ARI of Connecticut, Inc.

08/27/2026

Looking to volunteer with ARI? We are looking for dedicated people to help with activities that benefit the individuals we support. One opportunity is with our Aqua Aerobics program on Wed evenings from 6:15-7:15pm at the Darien YMCA. This program has allowed individuals with developmental disabilities to enjoy the pool while getting some exercise for over 30 years. On Wed evenings for an hour about 15 individuals exercise. If you are interested in helping lead the class or if you would like to volunteer with any other programs, please email [email protected].

08/19/2026

Big thanks to PJ Kennedy and Hey Stamford for promoting our Fall Ball on October 23rd! We expect a sell out at the Italian Center as we honor Mike Zohdy. Join us for a great night while supporting ARI! For tickets visit www.arict.org/2026fallball.

ARI of Connecticut’s 2026 Fall Ball takes place October 23 at the Italian Center of Stamford, honoring Mike Zohdy and supporting ARI’s mission.

08/17/2026

Thank you First County Bank for your support of ARI and so many nonprofit organizations. We are all so grateful for your support.

08/14/2026

A huge thank you to The Kimberly Jill Hackman Foundation and the Curtain Call Stamford for welcoming all of us to enjoy Charlie and the Chocolate Factory last evening! What a great show. ARI appreciates the commitment of the Foundation to enriching the lives of people with disabilities by offering this to individuals throughout the community. The KJH Foundation is the sponsor of the ARI/Challenged People in Motion Golf Program and continues to support in memory of Kimmy Hackman, one of our golfers. Note, that Stamford's own W***y Wonka ( ) was also a great support of the golf program, playing in the tournament each year. Thanks Meredith and your family for a great evening!

08/10/2026

Thank you to Odyssey Group for stopping by on Tuesday, July 28th for a day of fun with our Day Program. The over 60 individuals in the Day Program enjoyed a day of fun including ice cream, bowling, bingo and other games courtesy of Odyssey Group and their employees. Thank you to each of the employees that volunteered their time to allow the individuals at ARI to have such a fun day!

08/07/2026

Our National Trade Association has been fighting for this designation for many years. We are so close to getting it passed. Please reach out to your legislators and tell them to support this bill.

The bipartisan Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act urges the Office of Management and Budget to establish a Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) for direct support professionals (DSPs).

07/31/2026

We are excited to honor Mike Zohdy for his dedication to ARI and individuals with disabilities. He is a great friend to all at ARI. We expect a full house at our Fall Ball on Friday, October 23rd at the Italian Center and look forward to honoring a great guy and friend. Join us for a spectacular evening while supporting ARI and the individuals we support. Tickets are $185 per person or $1,600 for a table of 10. For more information or to purchase tickets, sponsorships, ads; visit www.arict.org/2026fallball

See you October 23rd!

07/29/2026

Thank you Let's Roam for your generous donation scavenger hunt tickets to support our organization! Your in-kind donation will help us raise funds and bring people together. If your nonprofit is looking for an in-kind donation, visit https://www.letsroam.com/donations Let's Roam
This item is just one of the items that will be included in our Fall Ball Auction on October 23rd. Be on the lookout for more information on the event and items that will be in the auction!

Request a donation for your next event! Through donations and Charity Scavenger Hunts, Let's Roam has helped raise thousands of dollars for non-profits, charities and other causes.

07/28/2026

Thank you to the Newfield Swim and Tennis Club for hosting our annual Special Olympics Darien Lions Swim team end of year party last night! For many years, the club has welcomed us for a night of swimming. This started as the Matthew Bryson Relays in memory of Matt. This event included the Fairfield Special Olympics Swim Team. We continue this event as a lasting memory to our swim coaches Ben Fine and Bob Bryson. Between the two of them they coached for well over 40 years! Thank you for your commitment.

07/26/2026

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was officially passed by Congress and signed into law on July 26, 1990 - 36 years ago today! This landmark civil rights law helped advance access and opportunity for the I/DD community.

We've come a long way since then, but the work continues. We must continue to consistently invest in a strong care system to ensure that people with I/DD can live independently, safely, and with dignity.