Greenwich-Based Abilis Protests Budget Cuts At State House During Lobby Day

Menumenu

Frank MacEachern, The Daily Voice: New Canaan, Darien, Stamford, Greenwich

GREENWICH, Conn. -- Abilis CEO Dennis Perry and a group of 30 people with disabilities from the Abilis community joined some 50 organizations and over 500 people in Hartford on Wednesday to advocate against state budget cuts. The effort, called Lobby Day, was organized by the Connecticut Community Nonprofit Alliance.

Perry visited the offices of state senators and representatives while in Hartford hoping to rally for the vulnerable people most impacted by the cuts. Yet despite the activism, Dannel Malloy continued his reductions later in the day announcing cuts the Department of Developmental Services by more than $17 million including 9.7 million in cuts to residential services for people with developmental disabilities.

Since 1951 Abilis has provided life and therapeutic services to people with disabilities across the lifespan. The organization is based in Stamford and Greenwich and provides services to more than 700 people throughout Fairfield County and relies heavily on the state in providing those services

Therapeutic Services

Abilis is home to experts who work together to create a cohesive approach to personalized therapeutic care. Our therapies, housed in our Therapy Center, are administered using best practices and are available at Abilis or in the environments you choose, including your home and places in the community where the therapy will be the most effective.

Life Services

Abilis provides needed supports to people throughout their lives. Our goal is to enhance each person’s quality of life through social activities, meaningful employment and high quality residential services. Our Life Services programs include health and wellness care delivered by certified professionals.

The Individual Life Plan

The Individual Life Plan (ILP) is our signature service. Abilis works collaboratively with families to assess existing needs, plan for future needs, and create a personalized roadmap for anticipated therapeutic and life skills services for their family member with disabilities. From birth through adulthood to later stages in life, the ILP will help families and individuals with disabilities prepare for and successfully navigate major life transitions.

Activities

Abilis offers social and recreational programs for children, teens, and adults. These programs range from weekly music, art, and cooking classes to monthly birthday parties with dancing and teen social gatherings with games and pizza. In addition to these regular events, Abilis schedules special outings to New York City and other destinations to enjoy arts events.