CT UCEDD Co-sponsors CPTV Documentary "Building A Great Life"

July 10, 2017

Connecticut Pubic Television and the CT Council on Developmental Disabilities (CCDD) produced a dynamic documentary in support of CT's "2020 Campaign: A Plan to Close Connecticut's Institutions for People with Intellectual Disabilities by 2020". The May 10th premiere began with an opening ceremony of the "The Pennhurst Story - from Tragedy to Disability Rights traveling exhibit" at the Legislative Office Building, organized by UCEDD Training Director, Molly Cole. Later that evening, a well-attended reception and advance screening of the documentary was held at the New England Center for Assistive Technology at Oak Hill School in Hartford.

Cosponsored by the CT UCEDD and the Department of Protection and Advocacy, "Building A Great Life" examines the case for closing Connecticut's state institutions that provide congregate residential care for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, many with complex needs who receive a high level of state care and support. The documentary addresses whether cost savings realized by closing the Southbury Training School and three regional centers be significant enough to ensure help for the two-thousand Connecticut families on a department of Developmental Services waiting list for state supports. The one-hour documentary explores how the notion of closing state institutions in favor of community living for persons with intellectual disabilities is both a moral and fiscal debate. The CT UCEDD proudly welcomes you to view the documentary at: http://video.cptv.org/video/3000736530/ or #BuildingAGreatLife #UConnUCEDD

Pictured at the Pennhurst Memorial exhibit opening are (from left to right) Shannon Jacovino (ARC), Leslie Simoes, Molly Cole (UCEDD), Win Evarts (Disability Rights Connecticut and Arc CT), Attorney David Shaw, State Senator Ted Kennedy Jr., Shelagh McClure (CCDD), Dr. James Conroy(Pennhurst Memorial and Preservation Alliance)and Melissa Marshall (CCDD)