Staneski Applauds Bill Assisting Families, Children with Disabilities

From CT House Republicans: On June 3rd, the House of Representatives gave the final legislative nod to a proposal which ensures that the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS) provides accurate and up-to-date information on family needs regarding the residential waiting list and other services according to State Rep. Pam Staneski (R-119), a co-introducer of the bill.

The proposal, SB 246, An Act Concerning a State-Wide Waiting List for residential Placement for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities was crafted by Rep. Pam Staneski with the assistance from CT DDS Families First, the state-wide family advocacy group for families of the intellectually and developmentally disabled.

The bill requires DDS to provide accurate and up-to-date information on family needs regarding the Residential Waiting List and other services by requiring a yearly census conducted when families meet with DDS for their annual review. By July 2018, DDS must develop a five and 10 year plan for each individual with intellectual disability who is eligible for DDS services and who has an individual plan from DDS.

During the past off-session, Rep. Staneski and other legislators, along with DDS met with some families to develop a reliable process for families to be notified of their placement on the waiting list, their priority status and how to request a status change. Senate Bill 246 works to addresses these outstanding concerns and codifies them in state law.

Rep. Staneski said, “This legislation complements legislation passed last year. Helping these families by providing more updated information is always good public policy. The legislation will not add any cost to the state and is vital in providing information to both the legislature and to the Department of Developmental Services. It is an important building block in aiding the state and, more importantly, the families plan for the future. It was an added pleasure to have this bill pass with the families present.”

State Rep. Pam Staneski worked last session on a bipartisan bill with families of the developmentally disabled to pass legislation improving communication and transparency at the Department of Developmental Services.

The bill now to the governor’s desk for his signature.

Photo courtesy of CT House of Republicans