rates and the true cost of providing residential, day, and community-based supports. Chronic underfunding of Connecticut’s nonprofit service system disproportionately harms people of color, and undermines the ability of people with IDD to live and work in their communities—outcomes that are directly dependent on a stable, fairly compensated workforce.

2. Southbury Training School

Southbury Training School (STS) costs the state of Connecticut more than $1M per resident per year. The segregated nature of this institution is also counter to ensuring people with IDD are able to live in the least restrictive, community-based settings. The Arc CT is committed to ensuring the Messier Settlement Agreement is followed, individuals with IDD have access to safe and supportive housing options, and all stakeholders have a voice in the future of the campus.

3. Birth to 3 Programming

Birth to 3 programming is a critical service in Connecticut supporting more than 15,000 families annually, yet this sector has not had a funding increase since 2017. The Arc CT supports legislation that:
• Increases rates for Birth to 3 providers to cover service costs
• Keeps the General Administrative Payment (GAP) as is
• Rejects the proposed tiered rate system

4. Supported Decision Making

Supported Decision Making (SDM) is an alternative to guardianship and conservatorship, that provides people with disabilities and seniors the option to retain their right to make decisions for themselves, with the support of trusted friends and/or family members they choose. More than 80% of individuals with IDD in Connecticut are under some form of guardianship, limiting their rights and voices. The Arc CT supports legislation that recognizes SDM as an alternative for individuals with IDD and aging adults.

5. Workforce Development

The Arc CT supports policies and investments that expand workforce training and employment programs leading to competitive, integrated jobs for people with IDD including accessible job training, career pathways, and employer partnerships that align skills with labor market needs. The Arc CT also supports initiatives that remove systemic barriers to employment and ensure long-term job retention and advancement opportunities.

6. Supportive Housing

The Arc CT advocates for the expansion of affordable and supportive housing options that enable people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live safe, independent, and community-based lives. The Arc CT supports policies that increase housing availability, integrate supportive services, and provide flexible funding to meet the diverse and changing needs of people with IDD.