Making visible the invisible since 1982
Call Us:
(860) 219-0291
Welcome to BIAC’s directory of Connecticut-based community resources, state and national organizations, and publications with important information related to brain injury education, prevention, and recovery. If you need further assistance, please give our helpline a call at 860-219-0291 to connect with a Brain Injury Specialist, or email general@biact.org.
Community Resources
Provides people with access to products, new and used equipment, training, and services that enhance the independence and quality of life for people with disabilities of all ages.
120 Holcomb Street, Hartford, CT 06112
Phone: (860) 242-2274, (860) 286-3113 TTY
DRCT is a statewide non-profit organization. Its mission is to advocate, educate, investigate and pursue legal, administrative, and other appropriate remedies to advance and protect the civil rights of individuals with disabilities to participate equally and fully in all facets of community life in Connecticut.
DRCT operates the PATBI (Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Traumatic Brain Injury) program in Connecticut that provides education, advocacy representation and legal assistance to individuals with acquired or traumatic brain injury (TBI). The PATBI program provides FREE individualized advocacy assistance to individuals with TBI. Statewide coverage.
75 Charter Oak Avenue
Suite 1- 101
Hartford, CT 06106
Phones:
(860) 297-4300 (voice)
(800) 842-7303 (toll-free CT)
(860) 509-4992 (videophone)
(860) 296-0055 (fax)
Working hours: M-F 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
E-mail: info@DisRightsCT.org
Offers resources for those who have been injured at work.
Capitol Place, 4th Floor 21 Oak Street Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (860) 493-1500 and 1-800-223-9675 (toll-free) and (860) 247-1361 (fax)
CWEALF is a statewide nonprofit organization that advocates for and empowers women and girls in Connecticut, especially those who are under-resourced or marginalized. We work to create an equitable society where women and girls thrive. Offers legal advocacy and information on family issues, employment and civil rights.
CWEALF’s mission – advocates for and empowers women and girls in Connecticut, especially those who are underserved or marginalized. Working to create an equitable society where women and girls thrive
CT Bar Association serves the general public as a source that offers a lawyer search and addresses grievance issues.
30 Bank Street New Britain, CT 06051
Phones:
(860) 223-4400
(860) 223-4488 (Fax)
E-mail: msc@ctbar.org
Probate Courts appoint conservators to oversee the finances and/or personal care of adults who are unable to manage their affairs.
Click here for Probate Court User Guide for Conservators.
Click here for Probate Court Forms.
For other general information:
Address: 186 Newington Road West Hartford, CT 06110
Phone: 860-418-7000
Working hours: 8 am-5 pm
The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) promotes and administers comprehensive, recovery-oriented services in the areas of mental health treatment and substance abuse prevention and treatment throughout Connecticut. DMHAS offers an Acquired Brain Injury Program to eligible individuals who have both mental health diagnoses and brain injuries.
Eligibility Criteria for ABI Services:
Accepted For DMHAS services and currently receiving qualifying services
Has a qualifying Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) as determined through appropriate documentation
Does not have a primary diagnosis of a degenerative cognitive disorder
The dysfunction of the central nervous system is not congenital, developmental or degenerative
The services are accepted voluntarily
Program Services
Consultation and Diversion Program
The Regional Community Integration Specialists (CIS) provide services to persons with brain injury through the Local Mental Health Network (LMHA). The CIS is responsible for processing all referrals to the ABI Community Services Program within the designated services area; serving as a link for clients to in-patient services; arranging for clinical consultations; assisting in the development of treatment plans; serving as liaison to private/public services within the appropriate community; providing monitoring of services for DMHAS ABI clients; and providing support to consumers, family members and conservators. The CIS receives continuous training regarding brain injury services available within the particular geographic region. The CIS coordinates with other programs within DMHAS and with other Departments within the State/local services constellation that can provide services, funds, etc., to the person with brain injury.
The Mental Health Association of Connecticut is a statewide, private, non-profit membership organization, and its mission is to partner with individuals, families, and communities to create environments that support long-term health and wellness. The services provided by our 200+ direct care staff are based on evidence-based and best practices utilized in a recovery model approach to care, which means we help individuals obtain a safe home, activate whole health living, find fulfillment and purpose, and become actively engaged in the community.
MHC has main offices in Stamford, Bridgeport, Danbury, Waterbury, Torrington, and Farmington. Our statewide programs offer in-home care and life-skill supports. Our highly acclaimed community-based residential programs are a launching pad for our program participants to gain their independence and decrease their reliance on the state-funded system of care.
Phone(Information Line): 860-529-1970
76 Batterson Park Road | Suite 303 Farmington, CT 06032
National Alliance on Mental Illness Connecticut (NAMI-CT) provides support, education and advocacy to people living with psychiatric conditions, family members, friends, professionals and the public at large.
Since 1984 NAMI Connecticut has been the state chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. We are a statewide grassroots organization that is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals living with mental illness, as well as their families and loved ones. In collaboration with our 9 local affiliates, we serve all people in Connecticut through our education, support, and advocacy programs at the state and local levels. We are located in West Hartford, Connecticut.
1030 New Britain Ave, Suite 201, West Hartford, CT 06110
Phone: (860) 882-0236
The Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) assists individuals with disabilities prepare for finding or keeping a job.
Phones:
Hartford: (860) 424 4840
New Britain: (860) 612 3569
Middletown: (860) 740 1080
New Haven: (203) 974 3000
Bridgeport: (203) 683 0500
Stamford: (203) 653 1939
Waterbury: (203) 578 4550
Willimantic: (860) 455 1606
Torrington: (860) 294 0013
For more contact information, please click on the link below to redirect to the BRS website:
Provides information on unemployment benefits and work-related issues.
Phone: 860-263-6000
200 Folly Brook Blvd. Wethersfield, CT 06109
Works to increase independence and improve the lives of individuals through increased access to Assistive Technology for work, school, and community living.
Phone: 860-424-4839
55 Farmington Avenue, 12th Floor, Hartford, CT 06105
American Job Centers provides career centers offer resume writing, job search strategies, Career Development Specialists, interview techniques, and access to computers, phones, and faxes for job search.
Phones:
Hartford: (860) 256-3700
Bridgeport: (203) 455-2700
Hamden: (203) 859-3200
Montville: (860) 848-5200
New Haven: (203) 624-1493
Waterbury: (203) 437-3380
For more information, please click on the link below to visit the American Job Centers website:
Benefits Specialists (work incentive staff) located throughout the state’s five regions provide benefits counseling to persons with disabilities who are interested in working.
55 Farmington Ave. Hartford, CT 06105-3730
Phones:
860-424-5055
800-537-2549 (toll-free)
Offers information, toll, and technical assistance to job seekers and employers rather than providing direct job placement services.
Contact information:
Windsor / East Hartford
Thomas J. LoVoi
Phone: (860) 697-3531 or (860) 310-7264 (c)
email: Thomas.Lavoi@ct.go
New Britain/Hartford
Zahra Jolly
Phone: (860) 538-0491,(860) 612-3581, or (860) 538-0491 (c)
email: Zahra.Jolly@ct.gov
New Haven
Sanjiv Chaturvedi
Phone: (203) 974-3004
email: Sanjiv.Chaturvedi@ct.gov
Uncasville
Laura Reed
Phone: (860) 848-5967 or (860) 929-2110 (c)
email: Laura.Reed@ct.gov
Bridgeport
Alexa Soberal
Phone: (203) 683–0653 or (860) 819-4147 (c)
email: Alexa.Soberal@ct.gov
Danbury/Stamford
Lauren McAulay
Phone: (203) 702-1141 or (860) 549-7820 (c)
email: Lauren.Mcaulay@ct.gov
Middletown/New Haven
Ronald Thomas
Phone: (860) 740-1085
email: Ronald.Thomas@ct.gov
Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind
Jonathan Richmond
Phone: (860) 602-4031
email: Jonathan.Richmond@ct.gov
Goodwill provides various career services FREE to the community through their Career Centers.
A resource for reasonable workplace accommodation solutions.
Phone: 1.800.526.7234
My Place CT is a website that provides a library of resources, services, and supports. Included is a section on finding housing as well as transportation.
A private, non-profit organization that provides education, advocacy, and legal assistance to help those who are elderly and those with disabilities obtain necessary healthcare. This organization focuses on the needs of Medicare beneficiaries, people with chronic conditions, and those in need of long-term care.
P.O. Box 350 Willimantic, CT 06226
Phone: 860.456.7790
Call 2-1-1
Mobility Ombudsmen in Connecticut connect people with disabilities, older adults, and veterans with accessible, reliable transportation so that they are able to participate in their communities. Contact the Mobility Ombudsmen in your area to find out how to access transportation.
Freedom Ride Program is a prepaid reduced fare voucher program, which offers a 50% discount from the normal taxicab rate, with a minimum purchase of $25 initially. It is available to ADA eligible passengers who need transportation beyond the traditional ADA paratransit service area and hours or for same-day service. For more information about the Freedom Ride Taxi Voucher program look at the information sheet. You can also call 860-247-5329 extension 3086 for more information.
For Freedom Ride Services in Greater New Haven or Greater Bridgeport contact M7. To be eligible, an individual must meet the definition of “disabled” under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Greater New Haven Transit District (GNHTD) and Greater Bridgeport Transit District (GBTD) staff will interview individuals for eligibility. For applications and program details please contact the following:
Please call Infoline at 2-1-1 to find your nearest fuel bank or other utilities assistance.
The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEA) can help low-income households pay their winter heating bills. Applications are handled by the local Community Action Agency (CAA). To find your local CAA call Infoline at 2-1-1
Operation Fuel and local fuel banks offer private, non-profit energy assistance to those who need emergency help with energy bills and are not eligible for state or federal assistance. The maximum assistance available is $250 per household for the heating season. For your local fuel bank, call Infoline by dialing 2-1-1
The Center for Disability Rights is a membership-based organization of persons with disabilities that operates a Center for Independent Living (CIL). Based in West Haven, Connecticut, the Center for Disability Rights advocates for people with disabilities and their issues on a local, statewide, 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.
CDR fully serves the following towns:
West Haven; Milford; Orange; Woodbridge; Madison, Clinton, and Westbrook
369 Highland Street West Haven, CT 06516
Phone: (203) 934-7077 and (203) 934-7078 (fax)
Disabilities Network of Eastern Connecticut is a Center for Independent Living that serves disabled individuals of all ages that reside in Eastern Connecticut. They provide various services such as advocacy, peer mentoring, and independent living skills training and assist with remaining or returning to living in the community.
19 Ohio Ave., Norwich, CT 06360
Phone: 860-823-1898, 860-886-2316 (Fax) and 860-255-4190 (Videophone)
Access Independence is a nonprofit organization providing services to individuals regardless of disability, age, race, gender, or sexual orientation.
300 Long Beach Blvd, Suite 1
Stratford, CT 06615
Phone: (203)-378-6977 and (203) 375-2748 (fax)
Independence Northwest is for people with disabilities from people with disabilities! Most of the people on our staff, management, and board have personally faced the same barriers you face every day. We’ve learned how to surmount many of the obstacles that stood in the way of our leading more independent lives.
1183 New Haven Rd. , Naugatuck, CT 06770
Phone: 203-490-2373
Independence Unlimited, Incorporated (IU) is a non-residential, non-profit center for independent living that serves very diverse populations in 38 cities and towns mainly Hartford County. The Center, which was established in 1982, is governed and managed by people with disabilities.
We provide a variety of services that benefit persons with disabilities such as aging-in-place assessments and resources so people can remain in their own homes, live in the community, and pursue their dreams. The primary purpose of the agency is to support persons with disabilities to live in the community as an alternative to institutionalization.
151 New Park Ave, Suite 65, Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: 860-523-5021 and 860-523-5603 (fax)
Provides Free legal services to individuals who meet their income eligibility requirements in Connecticut.
Call in Hours are Monday – Friday 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 2pm
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-559-1565
Calling From Middletown and Hartford: 860.344.0380
Call 860-300-3845 for applying for legal help (include “text APPLY”)
CTLawHelp.org was created by several nonprofit legal aid organizations whose shared mission is to improve the lives of Connecticut residents by providing free legal help to people with very low incomes.
Provides information and tools to help individuals represent themselves – created by Connecticut’s Legal Aid programs to assist people with very low income to find help for their legal problems.
Toll-free: 1-800-453-3320
860-344-0380 (from Middletown and Hartford)
Hotline hours:
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday
Provides legal services to low-income individuals with mental health conditions, who reside in hospitals or the community, on matters related to their treatment, recovery, and civil rights.
P.O. Box 351, Silver Street Middletown, CT 06457
Hours: Monday – Friday from 10 am to12pm or 1 pm to 3 pm
Phone: 877-402-2299
Dedicated to enforcing housing laws. The Center provides advocacy, attorney referrals and information in connection with individual housing discrimination complaints.
60 Popieluszko Court
Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: 860-247-4400 or (888) 247-4401 or 888-247-4401 ( toll free ).
Responds to the needs of crime victims by providing information, referrals, and direct assistance. Reimbursement for medical bills, counseling, lost wages, disabilities and other expenses experienced as a result of a crime can be obtained through the Victims’ Compensation Fund.
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm
225 Spring Street, 4th Floor, Wethersfield, CT 06109
Phone: 1-860-263-2760 (Administration), 1-888-286-7347 (Victim Compensation), 1-860-263-2760 (Education Unit)
Community First Choice (CFC) is a new program in Connecticut offered to active Medicaid members as part of the Affordable Care Act. It is through the CT Department of Social Services (DSS)This program allows individuals to receive supports and services in their home. These services can include—but are not limited to—help preparing meals and doing household chores, and assistance with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, transferring, etc.). Educational services will be available to help an individual increase his/her independence and learn how to manage in-home staff. CFC is open to any Medicaid member that can self-direct services and meets Institutional Level of Care. Institutional Level of Care means the individual would likely need to be in an institution, such as a nursing home, if they did not have home and community-based services. This program allows an eligible person to have care and support in their home. Call 2-1-1 Option 3 to apply or for additional information. To apply online: CFC
To apply for food, cash and medical coverage (including programs listed below), call 1.855.6.CONNECT (1.855.626.6632) or visit the Department of Social Services/ConneCT online.
Some individuals choose to apply for benefits in person.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly the Food Stamp Program, is a federally funded program that helps low-income individuals to buy food. The application can be found online and can be submitted online, mailed or dropped off to your local DSS Regional office.
For information about income limits and benefit amounts for households of 8 or more, or for any other information about SNAP, please call 1-855-626-6632.
Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) is a cash assistance program that provides monthly cash and employment assistance to eligible families throughout Connecticut to support basic human needs to families who have the responsibility of caring for children under the age of 18 with a limit of 21 months. You can visit your local DSS office, call 2-1-1 or 1-855-CONNECT ( 1-855-626-6632)
State-Administered General Assistance (SAGA) is a DSS-run program that provides cash assistance to those who are permanently or temporarily unable to work due to a documented medical or other related condition and whose income and assets fall below program limits. The fastest way to apply is online at the DSS website or call the DSS Benefits Center at 1-855-CONNECT (1-855-626-6632) and request they mail you an application.
For the deaf or hard hearing, call 1-800-842-4524. For the visually impaired, call 1-860-424-5040.
The State Supplement program provides cash assistance to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled to supplement their income. In order to receive benefits, individuals must have another source of income such as Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, or Veterans’ benefits. To qualify as aged, an individual must be 65 years of age or older; to qualify as disabled, an individual must be between the ages of 18 and 65 and meet the disability criteria of the federal Social Security Disability Insurance program. Liquid assets cannot exceed $1,600 for a single person or $2,400 for a couple. If a recipient owns a home, a lien is placed upon it.
For more information, call 2-1-1 and 1-855-CONNECT ( 1-855-626-6632).
Access Health CT is Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace. Phone: 1.855.805.4325 or TTY: 1.855.789.2428
General Medicare information is available by ordering Medicare booklets that explain Medicare health plans. Phone: 1.800.633.4227 and TTY users can call 1.877.486.2048
Husky Health Connecticut assists with the healthcare needs of uninsured children and youth, parents and individuals with disabilities. The HUSKY Health program offers a comprehensive health care benefit package. Basic benefits for all HUSKY Health members including: preventative care, doctors visits, Women’s Healthcare, Family Planning Services, Maternity Care, Long term services and supports and hospital stays, etc. For more information on Husky A, B and D program enrollment call 1.855.805.4325 . For more information on Husky Health Program benefits and services 1.800.859.9889
Monday through Friday between 8:00am – 6:00pm.
The C.H.O.I.C.E.S Program (CT’s Health insurance assistance, Outreach, Information and referral, Counseling, and Eligibility Screening) provides free information about medigap policies, long-term care insurance, Medicare health plan choices, Medicare rights and protections, and benefits screening, etc…Also known as SHIP. State Health Insurance Assistance Program. Phone: 1.800.994.9422
SSA — Social Security Administration is a federally funded social insurance program that primarily helps individuals maintain basic well being through retirement, disability or survivors benefits. You can apply for benefits by calling the SSA national number 800- 772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778) or call your local Social Security office.
The Social Security and Disability Resource Center (SSDRC) provides information on federal disability benefit programs, SSD (social security disability, mandated under Title II of the social security act) and SSI (supplemental security income, mandated under Title 16), in addition to answering questions about social security retirement benefits and providing resource links on topics such as Medicare. The SSDRC is published, edited, and maintained by Tim Moore, a former disability claims examiner for the social security administration’s disability determination services (DDS), as well as a former caseworker with a background in many federal assistance programs, including Medicaid for Disabled Adults.
The following organizations can help individuals with brain injuries and their families with their housing needs. A link to each organization’s web site is included where available.
CT Housing Search provides a Free Rental Housing Locator Service. Search online or call 1.877.428.8844 to look for affordable or accessible housing.
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) published a booklet, ‘Looking for HUD–Assisted Rental Housing in Connecticut. Call 202-708-1112 or 202-708-1455 (TTY) to request a free copy. This book contains information on Public housing (low-income housing) which is operated by the local housing authority. There are apartments for people with disabilities. You can contact as many housing authorities as you want. Each town has its listing of units. There are often long wait lists so it is best to apply to as many places as possible. Contact numbers are included in the booklet for the properties and housing authorities.
The Department of Social Services (DSS) operate programs Cash Assistance, Medicaid or SNAP benefits. The following programs may be very helpful to individuals with brain injuries, their families, and caregivers.
Note: If as a result of the brain injury, you’re unable to complete a DSS application without assistance or maintain benefits without assistance, contact the ADA Coordinator by calling 860.424.5040. You can request an accommodation to ensure you are able to access services.
The Department of Housing’s mission is to ensure everyone has access to quality housing opportunities and options throughout the State of Connecticut.
505 Hudson Street
Hartford, CT 06106-7106
DOH Main Line: 860.270.8262
Individual & Family Support Assistance Line: 860.270.8260
The Personal Care Assistance (PCA) Medicaid Waiver Program is a home and community-based services waiver that provides personal care assistance services under Medicaid. Income eligibility applies.
9th floor 55 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105-3725
To learn more about the PCA waiver, call toll-free 1-800-445-5394 or visit the CT Department of Social Services.
Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) is a federally funded program administered by the CT Department of Housing, which helps low income families and people with disabilities to afford housing in the private market. This program is often closed. Please visit the United Way Housing Choice Voucher Program website to determine if there are current openings or Call 2-1-1.
