Rep. Bacchiochi, The Arc work to improve transit issues for disabled

STAFFORD – State Rep. Penny Bacchiochi (R-52) on Wednesday said it’s time to address transit issues facing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and that by increasing availability, life in Connecticut can further improve for these residents.

As part of a “Mobil-Able” panel discussion, Rep. Bacchiochi joined The Arc of Connecticut and state dignitaries to address concerns of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/ DD) and an aging population with unmet transportation needs. The focus group found that more availability is needed for these groups.

“We need to make transportation a priority for these individuals,” said Rep. Bacchiochi, the House Republican Chair. “There are so many things this state is spending money on that I don’t agree with and a lot of things I don’t think most residents would agree with. Our legislature makes the important decisions of where we need to spend tax dollars, and I want to make sure transportation needs become a legislative priority.”

In Rep. Bacchiochi’s district, which includes Stafford and Somers, there currently is no public transportation for ID/ DD residents.

“Transportation is the single-most important issue facing ID/ DD individuals. Although these are people who want to work and have the determination to work, they face tremendous obstacles commuting to their workplaces. We need to assess current policies put in place by the state and work with local governments and organizations to fix this major problem,” Rep. Bacchiochi said.

The collaboration of state and officials and The Arc, a 61-year-old advocacy group for ID/ DD individuals, is part of the organization’s “Transit 4 All” programming, funded through a federal grant. The Arc has hosted a number of these forums already, and will others throughout the state in upcoming weeks.