About the Abilis Birth to Three Program
"In the hospitals, we were always told about ‘Birth to Three’ services. This really meant very little to us, since we had two other typical children and were not aware of the programs Birth to Three encompassed. We were embarking on a new path of parenthood, learning every step of the way. Everyone from Abilis Birth to Three provided us with information, support, guidance and, above all else, the assurance that as new as this process was for all of us as a family, it would somehow become normal over time – which it has."
Abilis Birth to Three serves infants and toddlers with developmental disabilities or those who experience a significant delay in one or more areas of development (communication, motor, socialization, adaptive and cognitive skills).
We do not “treat” a child in a hospital or office. Abilis Birth to Three teaches and coaches families in the homes, child care centers and other community-based settings where the skills will be applied, so families can make developmental progress together.
Research shows that the earlier a family begins work, the better the outcome for everyone. Children receiving this early intervention are less likely to need special education services in the future – a plus for families and for taxpayers. And families who receive these early supports are better able to advocate for their child later on and continue to help their child grow and develop.
At Abilis Birth to Three
Services and supports are provided by a team that meets a child’s needs and family priorities. The team may include:
- Early Intervention Teacher
- Physical Therapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Speech and Language Pathologist
- Counselor
- Social Worker
Their hands-on, practical guidance includes an individualized plan for each child and family that lays out what will happen and where, who will be involved, timetables and other details.
Parents and Families
Parents and family members are very active participants in this process, working with their children and developing strategies and approaches along with the rest of the team. Teams are led by service coordinators who help cull resources for the families. Parent-to-parent networking provides additional access to supports and resources in the community. Family doctors are part of the team and are kept informed of strategies and progress.
Families are their child’s best and lifelong supporters. When they leave the Abilis Birth to Three program, we want them to have the information, resources and skills they need to effectively advocate for their child. Through their experiences in Birth to Three, they should be connected to their community and ready to take their next steps, whether in a local preschool, community center, public school, service agency or other resource.
Abilis is only partially reimbursed by insurance companies and the state of Connecticut for all of the work it does with young children and families. Many Abilis programs, especially those that support recreation and networking and family integration into the community, receive no public funding whatsoever. Every year, Abilis relies on its families and supporters in the community to narrow the gap through charitable donations to Abilis.
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Enabling Independence
Building Community
Impacting Society
A complete support network for children and their families.
Providing opportunities for individuals to gain confidence and succeed.
For more information about Abilis Birth to Three contact:
Mary Fox
Director of Birth to Three
203-324-1880 x325 or email:
Karen Feder
Director Youth Services
203-324-1880 x302 or email:
Lolli Ross
Executive Director
203-531-1880 x104 or email:
1150 Summer Street - Stamford, CT 06905 • P 203.324.1880 • F 203.324.4390
