Shaping the Future of Disability Rights - 2026 Nonpartisan Candidates' Forum

This is a free, nonpartisan educational forum about disability issues.

Candidates or their representatives will answer questions about disability topics. All candidates appearing on the general election ballot for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of the State, State Comptroller, State Treasurer, and U.S. House of Representatives for all five Connecticut districts will be invited to participate, including independent and petitioning candidates.

Questions for candidates are developed in advance by the Cross Disability Lifespan Alliance and will be asked by moderator Diane Smith. Candidates do not receive the questions in advance. Audience questions will not be taken during the forum.

Diane Smith, Moderator

A New York Times bestselling author, Emmy award-winning journalist, documentary producer, and speaker, Diane Smith has been on the air in Connecticut for more than 25 years and is a distinguished lecturer at the University of New Haven.

Why Attend In Person?

Disability can affect any of us at any stage of life, including through aging, illness, injury, or military service.

Join us in person to hear directly from candidates about disability issues that affect daily life, connect with people from across Connecticut, and meet organizations offering services, advocacy, information, and resources.

Attend In Person at the Bristol Event Center

Bristol Event Center
112 Century Drive
Bristol, CT 06010

Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Doors open at 12:00 PM
Forum: 1:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Free Event | Food and Beverages | Disability Resource Tables

Spanish and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be available in person.

Can’t Join Us in Bristol?

Virtual attendance is also available in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language (ASL). Select your virtual option when registering.

Registration and Accommodations

Advance registration is required. Registration closes Tuesday, October 6 at 12:00 PM.

To request another disability-related accommodation, please email Michele at michele@ctsilc.org by September 25 so there is time to make arrangements.

After registering, please watch for emails from Connecticut State Independent Living Council (CT SILC) and Ticket Tailor. If you do not see them, please check your spam or junk folder.

Event Participation and Photo Release Notice

By participating in person, you grant permission to capture and use photographs or video/audio footage of you during the event. These images/recordings may be used for promotional purposes in any public format, including but not limited to publication on Internet/Intranet websites, brochures, other publications and/or press releases. You understand that such promotion will be disseminated to the public and may be copied or otherwise reproduced.

Release of Liability

By participating in this event, you release the Connecticut State Independent Living Council (CT SILC) from any liability related to the use of these images/recordings, including any claims arising from their dissemination to or use by the public. You will confirm your agreement to these terms when ordering your tickets.

Made Possible by Our Sponsors, Community Partners and Community Supporters

Their generosity allows us to offer this event free to the public.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Interested in supporting the 2026 Nonpartisan Candidates’ Forum? Contact Michele at michele@ctsilc.org.

With thanks to the volunteers who help make this event possible.