[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6626261,"mediaKeyId","2753903-80300359ac9575acfab2c523a5b58b14","parentId",2753903,"title","RAC procedural votes: agenda and minutes approved; meeting adjourned by voice vote","audioSeconds",4639,"startMs",22000,"endMs",4661000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2753903-80300359ac9575acfab2c523a5b58b14&start=22&end=4661","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2753903-80300359ac9575acfab2c523a5b58b14/thumbnail_22000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6626261/Connecticut/RAC-procedural-votes-agenda-and-minutes-approved-meeting-adjourned-by-voice-vote","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6626261-ad7f8e7bb6f8ee46de5e40e69a69fce4/orig.mp4?Expires=1777139560&Signature=ef~7HvwKYaNooTULOsYtdw82WINKuFXflSBv90B3sJ4BuIzf6Dh1Z7oT3R~OEcLcC-AcJKVSC1WPG7GmzyrVVY3xKu1e3lSJ0JkFhMt7p92BOABvDFs5cKoMGEgahPTOM2ysi6c3n7lE7GbB93ZK1WHUPpDv2obBVjHurVayIgY0eoNgBrzJz08znPLWYkQaRkHr-QaJIFo56C-GKmcYIM2ToldfqZDNLfD-mcHzM2iXK60VzNo~~oVa5QMOP7Rfcy933MnbYIF5vKZ5TyyPsHNMqfCfCtB0icC88r2WKVlH0lYHou05~pjd80p45G~sR65Wpa3r~QZ8-ZJizJdgRQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Department of Developmental Services CT","date","2025-03-24T20:25:04.647Z","article","The Regional Advisory Council voted on routine procedural items by voice vote during the virtual meeting.

The council approved the meeting agenda after a motion and a second; members present responded \"aye\" when the chair called for the vote. The council then approved the minutes from the previous meeting following a motion and a second; the chair called the vote and members said \"aye.\" At the end of the session a member moved to adjourn, another member seconded, and the motion carried by voice vote.

Each vote was taken by voice and recorded as an affirmation by members who answered \"aye.\" No roll‑call tallies were read into the record during the meeting.

Procedural votes recorded in the meeting transcript:
- Motion to approve the agenda — outcome: approved (voice vote, \"aye\").
- Motion to approve minutes from the previous meeting — outcome: approved (voice vote, \"aye\").
- Motion to adjourn — outcome: approved (voice vote, \"aye\").","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","WEST REGION RAC Meeting Recording March 20, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At the start of the meeting the council approved the agenda and the prior meeting minutes by voice vote; the meeting ended with a motion and second to adjourn, which carried by voice vote.","taxTitle","Department of Developmental Services, Departments and Agencies, Organizations, Executive, Connecticut","taxId",15757,"location","Connecticut","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6626264,"DDS director reports regional transfer of public group homes, new medical unit in Norwalk and upcoming RFP for 10 CLAs",900,2461000,3361000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2753903-80300359ac9575acfab2c523a5b58b14&start=2461&end=3361","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2753903-80300359ac9575acfab2c523a5b58b14/thumbnail_2461000.jpg","/articles/6626264/Connecticut/DDS-director-reports-regional-transfer-of-public-group-homes-new-medical-unit-in-Norwalk-and-upcoming-RFP-for-10-CLAs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6626264-644bbe06b10a1ffdee76911c232496f8/orig.mp4?Expires=1777139560&Signature=hcyH5qdwHQWHaRg2AeZH1v1KBW3G-jXyXd5vqY5~nRW0Y3eFHbcaQJpqFFawywdnwR3VrcQUMUxu5yc3mQrY8cwOyWR4BFkMPOVgmTS0MsnKx6klMCkn2WX~RzG3wxmdgAuq9Jd8EA1P3acdkGvYeeLxG8TtpDRLIGg7fLCCgS72TjkqKlWujFWcz7xSELl4hULqwC1H5SglGBdcthT3sOOfb~MEp2QwuYzUOhD~IEg80iXVbImGNA2HEwEhLGMfvpXg87v8-voGO-grvTwMDYl9gYS4og0q3IKM4-ewmXS9WQeQMa6yoLL7ptsaaodVJ0cNJk4pB3LawsAjSOGc4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Department of Developmental Services Director Shannon briefed the Regional Advisory Council on several operational and staffing matters affecting the West Region.

Shannon said central office will circulate a weekly legislative bill list to RAC members summarizing bills of interest to DDS and linking to more information. She said public programs are being reintegrated into the regional structure: for the West Region that means Lower Fairfield Center in Norwalk and Northwest Center in Torrington will come under the West Region; the region currently has one public group home in Watertown.

Shannon described a new medical unit at Lower Fairfield Center in Norwalk. She said the renovated unit has 12 beds (two short‑term respite beds and the remainder for permanent placements) and includes nursing and therapy supports intended for people with more intensive medical needs, including injectable insulin and respiratory care. She said the unit currently houses about four people while staffing and placements continue.

On procurement, Shannon said the agency has approval and is preparing an RFP for 10 CLAs: nine homes to support individuals with behavioral challenges and one centrally located home to support people requiring tracheotomy care and deep suctioning. She said there will be three CLAs per region and that the West Region is coordinating the procurement process. Shannon emphasized the size of the RFP and the state will watch provider interest given private‑sector staffing challenges.

Shannon also reported a slowdown in filling positions across state agencies tied to personnel service account limits. The agency is prioritizing seasonal and certain direct‑care hires and said some positions remain difficult to fill, including direct support, nursing and respiratory therapists. She said central office is managing critical‑position fills but that agencies statewide are seeing reduced posting and hiring activity.

Council members raised operational concerns: members described ongoing issues with GTI, the fiscal intermediary responsible for payroll and payments for certain consumer‑directed services. Shannon said the agency has been in routine contact with GTI and central office and that the volume and type of issues have lessened at times but continue to require follow up.

On federal funding, several members discussed potential federal policy changes such as block grants or caps on Medicaid and the possible state implications. Shannon said the agency is monitoring federal developments but described the current posture as “business as usual until we hear otherwise.”

Why it matters: the operational changes and large RFP will affect availability and placement options for people with higher medical or behavioral needs and depend on provider response and the state’s ability to hire and retain staff.

Next steps: Shannon said the weekly bill list will be distributed to RAC members and that staff will proceed with the RFP once OPM and funding approvals are finalized.","DDS Director Shannon told the RAC the West Region will assume responsibility for several public programs, described a new medical unit at Lower Fairfield Center in Norwalk, announced a planned RFP for 10 community living arrangements (CLAs) and warned of statewide hiring slowdowns and fiscal‑intermediary payment issues.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6626267,"Chair reports pending bill to close Medicaid eligibility gap for disabled adult children in Connecticut",536,1923000,2459000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2753903-80300359ac9575acfab2c523a5b58b14&start=1923&end=2459","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2753903-80300359ac9575acfab2c523a5b58b14/thumbnail_1923000.jpg","/articles/6626267/Connecticut/Chair-reports-pending-bill-to-close-Medicaid-eligibility-gap-for-disabled-adult-children-in-Connecticut","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6626267-93707a268129801dd5b752c757362d03/orig.mp4?Expires=1777139560&Signature=aD~oijlsmG0-7jujuJstGdDojsWd6mBRzkm0bMOZocA89JbS6z-EwJxf9M-CaEPbY8Gh5S3sPFqhq83usV75VPWcjt2~hnxtZB7EMnwXiEld81dIXg80uEUr2bL736MhSaeq21V43xeCPQeSTc8yIL~m8medZ6mJ6p9VO9fDdU8SfUnRMgu6xgv4Vf90EfQOBfEjFU0yDrqMs8TOlfZUVyRQ0fqs0O671Ttn9xi75uuMoLKyNiMPLwo-LwTPzYzb3YxEHTOWEAVyIxCJPLSORiyE1Aoe8C1Vz~ZrzmOMKjr5wuHalOfxsKrgT6qQjvU0i8CrKRkG~YLuxebXUbEM7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the Regional Advisory Council meeting, the chair reported a pending bill before the Connecticut General Assembly’s House and Senate Joint Committee that, according to the chair, would amend state eligibility rules so some disabled adult children do not lose Husky C Medicaid coverage when their Social Security benefit status changes.

The chair said DDS staff circulated a tally sheet showing committee members’ positions and urged council members to contact their state representative or senator if they wished to support the proposal. “If you have an opportunity to reach out to your respective house member or senate and if you want to support the bill, feel free to support the bill,” the chair said.

The chair described Connecticut as operating under a 209(b) Medicaid policy rather than a 1634 rule that some other states use. The chair said Connecticut’s resource limit for some programs remains $1,600, lower than the $2,000 often found in other states. The chair explained the issue this way: when a disabled adult child’s benefit type changes from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) because of a parent’s benefits, the increased income can push the individual above Husky C income eligibility even though some Medicaid waiver income limits are higher.

The chair said the bill is intended to treat disabled adult children consistently — whether they receive services through Medicaid waivers or through Husky C — and noted the change, if passed, would apply only to disabled adult children, not to people who became disabled after age 22.

Council members discussed next steps. The chair and other participants said the tally sheet shows committee members’ likely votes but is not an official floor vote, and the chair said implementation details and effective dates would depend on the statute and any subsequent regulations.

Why it matters: The proposed change would address an eligibility gap that can cause some disabled adult children to lose Husky C coverage after benefit changes, potentially affecting access to services.

What members can do: the chair suggested contacting legislators listed on the tally sheet shared with council members.","The RAC chair described a pending bill before the legislature intended to prevent disabled adult children from losing Husky C Medicaid coverage when their benefit status changes from SSI to SSDI; the chair encouraged members to contact their legislators.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6626273,"DDS self-advocate coordinators report statewide activities, training and technology distribution to RAC",1839,60000,1899000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2753903-80300359ac9575acfab2c523a5b58b14&start=60&end=1899","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2753903-80300359ac9575acfab2c523a5b58b14/thumbnail_60000.jpg","/articles/6626273/Connecticut/DDS-self-advocate-coordinators-report-statewide-activities-training-and-technology-distribution-to-RAC","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6626273-0e62585b0e4f2ebb345bc3048d10c478/orig.mp4?Expires=1777139560&Signature=KGT4SIuDdqbwENkPh2yW9CNBrBPvxdMisxWtMv0p37XBWnjwJE5IvgzmggidCCNvQcJsDU3XWFRWGxLv9H3C9LkiVfrIUoP4R~NlpmGpA2GB~vZTI~h5N8lRjoMKc~XiVGlvPKlFaKhIEMzUs58bCCb3DME036lTma7b3EWZP-WnN6TecywV5rbux7wMmgN1L~MlBZZIuOQIT25aHaEFM-6w8t8FBLgtEkiN6yXJNhj5O0mCDP7NXgAjTG3Hxl4jZ5BEUufousPIOKqMBYf7Zxl1sM7UReA1eHVsnU~-Jsck59ab8ZVjOLjabo3iVq2379RMRl9f4NWHOVYJYNGZPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At a Regional Advisory Council meeting for the Department of Developmental Services’ (DDS) West Region, self‑advocate coordinators presented an annual report on programs and outreach they said aim to increase self‑advocacy, self‑direction and community participation for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Tracy Pollock, a transition advisor who provided technical support to the coordinators, introduced the presenters and said the coordinators “worked very hard” to produce a revised presentation specific to the West Region. Jeremy Powell, a self‑advocate coordinator, told the council his focus area is public and internet safety. Natasha Cole, a coordinator focused on positive living and Special Olympics, and April Perez, a coordinator focused on health internships, also summarized work in their offices.

The coordinators described several statewide and regional activities they said they lead or support: an annual disability‑awareness and people‑first language pledge (601 pledges reported this year and more than 7,260 total pledges to date), collaboration with Planned Parenthood of Southern New England on a simplified Healthy Relationships series (more than 100 participants reported), and assistive‑technology training tied to devices distributed in “book bags” that include a Chromebook, iPhone, hotspot and headphones.

The presenters said they also produce transition videos for youth on self‑advocacy and self‑direction, create person‑centered health‑standards presentations for preventive care, run virtual bulletin boards, and deliver presentations on self‑determination. The coordinators reported roughly 2,410 people were using self‑directed services and that coordinators conducted about 20 presentations on self‑determination during the year. The presentation referenced 11 self‑advocate coordinators statewide.

Council members asked about social opportunities for young people. Coordinator Natasha Cole described a fitness‑and‑social group she runs that uses locations such as local gyms; she said participants need physician permission and case‑manager approval to join and that she can be contacted by email for details. Members also mentioned local social programs such as Club 203, a Lower Fairfield County rec group for adults with intellectual disabilities.

The coordinators closed by listing upcoming conferences and events where they will participate and by sharing contact information for anyone seeking more details.

Why it matters: self‑advocate coordinators are state employees who the presenters said act as liaisons and trainers to promote people‑first language, independence, assistive technology use and opportunities for participation in community activities.

Contact: the coordinators provided email contact information during the meeting for follow‑up.","Self-advocate coordinators for the Department of Developmental Services’ West Region presented their annual work: trainings, a disability-awareness pledge, assistive-technology training and outreach efforts aimed at promoting self-advocacy and self-direction.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

RAC procedural votes: agenda and minutes approved; meeting adjourned by voice vote

DDS director reports regional transfer of public group homes, new medical unit in Norwalk and upcoming RFP for 10 CLAs

Chair reports pending bill to close Medicaid eligibility gap for disabled adult children in Connecticut

DDS self-advocate coordinators report statewide activities, training and technology distribution to RAC