WILLIAM PIERCE

William Pierce has been an advocate for persons with disabilities for the past 30 years.  Currently working at the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Office of the Commissioner, he is the department’s client rights and grievance specialist as well as its Americans with Disabilities Act Title II coordinator.

Prior to coming to DMHAS, he worked at the Connecticut Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities where he provided individual advocacy to safeguard the rights and expressed interests of persons with disabilities who live in the community or reside in institutional settings such as skilled nursing facilities, residential programs as well as persons in the custody of the Connecticut Department of Correction, receiving services from Connecticut Department of Developmental Disabilities and who may be under the care of the Department of Children and Families.  Trained as a paralegal, William Pierce has worked under the direction of attorneys representing individuals with disabilities in Connecticut Probate and Superior Court matters as well as in administrative hearings.

Speaker Disclosures:

Financial: Dr. William Pierce has an employment relationship with Furman University. He is a published author and receives royalties. Dr. Pierce receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.

Non-financial: Dr. William Pierce is Faculty Athletics Representative to the NCAA and the chair of the Faculty Athletics Committee.