People First

People First of Connecticut is a statewide self advocacy organization that meets every other month in a central Connecticut location. Members from 16 chapters come together to share self advocacy news and issues.

People First is a Connecticut corporation and has a 501 c3 designation from the Internal Revenue Service. It was founded in 1989, and chapters exist in many major cities and towns, and have support from advisors who work for the Department of Mental Retardation and The Arc Connecticut chapters and volunteers. Jean N. Bowen is the advisor to the statewide People First group

The original resolutions passed by members in 1990 are now the member's Beliefs Statements, they are as follow:

• Close Southbury Training School
• The Right to meaningful purposeful jobs and close the workshops
• To change the name of the Department of Mental Retardation
• Expand self determination
• Increase community homes
• All people, regardless of ability or disability, be treated with dignity and respect

What are rights and freedoms?
Rights and freedoms are yours because you are an American and a Connecticut citizen. Rights are things the law says you have - "they are things you can do."

What rights do you have?

• You have a right to dignity and good care. When people treat you with dignity, they respect you. You have the right to privacy... privacy to decide for yourself what you want to share and with whom. You do not have to share what is personal. You have the right to be alone.
• You have the right to attend the church or synagogue of your choice
• You have the right to have friends
• You have the right to be free from harm and to have a safe and comfortable place to live
• You have the right to get services and supports in the community

What opportunities do you have in Connecticut and America ?

• You can work with others to learn about your rights.
• You can participate in community activities.
• You have the right to make choices.

What laws protect you?

There are many state and federal laws that protect your rights. The most important law to know is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA protects you from being excluded from a program or denied services based on disability. The ADA covers access to state and town programs and services, employment, transportation and other types of activities.

If you would like more information, or would like to join
the Danbury group, please call Dale Brown at (203) 792-3540 or contact WeCAHR.