Resources for People with Disabilities 2024

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Town of Westport, Connecticut Local Resources for People with Disabilities

 Westport Department of Human Services (DHS)110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport by appointment only contact us at humansrv@westportct.gov (203)341-1165

 Human Services has to provide additional support and welfare checks for registered residents.  

Emergency Preparedness 2024

 Westport Commission on People with Disabilities: To ensure that Westport is a town where people with disabilities have the opportunity and support to enjoy full and equal access to lives of independence, productivity, inclusion and self-determination. Meets third Thursday monthly at 9am.

DHS Senior Resource Directory, updated 10-16-24

Westport Accessible Voting Information

 Housing Resources

Transportation Resources

HELPFUL LINKS AND PARTNERS

• Connecticut Department on Aging and Disability Services (ADS)
• Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS)
• Connecticut Bureau of Rehab Services (BRS)
• Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
• Social Security Administration
• Office of the Healthcare Advocate

 211 United Way CT INFOLINE - Online or Dial 2-1-1

My Place CT  - Web-based resource from the State of CT to help residents live independently

Disability Rights Connecticut, Inc.- Disability Rights Connecticut, Inc. can be contacted for information by using the form below or by emailing info@disrightsct.org. (860)297-4300; Toll-free: (800)842-7303

Employment & Social/Recreational Programs

 Abilis (ABLE-ISS), a non-profit (501c3) agency, works in schools, civic organizations and with families throughout Fairfield County. We tailor services to each individual through experienced therapists in our dynamic Therapeutic Services, housed in a state-of-the-art Therapy Center, and through the guidance of experts in our Life Services. 50 Glenville Street Greenwich, CT 06831 or 203-531-1880

 Ability Beyond Ability Beyond helps to break down barriers and create new paths for the people we serve. Our programs empower individuals, no matter their ability, to live with independence, work with dignity and thrive in their communities. Berkshire Blvd, Bethel, CT 06801 or (203) 775-4700

 Access Independence– (formerly Disability Resource Center) Access Independence, formerly the Disability Resource Center of Fairfield County, is one of five Centers for Independent Living (CILs) in Connecticut.  80 Ferry Blvd., Suite 205 Stratford, CT 06615 Phone: (203) 378 – 6977

 The Arc Connecticut Serving all of Connecticut: Families for Families. An advocacy organization committed to protecting the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and to promoting opportunities for their full inclusion in the life of their communities.

 Arts for Healing 24 Grove Street, New Canaan, CT.  Music and Art Therapy for children (toddlers through teens) with disabilities.  Call (203) 972-2982. 

 Challenger League: Challenger baseball is a league comprised of boys and girls, ages 5 through 18, with mental and/or physical challenges. westportball@aol.com

 Circle of Friends: The Circle of Friends introduces teenage volunteers to the children and through shared experiences both are enriched. Sponsored by Beth Israel of Westport/Norwalk, 40 King Street, Norwalk (203)329-0015 ext. 414.  friendship@snet.net.   

 CLASP  Providing homes and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities 246 Post Road East Westport (203) 226-7895

 Disability Resource Network  – The Disability Resource Network provides adults with disabilities with the skills they need to become positive and productive members of their communities across the spectrum of academic, vocational, living, social, and recreation domains. 340 Capitol Ave Bridgeport  (203) 873-0743 

 Easter Seals - Easter Seals is leading the way to full equity, inclusion, and access through life-changing disability and community services.

 Friendship Circle of Fairfield County: brings together teenage volunteers and children with special needs for hours of fun and friendship. These shared experiences empower children with special needs, while enriching the lives of everyone involved. 770 High Ridge Rd Stamford 203-329-0015

Gettinghired.com Bridging the Gap Between Job Seekers with Disabilities & Employers

 Kennedy Center – Supports individuals with vocational, residential, educational, therapeutic, social and recreational programs and services.  2440 Reservoir Avenue Trumbull (203) 365-8522

 Laurel House, Inc.: a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, provides mental health services and programs in Stamford, CT and the surrounding areas in lower Fairfield County. Laurel House helps individuals and their families achieve and sustain mental health recovery. 1616 Washington Blvd, Stamford (203) 324-1816

 Pilot House Our mission is to provide individuals with Autism and other special needs the means and support, to maximize their personal growth, self-esteem and independence.  240 Colony Street Fairfield (203) 292-8452

 CT Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. We lend books and magazines in recorded formats along with the necessary playback equipment, and materials in braille198 West Street, Rocky Hill (860)721-2020

 Pegasus Therapeutic Horseback Riding (203) 359-9504

 Platform to Employment P2E is a preparatory program for job seekers which includes skills assessments, career readiness workshops, employee assistance programs and more. (855) 245-4P2E info@platformtoemployment.com

 Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities, a (501)(c)(3) providing information, support and inspiration to parents of children with learning disabilities. (203) 226-6831.

 Special Olympics and Unified Sports

 STAR serving individuals of all ages who have developmental disabilities, as well as providing support services to their families.  Saturday’s Stars – respite one Saturday a month at the YMCA.182 Wolfpit Avenue Norwalk (203) 846-9581

 St. Vincent’s Special Needs Service/First Connections Family Center

 Westport YMCA

 Wilton YMCA

 Mental Health Supports

 Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) –integrated network of comprehensive, effective and efficient mental health and addiction services that foster self-sufficiency, dignity and respect.

211 Connecticut – Dial 2-1-1 from anywhere in Connecticut and you will reach a highly-trained call specialist who will assess your needs and provide referrals to the resources in your community.

 NAMI – the National Alliance on Mental Illness, grassroots mental health organization helping to build better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. Southwest Connecticut Chapter • (203) 388-1603 • namisouthwestct@gmail.com NAMI HELPLINE – 800-950-NAMI (6264) Help in a crisis

The HUB Regional Mental Health Board – Local, Regional and National Resources for people dealing with Mental Health Issues

 Assistive Technology Resources

 Language Link - to receive translation and interpreter services

Relay CT – Dial 711 to be automatically connected to a TRS operator allowing persons with a hearing or disability to use the telephone system via a text telephone (TTY) or other device to call persons with or without such disabilities.

New England Assistive Technology (NEAT) Accepts medical equipment and rents refurbished equipment (866)526-4492

 Life Bridges Sign Language Interpreting Service

 Charlie's Closet  - Free medical equipment or to donate equipment.  

310 State St Unit 200, Guilford, CT 06437 (203) 453-8359

Lifeway Mobility   - Home Accessibility evaluation and accommodations

(860) 292-1111 ext. 1008

 Collins Medical - Home accessibility evaluations and accommodations

Collins Accessibility – Fairfield County (203) 418 - 2073

 Wheel it Forward  - Borrow or donate medical equipment

Americares Homefront Program, Work focuses on what has the greatest impact on quality of life.  Include carpentry plumbing, electric work, drywall, weatherproofing, roof repairs, lock repair, window replacement, installation of smoke detectors, painting, yard work. (800) 887-HOPE

West Bridge  - Volunteers from area houses of worship to assist homeowners to make needed repairs. 

Other Regional Advocacy and Support Groups