From the photo archives: September 2014 memory

I was taking part in a walk to benefit the Center for Disability Rights in West Haven when I spied this little bloom popping out of Savin Rock.

Hard to believe that was a decade ago!
 

Sharing FB memory from 2016 - beach in West Haven

 'Twas a beautiful evening at our Center for Disability Rights' event five years ago.

FB memory from this day 5 years ago at West Haven boardwalk

 

We were participating in the West Haven-based Center for Disability Rights' wheel-a-thon fundraiser held each year at Savin Rock.

Recuperation journey: After the rain

My husband Ralph and I attended the Center for Disability Rights' 30th anniversary celebration Thursday at Anthony's Ocean View in New Haven. 
CDR is a wonderful nonprofit organization based in West Haven that helps individuals with disabilities to become better advocates.

While there I was able to capture some photos of the amazing sunset through windows at the venue.

Fundraiser in Milford Saturday to benefit Center for Disability Rights

My husband Ralph and I are longtime members of the Center for Disability Rights and he is past president of the Board of Directors of the organization. 
This fundraiser will be held at Adams Hometown Market, 1391 New Haven Ave., Milford.

Recuperation journey: Walking along West Haven beach

 Bradley Point Park in West Haven.  

 Scenes from Savin Rock in West Haven seen Tuesday along the Center for Disability  Rights' Wheel-A-Thon route. 

CDR to hold annual Wheel-A-Thon at Savin Rock in West Haven

WEST HAVEN -The annual Wheel-A-Thon is a fund-raising and community awareness campaign to benefit the youth programs and activities of the Center for Disability Rights, 369 Highland St., and its partners.

The 2018 Wheel-A-Thon will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. July 24 at Savin Rock Conference Center, 5 Rock St.

There will be registration and pizza from 6 to 6:45 p.m. 

The ceremony starts at 6:45 p.m. and ends about 7 p.m. when the walk begins. 

Awards to walkers will be distributed at about 7:30 p.m. There will be live entertainment throughout the event.

Wheel-A-Thon participants can walk, roll in a wheelchair, or ride a bicycle along a 1-mile route. 
You can register and participate as an individual or you can form a team with your family, friends and co-workers. 

To register, click here. 

The money raised during the 2017 Wheel-A-Thon provided Summer Empowerment Camp opportunities to nine high school juniors and seniors and provided five Wheel-A-Thon Scholarships.

Individuals who are not part of a team but who raise at least $25 for young people with disabilities can participate in the CDR Wheel-A-Thon as individuals.

*On a personal note, my husband Ralph, who has a form of Muscular Dystrophy and uses a wheelchair, serves on CDR's board of directors. The event is always a good time and an easy one-mile route, even in the hot weather!

Center for Disability Rights in West Haven to hold Wheel-A-Thon

WEST HAVEN - The Wheel-A-Thon is a fundraising and community awareness campaign to benefit the youth programs and activities of the CDR and its partners.

The 2018 Wheel-A-Thon will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. July 24 at Savin Rock Conference Center, 5 Rock St.

Registration and pizza will be from 6 to 6:45 p.m. 

The ceremony starts at 6:45 p.m. and ends around 7 p.m. when the walk begins. 
Awards to walkers will be distributed around 7:30 p.m. There will be live entertainment throughout.

Wheel-A-Thon participants can walk, roll in a wheelchair, or ride a bicycle along a one-mile route. 

You can register and participate as an individual or you can form a team with your family, friends and co-workers. 

To register to participate, visit the “Participate” page.

The money raised during the 2017 Wheel-A-Thon provided Summer Empowerment Camp opportunities to nine high school juniors and seniors and provided five Wheel-A-Thon Scholarships.

Individuals who are not part of a team but who raise at least $25 for young people with disabilities can participate in the CDR Wheel-A-Thon as individuals.

*Information shared from Facebook.

Full disclosure: My husband Ralph is a longtime member of the Center for Disability Rights and serves on the organization's board.

Newsletter features disability advocates seeking restoration of state funds

Dear readers,

Today's Valley Voice newsletter features Ralph's story about disability advocates who attended a hearing Wednesday at the Legislative Office Building, and more.

Thanks for reading,

Patti

Special newsletter edition features CDR Wheel-A-Thon in West Haven

The West Haven-based Center for Disability Rights is sponsoring its annual Wheel-A-Thon July 25 to benefit disabled youth.

Please click here to read a special edition of our Valley Voice newsletter featuring the fundraiser.

12th annual Wheel-A-Thon in West Haven to benefit youth with disabilities

My husband, Ralph, and I are longtime members of the Center for Disability Rights and I hope Valley residents will consider joining us to walk at this beautiful location at the beach in West Haven.
Last year proceeds funded seven scholarships for disabled teens, among other services.

To register you can print out this form and mail it to CDR, 369 Highland St., West Haven, 06516.

Summer solstice sunset

Wednesday's sunset reflected in clouds over West Haven. 

Yes, I got as far as West Haven today! 
We attended the annual meeting of the West Haven-based Center for Disability Rights, where we are members.

After the meeting the longest day of the year offered us a lovely sunset on the way home.

Newsletter features Seymour resident's 'silent protest'

Dear readers,

The latest Valley Voice newsletter features a disabled resident's protest against a lack of snow clearing in downtown Seymour. 
Also, Ralph writes about a major crisis facing the state's Centers for Independent Living with Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's proposed funding cuts.

Please click here to read all about it.

Thanks,

~ Patti 

Center for Disability Rights in West Haven to host meeting about transit services

My husband, Ralph, and I are longtime members of the Center for Disability Rights in West Haven. Its service area includes the Lower Naugatuck Valley. 

Sharing from its website: "The Center for Disability Rights advocates for people with disabilities and their issues on a local, state-wide, and national level. 
"We also provide services to individuals and their families, as well as technical assistance and community education to businesses, government, and members of the community."

Plans rolling along for CDR Wheel-A-Thon in West Haven

WEST HAVEN - The Center for Disability Rights is a great organization that seeks to promote independence for people facing physical and intellectual challenges.

My husband, Ralph, and I have been members for more than 20 years, and he has served in several capacities there, including as President of its Board of Directors. 

The nonprofit will hold its 11th annual Wheel-A-Thon July 26 at Savin Rock Conference Center, 6 Rock St.

The Valley communities of Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton are part of CDR's catchment area.

I'm sharing the PDF link here to a special Valley Voice highlighting the fundraiser.

10th annual Wheel-a-thon in West Haven deemed a success

My husband, Ralph, rolls along Sunday at the 10th annual Wheel-A-Thon along the shore in West Haven to benefit the Center for Disability Rights. 
The morning started out overcast but the clouds soon parted and the sun shone for most of the event.
CDR Executive Director Marc Anthony Gallucci said more than $10,000 had been raised. 
The proceeds fund scholarships and advocacy for disabled youths and youth transition services in the nonprofit's catchment area. 

The event also serves to raise awareness of the difficulties faced by those living with disabilities.

One of the teams that raised the most money poses in front of Savin Rock Conference Center. At right in pirate hat is Marc Anthony Gallucci, executive director, Center for Disability Rights.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The landmark legislation prohibits discrimination against the disabled.

It's a beautiful area for a walk, especially when the weather cooperates!

Wheel-A-Thon Sunday in West Haven to benefit youth with disabilities

WEST HAVEN - The Center for Disability Rights' 10th annual Wheel-A-Thon to Benefit Young People with Disabilities will start at 9:30 a.m. Sunday at Savin Rock Conference Center, 6 Rock St. 

The Center for Disability Rights' catchment area includes the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

This fun event is a fundraising and community awareness campaign to benefit the youth programs and activities of the CDR and its partners.

Participants may register Sunday; entry fee is $25.

Money raised in 2014 funded the following:

* 3 college scholarships for students with disabilities;
* Advocacy with students to improve their education;
* Facilitation Services for youth groups; and
* CDR youth transition services.

Participants use wheelchairs at this event to help raise awareness of disability issues in the community.


Please come join me and my family to support a great cause!

25th anniversary of ADA marked at Bodie's Place in Milford

Part of the accessible playground at Eisenhower Park.

MILFORD - Sunday's weather was picture perfect for a celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

The free event was the last of a series of three sponsored by The Americans with Disabilities Act Coalition of Connecticut.

The celebration, which was open to the public, was held at Bodie's Place at Eisenhower Park on North Street. It featured family fun, face painting, live music, a demonstration of wheelchair tennis, pizza, and anniversary cake.

Folk singer Robert Messore performed songs for the younger set.

A view of the play area that is geared toward older children.

Former President George H. W. Bush signed the ADA into law in 1990.

The landmark legislation prohibits discrimination against the disabled and affords them the same opportunities available to those who are not living with a disability. 

Organizations that collaborated to create the ADA anniversary celebrations included the West Haven-based Center for Disability Rights-CT, West Haven Community House's Community Connections, City of West Haven, City of Milford and Concerned Citizens for People with Disabilities, Inc. Agency on Aging and Bodie's Place of Milford. 

Congratulations to all the organizations on a successful event!

Family event at park in Milford to mark ADA's 25th anniversary

Bodie's Place, 725 North St., Milford / Photo from organization's website

MILFORD - Bodie’s Place at Eisenhower Park is the place to be Aug. 9 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act.

Bodie’s Place is an accessible, community playground located in the park at 725 North St.

The family-friendly, fun event will run from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

It will feature entertainment by folk guitarist Robert Messore from 10:30 a.m.-noon. He will entertain children with sing-along songs. 

There also will be a demonstration of wheelchair tennis from 10:30-11:30 a.m., face painting, animal balloons, and refreshments.

For information, contact Lisa Vaccino, 203-876-7427 or Carmen Correa, 203-934-7077.

The celebration is sponsored by the Americans with Disabilities Act Coalition of Connecticut (ADACC). It will be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.

The ADA was signed into law in 1990 by former President George H.W. Bush.

The landmark legislation prohibits discrimination against the disabled and affords them the same opportunities available to those who are not living with a disability.

The West Haven-based Center for Disability Rights-CT is one of the event’s collaborators. 

Marc Anthony Gallucci, CDR executive director, said, “This 25th anniversary is a great opportunity to celebrate the positive impact that the Americans with Disabilities Act has had in the lives of millions of persons with disabilities.”

In addition to CDR the following collaborators are working to make the event a success: West Haven Community House’s Community Connections, City of West Haven, City of Milford & Concerned Citizens for People with Disabilities, Inc., Agency on Aging, and Bodie’s Place of Milford.


Note: My husband and I are members of the Center for Disability Rights in West Haven. The organization's catchment area includes the Lower Naugatuck Valley. 

Reminder: ADA anniversary celebration is today in West Haven

WEST HAVEN - Today is the day for a flag-raising ceremony and celebration to mark the 25th anniversary of the passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act.

The event starts at 5 p.m. at Savin Rock Conference Center, 6 Rock St.

It is sponsored by the Americans with Disabilities Act Coalition of Connecticut (ADACC). 

The ADA was signed into law in 1990 by former President George H.W. Bush.

The landmark legislation prohibits discrimination against the disabled and affords them the same opportunities available to those who are not living with a disability. 

Mayor Edward M. O’Brien will read a proclamation and participate in a flag-raising ceremony at 6:30 p.m. outside the conference center.

O’Brien said, “One in five people in the United States has disabilities and that number is constantly increasing from age, accidents, or even combat.

“As a result, the Americans with Disabilities Act is ever more important. It was passed almost unanimously by Congress and signed by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990. Today marks 25 years commemorating the rights established for disabled individuals providing them with everything from transportation, communication, medical diagnostic equipment and information technology. It pleases me to see that such an effective act is still in existence today.”

Marc Anthony Gallucci, executive director, Center for Disability Rights, also will speak at the event. 

He said, “This 25th anniversary is a great opportunity to celebrate the positive impact that the Americans with Disabilities Act has had in the lives of millions of persons with disabilities.”

Keri McLaughlin, program manager, Community Connections, part of the nonprofit West Haven Community House, said the ADA “has been a tremendous help” to her clients in getting a job and maintaining it. 

She said after ADA was enacted society has shown more “tolerance and acceptance” of those with disabilities. 

The West Haven Community House website says the organization

“exists to facilitate healthy, productive, independent and meaningful lives for children, adolescents and families, and individuals with disabilities.”

Thursday’s festivities will include an interactive educational exhibit about the ADA, and members of the public will get a chance to try out an adaptive, recumbent bicycle, Gallucci said. 

An acoustic duo will entertain from 5-7 p.m., followed by a rock band performing from 7-8 p.m., he said.

There will be balloons for children and Gallucci said the public is invited to celebrate and enjoy anniversary cake with CDR staff and members and event collaborators.

In addition to CDR the following collaborators are working to make the event a success: West Haven Community House’s Community Connections, City of West Haven, City of Milford & Concerned Citizens for People with Disabilities, Inc., Agency on Aging, and Bodie’s Place of Milford.