About the Family Empowerment Task Force
The Family Empowerment Task Force (FETF) was formed in 2008 to give a voice to parents and guardians of individuals who have intellectual disabilities and who depend on home and community based services from the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS).
The group is an informal, unincorporated, organization of parents, siblings, guardians, caregivers and self-advocates.
The FETF works to sustain, enhance and grow the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) that are offered by DDS through its private provider network and self-directed plans by:
1. Developing a supportive network of families and individuals who receive services.
2. Educating families about DDS services.
3. Educating legislators and public officials about the needs of families.
Since 2008, the FETF has:
- petitioned the Governor to adequately fund private, non-profit service providers;
- held press conferences at the Capitol;
- rallied on the steps of the State Capitol to attract the attention of key legislators;
- organized a letter writing campaign targeting the governor and key legislators;
- sent individual family members to the Capitol to meet with the governor’s staff;
- sent family members to testify to legislative committees at public hearings;
- held legislative breakfasts in the Legislative Office Building;
- held meetings, seminars and conferences to educate parents and guardians about DDS services and legislative process.
The FETF maintains two Internet-based interactive social networks where parents, siblings, guardians, caregivers and self-advocates can share information in support of the group’s mission.
Now the group continues its mission to improve publicly funded home and community based services on which our family members depend for their quality of life.
The group is an informal, unincorporated, organization of parents, siblings, guardians, caregivers and self-advocates.
The FETF works to sustain, enhance and grow the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) that are offered by DDS through its private provider network and self-directed plans by:
1. Developing a supportive network of families and individuals who receive services.
2. Educating families about DDS services.
3. Educating legislators and public officials about the needs of families.
Since 2008, the FETF has:
- petitioned the Governor to adequately fund private, non-profit service providers;
- held press conferences at the Capitol;
- rallied on the steps of the State Capitol to attract the attention of key legislators;
- organized a letter writing campaign targeting the governor and key legislators;
- sent individual family members to the Capitol to meet with the governor’s staff;
- sent family members to testify to legislative committees at public hearings;
- held legislative breakfasts in the Legislative Office Building;
- held meetings, seminars and conferences to educate parents and guardians about DDS services and legislative process.
The FETF maintains two Internet-based interactive social networks where parents, siblings, guardians, caregivers and self-advocates can share information in support of the group’s mission.
Now the group continues its mission to improve publicly funded home and community based services on which our family members depend for their quality of life.