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Danbury disability commission members raise concerns about online service access, electric bills and a new city app
Summary
Commission members told the Sept. 10 meeting they face barriers completing online forms, discussed higher electric bills and federally funded charging stations, and learned about the new My Danbury app and early-voting dates; the Commission emphasized outreach and follow-up rather than new rulemaking.
Commission members used the Sept. 10 meeting to raise several access-related concerns, from the usability of online forms to rising electric bills and a new city app.
Commission member John said many residents struggle with mandatory online forms and screen layouts that are hard to see; he described calling community services and getting an on‑the‑phone appointment for Oct. 15 to handle a renewal he could not complete online. "I finally got help... she made an on the phone appointment for October 15," he said. Members noted that occupational therapists and assistive devices can help but that some residents still need staff assistance to complete digital transactions.
Members also discussed unusual spikes in electric bills. The Chair and others said several factors, including new charges and infrastructure projects, are contributing to higher bills; they also noted some federal grant funding for vehicle-charging stations. The Chair said a set of federally funded charging stations is planned near Saint Joseph Church off Fair Street (Down Street area).
Commissioner Quentin reported he had attended the People First of Connecticut "Voices for Choices" conference in New Haven and described it as well attended.
The Chair and other members also announced that the city has launched a "My Danbury" app that provides a city calendar, service requests and a way to ask the mayor questions; members encouraged residents who can to download it from app stores. Commissioners discussed early voting and absentee ballots: early voting in the city begins Oct. 23, and Election Day is Nov. 5; one member flagged confusion in prior primaries when canvassers visited homes after a voter believed they already had an absentee ballot.
No formal policy changes were adopted; commissioners emphasized outreach and assistance — for example, helping residents schedule phone appointments for benefit renewals — and left several items (on-demand transportation, digital‑access follow up) on the agenda for a future meeting.
