ADA and Disability Resource Center, Stamford, CT

08/06/2026

Mystic Aquarium 2026 Sensory Friendly Night

Join Mystic Aquarium for a calmer, more inclusive aquarium experience where lighting and sound are adjusted to create a sensory-friendly environment.

Date: Tuesday, 8/11/26
Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Tickets- https://ramp.mysticaquarium.org/95114/95116

This event will have the following accommodations: Reduced crowds, Lowered lighting and sound levels, quiet zones and sensory support resources, access to exhibits at your own pace

This night is specially tailored for guests with sensory processing challenges and their families.

Tickets are $15 per person and free for members but advanced reservation required for all.

08/02/2026

United Way of Connecticut and the Connecticut Department of Social Services invite you to the first part of a two-part virtual series for providers supporting clients on Tuesday, August 4 at 1pm where you can learn more from our state leaders about updates to SNAP and Medicaid benefits.

Register for the webinar here: https://bit.ly/DSSSnap

07/24/2026

Happy 36th anniversary to the Americans with Disabilities Act! Don’t forget to register for our upcoming webinar, where we will join regional ADA Centers and the ADA Knowledge Translation Center in celebrating two significant milestones: the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the 35th anniversary of the ADA National Network, which includes the Great Lakes ADA Center.

The mission of the ADA National Network is to increase awareness and knowledge of the ADA, with the ultimate goal of promoting voluntary compliance with the law. This mission is achieved through customized training, technical assistance, research, and the development and dissemination of informational resources.

During this two-hour webinar, each of the 10 regional ADA Centers will highlight how they support this mission and the impact their work has had in promoting voluntary compliance and ADA education.

Participants will learn more about the resources and initiatives available in their region and how we can continue working together to create a more accessible future.

Date: Thursday, July 30, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Registration required: bit.ly/ada36th

Registration closes one day before the webinar or when capacity is reached.

07/20/2026

Some folks laughed when we introduced legislation to write the federal Americans With Disabilities Act into state law. After all, it was already law.

One former state representative from Middletown argued the whole thing was unnecessary, "we did that in the 80s!"

Not quite.

Fortunately, we ignored their carping and passed Public Act 26-150 into state law. It specifically secured the ADA's Integration Mandate, which was created by the Supreme Court's landmark Olmstead Decision.

Perhaps just in the nick of time.

Just a few days ago, the Trump Administration's Office of Legal Counsel issued a memo attacking the Integration Mandate - a direct attack on Olmstead which could roll back decades of efforts to mainstream people with disabilities in our society. Perhaps they hope people with disabilities will just go away. Or maybe they just don't want to see them.

I hope the courts strike down this cruel, illegal and illogical opinion but while many states are threatened, Connecticut law at least is crystal clear - we will integrate people with disabilities in our state regardless of what Washington and what federal courts do.

07/16/2026

Abilis is excited to launch a new weekly Vocational Skills Peer Group for young adults with disabilities. Through interactive activities and peer support, participants build communication, teamwork, confidence, and workplace skills while preparing for future employment and greater independence.

For more information or to register, please contact Tori Transue at [email protected] . .

07/08/2026

Join DDS for upcoming virtual forums led by Commissioner Elisa Velardo to learn about the latest programs and initiatives from DDS.

Ask questions and provide feedback to DDS leadership.

Please note, the forum on Monday 9/28 will be translated in Spanish.

Forums will be held on Microsoft Teams.

Register using the link below:

https://portal.ct.gov/dds/news-and-updates/commissioners-corner

Forum dates and times:

Wednesday 9/23 from 10am to 11:30am
Thursday 9/24 from 5:30pm to 7pm
Monday 9/28 from 10am to 11:30am*
Tuesday 9/29 from 5:30pm to 7pm

*Event will be Spanish translated

07/03/2026

SPARK-CT is a 10-month certified training program. It stands for Strengthening Professional Advancement in Rehabilitation Knowledge via Certified Training. You will learn how to assist individuals with all types of disabilities find work. When you finish the program, you will have credentials that y...

06/27/2026