sharinglaw.net

maintained by
Lisa Nachmias Davis, Attorney at Law


Davis O'Sullivan
& Priest LLC

129 Church Street
Suite 809
New Haven, CT
06510
203-776-4400
Fax: 203-774-1060

 
SPECIAL NEEDS AND DISABILITY LINKS PAGE

Content on Page Last Updated:  February 14, 2010 - 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)
Connecticut  Disability-Specific Groups
National
Social Security
Legal Resources

My Articles:  
  Absolute Discretion: Understanding the Trustee Provisions in Your Child's Special Needs Trust, published in Exceptional Parent magazine (PDF)
  "How Should the Family of a Disabled Individual Design an Estate Plan?" Part I and Part II; however, Part II was updated in 2008, "How to Fix a Broken Estate Plan," originally published in The Voice, newsletter of The Special Needs Alliance.
'Planning with transfers for the disabled' previously published in the newsletter of PLAN of Connecticut, Inc.

Selected Connecticut Resources: (alphabetical; 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.)
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 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."
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   

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.

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

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  ConnPACE (prescription coverage for those with low incomes but not eligible for Medicaid) and Medicaid for the Employed Disabled.

The Connecticut Elder Law website (CTElderLaw.org)

Consumer-oriented site on Connecticut Elder Law topics but which also includes critical information on entitlement programs for the disabled such as Medicare and Medicaid, the QMB program that pays Medicare premiums, copays and deductibles, SSI and Social Security.  Direct link to Legal Services Network pamphlets for consumers. 

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 Housing Choice Voucher Waiting List

CAUTION:  as of 2/14/10 this site is DOWN -- I am keeping the link here in caes 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 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.

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.

CT Office of Protection and Advocacy
1-800-842-7303

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.

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.

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.
Volunteers in Psychotherapy Volunteer organization that provides "truly private psychotherapy" - patients can earn free therapy by working for a nonprofit organization.

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 "Connecticut's voice for mental illness," Lists all local affiliates
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 for the Mentally Ill 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.
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.
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


Selected Legal References

Find a CT Attorney Who Handles Social Security claims and appeals
Social Security Administration
Social Security Administration list of "Compassionate Allowances" - fast track treatment of certain conditions as qualifying for SSI or Social Security Disability
Social Security Handbook
Social Security "Redbook" on Employment Support for People with Disabilities
Social Security Rulings
Social Security POMS (Programs Operations Manual System) - complete and searchable
Social Security Forms, downloadable
SSA Memos and Transmittals of Interest
Claimant representatives' page
U.S. Code Title 42  -
dowloadable sections; searchable
  View online entire
Social Security Act:
 
1382b (Assets; part of SSI law)
Social Security Regulations (browsable) 
Connecticut DSS explanation of "supplement" program
 FOR OTHER LEGAL RESOURCES ON MEDICARE/MEDICAID, CHECK THE ELDER LAW LINKS PAGE
FOR IMPORTANT CASES DEALING WITH SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS, CHECK MY "KEYCASES" PAGE WHICH INCLUDE ELDER LAW CASES


DISCLAIMER:  THIS INFORMATION IS NOT PROVIDED AS  LEGAL ADVICE AND CREATES NO ATTORNEY-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP.  NO ENDORSEMENT IS INTENDED BY ANY REFERENCES HEREIN.  PLEASE CONSULT YOUR OWN LEGAL AND FINANCIAL ADVISORS BEFORE TAKING ANY ACTION. 

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.
 

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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