To expand the experiences of special needs individuals in and around our community by advocating for, sponsoring and publicizing Special Needs News and Activities.
             What's Going On?
             What's In the News?
Ebay To Support Camp Nerden
   Click Ebay Logo for Auction listings
a portion  of every Sale is donated to:
The John J Nerden Regional Training Camp for Special Needs Children and Adults.
Auctions will be updated regularly, please check back often!  For More Information on Camp Nerden, Go To:  Camp Nerden
    Special Needs At Risk Registry

Register your special needs loved one on an At-Risk List with the police department.
The intention of the registry is to make available valuable,
time saving, and perhaps lifesaving information to police and fire department in the event that they are called upon to respond to an incident involving your loved one. This would include medical emergencies, 911 calls, as well as any other routine calls. 
Please note that all information contained in the registry will be kept completely confidential.
For more information and registry forms please visit
the CheshireCares website: www.CheshireCares.org
Please note: Please remember to UPDATE your registry as necessary
Don't forget to Check out The Cheshire Park and  Recreation
Adaptive  Programs! Click here!
The Greater Middletown Special Olympics Athletes Swept the Special Olympics Connecticut State Summer Games in New Haven winning 17 first place awards
Read More

New Horizons for COCO; Now Named Abilities Without Boundaries.
Cheshire Occupational & Career Opportunities (COCO) has officially changed its name Abilities Without Boundaries.
Since 1978, COCO has provided client services to Cheshire and surrounding towns for people with developmental disabilities. With more than 65 clients participating in the day program, the non-profit company felt the need to re-brand the organization in order to gain more support and recognition for their efforts. Read More

At Camp Nerden It's A Family Affair
In keeping with family tradition, 11 year old Nicole Tiezzi will spend most of her summer volunteering.
The soon-to-be sixth grader at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Meriden will join her two older sisters today in welcoming campers to Camp Nerden in Middlefield.
"My sisters always tell me how much fun it is, and how sweet the campers are," says the rookie volunteer. Read More

Middlefield Bicyclist Leads Fight Against MS
Middlefield resident Daria Vander Veer has raised $965 to help fight Multiple Sclerosis this year as a member of the Cycling Concept Racing Team.
Last weekend Vander Veer and her teammates embarked on a 30-mile ride in the Bike MS: bkm/Steelcase Ride held at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, CT.
Read More

Cheshire Challenger League; a Home Run for 20 Years
By Robert Held
(Corrections: Doug Wipfler - email:Dougwifler@aol.com)

When driving by Darcey Elementary School on Waterbury Road, residents might notice a baseball game underway at the small ballpark near the road. The players may look like they're part of a typical baseball league, but it's a league with a unique twist, they're the Cheshire Challengers. Read More


The CT Tigers  Season #7 has begun. Rehearsals this year will be on Monday nights (6:15) at ACES Mill Road School, North Haven.  If you're interested in being a Tiger or a buddy, please email: ct.tigers@yahoo.com
For more info visit:  http://www.CTtigers.org
Check Presentation to John J Nerden RTC Camp
Click Photo for Larger View
A check was presented to Jackie Holowczyk, Camp Directer by Value Store It. The Check was the proceeds from the First Annual Bike Show held on October 1, 2011 to benefit the Camp. The Event was sponsored by Value Store-It, Wallingford, CT and The Meriden Motorcycle Club.
From left to right:  Andrew Simon (employee of Xtreme Atv Parts), Jackie Holowczyk,  April Pierce (Property Manager of Value Store It), Andy Clunan (owner of Xtreme Atv Parts, Andy donated over $1000.00 in merchandise for our raffle prizes), Todd Camp (member of The Meriden Motorcycle Club) and Justin Lis (President of The Meriden Motorcycle Club.

GMSO ATHLETES SWEEP THE 2011 SPECIAL OLYMPICS CONNECTICUT STATE SUMMER GAMES WINNING 17 1ST PLACE AWARDS
THE CONNECTICUT AUTISM SPECTRUM             RESOURCE CENTER’S WINTER, 2012
        ADVOCACY TRAINING SERIES
                IS BEING OFFERED AT:
       THE CENTER IN WALLINGFORD

ASRC  has been running this Series for ten years, because we believe families are their child’s best advocates but they need to be prepared to act on behalf of their child in effective ways.  This includes understanding the nature of their child’s disability, school district policies and procedures, basic principles of IDEA and what are considered to be the best practice for children/teens with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

2012_WINTER_ADVOCACY_SERIES.docx
              Please Join Us!
Mark Your Calendar for Thursday, February 9th
You are invited to join
The Connecticut Family Support Council
And
The Connecticut Family Support Network At our Legislative Meet & Greet 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Legislative Office Building ~ 2nd Floor Atrium
How has the budget crisis and cuts to vital programs and services impacted families raising children with disabilities and special health care needs?