Resources

Mental retardation is a condition that affects more than 7.2 million Americans and their families, more than a half million individuals across Connecticut and more than 2,000 in the Greater New Britain area.

Developmental, physical and mental disabilities can prevent these individuals from functioning on their own or contributing fully to work, education, family or community life. They often become isolated from society due to their immobility, proper equipment, lack of resources or social challenges. But they don’t have to be alone. 

The Connecticut Department of Mental Retardation serves several hundred thousand persons. In 2005, 60 percent were men, 40 percent were woman, and more than half were youth. Private providers like CCARC assist the state in caring for these individuals.

The following links provide further information.

Alliance for Technology Access - connects children and adults with disabilities to technology tools.

American Association on Mental Retardation - an on-line resource to give you rapid access to information about the fields of mental retardation and disabilities.

American Network of Community Options and Resources – a nonprofit trade association representing private providers who provide supports and services to persons with disabilities.

Connecticut Association of Nonprofits – association that advocates, supports and strengthens nonprofit organizations in building and sustaining healthy communities in Connecticut.

Connecticut Community Providers Association – represents organizations which provide services and supports for children and adults with disabilities and special needs including people with addictions, mental illness, developmental and physical disabilities.

Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (formerly Dept. of Mental Retardation - a state-funded agency that purchases or provides a wide range of supports and services for Connecticut citizens with mental retardation.

Department of Children and Families – state of Connecticut department that protects children, improves child and family well-being and supports and preserve families.

Department of Education - state of Connecticut which through leadership, curriculum, research, planning, evaluation, assessment, data analyses and other assistance, the Department helps to ensure equal opportunity and excellence in education for all Connecticut students.

Department of Social Services – state of Connecticut department that provides a broad range of services to the elderly, disabled, families, and individuals who need assistance in maintaining or achieving their full potential for self-direction, self-reliance and independent living.

Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking & Technology (DO-IT) - helps people with disabilities successfully pursue academics and careers through programs that promote the use of technology to maximize the independence, productivity and participation of persons with disabilities.

Down Syndrome Quarterly - an interdisciplinary journal devoted to advancing the state of knowledge on Down syndrome and will cover all areas of medical, behavioral, and social scientific research. It is published in March, June, September, and December and is distributed by subscription to individuals, organizations, and libraries.

NICHCY  - a national information center for children and youth with disabilities.

Autism Society of America - the leading voice and resource of the autism community in education, advocacy, services, research and support.

National Council on Disability - an independent federal agency making recommendations to the President and Congress on issues affecting 54 million Americans with disabilities. 

National Down Syndrome Congress - a national advocacy organization for Down syndrome that provides leadership in all areas of concern related to persons with Down syndrome. 

National Down Syndrome Society – a comprehensive, online information source about Down syndrome.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - Federal agency charged with improving the quality and availability of prevention, treatment, and rehabilitative services in order to reduce illness, death, disability, and cost to society.

TASH - an international association of people with disabilities, their family members, other advocates, and professionals fighting for a society in which inclusion of all people in all aspects of society is the norm.

Your Rights as Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 - The Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, ensures that no person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.