Abilis, the nonprofit that serves and supports more than 800 individuals with disabilities and their families in Fairfield County, opened its first medical model residential home in Fairfield County for adults with complex medical needs and developmental disabilities with a special ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday at its new home on Brook Run Lane in Stamford.
Abilis staff, families and Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons, along with representatives of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), all gathered at the home to celebrate and mark the completion of the fully accessible residence.
Photo: Cheryl Moss Photography
Wheelchair accessible bedroom. Photo: Jenifer Howard
“We are thrilled to add this medical model home to our more than 70 residences we have throughout Fairfield County,” noted Amy Montimurro, CEO and president of Abilis. “The central location of this home in Stamford is great for the families of the residents to visit often and situated easily to access our activities and programs at the Abilis headquarters in Greenwich and The Cohen Abilis Advancement Center in Stamford, as well as our other community resources.”
Abilis ribbon cutting with Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons. Photo: Cheryl Moss Photography
Abilis residential staff. Photo: Jenifer Howard
City and state leaders attending the ribbon cutting ceremony were Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons, Shannon O’Brien, regional director of the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services, West Region (DDS), Timothy Braziel, assistant regional director, West Region of DDS, Amy Montimurro, CEO and president of Abilis, Mitch Cohen, Abilis former chair of the Board and current Board member, Laura Lategui, vice president of Abilis Residential Services, Jen O’Gorman, senior vice president of Admissions, Clinical and Residential Services, Erica Klair, senior vice president of Marketing and Communications, along with Abilis residential community members, staff, and family members.
Abilis purchased the home on Brook Run Lane last year and extensively remodeled and expanded it to create six private bedrooms and large, accessible bathrooms. Four residents have already moved into the home, which is designed to support six adults and provide 24/7 high-level care in a community setting with adaptive technology, specialized equipment and nursing care.
Bedrooms and bathrooms throughout the home are fully accessible. Rooms for residents who use wheelchairs include lift systems that connect beds directly to bathrooms to ease transfers. The home’s single-story design is perfect for the residents to enjoy the home and the basement level features a recreation room with games, a TV lounge and an exercise area.
Sarah on the keyboard. Photo: Jenifer Howard
Living room. Photo: Jenifer Howard
Dad, Tom, and Gus in his room. Photo Jenifer Howard
Current residents include Nick, 35, who previously lived with his parents, Win and Caroleigh Evarts. His room is decorated with family photos, a fun light-up faux fish tank, favorite stuffed animals and artwork.
Sarah, age 47, who uses a wheelchair and moved in a few weeks ago after living at home with her parents, “took six seconds to acclimate to her new home. She loves it!” her mother, Judith noted. Sarah entertained guests at the ribbon cutting ceremony by playing the keyboard, one of her favorite activities, which she can play anytime she would like in her new home.
Joe, who also uses a wheelchair, is also all settled into an accessible room decorated with artwork he enjoys and comforts from his childhood home.
Another resident, Gus, is the son of Victoria and Tom Reynolds, and also enjoys his room that features a large photo of one of his favorite TV characters.
Abilis described the opening as a milestone in its effort to ensure supportive residential options with 24/7 long-term support, that is also close to families in Lower Fairfield County.
“This home helps fill a critical gap for individuals who need continuous medical oversight but also want the dignity, comfort and stability of a true home,” said Amy Montimurro. “Abilis is proud to have the support of the state, and city of Stamford, along with our families, to be able to purchase and renovate this home that meets the needs of our community members where they are and can evolve to keep the warm, comfortable and safe environment for any needs individuals may have, to ensure aging in place.”
Abilis is a 501c3 non-profit organization that supports more than 800 individuals with disabilities and their families from birth throughout their lives. Founded in 1951, Abilis is a leader in providing meaningful supports to the community in Fairfield County, Connecticut, in towns including Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk, Ridgefield, Stamford, Westport and Wilton. The organization has a long-standing reputation for individualized, high-quality care.