The Connecticut Developmental Disabilities Network (DDN) was established to provide leadership for implementation of the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance
and Bill of Rights Act.
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People with disabilities and their families are
at the heart of how we plan, complete,
and evaluate our activities.
We also rely on a broad range of professionals, organizations and agencies
to bring about community-wide change.
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Consumer Advisory Council (CAC)

How can you work with the UCEDD to improve the lives of people with disabilities?
People with disabilities and their families are at the heart of how we plan, complete, and evaluate our activities. And we also rely on a broad range of professionals, organizations and agencies to bring about community-wide change.
The Consumer Advisory Council (CAC) is one of the ways we involve consumers, agencies and organizations. CAC members meet 2-3 times a year and support our work in the following ways:

They serve as a link to consumers and organizations,
They encourage others to become involved with the UCEDD, and
They make suggestions about critical areas of need that should be addressed through future programs, projects or activities.

As a member of the CAC, you are linked to the network of 67 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) across the nation. The CAC is in accordance with the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, PL 106-402, (DD Act).

Who belongs to the CAC?
The CAC has at least 15 members at any given time; more than half are consumers -- people with a disability or the family member of a person with a disability. The remaining members represent agencies and organizations that provide services, supports or advocacy for people with disabilities and their families. Members are chosen to represent a wide cross-section of Connecticut’s disabilities community.

What are the responsibilities of CAC members?
The list below describes the primary responsibilities of CAC members. Members are asked:

To serve at least a two-year term.
To attend an orientation session within six months of joining the CAC.
To attend the twice-a-year meetings, and as many of the CAC functions and special events as possible.
To become informed and stay informed about the mission, services, policies and programs of the UCEDD.
To represent their own interests related to disability issues, and also the interests of the communities they represent.
To take an active role in the development of the UCEDD’s five-year strategic plan.
To inform others about the organization and act as a communication link between the UCEDD and the people, agencies and organizations in their community.
To identify people who can make significant contributions to the work of the UCEDD and draw them into the network of people committed to community-wide change for people with disabilities.

How does the UCEDD support CAC members?
We recognize the time and commitment of our members, and accept that everyone has individualized needs. Therefore:

A stipend to attend CAC meetings and subcommittee meetings is available for those who are not otherwise compensated. This stipend is available for individuals with disabilities and family members of children and adults with disabilities.
Additional accommodations such as special transportation and/or sign language interpreters are arranged through and paid for by the Center.

How can I apply to join the CAC?
If you’re interested in applying, please fill out the CAC Membership Application.
To apply by fax or mail: Please print the CAC Membership Application and fax or mail to:

Molly Cole
University of Connecticut A.J. Pappanikou Center for Excellence
In Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service
263 Farmington Avenue MC 6222
Farmington, CT 06030
FAX: 860-679-1571

If you have any additional questions, call or e-mail:
Molly Cole
Associate Director, Community Outreach
mcole@uchc.edu || 860.679.1595

or

CAC Chair:
Linda Wallace, Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut,
(860) 346-1924 or toll free (800) 899-EPIL, lwallace.efct@sbcglobal.net

Members

Early Childhood

Early Childhood initiatives at the UCEDD focus on evidenced based practices and learning outcomes. We provide training and technical assistance to early interventionists, teachers, therapists, service coordinators, policy makers and families on a variety of areas including social competence, early literacy, early childhood outcomes, service coordination practices, and evidenced based intervention practices.

School Age

School Age initiatives at the UCEDD focus on the inclusion of children with disabilities in typical school and community life. We provide training and technical assistance to families, school personnel and community members in a variety of areas including the special education process, inclusive education, adapted curriculum, assistive technology, disability awareness and person-centered planning.

Life Span

Adult initiatives at the UCEDD focus on including people with disabilities in their communities. We provide training and technical assistance to individuals with disabilities, state agencies, service providers and other community members in a variety of areas including the hiring of personal assistants, accessible transportation, emergency preparedness and response, and health care.