About Abilis Youth Services
"The knowledge and compassionate understanding we found through Abilis guided us towards the right help for our son. A highly qualified Abilis consultant immediately connected with Jack and we saw progress after the first few sessions. In addition, she gave us strategies that allowed us to incorporate learning into everyday life. What a comfort for families to know that they have a strong resource like Abilis."
Raising children is a most demanding and rewarding job, as any parent can attest. When a child has a developmental delay, the challenges can seem overwhelming. Even managing day-to-day life can make family members feel insecure and isolated. At Abilis, we do not want any family member to feel alone. Since 1951, Abilis has brought people, expertise, resources and dedication together — with positive results.
Abilis Youth Services provides an array of supports for families of children with developmental disabilities, from practical information to access to community and medical resources to connections with other families in similar situations. Services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each family.
Abilis Early Intervention Services specializes in early development and family support that may include direct instruction, intervention for behavior and sensory needs, and family counseling and training. Our teams include speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, social workers and multi-lingual translators with expertise in Creole, French, Hindi, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish and Urdu.
Our Principles
- Children with developmental disabilities are children first. They have the same needs as other children.
- Parents are their child’s best and lifelong advocates. They need to be empowered with information, resources and skills so they can most effectively advocate for their child.
- Parents know their child’s and family’s needs best, and should guide all decisions about the supports and services their family receives.
- Each family has unique strengths, abilities and dreams for their children that should be acknowledged and respected by staff members.
- All children deserve the opportunity to actively participate in neighborhood programs, schools and the broader community, along with their typical peers.
- Families should be connected to natural sources of support to build connections within their community.
The Birth to Three Program evaluates children with possible developmental delays and provides services if appropriate.
Abilis Family Resources provides a full menu of services for children and teens and their families, from recreational, sports and inclusive community-based activities, workshops and parent-to-parent networking for English- and Spanish-speaking families, to Abilis’ inclusive theater arts group, support activities for brothers and sisters of children with disabilities and respite services for families.
The Abilis Autism Program offers evaluations and support in homes and out in schools and communities for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and a range of behavioral issues. Abilis’ team of experts provides training and technical assistance to school districts throughout Fairfield County and part of Westchester County.
Contributions assure that Abilis continues to offer the highest-quality services to all families who need them.
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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 Youth Services contact:
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
