About Us
History about People first
people first of Connecticut was founded in 1983 and is a legal nonprofit corporation. The orginal goals were to close southbury traning school, advocate for the right for meaningful jobs, to close sheltered workshops, expand self determination, and assure that all people, regardless of ability or disability be treated with dignity and respect .
over the years we have seen many changes. people with disabilities are learning our rights and speaking up for ourselves. we are living more independently and taking advantage of our rights and responsibilities.
people first of CT is especially proud of two things we, along with two other human rights agencies , sued the state of ct over the treatment of people at southbury traning school, also we fought very hard and were successful in getting CT DMR to get rid of the " R Word "
and change its name to the Department of Developmental Services ! our current goals are similar to the ones we started with more than 20 years ago. we are advocating for closing sheltered workshops, educating the public about people with disabilities and educating people who have disabilities about their rights and how to speak up for themselves.
What Laws Protect you ?
There are many State and federal laws thats protect your rights. The most important law to know is the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) The ADA protects you from being excluded from a program or Denied Services state and two programs and services, employment, transportation and other types of activities.
What are rights & Freedoms ?
Rights and freedoms are yours because you are American and a Connecticut Citizen. Rights are things the law says you have- " they are things you can do. "
What rights do you have ?
* You have a right to dignity and good care. when people treat you with dignity, they respect you .
* You have the right to privacy .... privacy to decide for yourself what you want to share and with whom . you do not have to share what is personal.
* You have the right to be alone.
* You have the right to attend the church or synagogue of your choice.
* You have the right to have friends .
* You have the right to be free from harm and to have a safe and comfortable place to live.
* Y have the right to get services and support in the community
What Opportunities do you have in Connecticut and America ?
You can work with others to learn about your rights. You can participate in community activities.
You have the right to make choices.
People First of CT www.ada.gov
