Groups apply for tax credit funds to help disabled

May 19—VERNON — The Town Council unanimously approved two applications from local nonprofits to enter a state program that will assist them in providing services to people with developmental disabilities.

The applicants are Opportunity Works Connecticut, which is seeking to build a sensory room for those with autism or other neurosensory disorders, and Creative Living Community of Connecticut, which is asking for assistance in continuing its vocational training program for developmentally disabled adults.

TAX CREDIT PROGRAM

APPLICANTS: Opportunity Works CT, 45 W. Main St., and Creative Living Community of Connecticut, 24 Hyde Ave.

PROGRAMS: Sensory room and vocational training.

Through the Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program, businesses that donate to approved programs are eligible for tax credits of either 100% or 60% depending on the nature of the program.

The Opportunity Works application shows that it is asking for up to about $50,000 in donations, which would be eligible for a 100% tax credit because the project plan involves energy conservation measures. Creative Living is asking for up to $22,000 in donations, which would be eligible for a 60% tax credit.

Sensory room

In its application, Opportunity Works said the proposed sensory room program, which has been in development for two years, would offer "a stimulating environment that offers sensory input to aid (people with autism and other developmental disabilities) in self-regulation," which would decrease the need for behavioral intervention.

Rene Lambert, executive director of Opportunity Works, said in an interview that the sensory room would include stimulation and tranquil options that utilize certain sounds, lights, and vibrations, among other methods.

By exposing developmentally disabled individuals to such environments, the organization can better prepare them for real-world challenges and help them become acclimated to certain work or social interactions, Lambert said. The sensory room is especially beneficial because Opportunity Works is increasing its emphasis on preparing individuals for job opportunities, she added.

The organization works with occupational therapy students from Bay Path University, who have been assisting in the planning of the sensory room, Lambert said.

Lambert said that the organization would need to replace its ceiling air conditioning units, which are several decades old, in order to make the room a reality. If the organization secures the funding it needs, the individuals served by the organization would assist in its construction, she said.

Vocational training

Patrick Byrne, executive director of Creative Living, told the Journal Inquirer that the organization's training program "essentially provides real, paid work opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities such as autism," which he said is important because the unemployment rate for such adults is in the range of 80%.

"We provide, for many, their first experience in a paid employment environment," he said. "The importance of the program is to emphasize that there are real work opportunities for everyone out in the work force."

The program also provides "important training programs to take that next step into employment," he said, noting that participants must meet certain metrics in areas including communication and task management before being eligible for employment.

Following municipal approval, applications to participate in the Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Tax Credit Program must be approved by the state before organizations are eligible to participate.

For updates and coverage of Vernon and Stafford, follow Anthony Branciforte on Twitter: @ABranciforte_JI, Facebook: Reporter Anthony Branciforte, and Instagram: @JI_Anthony1.

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