maintained
by
Lisa
Nachmias
Davis, Attorney at Law
& Priest LLC
129 Church Street
Suite 809
New Haven, CT
06510
203-776-4400
Fax: 203-774-1060
Content on Page Last Updated: March 17, 2011 - NOTE -- the State of CT changes URLs frequently -- if you can't find something I've linked directly, try searching the state website using as much information as you can from what I have provided
| Connecticut Consumer Resources (General) (by topic) |
Connecticut
Disability-Specific Groups |
National |
Social
Security Legal Resources |
CLICK
for a
List of my own articlesTip: Read the MANY useful articles in the Voice, publication of the Special Needs Alliance - you can also subscribe to receive it by email
Selected Connecticut Resources: (somewhat
topical; many have their own links page)
| FINDING LEGAL HELP: It is ESSENTIAL that you consult an attorney from your own area who is familiar with local resources and rules. Please note, I am only licensed to practice in CT. Also, read my disclaimer -- and remember - this page is not legal advice!-- |
 Find a
Social Security attorney Listing of CT
attorneys who practice Social Security law, particularly the highy
specialized area that relates to appealing benefit denials. Statewide Legal Services of
Connecticut, Inc.: 1-800-453-3320 - gateway to help from
legal services organizations in Connecticut, this service provides
telephone assistance and may refer you to a legal service
organization. (Most CT legal service organizations are staffed by
top-notch, highly intelligent, very knowledgeable attorneys, but they
also have heavy case loads and cannot help everyone, so their services
are limited to those with very low income in most cases.) Special Needs Alliance:
organization of attorneys whose practice includes significant work for
clients with special needs, including establishment of special needs
trusts. Disclaimer: I'm a member. National Academy of
Elder
Law Attorneys: "find an elder law attorney" tool allows you
to seek out attorneys knowledgeable in the field of elder law which
often (not always) means knowledgeable about government benefits that
are important to those with special needs. (Also I'm a member.) Connecticut Legal Rights Project: Legal
assistance and advocacy services esp. related to psychiatric
disabilities. Known for assisting in challenges to
conservatorships (determination of incapacity) and commitments. |
| FINDING
HOUSING: It can be hard to find housing, especially for those with mental illness. Here is a start. |
Aging
and Disability Resource Center pages describes different levels of
housing support -- you can click and search for everything from
independent living on up and see the requirements for different places.. Supportive
Housing: Try CT
Assocation of Centers for Independent Living "Housing Directory." Don't forget
to contact NAMI-CT for help with
housing for those with mental illness. Call (800)
215-3021 Residential Care
Homes -- sometimes known as "homes for the aged" --are not just for the
aged but may also be appropriate housing for those who can live in a
somewhat institutional setting (roommate; shared meals) and need help
with some activities of daily living -- including medication
management. There is no organized way to sort through these, but
the Public Health Department directory is HERE
for looking -- check out those that say "RCH" but be advised, the
benefit that pays for an RCH is not
Medicaid despite what the facility or RCH says -- it is "AABD"
or "state supp" which
counts the assets in a SELF-FUNDED special needs trust as available
resources. |
| CT Association of Centers for Independent
Living |
Philosophy:
"The entire focus of the Independent Living Movement is the realization
that freedom to make choices and the ability to live in the community
is a basic civil right that should be extended to all people,
regardless of disability. With this framework, Independent Living
Center staff work with and for the consumer to promote his or her
independence in the community." This site offers information
about the region's independent living centers and the resources they
offer. |
| CT Housing Choice Voucher Waiting List CAUTION: as of 2/14/10 this site is DOWN -- I am keeping the link here in case it comes back. |
Housing Choice Voucher Waiting List Website!! Legal Services says: First, you can go to the web site, click on "List of open waiting lists," and see which housing authorities, if any, presently are accepting Section 8 applications. If a list is open, it may be possible, depending on the housing authority, to link to a housing authority web site from which an application form can be downloaded. Second, you can register at the site to receive notice whenever a list opening is posted. To do this, click on "Register to receive email notices of opening of waiting lists." You can request notices of all lists posted or of those from particular housing authorities only. Register for "All Authorities" so that you receive all notices. |
| CT "circuit breaker" programs - property tax relief for the disabled | Property tax exemption - "disabled tax relief program" Property tax CREDIT (income eligibility) - includes application you can download Overall look at all relief -- the "intergovernmental policy division" of the state |
| "State
supp" rental assistance for those with VERY VERY low income |
Link
to DSS
brochure. Apply at local DSS office. Most likely you
would also qualify for SNAP or food stamps. |
| FINDING
MEDICAL CARE - or how to pay for it |
|
| CT
Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (800) 446-7348 |
<>Includes
helpful link on "how to find services in your area" For example: CMHC ((203) 974-7300) in New Haven; Harbor Health Services on the shoreline (203-483-2630); Bridges in Milford/Orange (203-878-6365), etc. NOTE: You must go through DMHAS to apply for the "WISE" Medicaid waiver for community support services. |
| CT
Department of Developmental Services regular #: 866-737-0330 Emergencies: 860-720-3110 |
Includes "frequently asked questions," descriptions of
programs. See new Autism Division page and brochure on the new Autism Spectrum Disorder pilot project (PDF). Also visit the site of the CT Council on Developmental Disabilities |
| CT
Department of Social Services Information and Referral: 1-800-842-1508 CT MAP Client Assistance: 1-866-409-8430, M-F 8a-5p
|
Information
on numerous departments that operate programs of interest to the
disabled (Services to People with
Disabilities ,the Bureau
of Rehabilitation Services)
and detailed information on programs
for those with disabilities, including Medicaid for the Employed Disabled (if you want to see the fine
print on the Working Disabled program, click HERE), new "pre-existing
condition insurance plan" policies for those uninsured 6 months or
more, and the new "Medi-Link"
or Medicaid for those with Low Income (replacing SAGA). As
noted: you must go through
DMHAS to apply for the WISE
(mental health) Medicaid waiver services. |
| ConnPACE.com |
Website devoted exclusively to the ConnPACE program, offering prescription coverage for those with low incomes but not eligible for Medicaid. NO ASSET TEST. This is phasing out in favor of the "Medicare Savings Programs" described on www.CTElderLaw.org. |
| CT
Health
Reinsurance Association 1-800-842-0004 |
Providing insurance to those who cannot obtain private insurance, including those who have never had private insurance (in which case there is a 12-month preexisting coverage exclusion). 2 plans, one is United Healthcare |
| CT Insurance Department |
Includes page with Medicare supplemental policy rates in Connecticut (PDF); page on companies offering supplemental policies; page on HMO external appeals; and page on "managed care in Connecticut" including patient rights. |
| Volunteers in Psychotherapy | Volunteer organization that provides "truly private psychotherapy" - patients can earn free therapy by working for a nonprofit organization. |
| FINDING
WORK - OR HELP GETTING TO WORK |
|
| CT
Bureau of Rehabilitation Services 1-800-537-2549 |
State office designed "to create opportunities, through the provision of individualized rehabilitation services, which enables persons with disabilities to live and work independently" |
 "Connect-ability"
website |
A program of the Dept. of Social Services, this site is designed to help those with disabilities find ways to rejoin the workforce. The CT Department of Labor also has a site, "Disability Resources for Job-Seekers." |
| Disabled commuter's
handbook |
RIDEWORKS
list of access agencies but it leaves you with a lot of phone numbers
to call. |
| New
Haven area: MyRide |
Getting
around is TOUGH in CT. In New Haven you can reserve a ride on
"MyRide." Otherwise check www.211ct.org and GOOD LUCK. |
| OTHER USEFUL STUFF IN CT |
|
| Don't
forget you can call 211 for general information. |
"2-1-1
provides free and confidential information and referral. Call 2-1-1 for
help with food, housing, employment, health care, counseling and more."
or look online at 211ct.org |
| Aging
and Disability Resource Centers or contact Connecticut Community Choices Contact Community Choices by calling 1-800-994-9422. |
With
state funding, aging resource centers sponsored by area Agencies on
Aging have morphed into resources for benefit and other information for
the aging and disabled population. |
| The Connecticut Elder Law website (CTElderLaw.org) |
|
|
CT Office of Protection and Advocacy for
Persons with Disabilities |
Independent
State agency created to safeguard and advance the civil and human
rights of people with disabilities in Connecticut by providing
information, referrals, consultations, organizing assistance to local
groups, and various types and levels of advocacy assistance. Resources page provides address/phone contact
information to a mammorth array of groups and programs, and has now
added links. Also
tracks pending legislation. |
| Disability Resource Center of Fairfield County | A "cross-disability resource and
advocacy organization for people with disabilities" |
| Disabled American Veterans - CT
chapter 860-584-0057 |
The website isn't much as of this
writing, but this is a good organization to contact for counseling,
referrals, help applying for benefits such as "aid and
attendance." Or call CT Dept. of Veterans Affairs, 1-800-550-0000. |
| DRM disability resource guide | Mammoth set of links to disability sites put together by Disability Resources, Inc.; this page is directed to Connecticut resources. |
| Healthnet: Connecticut Consumer Health Information network |
Operated
by Lyman Maynard Stowe Library, University of Connecticut Health
Center, Farmington CT, this site is rich in bibliographic information
and reading lists, including special sections for mental health and a comprehensive set of links on
health information for people with disabilities. Not connected to Heathnet the
insurance company! |
| Hospital Debt
Justice Project |
A
web site which attacks the collection practices of Yale-New Haven
Hospital and others, this web page does offer a great summary of
options for those unable to pay hospital bills, including information
about hospital funds, the uninsured discount, etc. |
|
Connecticut information (links) sheet from National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities |
Comprehensive directory of resources in Connecticut |
| PLAN of Connecticut | Nonprofit organization that will act as Trustee of special
needs trusts; particularly useful when there is no appropriate Trustee;
also now operating a "pooled trust" that can hold assets of a
disabled person over age 65 WITHOUT AFFECTING CONTINUED ELIGIBILITY - similar
to a "d4A" trust available to those under 65. CAUTION: the
State of Connecticut
now has additional reuqirements (PDF) for those 65+ to escape a
transfer penalty when the account is funded. The pooled
trust is also useful for individuals who don't have parents or
conservators to establish the more ordinary kind of self-funded special
needs trust (that is, the money going into the trust is the person's
own money from savings, retirement, proceeds of litigation or
settlement, or inheritance). |
| Sustinet |
Perhaps
the future "Public Option" in Connecticut -- but still only in planning
stages. This page gives status updates and other information. |
Connecticut
Disability-Specific Groups
** This list is not comprehensive. Feel free to
contact me if you wish to include your organization. I have
chosen to include those organizations known to me out of concern that
many families still appear unaware of the support groups available to
them***
| The ARC of Connecticut 860-953-8335 |
CT
chapter of national organization that advocates for those with
"intelletual, cognitive, and developmental disabilities." This
site includes a page with
links to all local chapters. |
| Brain
Injury Association of Connecticut Help-line: 1-800-278-8242 |
Connecticut Chapter of the National Head Injury
Foundation. The Association provides referrals and case
consultation, among other services. |
| CACLD |
CT
Association for Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities |
| NAMI
CT Help-line: (800) 215-3021 |
"Connecticut's voice for mental illness," Lists all local affiliatesaff |
| Autism Society of CT (888) 453-4975 |
Based
in Guilford, the organization's website states: "The Autism
Society of Connecticut is focused on three areas: serving as a
statewide autism resource, providing grants to families who may need
financial assistance, and raising awareness of autism." Please
note: there are other groups in Connecticut which focus on
support and assistance to the families of those with autism. |
| CT Downs Syndrome Congress |
Lengthy
website with many resources for families of Downs Syndrome children |
| National Multiple Sclerosis
Society - CT Chapter 860-714-2300 |
Lengthy
website lists many programs of assistance to those with MS as
well as the usual host of links, fundraising events, and information
abou the disease |
| CT Tourette Syndrome Association (203) 912-7310 |
http://www.tsact.org/ |
| Fellowship Place (New Haven) |
"A
Supportive Community Fostering Mental Health" in New Haven |
| United
Cerebral Palsy |
Three
local affiliates: Eastern CT,
Southern CT,
Greater
Hartford ((860) 236-6201). |
Selected
National /
Federal Resources and Links
| The Arc of the United States (formerly Association of Retarded Citizens) | National organization of and for people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities and their families. Links to Connecticut chapters. |
| Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law | Center for legal advocacy for the civil rights and human dignity of people with mental disability |
| Center for Medicare Advocacy | Includes great information on Medicare, e-mail link to request the Center’s printed materials, a "quick screen" to identify potential Medicare coverage, and a useful summary/comparison of supplemental policies and summary of gaps in coverage. |
| Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation | Devoted to early-onset bipolar disorder information. Links to a site for subscribing to an internet discussion group for "significant others" of those with bipolar disorder, BPSO. |
| Disability.gov | "Your online connection to the federal government's disability-related information and resources." |
| Merrill
Lynch Special Needs Planning Calculator (scroll down -- you have to click on their link) |
Yes,
I know this is a commercial "for-profit," but ANY tool that will help
families hone in on what financial resources they need to plan for
someone with special needs has to be welcome -- especially because
financial planners usually won't offer advice "fee for service" but
only in conjunction with managing your assets -- and if your assets are
modest what is the incentive for them to give you careful and
thoughtful advice? Try to find a good financial planner if your
family includes someone with special needs -- money can make all the
difference! |
| National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities | National information and referral center that provides information on disabilities and disability-related issues for families, educators, and other professionals, with a focus on birth to age 22. |
| National
Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) |
NAMI also advocates for the families of those with mental illness. This comprehensive site discusses new developments and treatments, and links to state and local affiliate sites. You can subscribe to their mailing list for frequent updates on legal developments affecting the mentally ill. Lists CT affiliates. VERY USEFUL: NAMI has a walk-through guide to "Special Needs Estate Planning," with things to think about, how to choose an attorney, and state-specific information. |
| National Association of Social Workers | Companion site for consumers is "helpstartshere.org." Click to find a clinical social worker in your area |
| Special Needs Advocates for Parents | The website www.snapinfo.org seems to have been taken over--
was a support group and information source for parents of children
with special needs, also offered help getting medical insurance
companies to authorize or reimburse for therapies, medical equipment or
other items not seen as "medically necessary." Call toll-free to 1-888-310-9889 if the
organization is still around. |
| Special Needs Alliance (Voice) articles |
The Special Needs Alliance (SNA) is a national, not for profit organization of attorneys dedicated to the practice of disability and public benefits law. As a public service, the SNA publishes an internet newsletter, The Voice, with incredibly useful articles on all kinds of topics relating to government benefits, special needs trusts, planning for those with special needs, etc. You can read articles on the archive and/or subscribe to receive it by email. |
| US Dept. of Justice, Americans
with Disabilities Act page |
Includes
informaiton and technical assistance for employers, etc. trying to
comply with ADA; frequently requested through FOIA information on
settlement of cases; and other legal resources |
I
can only provide general information, and will
not provide advice about a particular case without a formal engagement.
Writing
to me does not create
an attorney-client relationship.
Back to Info/Links IndexWeb-site design by: Tintern Productions
Lisa Nachmias Davis
Davis O'Sullivan & Priest LLC
Attorneys at Law
129 Church
Street, Suite 805
New Haven, CT
06510
Phone:
203-776-4400
Fax:
203-774-1060
davis@sharinglaw.net