STAMFORD – The Therapy Center at Abilis has moved to The Cohen Abilis Advancement Center at 78 Harvard Ave. The new and expanded space provides significantly more square footage, modern amenities, therapeutic spaces and equipment and room to grow for infants, children and adults with developmental disabilities and other physical and emotional needs from throughout Fairfield County.
The nonprofit organization, which was located at 1150 Summer St., provides services and support to more than 800 individuals with disabilities and their families.
“This move represents a transformative step forward for Abilis and the families we support,” said Amy Montimurro, Abilis CEO and president. “The Cohen Abilis Advancement Center gives us the space and resources to expand critical early intervention services, particularly our Birth to Three program, which supports children with a wide range of developmental delays, including autism diagnosis, while also providing older individuals in our community with the therapies and supports they need to live fuller, more independent lives.”
The new facility, which is on the second floor of The Cohen Abilis Advancement Center, features a dedicated sensory gym, which allows clinicians to provide a broader range of physical, occupational and speech therapies.
A cornerstone of The Therapy Center at Abilis is its Birth to Three program and its designation as an autism provider. Abilis is one of just 11 state designated providers qualified to diagnose autism and deliver intensive treatment services for children with autism spectrum disorder. This program serves infants and toddlers from birth to age 3 who have developmental delays, or diagnosed conditions such as premature birth, low birth weight, genetic disorders or autism.
“In addition to having our wonderful Therapy Center at Abilis in The Cohen Abilis Advancement Center, we also meet children where they are — whether that’s at home, in daycare, on the playground or in preschool, so we can truly observe how they interact with the world around them,” said Jennie Miklautsch, director of Therapeutic Services at The Therapy Center at Abilis. “Our goal is to support each child in every way possible while also empowering families with the tools and confidence they need every day.”
While Abilis offers specialized autism evaluations and early intervention services, The Therapy Center at Abilis also supports young children experiencing developmental, motor or speech delays who may benefit from short-term therapy.
The center also provides physical, occupational and speech therapy for older individuals within the Abilis community, creating a continuum of care that supports individuals throughout every stage of life.
“The demand for early intervention services has grown significantly in recent years, with more families seeking evaluations and support for developmental concerns,” Montimurro said. “Access to high-quality early intervention services has never been more important. This new space allows us to better meet that growing need and provide the highest level of care for children and families in our community.”
