Buck-Taylor Participates in “Family Hearing Day”
January 28, 2015HARTFORD — State Rep. Cecilia Buck-Taylor was among legislators Thursday who participated in “Family Hearing Day,” an event that provided parents an opportunity to share their experiences, concerns and comments about the long-term care of their adult children who are developmentally or intellectually disabled.
The hearing held at the Legislative Office Building was organized by members of the Intellectual/Developmental Disability caucus—a first of its kind group of legislators working to shine a light on issues many parents say haven’t received the attention they deserve.
“The concerns and stresses these parents face are immense,” said Buck-Taylor, a new member of the legislature’s Human Services Committee who also serves as a conservator for many people throughout the Greater Danbury area. “They expend blood, sweat and tears—seemingly moving Heaven and Earth—just to get their kids the services they need. And then, when they’ve gotten their heads above water, there’s worry about who will advocate for their child when they’re no longer around.”
State Rep. Cecilia Buck-Taylor, right, speaks with state Rep. Livvy Floren (seated) after the ID/D Caucus meeting at the Legislative Office Building.
‘Family Hearing Day’ was created for legislators to listen to concerns about future living needs, the critical lack of funding for support services, long wait lists for care and myriad other issues that families face when accessing Department of Developmental Services and programs.
Housing was the issue discussed most often. Cuts to DDS funding threaten what many parents consider indispensable support services in group homes and subsidized developmentally-disabled living quarters. Many individuals on waiting lists for housing are now being told that housing will no longer be made available. Many are also concerned about funding for day programs and employment services programs.