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| Last updated on June 11, 2008 |
To build an accessible, responsive and innovative system of community supports for people with special needs and their families in the greater Greenwich/Stamford area.
Description:
Abilis believes that every person has value and contributes to the community in which he or she lives. Our services are based upon the belief that all people have similar desires for self determination, achievement, friendship, fulfilling work/activities and a comfortable place to live. Abilis designs services to empower individuals and their families to foster inclusion, interdependence and self-expression. Our supports build upon individual strengths and preferences with the ultimate goal that each person will live in our community as a productive, participating member.
History:
In 1951, a group of parents got together with the Community Chest (now known as the United Way) and the Junior League. They had a common purpose in meeting to find and develop services for their children with special needs. At that time, few resources were available and many doctors, upon diagnosis of the child, told parents to "place your child in an institution and forget you had him/her." The small band of parents wanted to change things. They did not want to place their children in institutions; they wanted to develop a community that was tolerant to the needs of their child. They wanted basic services: education, recreation, meaningful work. Luckily, other communities were also forming similar organizations for parents of children with mental retardation and through mutual support, the encouragement of organizations like the United Way, Knights of Columbus, Kiwanis, Junior League and others, the Greenwich Association for Retarded Citizens prospered.
Contact person: Monica Smyth, Office Manager, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: 203-531-9367
Address:
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50 Glenville Street
Greenwich, CT 06831
(See a map) |
Web Site: http://www.abilis.org
Directions:
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Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Metro-North, Portchester, New York Station,
Walk distance (in minutes): N/A |
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