2026 Summit

Presented by: Moderator Walter Glomb, CT Council on Developmental Disabilities; Nora Duncan, AARP CT; Robert Rodriguez, Social Security; Robert Adriani, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services; Claire Volain, CT Aging & Disability Services

Social Security remains a primary source of income for many older adults and individuals with disabilities. For some, it represents their only consistent financial support. Despite its essential role in sustaining vulnerable populations, Social Security continues to be the subject of national debate, with ongoing concerns about long-term solvency, sustainability, and its broader role in ensuring economic security.

The Promise of Social Security will explore key issues related to advocacy, application processes, and access to critical resources. Panelists will examine the future of Social Security, including the policy and advocacy efforts necessary to preserve and strengthen the program for future generations. The discussion will also highlight the system’s vital role in reducing poverty and promoting financial stability among aging and disabled populations.

This session underscores the importance of equitable access to benefits, financial literacy, and system navigation, while reinforcing the role of professionals as advocates in protecting and strengthening the Social Security system for current and future beneficiaries.

Walter Glomb
CT Council on Developmental Disabilities
Executive Director

Walter Glomb is the Executive Director of the Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities and dad to Nick, an adult who lives with Down syndrome. Walt facilitates the Community of Practice for Bridging Disabilities and Aging Networks in Connecticut. For more than three decades he has advocated for the full inclusion of individuals who live with developmental disabilities in school and community. He has served as president and as a director of the Connecticut Down Syndrome Congress and on numerous state boards, councils and committees. Walt earned his Bachelor of Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and his Master of Science from Colorado State University.

Nora Duncan
AARP
CT State Director

Nora Duncan has extensive experience in Connecticut’s nonprofit sector and Executive Branch, specializing in advocacy, government relations, and strategic communications. As AARP Connecticut’s State Director, she has led efforts to expand health care access, protect consumers, and improve financial security. She previously represented over 1,000 nonprofits, securing $270 million in funding and advancing key policy reforms, and also served in the Office of Governor M. Jodi Rell on major legislative initiatives.

Robert Andrini
CT Department of Aging & Disability Services
Bureau of Rehabilitation Services Project Director

Robert Adriani has more than 30 years of experience in vocational rehabilitation. He previously served as a Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and Certified Work Incentive Counselor (CWIC) with Connecticut’s Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS). He currently serves as Project Director for the Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS) – Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, overseeing the Connect-To-Work Benefits Counseling Project. Robert provides supervision, training, technical assistance, and guidance to benefits counselors and partner agencies, and remains actively involved in benefits counseling initiatives throughout the region.

Clair Volain
CT Aging & Disability Services
SHIP (CHOICES) Director

Claire Volain is the SHIP (CHOICES) Director for the State of CT, Aging & Disability Services. She has eight years of experience counseling and advocating for Medicare beneficiaries directly. She became passionate about this work while caregiving for a family member with dementia and seeing firsthand many of the barriers that older adults experience.