Letter to Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF)

Page 1 of 2 A.B.I. Resources LLC 39 Kings Highway, Suite C Gales Ferry CT, 06335 Phone: (860) 942-0365 Fax: (860) 465-9591 https://www.CTbrainINJURY.com Date: 11/29/2023 Subject: Request for Legal Advocacy and Support from DREDF in Addressing Disability Rights Issues in Connecticut Dear Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund, I am writing to you as the founder of ABI Resources, and as an individual who personally lives with a disability, to seek your expertise and support in a matter that is both personally and professionally significant to me. Our organization, based in Connecticut, is dedicated to the empowerment and support of individuals with disabilities, aligning closely with DREDF's mission of advancing disability rights through legal advocacy, training, and education. We are confronted with systemic rights violations within Connecticut's disability support system that severely impact the lives and independence of people with disabilities. These violations encompass a range of issues from access to essential services to the lack of effective legal protection and advocacy for our community. Given DREDF's prominence as a national civil rights law and policy center, your involvement could be crucial in addressing these systemic challenges. We are in dire need of legal expertise and support to navigate and reform the existing legal and policy framework that is currently failing our community. Enclosed with this letter is a comprehensive report that outlines the specific challenges we are facing in Connecticut. These include:

Page 2 of 2 Legal barriers and discriminatory practices in accessing public services and supports for individuals with disabilities. Inefficiencies and legal oversights in the Medicaid ABI Waiver Program that are detrimentally affecting service delivery. A broader lack of effective legal advocacy and policy intervention to uphold the rights and dignity of disabled individuals. Your track record in legal advocacy and policy reform makes DREDF an ideal ally in our pursuit of justice and equitable treatment for individuals with disabilities. We believe that through collaborative efforts, we can bring about the necessary legal and policy changes to protect the rights of people with disabilities in our state. We are ready to work in partnership with DREDF, providing any additional information, data, or personal testimonies needed. Your guidance and support in legal advocacy will be invaluable to our efforts in ensuring justice and systemic reform in Connecticut. We understand the scope of this request and the resources it involves. However, given the urgency and gravity of the situation, we are hopeful for your engagement and the opportunity to collaborate with an organization as esteemed as DREDF in this critical endeavor. Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to the potential of working together to effectuate meaningful change in the lives of those we serve. Best regards, David Medeiros David Medeiros ABI Resources, CEO, Director, Team Member