Community Engagement
Disability Rights Connecticut works with individuals with disabilities, their families, and community partners to understand common goals, priorities, and visions. DRCT staff provides outreach and training to establish and maintain community relationships and implement data-driven strategies to assist people with disabilities who are most in need.
DRCT can provide training, upon request, on issues related to our focus areas. If you believe you, or a group you are a member of, could benefit from training, please contact our Strategic Partnerships Manager, Michael Whilby at 860-856-4158 or Michael.Whilby@DisRightsCT.org
DRCT in the Community
DRCT Attends Kamora’s Cultural Corner Thinking & Doing Day Event!
By Mike Whilby, Strategic Partnerships Manager
On Saturday, June 20th, Disability Rights Connecticut (DRCT) attended Kamora’s Cultural Corner Thinking & Doing day event at the Sterling Street Sanctuary and Nature Reserve in Hartford.
This event, hosted by Kamora Herrington, Founder and Visionary of Kamora’s Cultural Corner, was part of building a learning lab focused on social justice, cultural humility, and community care.
At the event, DRCT provided attendees with informational materials on the Social Security Representative Payee Program, voting rights advocacy, and the 2026 Nonpartisan Candidate's Forum, scheduled for October.
I want to thank Kamora, volunteers, and community members for making Saturday’s event a success by coming together to imagine, create, and shape a brighter community.
From left to right: DRCT’s Representative Payee Reviewers, Diane Thelwell and Todd Jediny speaking with Kamora Herrington, Founder and Visionary of Kamora’s Cultural Corner (KCC) talking outside at the Sterling Street Sanctuary and Nature Reserve.
An attendee speaking with DRCT Representative Payee Reviewer, Todd Jediny at DRCT vendor table under a black tent. In the background: an attendee walking towards a section of parked cars in the Sterling Street Sanctuary and Nature Reserve, with attendees standing and talking by a herbal garden as well as a vendor blue tent with a Crafts gate open on the right side of the Sanctuary and Nature Reserve.
DRCT’s Strategic Partnerships Manager, Mike Whilby and KCC’s Kamora Herrington standing in the middle of the Sterling Street Sanctuary and Nature Reserve.
DRCT Partakes in Walk4Hearing at Dunkin’ Park!
By Mike Whilby, Strategic Partnerships Manager
On Sunday, June 7th, Disability Rights Connecticut (DRCT) participated in the Hearing Loss Association of America’s (HLAA) Walk4Hearing event at Dunkin’ Park in Hartford.
This event provided activities and scholarships that promote education, self-advocacy, and understanding to help empower teens and young adults who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing as they navigate their work and achieve their goals.
I would like to thank Walk4Hearing’s I would like to thank Walk4Hearing’s Torri Ann Woodruff-Gautherin, Terry Bedard, Melanie Kavka, Ann Rancourt, and all the volunteers for coordinating this year’s local walk.
From left to right: DRCT’s Board Members, Luisa Gasco-Soboleski, Glynis Gibson, Lena Esposito with Strategic Partnerships Manager, Mike Whilby, standing together in front of Walk4Hearing custom billboard with multicolored balloons stacked on both sides inside the Hartford Yard Goats Dunkin’ Park Stadium concourse.
From left to right: DRCT’s Board Members, Luisa Gasco-Soboleski, Glynis Gibson, and Lena Esposito standing behind DRCT’s resource table inside the Hartford Yard Goats Dunkin’ Park Stadium concourse.
DRCT Attends Middletown Pride!
By Mike Whilby, Strategic Partnerships Manager
On Saturday, June 6th, Disability Rights Connecticut (DRCT) attended Middletown Pride in downtown Middletown.
This Annual parade included a rally, performance, and a tea dance, along with over 35,000 individuals and 170+ vendors in attendance. The Middletown Pride event provided DRCT with the opportunity to engage and inform individuals with disabilities on voting rights advocacy, including voting registration, absentee voting, accessibility, and accommodations at polling places.
I would like to thank Haley Stafford, Middletown Pride Event Coordinator, members of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce, staff, and volunteers for once again highlighting and celebrating the power of unity and equality within the community.
DRCT’s Strategic Partnerships Manager, Mike Whilby with CT Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR) Board President, Barbara McClane standing in front of DRCT’s black tent on Middletown’s Main Street.
Two people holding a Middletown Pride banner while walking in the parade on Main Street. In the background: Several attendees and vendors set up on the opposite side of the street watching as individuals walk and make their way through the parade.
DRCT Takes Part In the 18th Mashantucket Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day!
By Mike Whilby, Strategic Partnerships Manager
On Thursday, May 28th, Disability Rights Connecticut (DRCT) attended the 18th Annual Mashantucket Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day at the Mashantucket Community Gymnasium.
This event provided resources and community support for families while raising awareness about mental health. Children ages 5 and under, along with youth ages 6-14+ with sensory preferences, had the opportunity to complete activities provided by each organization in attendance.
I would like to thank Kristen Newell, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN), Project Director of the Good Medicine Project, for inviting us back for another incredible family fun celebration.
From left to right: DRCT’s Strategic Partnerships Manager Mike Whilby, MPTN Project Director of the Good Medicine Project, Kristen Newell, DRCT PAC President and Board member, Lena Esposito, standing behind DRCT’s resource table in the Mashantucket Community Center Gymnasium.
Several attendees speaking with other vendors at their respective resource tables within the Mashantucket Community Center Gymnasium.
DRCT Joins Willimantic 3rd Thursday Street Festival!
By Mike Whilby, Strategic Partnerships Manager
On Thursday, May 21st, Disability Rights Connecticut (DRCT) attended Willimantic’s 3rd Thursday Street Fest in collaboration with Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR)’s Windham Recovery Community Center.
At the street festival, DRCT shared voting rights advocacy materials with attendees and provided organizational information to family members, advocates, providers, and community members.
I would like to thank CCAR’s Windham Recovery Community Center Manager and Volunteer Manager, John Schwartz and Kelly Mills, for allowing DRCT to participate in this monthly block party in the eastern Connecticut community.
From left to right: From left to right: CCAR Windham Recovery Center Volunteer sitting down in a black chair, DRCT Strategic Partnerships Manager, Mike Whilby, CCAR’s Windham Recovery Center Volunteer Manager, Kelly Mills, and Manager, John Schwartz standing in front of CCAR and DRCT’s resource tables on Willimantic’s Main Street. In the background: CCAR’s Windham Recovery Center Office building.
Vendor tents lined up on Main Street in Willimantic with attendees and vendors walking and talking in the background.
DRCT Attends One Voice Conference!
By Mike Whilby, Strategic Partnerships Manager
On Thursday, April 30th, Disability Rights Connecticut (DRCT) attended Connecticut Family Support Network, Inc. (CTFSN) 2026 One Voice Conference held at the Clarion Inn in North Haven.
The theme of this year’s conference was, The Heart of the Team: Connecting Through Voice and Vision. The One Voice conference featured interactive sessions, resource tables, and networking with other families of children with disabilities.
The conference allowed DRCT to continue building community relationships, specifically parents of individuals with disabilities while providing systemic advocate initiatives that include voting rights advocacy.
I would like to thank CTFSN Executive Director, Adrianna Ramirez and her amazing team of Lena Esposito, Yury Cruz, Melissa Mills, Rachel Keesler, and Karina Mendez for putting together another incredible event that effectively built on communication, collaboration, and community.
From left to right: CTFSN’s Family Support Coordinators Karina Mendez and Lena Esposito, Executive Director, Adrianna Ramirez, Executive Director, Council on Developmental Disabilities, Walt Glomb, CTFSN’s Family Support Coordinators Melissa Mills, Yuri Cruz, and Rachel Keesler, and DRCT’s Strategic Partnerships Manager, Mike Whilby standing behind a lighted CTFSN statue. In the background: A blue One Voice 2026 sign hanging on white drapes against a tan wall with blue balloons on each side.
From left to right: Jennifer Jenkins, DRCT Senior Advocate; Bonnie Roswig, Center for Children’s Advocacy Director & Senior Attorney, Disability Rights Medical-Legal Partnership Project; Michael Whilby, DRCT Strategic Partnerships Manager; Molly Cole, Executive Director of the CT State Independent Living Council (SILC); Bethann Vergean, CDC Act Early Ambassador, Uconn Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities; Walt Glomb, Executive Director, CT Council on Developmental Disabilities; and Shannon Jacovino, Ombudsperson, CT Department of Developmental Services (DDS), standing behind both DRCT’s and SILC’s resource tables in the Clarion Inn’s conference room.
DRCT Attends CT Town Clerks Association – Spring Conference!
By Mike Whilby, Strategic Partnerships Manager
On Thursday, April 16th, Disability Rights Connecticut (DRCT) attended the CT Town Clerks Association (CTCA) - Spring Conference held at the Mystic Mariott Hotel & Spa in Groton.
The CTCA conference allowed DRCT to provide State of Connecticut’s town clerks, non-profit organizations, and other state agencies with information on how to educate individuals with disabilities on their legal rights to increase voter participation.
I would like to thank Patti King, Cheshire Town Clerk, for inviting us back to this important event.
DRCT’s Strategic Partnerships Manager, Mike Whilby, and Cheshire Town Clerk, Patti King standing behind DRCT’s resource table outside the Mariott ballroom.
DRCT’s Strategic Partnerships Manager, Mike Whilby, and Senior Advocate, Jennifer Jenkins standing behind DRCT’s resource table outside the Mariott ballroom.
DRCT Participates in SELF/SEEK Resource Fair 2026!
By Mike Whilby, Strategic Partnerships Manager
On Saturday, March 28th, Disability Rights Connecticut (DRCT) participated in in the Special Education Legal Fund (SELF)/SEEK Resource Fair 2026 held at Stamford’s Jewish Community Center (JCC).
More than 50 schools, therapeutic providers, advocates, and nonprofit organizations were in attendance to support children with special needs across Connecticut. DRCT provided individuals with dissemination of services on rights issues that included voting, special education and supported decision making.
The Resource Fair also included two expert panels designed for families led by experienced attorneys, advocates, and school leaders. The two panel topics discussed were: Hiring an Attorney or Advocate and Finding the Right School.
I would like to thank Sue Khanna and Laura Sullivan, SELF’s Chair and Legal Aid Staff Attorney respectively, along with their team and volunteers for putting together this event to support and protect the rights of students with disabilities.
DRCT”s Strategic Partnerships Manager, Mike Whilby, and Board of Directors Member, Andrew Arboe standing behind DRCT’s resource table in the Stamford Jewish Community Center. In the background: A wooden wall with white drapes hanging down.
Multiple attendees standing and talking with other vendors at their resource tables in the Stamford Jewish Community Center. Wooden walls with white drapes hanging down.
DRCT”s Strategic Partnerships Manager, Mike Whilby standing behind DRCT’s resource table in the Stamford Jewish Community Center. In the background: A wooden wall with white drapes hanging down.
DRCT’s Community Engagement/Outreach Program: 2025 Year in Review!
By Mike Whilby, Strategic Partnerships Manager
During 2025, Disability Rights Connecticut (DRCT) significantly expanded its Community Engagement & Outreach Program to strengthen its work connecting with people with disabilities, their families, caregivers, and community partners throughout Connecticut. The initiative focused on enhancing visibility, providing disability rights education, and fostering partnerships to support underserved and underrepresented populations across the state.
DRCT’s community engagement efforts aimed to build and maintain relationships with communities, share critical information about disability rights, and empower individuals with disabilities to advocate for themselves. DRCT staff provided outreach, training, and informational advocacy at public events to educate and support individuals and families.
This outreach aligned with DRCT’s broader 2025 priorities and objectives to educate on key focus areas including individual rights, opportunities to live in the community, housing, healthcare, education, employment, and abuse/neglect prevention.
Throughout 2025, the Community Engagement & Outreach Program participated in an array of community events that emphasized accessibility and inclusion. These included:
Major multicultural celebrations such as the Hartford Latino Fest and Middletown PrideFEST
Cultural events like Schemitzun: Feast of Green Corn & Dance, Riverfront Dragon Boat & Asian Festival, and the Taste of the Caribbean & Jerk Festival
Major public health and resource fairs, including Ability Walk & Roll, Hartford Behavioral Health & Resource Fair, and Walk4Hearing
Local community building events such as the Coventry Farmers Market and TCI Community Day/Wake Up Wednesday
Educational forums and transition expos supporting youth with disabilities
Engagement at events with partner organizations including CCAR (CT Community for Addiction Recovery), Make the Road CT, CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), and more
At these events, DRCT provided disability rights information, self-advocacy materials, and resources on services like client assistance programs, supported decision-making, voting rights, and educational services.
DRCT’s outreach built strong partnerships across nonprofit, educational, and civic sectors, deepening its community impact. Highlights included:
Provided outreach at 55 community events, which included fifty-three (53) in-person and two (2) virtual webinar events reaching thousands of people with disabilities, family members, caregivers, and other local community and professional partners.
Community Engagement outreach efforts showed a 17% increase from FY 2024.
Celebrated a 200th community engagement event milestone at the TCI Community Day in Hartford – marking continued growth in statewide connection and advocacy.
Engaged with several communities through culturally focused festivals and inclusive events that expanded access to disability rights resources.
Presented and collaborated with local organizations, emergency responders, and educational partners to broaden public awareness of disability issues.
The Community Engagement and Outreach Program’s activities in 2025 reflected a deepened commitment to ensuring that people with disabilities were informed about their rights, connected to resources, and supported in advocating for themselves and their families. These engagements not only increased DRCT’s visibility across the state but also reinforced our role as a trusted resource within multiple communities.
DRCT continues to prioritize outreach that is inclusive, culturally responsive, and strategically aligned with its mission to achieve full equality and justice for individuals with disabilities in Connecticut.
Finally, I would like to say that the success of our Community Engagement & Outreach Program in 2025 was a direct reflection of our staff, volunteers, and board members whose tireless efforts connected individuals, families, and communities to the power of disability rights. Thank you all for your outstanding work!
From left to right: Taste of the Caribbean Executive Director, Leslie Perry, Latino Fest CEO, Vic Luna with Strategic Partnerships Manager, Mike Whilby standing in the middle of Dunkin’ Park’s concourse section.
From left to right: DRCT’s Strategic Partnerships Manager, Mike Whilby CCAR’s Volunteer Manager of the Hartford Recovery Community Center, Geraldo Rivera, Hartford Community, Hartford Healthcare Community Case Manager, Keishla Rodriguez with Emergency Response Team (CERT) Lead, Rhonda Leonard standing behind CCAR’s resource table by the wall inside SEIU’s community room. In the background: On the left - Door with green Exit sign. To the right, a vendor sat and talked at resource table
DRCT’s, Lena Esposito and Mike Whilby holding up a white and brown sign that says Schemitzun: Feast of Green Corn and Dance in front of large stone rock. In the background: Mashantucket cultural grounds surrounded by trees.
From left to right, Keynote Speaker, Dr. Niesha Washington-Shepard, Guest Speaker, Ivy Velez, M.S., Nicholas Lalanne, NAD Region 1 Board Member, CAD 1st Vice President, Julia Silvestri, CAD Board President and DRCT Board Vice President, Luisa Gasco-Soboleski, DRCT Board Mender, Glynis Gibson, and DRCT Strategic Partnerships Manager, Mike Whilby standing behind DRCT’s resource table in the hallway at the American School for the Deaf, Visual Communications Center. In the background: A HR information board help up on a white wall and classroom hallway to the left.
2024 Community Engagement and Outreach Year in Review
by Michael Whilby, Strategic Partnerships Manager
This year presented numerous opportunities for the Community Engagement/Outreach program at Disability Rights Connecticut (DRCT) to expand its reach across the state. This was achieved by implementing a three-tiered strategic community engagement plan, devised by Executive Director Debbie Dorfman, which focused on providing self-advocacy information to people of disabilities from underserved populations.
By increasing the organization’s visibility at key multicultural community events, such as the Middletown PrideFEST, Juneteenth Festival with the Ujima African American Alliance, Hartford & Bridgeport Latino Festivals, Ability Walk & Roll, Taste of the Caribbean & Jerk Festival, Riverfront Asian Festival, Veterans Stand Down, and CCAR’s Recovery Fest – Walk for Recovery, DRCT has been able to engage with a greater number of community partners within underserved communities.
As a result of these efforts, we were able to significantly expand the number of underrepresented and/or marginalized clients served or educated about DRCT’s services and programs by way of initial discussions, attendance at events, and by providing necessary resources at community engagement events.
DRCT's commitment to connect with various populations in the state led DRCT to being the first non-profit state organization, without tribal affiliations, to be invited to the Mashantucket Pequot's Schemitzun: Feast of Green Corn and Dance event. By fostering diverse relationships, DRCT has been able to enhance its visibility, standing and client base across Connecticut.
In the 2024 fiscal year, DRCT provided outreach at 47 community events, which included forty-three (43) in-person and four (4) virtual webinars. These events reached thousands of people with disabilities, family members, caregivers, and other local community and professional partners. DRCT’s community engagement outreach efforts showed a steady 15% increase from FY 2023.
DRCT continued to expand its network of community partners within unserved and underserved communities, delivering key and integral projects. Some of these projects included but were not limited to: Capital Region Education Council (CREC) Back-to-School Block Party, Walk with Derek: Walk and Resource Fair, Rally for Reentry: Windham County Reentry Council, Bridgeport Disability Resource Fair, CT Town Clerks Association – Spring & Fall Conferences, Celebrate Belonging in your Community – The B.E.R.E.A.D.Y. Project of Torrington, Hartford Yard Goats 5th Annual Trick-or-Treat Event, Transition Fair - Voting and Supported Decision-Making outreach focus of Tolland, The Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO), Community Access & Equity Fair 2024 A Night Out on Main Street - Watertown Parks & Recreation Block Party, and Willimantic Third Thursday Street Festival.
At these in-person events, DRCT included voting rights advocacy, housing, and legal educational tables and booths which provided information and self-advocacy resources to individuals with disabilities who live in these communities.
Furthermore, the expansion of trainings, clinics, presentations, and community engagement events has enabled DRCT to provide educational and informational outreach to individuals with disabilities throughout all eight Connecticut counties.
Finally, I want to recognize and thank all of our staff for their amazing dedication, passion, and teamwork in advocating and serving the thousands of individuals with disabilities throughout Connecticut’s unserved and underserved communities. It is an honor and privilege to work with all of you!
