The Connecticut House of Representatives Appropriations Committee held a public hearing on March 1, 2025, focusing on funding for services supporting the deaf and hard of hearing community. The meeting featured testimonies from various advocates, highlighting the critical need for increased financial support for the Communication Advocacy Network (CAN).

Jennifer White Jackson, the director of CAN, emphasized the organization's role in providing essential services to the deaf, deafblind, and elderly deaf community. She noted that despite the approval of a $100,000 funding increase, additional financial support is necessary to hire key staff, including a full-time assistant and scheduler. Jackson explained that without these roles, CAN would struggle to meet the needs of the community, potentially leaving many individuals isolated and without access to vital services.

Lisa Flaherty, a deafblind advocate, shared her personal experiences and the challenges faced by individuals in the deafblind community, particularly regarding employment opportunities. She expressed gratitude for CAN's services, which help individuals maintain their independence and manage daily tasks. Flaherty urged the committee to consider the funding request associated with bill number 6864, which aims to expand CAN's services and support for deafblind individuals.

The testimonies underscored the importance of CAN as a safety net for the deaf and deafblind community, advocating for continued and increased funding to ensure these individuals can access necessary resources and maintain their quality of life. The committee's consideration of these funding requests will be crucial in determining the future support available for this vulnerable population.