Connecticut United Disability Action Groups, Inc.

What's a CUDAG?

CUDAG is an acronym for Connecticut United Disability Action Groups: a coalition of individuals and disability advocacy groups who have come together to work on issues common to persons with disabilities.

CUDAG works by a community organizing philosophy. Community organizing brings people together to work on issues important to their lives. Through a democratic process, the group decides what projects or issues they will work on. Group members learn leadership skills and take on leadership roles.

Mission Statement

To provide a statewide organization through which grass-roots groups can act to secure full participation for people with disabilities in every aspect of life in our society.

Membership

CUDAG membership is open to disability groups and individuals. Member groups must be open to all individuals, and must agree with the CUDAG mission statement(group constitutes 12 or more people.)

People who do not belong to a member group may join CUDAG by paying an individual members fee.

Structure

Each member group (including individuals) is represented by a seat on the Board of Directors. Groups are encouraged to elect a representative and alternate. At the Annual Congress CUDAG Officers are elected and 3 issues are decided on by vote that will be the organizations primary focus for the coming year. Member groups may send as many delegates as they wish to the Annual Congress.

Benefits of Membership

o Strength through Unity - gain the support of other groups in working for your issues
o Statewide information network
o Updates on statewide & national issues
o Organizing & technical assistance
o Leadership development, training & assistance
o Cross-disability forum & network
o An organization that has a proven track record accomplishments

Current CUDAG member groups:

Center for Disability Rights - Independent Living Center, New Haven

Consumer Action Council

CT Association of the Deaf (CAD)

Connecticut Women & Disabilities Network (CWDN)

Dis-Ability Awareness Advocacy Group (DAAG)
Sponsored by the Disability Resource Center - Independent Living Center, Stratford

Independence Unlimited - Independent Living Center, Hartford

National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Greater Connecticut Chapter

National Spinal Cord Injury Association
Connecticut Chapter

New Horizons Village

Northwest Activists for Disability Rights (NADR)
Sponsored by Independence Northwest - Independent Living Center, Naugatuck

People First

The following are issue groups formed by the membership that meet monthly.

CT Activists for Personal Services (CAPS)
Health Care Access

Citizens for Accessible Transportation (CAT)
Accessible Transportation

CT Housing Access Team (CHAT)
Accessible, Affordable Housing

Greater Hartford Regional Coalition (GHRC)
Accessaibility to businesses and public accomodations

If you would like to join CUDAG send us your name, address and phone.
If you'd like more information about CUDAG e-mail your questions to cudag@hartnet.org