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
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.
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
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).
On Tuesday, February 14, 2012, ACES will host a free workshop for students with disabilities, their families and educators presented by Connecticut Parent Advocacy entitled, “Getting and Keeping the First Job.” The workshop will be held from 6pm to 8pm at Wilby High School located at 460 Bucks Hill Road in Waterbury, Connecticut.
Participants will hear straight talk about employment including information on accommodations, disclosure, interviewing and self-employment.
Registration is required. Visit www.cpacinc.org/workshop-registration or contact CPAC at 1-800-445-2722 or cpac@cpacinc.org for more information or to register.
Transition from School to Adult Life
Waterbury, CT
On Thursday, February 16, 2012, ACES will host a free workshop for students with disabilities, their parents and educators presented by Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center entitled, “Transition from School to Adult Life. The workshop will be held from 6pm to 8pm at Kennedy High School located at 422 Highland Avenue in Waterbury, Connecticut.
Participants will better understand transition planning and how they can become more active participants in the process. Participants will gain knowledge of the legal requirements of IDEA, the availability of adult service agencies and options for what lies ahead after high school.
Registration is required. Visit www.cpacinc.org/workshop-registration or contact CPAC at 1-800-445-2722 or cpac@cpacinc.org for more information or to register.
Norwich Free Academy R-Word Campaign
Norwich Free Academy R-word Campaign video. Directed, edited, and produced by 16 year old Patrick Kudej with the help of Alyssa Beit, Katie Beit, and countless others. Help us spread this amazing message! Contact us on Youtube or by email at patkudej@gmail.com
I’ve always had a personal issue with the word “retard.” My sister Molly lives with an intellectual disability, a condition that used to be called mental retardation. There are many online sites devoted to mocking the intellectually disabled, but one series of YouTube videos proved particularly troubling.
Although I wanted to believe that hatred towards the intellectually disabled had become obsolete, these videos exposed me to a cruel reality, one that I had no choice but to combat.
