An interdisciplinary team from HUD's Connecticut State Office in Hartford raised awareness about key HUD programs at the 2nd Annual Disability Awareness Day, sponsored by the State's Department of Social Services in Norwich, CT. About 250 men and women took part in the event - many who experience one of a wide array of disabilities, or who attended on behalf of a family member or loved one.

An experienced Connecticut HUD team fielded a variety of questions of interest to persons with disabilities and distributed printed materials on HUD programs and other useful topics. Attendees were able to discuss personal situations with the staff, ranging from concern about possible dislocation from an assisted housing development (during planned improvement work at the project) to a tenant's rights regarding making her public housing unit more accessible. A significant number of the attendees were interested in how they could obtain a Section 8 housing voucher; other frequently asked questions included how to buy and rehabilitate homes using the 203(k) program.

Carl Harris, HUD Lead EO Specialist, (left) counsels attendees at the 2nd Annual Disability Awareness Day in Norwich, CT.

Persons with disabilities who were interested in subsidized housing received an informational piece developed by the Hartford Office called "Looking For HUD-Associated Rental Housing In Connecticut." This helpful guide lists HUD-associated rental housing by community and includes contact information. It also provides information regarding landlord/tenant rights and responsibilities, local agencies that deal with homelessness, and contacts at other key social service agencies.

Despite a sizeable crowd, persons using wheelchairs easily were able to visit the HUD table to receive information. John Ertle, SF Marketing and Outreach, (seated facing camera) and Gary Berman, Project Manager/MF Housing (standing) provide assistance.

The Hartford HUD Office's Peter C. Blomstrom organized HUD's participation in this special event. Other members of the team included Carl Harris, Lead Equal Opportunity Specialist/Office of FHEO; John Ertle, Single-family Marketing and Outreach, and Gary Berman, Project Manager/Multifamily Housing. The HUD team left Norwich and the "2nd Annual Disability Awareness Day" with the satisfying knowledge that they had made a strong contribution to the Department's goal of helping persons in the disability community learn about opportunities and HUD programs that can add value to their lives.