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Lavielle Joins Parents At Forum On Development Disabilities In Wilton

WILTON, Conn. — State Rep. Gail Lavielle and local parent Alison Jacobson hosted a forum for families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) recently at Trackside Teen Center in Wilton.

Rep. Gail Lavielle (R-143), author Alison Jacobson, and Katie Banzhaf, Executive Director at STAR, attended a Connecticut Council On Developmental Disabilities meeting Dec. 3 at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

Rep. Gail Lavielle (R-143), author Alison Jacobson, and Katie Banzhaf, Executive Director at STAR, attended a Connecticut Council On Developmental Disabilities meeting Dec. 3 at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

Photo Credit: CT House GOP

More than 50 people from nearby towns attended the event, which featured an informational presentation about the status of state I/DD services by Leslie Simoes of The Arc Connecticut.

The forum was designed to address concerns expressed by families of people with intellectual disabilities.

For example, the families wanted to know what happens to their family members if they outlive their parents and siblings, and what happens when they turn 21 and age out of the state system.

Also on hand to answer questions were Fritz Gorst, regional director for the state Department of Developmental Services (DDS), and Katie Banzhaf, executive director of STAR, a Norwalk nonprofit that provides services to individuals with I/DD and their families.

“There is no one-size-fits-all solution that works for everyone, because different people have different needs, and it’s essential to work together with both DDS and private sector providers to identify the optimal ways of providing services,” said Lavielle (R-Wilton).

Jacobson, who has a teenage son with intellectual disabilities, shared her personal experiences and concerns with the audience. “How will I know that my child will be safe when I am no longer here to take care of him?” she asked.

Simoes gave a detailed presentation outlining Connecticut’s services for the I/DD community, which relies on both state institutions and private providers such as STAR. She also answered questions about the future of Connecticut residential care options and funding.

Questions or concerns can be directed toward Lavielle, at 860-240-8700 or by email at gail.lavielle@cga.ct.gov.

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