Click here for Announcements:

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September: The first session of art classes for children with special needs (grades three through five) will be offered at the home of artist Kathy Coe starting September 2 through November 18 for 12 weeks.  There will be two more sessions December 9 - March 10 and March 17- June 2.  Children will be guided through painting, drawing, printmaking, and sculpture.  The cost of each session is $325.  Please contact Kathy Coe at 203.938.3328 or www.kathycoe.com.

September 7, 2010: Tuesday. Pizza Moms! Pizza Moms is a support group for Moms with special needs children. Moms meet for pizza and beer (or special orders) on the 1st Tuesday of every month at the Post Corner Pizza Restaurant on Post Road in Darien (across from the Firehouse).  Dinner costs approximately $15, talk is free. Pizza Moms provides an informal information sharing and support group during supper.  Everyone is welcome.  This group is an excellent place to network and talk. If you would like to get on our email list please email:Nanette Jordan (contact person)at nanette618@gmail.com. Check http://sites.google.com/site/pizzamomssite/home for more info.

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September 11 to December 11, 2010: Saturdays, Ages 5-9, 9:15-10:15, Ages 9-12: 10:30-11:30 – THEATERWORKS ON GROVE. Theatre program offers socialization within the context of improvisational musical and dramatic play. Weekly workshops in small group settings foster socialization and self-expression through interactive musical and dramatic play experiences.  Participants play instruments, sing, act, choreograph movement, develop plot and scripts for performances, as well as the design and construction of the scenery.   This is the 5th year that Director Billy Ayres has been leading this well received program.Fee:  $480 per 12 week session.  Early registration is encouraged; space is limited. Please call Arts for Healing at 203-972-2982.

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September 15, 2010: Pizza Moms Greenwich. Come join moms that have children with special needs for a casual night of networking every third wednesday of the month at Bella Nonna in Cos Cob from 7-9pm.  For further information please contact Philippa Orszulak at angelmanmom@optonline.net.
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September 20, 2010: Epilepsy Support Group in Stamford.  We meet at 888 Washington Blvd., Stamford Government Center, 2nd floor, Monday, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.  The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut invites you to attend the monthly meetings of the Stamford Support Group for persons with epilepsy or caregivers/family members or friends to share experiences and information about living with epilepsy.  For more information, call or email the EFC @ 800-899-3745 or efct@sbcglobal.net. Refreshments will be served. http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/connecticut/
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September 21, 2010 - October 12, 2010: Four consecutive Tuesday evenings.  6:30 p.m. - 9:00.  1150 Summer St., Stamford.  Abilis is offering a FREE Understanding Special Education 101 workshop designed to help parents develop skills necessary to access special education services.  You must register for this event by calling or emailing Monica, 203 324 1880 ext 336 or smyth@abilis.us. Abilis, formerly known as Greenwich ARC, has served people of all ages with autism, Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities in the Greenwich-Stamford area since 1951. We changed our name in 2008 to reflect all that people with developmental disabilities contribute to society. Check www.abilis.us for more info.

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September 24, 2010: 4 - 6 p.m. Friday.  Breakthru Fitness and Abilis are holding a sibshop at 48 Union St., Stamford.  Cost:  $15.00.  Sibshop is a social/recreational program for siblings of kids with special needs, ages 6 - 13.  During sibshops, we find creative ways to reduce the stress in our lives and talk informally about what it is like to be a sibling.  Fee:  $15.00.  You must register for this event by calling Monica at 203 324 1880 ext 336 or emailing her at smyth@abilis.us.

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September 28, 2010: Tuesday, Arts for Healing: Staying “In Tune” with Your Child. Arts for Healing serves the special needs population of children and young adults living with communication disorders, empowering them to break through barriers that isolate them and create a channel for self expression through the arts. This panel discussion will help parents understand the importance of the arts, facilitated play and aquatics in fostering emotional development in children.  It is through a child’s self-awareness and confidence that academic and social learning become most effective, personal growth is fostered, and potential is ultimately reached. The panel discussion will be facilitated by psychologist and author Jules Spotts, Ph.D., who maintains an independent psychotherapy practice in New Canaan, CT and is a consulting psychologist at the Waterside School and The Children’s School in Stamford, CT. The panelists include: Billy Ayers, Masters in special education, musical theater workshop coordinator specializing in improvisational musical theater for children and adults with special needs; Mary Newcomb, art therapist and award-winning artist whose personal interests include acting and writing; Karen Nisenson, M.M., M.A., MT-BC, founder/director of Arts for Healing, certified music therapist and adjunct faculty member in Music Therapy at NYU; Audrey Spellman, certified special educator and consultant specializing in early intervention, with advanced training in DIR®/ Floortime, an approach to “play” based on developmental and individual differences and relationship building; and Ailene Tisser, MA, PT, pediatric physical therapist who developed Tharafins, LLC, an innovative aquatic therapy program using the interactive play techniques of Floortime in the water therapy. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Co-sponsored by Arts for Healing, SPED*NET Wilton and Wilton Library. Registration suggested: please call 203-762-3950 or visit www.wiltonlibrary.org.

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September 30, 2010:  Free Seminar at Total Learning & Therapy Center, 5893 Main St., Trumbull, CT 06611: Allergies, Autism, Asthma and AutoImmunity: Using Nutrition to Heal.   Recognize the symptoms and apply targeted nutritional and digestive interventions to improve little brains and bodies presented by Vicki Kobliner, MS, RD.  Seminar is free but registration is required to reserve seating.  Please call the TLTC office at 203-268-8852
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September 30, 2010: 3:30 - 6 p.m.  Thursday.  50 Glenville St., Greenwich.  Abilis is presenting a FREE workshop on Financial Preparedness, including information on government benefits and estate planning.  To register, call or email Monica at 203 324 1880 ext 336 or smyth@abilis.us. Abilis, formerly known as Greenwich ARC, has served people of all ages with autism, Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities in the Greenwich-Stamford area since 1951. We changed our name in 2008 to reflect all that people with developmental disabilities contribute to society. Check www.abilis.us for more info.

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October 2, 2010:  9:00 - 3:30.  Saturday.  AITE, 411 High Ridge Rd., Stamford.  Abilis is hosting a FREE Sibling Panel at Stamford’s Stone Soup event.  For info, call or email Monica at 203 324 1880 ext 336 or smyth@abilis.us. Abilis, formerly known as Greenwich ARC, has served people of all ages with autism, Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities in the Greenwich-Stamford area since 1951. We changed our name in 2008 to reflect all that people with developmental disabilities contribute to society. Check www.abilis.us for more info.

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October 3 - October 31, 2010:  2:00 - 4:00.  Five consecutive Sundays at First Congregational Church, 108 Sound Beach Ave., Old Greenwich.  Abilis Anything’s Possible Players (for teens and adults with developmental disabilities) will reconvene its Band Jam.  Fee:  $100.  Call or email Monica for a registration form, 203 324 1880 ext 336 or smyth@abilis.us. Abilis, formerly known as Greenwich ARC, has served people of all ages with autism, Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities in the Greenwich-Stamford area since 1951. We changed our name in 2008 to reflect all that people with developmental disabilities contribute to society. Check www.abilis.us for more info.

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October 5, 2010: Tuesday. Pizza Moms! Pizza Moms is a support group for Moms with special needs children. Moms meet for pizza and beer (or special orders) on the 1st Tuesday of every month at the Post Corner Pizza Restaurant on Post Road in Darien (across from the Firehouse).  Dinner costs approximately $15, talk is free. Pizza Moms provides an informal information sharing and support group during supper.  Everyone is welcome.  This group is an excellent place to network and talk. If you would like to get on our email list please email:Nanette Jordan (contact person)at nanette618@gmail.com. Check http://sites.google.com/site/pizzamomssite/home for more info.

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October 16, 2010: 40th Annual Fall Conference for CACLD. LEARNING DISABILITIES AND ATTENTION DEFICITS THROUGH THE LIFESPAN. Stamford Marriott. Keynote Speaker — Sarah Ward, M.S., CCC/SLP. Center for Executive Function Skill Development, Lincoln, MA. Workshops, Bookstore, Exhibits.

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October 17, 2010: Walk in the Park for Abilis.  Tod’s (Greenwich) Point Park, Old Greenwich. Fifth annual fundraiser to support Abilis, formerly known as ARC, and people of all ages with autism, Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities. Lots of fun, family-friendly activities beginning at 10:30 a.m. and one-mile walk, stroll or roll at noon. Admission is free with donations requested.  Get a free t-shirt with a donation of $50 or more! For more information visit www.abilis.us/walk or contact (203) 531-1880, ext. 110 or runk@abilis.us.

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October 18, 2010: Epilepsy Support Group in Stamford.  We meet at 888 Washington Blvd., Stamford Government Center, 2nd floor, Monday, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.  The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut invites you to attend the monthly meetings of the Stamford Support Group for persons with epilepsy or caregivers/family members or friends to share experiences and information about living with epilepsy.  For more information, call or email the EFC @ 800-899-3745 or efct@sbcglobal.net. Refreshments will be served. http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/connecticut/
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October 20, 2010: Pizza Moms Greenwich. Come join moms that have children with special needs for a casual night of networking every third wednesday of the month at Bella Nonna in Cos Cob from 7-9pm.  For further information please contact Philippa Orszulak at angelmanmom@optonline.net.
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October 22, 2010:  4 - 6 p.m. Friday.  Breakthru Fitness and Abilis are holding a sibshop at 48 Union St., Stamford.  Sibshops is a social/recreational program for siblings of kids with special needs, ages 6 - 13.  During Sibshops we find creative ways to reduce the stress in our lives and talk informally about what it is like to be a sibling.  Fee:  $15.00  You must register for this event by calling Monica at 203 324 1880 ext 336 or emailing her at smyth@abilis. us. Abilis, formerly known as Greenwich ARC, has served people of all ages with autism, Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities in the Greenwich-Stamford area since 1951. We changed our name in 2008 to reflect all that people with developmental disabilities contribute to society. Check www.abilis.us for more info.

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October 23, 2010:  1 - 3 p.m.  Saturday.  Abilis Hanging Out Group (a social/recreational group for teens and young adults with developmental disabilities) is holding a pre Halloween costume party at First Congregational Church in Old Greenwich, 108 Sound Beach Ave.   Fee:  $15.00.  Call or email Monica to sign up at 203 324 1880 est 336 or smyth@abilis.us. Abilis, formerly known as Greenwich ARC, has served people of all ages with autism, Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities in the Greenwich-Stamford area since 1951. We changed our name in 2008 to reflect all that people with developmental disabilities contribute to society. Check www.abilis.us for more info.

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Oct. 28, 2010: Managing Anxiety in Young Children. Thursday,  7-8pm.  Speaker: Michael Crowley, PhD, Associate Research Scientist and Associate Director, Developmental Electrophysiology Laboratory, Yale Child Study Center. Occasional anxiety is part of the human condition, but anxiety may also be linked to specific mental and behavioral difficulties. Symptoms can emerge even in very young children, often appearing as overly clingy behavior at home and panic or tantrums when separated from parents. Anxiety may also interfere with household activities and family functioning. Learn about the warning signs parents and teachers should look for, so they can intervene and help prevent complications. Early treatment can help prevent missed opportunities for friendships, failure to reach social and academic potential, and feelings of low self-esteem. Registration required. Please call 203-863-3627 or 888-357-2409  Or register online. FREE. Sponsored by The Yale Child Study Center.

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October 28, 2010 : Free Seminar at Total Learning & Therapy Center, 5893 Main St., Trumbull, CT 06611. Get Ready for Kindergarten: Academic, Social/Emotional, Motor, Visual and Speech/Language Skills. Identify the skills needed for easy transitioning into kindergarten and experiencing success in a large group setting. Panel of presenters includes Meg Reilly, Director of Trinity Parish Nursery School, Dr. Randy Schulman, Stefanie Seanor, OTR/L, and Maybette Waldron, CCC-SLP.  Seminar is free but registration is required to reserve seating.  Please call the TLTC office at 203-258-8852.
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November 2, 2010: Tuesday. Pizza Moms! Pizza Moms is a support group for Moms with special needs children. Moms meet for pizza and beer (or special orders) on the 1st Tuesday of every month at the Post Corner Pizza Restaurant on Post Road in Darien (across from the Firehouse).  Dinner costs approximately $15, talk is free. Pizza Moms provides an informal information sharing and support group during supper.  Everyone is welcome.  This group is an excellent place to network and talk. If you would like to get on our email list please email:Nanette Jordan (contact person)at nanette618@gmail.com. Check http://sites.google.com/site/pizzamomssite/home for more info.

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November 6, 2010: Autism Spectrum Resource Fair! Held at the University of Connecticut, Stamford Campus, One University Place, Stamford, CT. Well over 1,000 parents and professionals expected to attend. Sponsored by both ASCONN and ASRC. For more info, contact Lois Rosenfeld at CT Autism Spectrum Resources at 203-265-7717  www.ct-asrc.org or contact Sara Reed at the Autism Society of Connecticut at 800-453-4975 www.asconn.org.

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November 15, 2010: Epilepsy Support Group in Stamford.  We meet at 888 Washington Blvd., Stamford Government Center, 2nd floor, Monday, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.  The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut invites you to attend the monthly meetings of the Stamford Support Group for persons with epilepsy or caregivers/family members or friends to share experiences and information about living with epilepsy.  For more information, call or email the EFC @ 800-899-3745 or efct@sbcglobal.net. Refreshments will be served. http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/connecticut/
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November 17, 2010: Pizza Moms Greenwich. Come join moms that have children with special needs for a casual night of networking every third wednesday of the month at Bella Nonna in Cos Cob from 7-9pm.  For further information please contact Philippa Orszulak at angelmanmom@optonline.net.

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November 19, 2010:  4 - 6 p.m.  Friday.  Abilis and Breakthru Fitness are holding a sibshop at 48 Union St., Stamford.  Cost:  $15.00.  Sibshops is a social/recreational program for siblings of kids with special needs, ages 6 - 13.  During sibshops we find creative ways to reduce the stress in our lives and talk informally about what it is like to be a sibling.  You must register for this by calling or emailing Monica at 203 324 1880 ext 336 or smyth@abilis.us. Abilis, formerly known as Greenwich ARC, has served people of all ages with autism, Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities in the Greenwich-Stamford area since 1951. We changed our name in 2008 to reflect all that people with developmental disabilities contribute to society. Check www.abilis.us for more info.
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November 20, 2010:  4:30 to 6 p.m.  Saturday.  Abilis’ Hanging Out Group (a social/recreational group for teens and young adults with developmental disabilities) is eating dinner at Bobby Valentine’s in Stamford.  Bring enough money for dinner.  Call or email Monica to sign up at 203 324 1880 ext 336 or smyth@abilis.us. Abilis, formerly known as Greenwich ARC, has served people of all ages with autism, Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities in the Greenwich-Stamford area since 1951. We changed our name in 2008 to reflect all that people with developmental disabilities contribute to society. Check www.abilis.us for more info.
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November 20, 2010: CT Down Syndrome Congress Annual Convention. Held at the Hartford Hilton. Check www.ctdownsyndrome.org for more info.

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December 2, 2010: Free Seminar at Total Learning & Therapy Center, 5893 Main St., Trumbull, CT 06611. Youth Fitness: Educate and motivate yourself to help others around you.  Find out how to get started making positive change to improve the lives of your children through fitness as well as the use of sensitive massage to release tension and energy.  Presenters are Michael Gulyas of Born Ready Fitness and Carissa Gulyas of Organic Massage Therapy.  Seminar is free but registration is required to reserve seating.  Please call the TLTC office at 203-268-8852.
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December 7, 2010: Tuesday. Pizza Moms! Pizza Moms is a support group for Moms with special needs children. Moms meet for pizza and beer (or special orders) on the 1st Tuesday of every month at the Post Corner Pizza Restaurant on Post Road in Darien (across from the Firehouse).  Dinner costs approximately $15, talk is free. Pizza Moms provides an informal information sharing and support group during supper.  Everyone is welcome.  This group is an excellent place to network and talk. If you would like to get on our email list please email:Nanette Jordan (contact person)at nanette618@gmail.com. Check http://sites.google.com/site/pizzamomssite/home for more info.

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December 8 - 11, 2010: National TASH Convention. Denver, CO. www.tash.org.

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December 10, 2010:  4 - 6 p.m.  Friday.  Abilis and Breakthru Fitness are holding a sibshop at 48 Union St., Stamford.  Fee:  $15.00.  Sibshops is a social/recreational group for siblings of kids with special needs, ages 6 - 13.  During Sibshops we find creative ways to reduce the stress in our lives and talk informally about what it is like to be a sibling.  You must register for this by calling or emailing Monica at 203 324 1880 ext 336 or smyth@abilis.us. Abilis, formerly known as Greenwich ARC, has served people of all ages with autism, Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities in the Greenwich-Stamford area since 1951. We changed our name in 2008 to reflect all that people with developmental disabilities contribute to society. Check www.abilis.us for more info.
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December 12, 2010:  1:30 p 5 p.m. Sunday.  Abilis’ Hanging Out Group (a social/recreational group for teens and young adults with special needs) will see Annie at curtain Call Theater in Stamford, 1349 Newfield Ave.  Cost:  $20.00.  Call or email Monica to register at 203 324 1880 ext 336 or smyth@abilis.us. Abilis, formerly known as Greenwich ARC, has served people of all ages with autism, Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities in the Greenwich-Stamford area since 1951. We changed our name in 2008 to reflect all that people with developmental disabilities contribute to society. Check www.abilis.us for more info.
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December 15, 2010: Pizza Moms Greenwich. Come join moms that have children with special needs for a casual night of networking every third wednesday of the month at Bella Nonna in Cos Cob from 7-9pm.  For further information please contact Philippa Orszulak at angelmanmom@optonline.net.
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March 19, 2011: Save the Date for the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress 27th Annual Conference. The 2011 conference will be held on March 19, 2011 at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA from 8:30am to 4:00pm. They will once again be having a track for parents, educators, brothers and sisters and young adults with Down syndrome.  Registration will begin in January , please check our website at http://www.mdsc.org for more information.

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April 11, 2011: ASCONN Presents: 21st Annual Statewide Conference on Autism. Saturday, April 30, 2011. Held at the Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, CT. Check http://www.autismsocietyofct.org for more info.

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Do you know of any local seminars? Please contact us at info@spednet.org.
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Announcements!

In an effort to remain current, we only keep announcements up for 2 months.
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Accessible Home for Sale! It is in Southbury (30 Amos White Road) for 419,000.  It has a downstairs bedroom and full bath.  We also have a lift system.  We put in a circular driveway in front with slate ramping up to the door.  Contact Laurie Allan at 203-262-6967 or Chris at 203-910-5405.

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      I am thrilled to announce Abilis’ new program at the University of Connecticut’s Stamford campus for young adults with autism and related disorders.
The year-round program, under my direction, is the first of its kind in our area. It will provide transitional, vocational, educational and community exploration training - all highly individualized — in a downtown college setting for students between the ages of 18 and 24.
The Abilis program will give commuting students:

Constellation School-Based Therapy, formerly known as Norwalk Rehabilitation Services, provides expertise in the delivery of educationally-related therapy services to a number of cities and towns in Fairfield and New Haven Counties, Connecticut.  The services and programs provided to each district vary, according to the needs of the students and teams served. Constellation has designed, implemented and currently manages school-based therapy programs, to promote best practices in the educational setting.  We provide teams of occupational and physical therapists, with advanced skills and expertise in pediatrics and school-based practice. Our therapists focus on removing barriers for students, in their abilities to learn, and participate in all aspects of the school environment.
Please contact us at:  203-845-8000.  Visit our new web-site at:  www.constellationhs.com.

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Ruthann N. Short MSW, LCSW is pleased to announce her private practice in Clinical Social Work,Specializing in working with Children & Parents With learning and School related concerns. 4 Whitney Street Extension, Westport, CT 06880. 203-454-2424. maverickmindsllc@aol.com. www.maverickmindsllc.com. Ridgefield practice: 203-431-3234
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NEW EDUCATION CENTER IN NORWALK
The Claus Academy, Inc. is a new education center located at 25 Van Zant Street in Norwalk, CT. Our focus is tutoring, mentoring, and coaching young adults, ages 15 – 21. We offer brain-based 21st century reading, writing and math instruction designed to increase knowledge, motivation, and academic success. The components of our program include literacy, mentorships, work experience, community service and social justice. We are an “out-of-the-box” education; each student designs his/her own individualized curriculum, works at his/her own pace and schedule. We believe that young adults need access to up-to-date technology and use computers, cell phones, IPods, and other technology to engage learning. Students will also take college courses either on-line or at Norwalk Community College.
Enrollment in The Claus Academy can be a replacement for high school (full day), a supplement (tutoring) program, a transition year (between high school and college), or whatever the student needs it to be.
Please come and visit! Our space is designed to minimize stress and to maximize creativity.
Limited openings are available for September 2009. Please call Barb Schade, Director, at (203) 286-8303 to set up an appointment.
Thank You!
Barb Schade, Director
Monica Shaper, Reading Specialist

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Ablis and Chapel Haven Inc. Are proud to announce their new partnership:
Chapel Haven Abilis Transition to Independent Living. A new day program opening September 2009 on the U Conn/Stamford campus in Stamford, CT.
Contact Dr. Susan Izeman for admission and other information at  chapelhaven@abilis.us   (203)629-1880  ext. 304. More information about Chapel Haven and Abilis are available on their websites:
www.chapelhaven.org  and  www.abilis.us
In December, Chapel Haven West was featured on ABC News. You can link
to the article and video thru the Chapel Haven website or you can go to the
following: www.abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=6433034&page=1

At The Circle of Friends we have created an exceptional network of friends for children and teens with special needs. We organize social activities both one on one and in group settings that foster camaraderie and friendships. For a schedule of our Sunday Circle/Teen Scene Events or  Adult Socials and for more information on all of our programs, please contact The Circle of Friends, 40 King Street Norwalk, CT 06851. 203-866-0534. Email cirlclefriendsct@gmail.com
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The IDEA Learning Center, a private school for young aduts with autism and other related developmental disabilities over the age of 17 and specializing in programs for those over the age of 21 will open its doors on September 14, 2009. The school is located at 515 Washington Avenue in Bridgeport, conveniently located at the crossroads of I-95 and Rtes. 25-8.

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We Will Ride Therapeutic Riding Inc.
P.O. Box 1155, Ridgefield, CT. 06877
203-438-1947 www.wewillrideinc.com

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