Derby-Shelton Rotary to deliver sand, salt to seniors, disabled; signups required

Derby-Shelton Rotary Club to deliver sand, salt mixture to seniors, disabled

The Derby-Shelton Rotary Club will deliver five- gallon buckets of sand and salt mixture to seniors, 65 and over, and disabled individuals who are Derby and Shelton residents Dec. 5-8. The mixture is for spreading on icy walkways and driveways during the winter. 

If you are interested in receiving a bucket, please sign up at the Derby or Shelton Senior Centers or contact Kim Ryan at Curtiss Ryan Honda, 203-929-1484 ×227 or kim@curtissryan.com. Residents of housing developments that already provide sand are not eligible.

Deadline for signup is Nov. 27.

The Rotary motto is Service Above Self. Locally the club members are involved in projects such as providing a dictionary to every third grader in Derby and Shelton.

Website: www.Derby-SheltonRotary.org
email: derbysheltonrotary@yahoo.com

Derby -Shelton Rotary Club to deliver sand, salt mixture to seniors, disabled

SHELTON - The Derby-Shelton Rotary Club will be delivering five-gallon buckets of sand and salt mixture to seniors over 65 and disabled individuals residing in Derby and Shelton on Dec. 5-8 to spread on walkways and driveways during the winter.  

If you are interested in receiving a bucket, sign up at the Derby or Shelton Senior Centers or contact Kim Ryan at Curtiss Ryan Honda, 203- 929-1484 X227 or email: kim@curtissryan.com. 

Individuals who live in housing developments that already provide sand are not eligible.

Sign-up deadline is Nov. 27. The sand will be delivered Dec. 5-8. 

The Rotary motto is Service Above Self.  Rotarians are involved in projects such as curing the world of Polio and providing a dictionary to every third grader in Derby and Shelton.  

Website: www.Derby-SheltonRotary.org

Email: derbysheltonrotary@yahoo.com

This is a press release from the Club. 

Haynes collecting wheelchairs, parts at Seymour, Oxford locations

*Sharing from Haynes' Facebook page:

"We need everyone's help in collecting wheelchairs and wheelchair parts! Haynes Outdoor Living will be a donation location, July 25th-27!"

Derby-Shelton Rotary offers sand, salt to senior citizens, disabled

SHELTON - The Derby-Shelton Rotary Club will be delivering five-gallon buckets of sand and salt mixture to 65 seniors and disabled individuals residing in Derby and Shelton Dec. 6-9 to spread on walkways and driveways during the winter. 
If you are interested in receiving a bucket, sign up at the Derby or Shelton Senior Centers or contact Kim Ryan at Kim@curtissryan.com with the word Sand in the subject line, or at 203-929-1484, x 227.
Individuals residing in housing developments that already provide sand are not eligible. Deadline for sign up is Dec. 1.

Rotary Club is the world’s hardest working service organization. The Rotary motto is Service Above Self, and Rotarians are involved in projects such as curing the world of Polio and providing a dictionary to every third grader in Derby and Shelton. 
Learn more about Rotary at www.derby-sheltonrotary.org.


This is a press release from the club.

CDR to hold annual Wheel-A-Thon at Savin Rock in West Haven

WEST HAVEN -The annual Wheel-A-Thon is a fund-raising and community awareness campaign to benefit the youth programs and activities of the Center for Disability Rights, 369 Highland St., and its partners.

The 2018 Wheel-A-Thon will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. July 24 at Savin Rock Conference Center, 5 Rock St.

There will be registration and pizza from 6 to 6:45 p.m. 

The ceremony starts at 6:45 p.m. and ends about 7 p.m. when the walk begins. 

Awards to walkers will be distributed at about 7:30 p.m. There will be live entertainment throughout the event.

Wheel-A-Thon participants can walk, roll in a wheelchair, or ride a bicycle along a 1-mile route. 
You can register and participate as an individual or you can form a team with your family, friends and co-workers. 

To register, click here. 

The money raised during the 2017 Wheel-A-Thon provided Summer Empowerment Camp opportunities to nine high school juniors and seniors and provided five Wheel-A-Thon Scholarships.

Individuals who are not part of a team but who raise at least $25 for young people with disabilities can participate in the CDR Wheel-A-Thon as individuals.

*On a personal note, my husband Ralph, who has a form of Muscular Dystrophy and uses a wheelchair, serves on CDR's board of directors. The event is always a good time and an easy one-mile route, even in the hot weather!

Klarides sisters renew call to provide tax relief for disabled veterans

State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, R-Seymour, left, and House Republican Leader Themis Klarides, R-Derby./ Contributed photo

HARTFORD - House Republican Leader Themis Klarides and her sister, state Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria are continuing to fight to pass legislation that helps disabled veterans. 

House Bill 5231 will allow municipalities, with their legislative body's approval, to freeze property taxes on homes owned by certain disabled veterans and their spouse or surviving spouse.  

To be eligible, the veteran must have a service-connected disability and either the veteran or spouse must have lived in Connecticut for at least one year. 

House Republican Leader Themis Klarides said, "In these difficult economic times, we are aware that municipalities are struggling financially. That is why this bill was written to provide towns and cities an option to offer this opportunity rather than mandate it."

She continued, "Veterans who are injured as a result of their service live on fixed incomes and freezing their property taxes will help make living in our state more affordable."

Rep. Klarides-Ditria added, "Letting our local governments decide to freeze taxes for disabled veterans is something they should be allowed to do. Disabled veterans deserve this tax relief, and I will continue to fight to get this legislation passed."

The Veterans' Affairs Committee passed this legislation unanimously. Before the bill can become law it must pass both the House and Senate. 

This is a press release from Connecticut House Republicans' office.

Klarides sisters vote to restore funding of Medicare Savings Program

HARTFORD - House Republican Leader Themis Klarides and state Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria joined their colleagues Monday to restore funding to the Medicare Savings Program. 

The program helps more than 100,000 seniors and individuals pay for Medicare co-insurance, deductibles and premiums. 

The MSP plan was approved in the House and Senate by veto-proof majorities. 

“The House sent a strong message today with its overwhelming support for restoring much-needed resources for more than 100,000 elderly and disabled Connecticut residents who rely on Medicare for their health care needs," Klarides said. "The state’s dire fiscal condition has made this year a challenging one when it comes to balancing the budget and setting priorities, and while there will be difficult decisions in the months ahead, today we were able to provide this group of people a bit of the stability they’ll need to budget for their health-care costs heading into the summer.”

Klarides-Ditria said,“I heard from many seniors and individuals with disabilities that heavily depend on the Medicare Savings Program about the importance of restoring the funding for this program. 

“My colleagues and I worked together to find a bipartisan solution to restore the funding this year for MPS. Our mounting fiscal crisis continues to deepen, and as we move forward it is vitally important that we address our fiscal challenges by prioritizing state spending and reforming state government.” 

Among the methods used to restore program funding is a requirement that Gov. Dannel Malloy reduce the number of managers and consultants - a provision included in the adopted budget ignored by the governor. 

Other components include moving human resources-related functions of some state agencies into the state’s Department of Administrative Services, and requiring the governor to find savings in Executive Branch functions while limiting his ability to cut more than 10 percent from any one program.

The 2018 legislative session - a so-called short session - starts Feb. 7 and will see lawmakers focus primarily on issues tied to the state budget. 

This is a press release from Klarides-Ditria's office.

Special newsletter edition features CDR Wheel-A-Thon in West Haven

The West Haven-based Center for Disability Rights is sponsoring its annual Wheel-A-Thon July 25 to benefit disabled youth.

Please click here to read a special edition of our Valley Voice newsletter featuring the fundraiser.

Center for Disability Rights in West Haven to host meeting about transit services

My husband, Ralph, and I are longtime members of the Center for Disability Rights in West Haven. Its service area includes the Lower Naugatuck Valley. 

Sharing from its website: "The Center for Disability Rights advocates for people with disabilities and their issues on a local, state-wide, and national level. 
"We also provide services to individuals and their families, as well as technical assistance and community education to businesses, government, and members of the community."

Ansonia mayor reminds disabled residents of tax break

Pictured from left, Alderman Lorie Vaccaro, Mayor David S. Cassetti, Ansonia resident Ralph Villers, and Alderman Pat Henri./ Photo submitted by Sheila O'Malley, Ansonia Economic Development Director 

ANSONIA - Mayor David S. Cassetti announced over the weekend that Ansonia residents who are non-ambulatory may be eligible to receive a tax exemption on their motor vehicles. 

“As the residents of Ansonia know, I have made lowering taxes a priority," Cassetti said. 

"This new tax break will help our non-ambulatory residents receive a full exemption on the vehicles they purchase that have been modified to accommodate their needs," he said.

“This is a tax exemption that just makes good sense. Disabled individuals require specialized vehicles to enable them to drive or be transported. They should not be assessed the same as those of us who do not need to make modifications just to travel.” 

This special tax exemption applies to any vehicles that have been altered from their original condition to suit the needs of a disabled person, i.e., special ramps, hand controls, etc. 

This includes any modification that enables the disabled person to drive or be driven. 

The vehicles may not be leased and the modifications must be permanent. The exemption will be applied prior to billing. 

Disabled individuals must provide proof of modifications and or have the vehicle inspected by Marsha Benno, the City of Ansonia’s Tax Assessor. 

You can reach the Tax Assessor office at 203-736-5903. 

This is a press release from Mayor Cassetti's office.

Addendum: I interviewed my husband, Ralph Villers, since I posted this today and he said:  
“I have seen more change in Ansonia in the last two years than I had in the 24+ years we have lived here. This is a great break for me, as operating a vehicle like this is quite expensive. The city and Mayor have taken note of this and are allowing us to reduce the many costs we have in operating our vehicles and allowing disabled drivers to maintain their freedom and independence.”

Derby-Shelton Rotary Club to deliver sand mixture to seniors, disabled

The Derby-Shelton Rotary Club will once again deliver five-gallon buckets of sand and salt mixture to seniors and disabled individuals residing in Derby and Shelton to spread on walkways and driveways during the winter. Members will deliver the mixture on Dec. 16.

If you are interested in receiving a bucket, please sign up at the Derby or Shelton Senior Centers or contact Rotarian Kim Ryan, Club Service Chair, at Curtiss Ryan Honda at 203-929-15484 X227 or emailkim@curtissryan.com. 

Individuals residing in housing developments that already provide sand are not eligible. 

The Rotary motto is Service Above Self. Rotarians are involved in projects such as curing the world of polio and providing a dictionary to every third grader in Derby and Shelton. 
Visit www.Derby-SheltonRotary.org to learn more.

Sign up deadline is Nov. 30.


This is a press release from the club.

Abbreviations for assisting disabled explained

Since we are one of many families in Connecticut facing the daily challenges posed by a disability, I thought I'd share this list from My Place CT. 

I would have never known the meaning of most of these abbreviations that are used for long-term care supports and services:

AAA        Area Agency on Aging
AASCC    Agency on Aging South Central CT (AAA – South Central CT)
ABI         Acquired Brain Injury
ac          Before Meals (used with medication dosages)
ACH       Acute Care Hospital
ADRC     Aging & Disability Resource Center (aka Community Choices)
ADRC     Alcohol & Drug Rehabilitation Center (Greater Hartford)
ADA       American Dietary Association
ADA       American Dental Association
ADA       Americans with Disabilities Act
ADC       Adult Day Care
AL         Assisted Living
ALSA     Assisted Living Service Agency
ACU      Alternate Care Unit
aka       Also known as
AU        Assistance Unit
BESB     Board of Education and Services for the Blind
bid       Twice a day (used with medication dosages)
BH        Boarding Home
BIACT   Brain Injury Association of CT
BUP      Back-up Plan
c With –  (may have accent grave) - (used with medication dosages)
C4A CT    Association of Area Agencies on Aging
CAADC    Connecticut Association of Adult Day Centers
CAHCF    Connecticut Association of Health Care Facilities, Inc
CAHCH CT  Association for HealthCare at Home
CANPFA   This is Now Leading Age - Formerly: Connecticut Association of Not-For- Profit Providers For The Aging Inc
CACIL CT    Association of Centers for Independent Living
CARF CT     Association of Residential Facilities
CARSC CT   Association for Resident Service Coordinators
CBS            Community Based Services
CB-LTSS     Community Based - Long Term Supports and Services
CCAR         Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery
CCNH         Chronic and Convalescent Nursing Home (Nursing Home)
CCCI CT      Community Care, Inc. (Access agency). 4 offices: 
Main-Bristol (-M); Eastern-Norwich (-E); Western-Watertown (-NW); NorthCentral-Wethersfield (-NC)
CCCI          Colonial Cooperative Care, Inc. (Does disability determinations for DSS)
CDH          Chronic Disease Hospital (e.g. - Hospital for Special Care)
CDHI         Community First Choice
CDR          Center for Disability Rights (CIL - south Central CT)
CDSMP      Chronic disease Self-Management Program
CFC          Community First Choice
CHOICES
CT's programs for Health insurance assistance, Outreach, Information and referral, Counseling and eligibility Screening
CHSP       Congregate Housing Services Program
CIL          Center for Independent Living (formerly known as ILC)
CIL          Corporation for Independent Living (Does home modifications over Tier 1 costs)
CLS          Community Living Specialist
CO           Central Office
COE         Conservator of Estate
Comp       Comprehensive   (DDS Waiver)
COP         Conservator of Person
COP/E      Conservator of Person and Estate
CM           Care Manager (Care Planers of Elder Waiver)
CSA          Common Standard Assessment
CSR          Continued Stay Review
CSRCP CT  Statewide Respite Care Program (aka Alzheimer's Respite Program)
CT HCPE CT  Home Care Program for Elders
CTH          Community Training Home
D/C          Discharge
DCP          Discharge Care Planner
DDS          Department of Developmental Services
DEMHS      Department of Emergency Management & Homeland Security
DMHAS      Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
DME          Durable Medical Equipment
DNEC        Disabilities Network of Eastern CT (CIL – Eastern CT)
DPH          Department of Public Health
DRCFC      Disability Resource Center of Fairfield County (CIL – Southwestern CT)
DSS           Department of Social Services
EBUP        Emergency Back-Up Plan
EMS          Eligibility Management System
ECU          Environmental Control Unit
FS             Food Stamps (Replaced by SNAP)
FSW          Family Services Woodfield (has Housing Coordinator located in Bridgeport)
gt Drop     (used with medication dosages)
HC            Housing Coordinator
HCBS        Home and Community Based Services
HERC        Housing Education Resource Center (Has Housing Coordinator located in Hartford)
hs (at)      Hour of Sleep (Bedtime) (used with medication dosages)
HUD         Housing and Urban Development
ICF-          MR Intermediate Care Facility – Mental Retardation
iC             Interchange
IC             Informed Consent
ILC           Independent Living Center
IN             Independence Northwest (CIL – North Western CT)
IMD           Institute for Mental Disease
IFS            Individual and Family Supports (DDS Waiver)
IU             Independence Unlimited (CIL – North Central CT)
LRE           Least Restrictive Environment
LOC           Level of Care
LON           Level of Need
LTA           Long Term Approval
LTSS          Long Term Supports and Services
MAA          Minimal Assessment Application
MDS          Minimum Data Set
MFP          Money Follows the Person
MH           Mental health
MOW        Meals on Wheels
MS           Multiple Sclerosis
NEMT       Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
NF           Nursing facility
NFCSP      National Family Caregiver Support Program
NCAAA     North Central Area Agency on Aging (AAA – North Central CT)
npo          Nothing by mouth (may be seen with medical test orders)
NWD        No Wrong Door
od Right Eye  (used with medication dosages)
OPM        Office of Policy & Management
OPA        Office of Protection & Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities (P&A)
PASRR     Preadmission Screening and Resident Review
P&A        Protection & Advocacy
pc           After Meals (used with medication dosages)
PCA         Personal care Assistant
po By Mouth  (used with medication dosages)
POA         Power of attorney
POC         Plan of Care
PRN         As needed (used with medications, therapies, treatments, etc.)
os Left Eye    (used with medication dosages)
PSE          Protective Services for the Elderly
qid           Four Times a Day (used with medication dosages)
RAP          Rental Assistance Program
RCP          Resident Care Plan
RCH          Residential Care Home (aka Rest Home or Board & Care Home)
RHNS        Rest Home with Nursing Supports (Nursing Home
RSC          Resident Service Coordinator
RTA          Request for Tenancy Approval
q3h          Every 3 hours (used with medication dosages)
qd Daily (used with medication dosages)
S8 Section 8
SCM        Specialized Care Manager
SCMS      Specialized Care Manager Supervisor
SDG        Security Deposit Guarantee
SCI         Spinal Cord Injury
SME        Specialized Medical Equipment
SSA         Social Security Administration
SSDI        Social Security Disability Insurance
SSI          Supplemental Security Income
SNAP       Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as Food Stamps)
SNF         Skilled Nursing Facility
SR           Senior Resources (AAA – Eastern CT)
ST           Short Term
SW          Social Worker
SWCAA    South Western CT Agency on Aging (AAA – Southwestern CT)
T-18       Medicare
T-19       Medicaid
TA         Technical Assistance
TEFT     (A Demonstration Grant for) Testing Experience and Functional Tools
tid          Three times a day (used with medication dosages)
TBI         Traumatic Brain Injury
TC          Transition Coordinator
TPL         Third Party Liability
USDA       United States Department of Agriculture (does housing and SNAP in rural areas)
WCAAA    Western CT Area Agency on Aging (AAA – North Western CT)
WISE       Working for Integration, Support and Empowerment (MH Waiver)
WRAP      Wellness Recovery Action Plan
_

I hope you find this helpful! 

Activists hold peaceful rally at Seymour Post Office

Ansonia resident Ralph Villers, a.k.a. my husband, gets help from a postal employee outside the Seymour Post Office Wednesday. Ralph and I are members of the Center for Disability Rights in West Haven, and he took part in a demonstration with other members that was held to raise awareness of the inaccessibility of the building. 

The cornerstone says the Post Office building at 91 Main St., Seymour was erected in 1916.


Stay tuned for a story in the Valley Independent Sentinel. 

Conroy among lawmakers unveiling goals to support disabled

Theresa Conroy

Includes 5-year plan to close Southbury Training School

State Rep. Theresa Conroy, D-Seymour, Friday joined other members of the General Assembly’s Intellectual and Developmentally Disabled (I/DD) Caucus to unveil their legislative priorities, seeking substantial changes in state funding and housing for intellectually and developmentally disabled state residents and their families.

“This is a bold agenda that seeks to provide the best possible services to for intellectually and developmentally disabled residents and their families,” Conroy said.

The 60-member bipartisan and bicameral caucus supports legislation designed to:

· Close the state Department of Developmental Services’ Southbury Training School by 2020 and move its remaining residents (approximately 320) to community-based settings; shift all of the Southbury closure savings (approximately $237,000 per-person) to community-based settings in order to reduce the waiting list of approx. 2,000 disabled clients seeking supportive housing; evaluate the best use for the Southbury property and buildings and conduct an environmental assessment.

· Maintain DDS funding at pre-rescission levels in the FY 2016-17 biennial state budget

· Study the creation of a client trust fund for individual spend-down requirements

The I/DD Caucus issued its goals Friday in advance of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s Feb. 18 biennial state budget address, which is expected to impact health and human services spending in Connecticut.

Conroy's district includes parts of Seymour, Beacon Falls and Derby. 


This is a press release from Conroy's office.