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Leslie Yager/Greenwich Free Press

Just in time for the April 2 celebration of World Autism Day, a Greenwich Country Day student has won the Connecticut Autism Action Coalition’s Second Annual “Create Your Own Autism Awareness Contest.”

Wesley Elkind, 9, took the top prize in his age group with a comic strip he created called “Bob.”

 

Wesley’s story follows Bob and a friend on an adventure which touches on inclusion and perception. Through their venture they learn to understand their differences and to enjoy each other’s company and perspective.

Wesley’s mother Christine Lai is an advocate for people with autism and Chair of the Board of Directors at Abilis, a local organization that supports people with disabilities. His passion and understanding of autism is the result of his exposure through her advocacy.

The contest is judged on the project’s impact on community awareness, continuity and sustainability of the message, and its effective promotion of community acceptance of differences among people.

The comic is being praised by several organizations, New York Collaborates for Autism will use a drawing of Wesley’s from the Bob comic series in their Mother’s Day fundraising campaign this May. Additionally, the Bob comic strip is now featured in the offices of several medical professionals including the Center for Autism and The Developing Brain at NY Presbyterian Hospital in White Plains, and the Autism Science Foundation in Manhattan. It is also on hand at Abilis and Winston Preparatory School.

Wesley will receive his contest award at the State Capitol in Hartford on April 6th. The prize is $250 which he plans to donate to Abilis.

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Community Partners

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Get Involved

Abilis depends upon dedicated staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners to provide the wide range of high quality programs and services that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families need to live, learn, work, and enjoy life.

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Mission Vision Values

Abilis provides people with developmental disabilities and their families in Lower Fairfield County with supports and advocacy for building able lives and strong communities.

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