TABLE OF CONTENTS
A NOTE FROM DENISE
Dear Friends, Staff & Supporters,
As we enjoy the summer season, I want to take a moment to reflect on the progress we ' ve made, and the journey still ahead.
This July marks one year since we reintroduced ourselves as Lumibility! While our name and look have changed, our commitment remains the same: to enhance skills and transform lives. Over the past year, we ’ ve grown stronger in our identity, more unified in our mission, and more determined than ever to drive meaningful change.
In recent months, we ' ve brought a strong and steady voice to the fight for increased funding for nonprofits like ours. Together with our staff, families, and supporters, we ’ ve raised awareness about the critical needs of the individuals and families we serve. Whether in legislative hearings, community conversations, or calls to action, our advocacy efforts are helping shape a more inclusive, better-resourced future, one we will continue to champion.
We are grateful to our Board of Directors for their unwavering support and belief in our mission. And to our supporters, community partners, and dedicated team, thank you for standing with us and helping us build momentum that will carry far beyond this anniversary.
Here’s to the rest of summer and to continued impact and a future filled with possibility.
Warmly,
DENISE DAVIAU CEO
AGENCY HIGHLIGHTS
Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit of the Year
This June, Lumibility was honored with the Nonprofit of the Year Award. This recognition came from the Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce at their 83rd Annual Meeting and Business Awards!
The Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce, serving Wallingford, North Haven, and neighboring communities, recognized Lumibility for our ongoing commitment to enhancing skills and transforming lives for individuals with differing abilities. Our programs continue to make a meaningful impact in these towns and beyond.
Being recognized as Nonprofit of the Year is a testament to the incredible work being done every day. None of it would be possible without our dedicated staff. Their compassion, expertise, and unwavering commitment are the heart of Lumibility’s mission.
We also thank our community partners, board members, supporters, and everyone involved for making this year ’ s event possible. We can’t do this alone, and are grateful for everyone ’ s support.
Assistive Technology (AT) Tech That Rocks Success Info Sessions
This spring, Lumibility partnered with Community Action Agency of New Haven (CAANH) and funding from the Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities (CTCDD) to provide info sessions to show people how Assistive Technology can boost independence for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD), seniors, and adults!
The AT That Rock sessions were more than just informational, they were interactive, hands-on opportunities for individuals with differing abilities, seniors, caregivers, and families to explore tools and technologies to enhance their independence, communication, mobility, and overall quality of life.
These interactive sessions will be included in an upcoming short film featuring our AT efforts so stay tuned!
Jamie Martin receives the 2025 Innovative Initiatives Award!
This April, Jamie Martin, Lumibility’s Assistive Technology (AT) Manager, was honored at the State of Connecticut Council on Developmental Services’ 4th Annual Legislative Breakfast & Awards Ceremony, held at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. She received the 2025 Innovative Initiatives Award for enhancing independence through assistive technology!
Lumibility partners with Yale School of Medicine!
We are proud to share that we have been in an ongoing partnership with the Yale School of Medicine. As part of this partnership, individuals from our Adult Services Programs were invited to contribute their personal stories and experiences. Their stories are helping future health professionals learn how to build trust and provide more effective care to individuals with differing abilities.
Community Partner Spotlight: Pat Munger Construction Company, Inc.
At Lumibility, our work is made stronger through the power of partnership. In every program, event, and initiative, we are fortunate to collaborate with community partners who share our commitment to enhancing skills and transforming lives. This issue, we ’ re proud to introduce our Community Partner Spotlight featuring Pat Munger Construction Company, Inc.
Over the years, our partnership with Munger Construction has been a very positive experience. Their team takes the time to understand the needs of the individuals we support and thoughtfully incorporates those needs into each phase of the design and construction process. They help us create spaces that are aligned with our mission.
Thank you, Munger Construction, for your continued partnership and commitment to creating spaces where our mission can thrive.
AWord From Munger:
“Our partnership with Lumibility reflects what we value most at Pat Munger Construction Company, Inc.: helping build spaces that serve people and strengthen communities. For over two decades, we ’ ve worked alongside Lumibility’s team to create environments where individuals with intellectual and developmental differences feel supported, empowered, and included.
Lumibility brings thoughtfulness, clarity, and compassion to every project. The trust they place in us is something we hold with great respect. This relationship is a true reflection of one of our core values: ‘It’s not just business, it’s people.’ We’re proud to be part of the impact they make every day.” Pat Munger Construction Company,
THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS
We are grateful to the Frank Loomis Palmer Fund, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee, the Ensworth Charitable Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee, the American Savings Foundation, the Amity Club of New Haven, and the Chelsea Groton Foundation for their generous grants supporting our Kidsteps Early Intervention Program. Their grants are helping ensure that children receive the critical early supports they need to grow and thrive.
We also thank The Madison Foundation, the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, and the George A. & Grace L. Long Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Co-Trustee, for their generous grants supporting Lumibility’s Day Enrichment Programs in Westbrook, Madison, and North Haven.
This summer, we were honored to celebrate two participants in our Employment Program who were recognized by the Alexandra Dilger Award Fund at the Community Foundation of Middlesex County. The fund supports neurodiverse young adults as they pursue their educational and professional goals, and we are proud to see our participants’ hard work and determination celebrated through this meaningful recognition. Read more about this on page 20!
Small Gift, Big Impact: Join as a Monthly Donor! BRIGHT FUTURES CREW
Join the Bright Futures Crew and Change Lives All Year Long!
When you become a monthly donor, you ’ re not just giving, you ’ re becoming part of something bigger. As a member of Lumibility’s Bright Futures Crew, your support helps create meaningful, lasting change every single day.
Your monthly gift helps provide early intervention for children, giving them the tools they need to thrive. It fosters opportunities for adults with differing abilities to learn new skills, build confidence, and enjoy enriching experiences in their communities. For families, your support brings peace of mind, reminding them they’re not alone because you ’ re standing with them.
Giving monthly is easy, impactful, and deeply appreciated. No matter the amount, even just $10 a month, your commitment helps ensure Lumibility can be there for those who need us most not just today, but every day.
Join the Crew, brighten the future, and make your kindness go further month after month!
We love hearing from the individuals and families we support! If you have a story about how Lumibility has made a difference in your life, or the life of someone you care about, we’d love to hear it. Your story could be featured in an upcoming newsletter or on our website.
Email us at marketing@lumibility.org to share your experience!
A Family’s Sweet Summer Milestone
We recently heard from one of our alumni families, who reached out to share a heartwarming update. They enjoyed a successful family outing to their local ice cream shop, an experience that holds special significance. During their time working with our agency, this family set a meaningful goal: to enjoy community outings together, like getting ice cream on a warm summer day. Through collaborative work and consistent practice, we developed strategies to support their child in navigating new environments and engaging positively with others.
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They were thrilled to share that these strategies continue to make a lasting impact. On their recent trip, the family experienced minimal challenging behaviors. Their child participated joyfully in the outing and greeted familiar shop clerks with a cheerful wave and a happy “hi.”
We love hearing from families we ’ ve worked with and seeing how their children continue to thrive. These moments, big or small, are reminders of the lasting impact early support can have. Whether it’s a wave to a friendly face or a smooth, joy-filled outing, every story shared helps inspire our team and affirms the importance of the work we do together.
More Summer Successes From Our Kidsteps Families
Fun At The Beach!
With support from early intervention, one family celebrated a huge win, bringing their 22-month-old and 8-month-old to the beach for the first time! By understanding and honoring their toddler’s sensory preferences, the team helped the family prepare with strategies that made the outing possible and enjoyable for everyone.
Disney Dream Comes True
A family recently took a trip to Disney. With the support of personalized behavioral strategies and tools created with the early intervention team, their child was able to manage transitions and enjoy the family trip with confidence and joy.
Social Engagement at Child Care
A child who once felt overwhelmed during group art activities now joins his peers at child care. With the support of coaching from his primary provider, his teacher has created motivating and comfortable experiences where he can participate and thrive.
Three Kidsteps Team Members Complete The CT Early Childhood Intervention Leadership Academy From UConn!
We’re proud to share that Emily Schernau, Reagan Wentzell, Kidsteps Team Managers, and Jennifer Michael, Kidsteps Regional Operations Manager, recently completed the nine-month long Connecticut Early Childhood Intervention Leadership Academy, a professional development program designed to cultivate innovative leaders in early childhood intervention.
The program is offered through UConn and supports professionals working in programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), aiming to foster innovation and leadership. It aims to develop leaders in early childhood intervention who will bring innovation and sustained leadership to these programs.
As part of their certificate, each person or group presented a self-developed capstone project focused on solving real-world challenges within their programs, demonstrating their leadership and commitment to improving services for young children and families.
Emily & Reagan: Increasing Self-Referrals in Early Interventi
This presentation examined the current barriers preventing families from self-referring to Connecticut’s Early Intervention services. It explored how misconceptions, limited communit awareness, and even misinformation within medical settings can contribute to delayed referrals. They also explored strategies to promote self-referral and strengthen collaboratio with community partners to improve access to these essential services.
...continued on page 15
UConn Leadership Academy Continued..
Jennifer: Beyond the Signature: Increasing meaningful father engagement in Early Intervention
This capstone explored the underrepresentation of fathers in early intervention and the systemic patterns that may contribute to their exclusion. Drawing on personal and professional experiences, it highlighted the need for intentional provider practices and professional development that supports inclusive family engagement.
Congratulations again to Emily, Jennifer, and Reagan!
How to Request an Evaluation
To request a Birth to Three early intervention evaluation, you can do ONE of the following:
1.Call the toll-free intake phone number at Child Development Infoline at 1-800-5057000
2.Complete the online referral form on the Birth to Three System website: www.birth23.org
3.Download the referral form from the Birth to Three website and fax your referral to 1800-571-6853
If you would like Kidsteps to conduct the evaluation, please specify our name when you go through the intake process. Without this request, your child will automatically be placed with the next available program in your town based on the existing rotation schedule. For any inquiries, don't hesitate to reach out to us at 203-453-7592.
ADULT SERVICES
EmploymentHighlights
Lera’s impact at Ronald McDonald House
Once a week, Lera volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) in New Haven, a place that offers accommodation to individuals with chronic medical conditions who cannot afford hospital stays. She receives support through Lumibility’s Individualized Supported Employment (ISE) Program.
Here’s a look at what Lera has contributed as a volunteer at Ronald McDonald House! At RMH, Lera contributes to creating a clean and welcoming environment by maintaining the hallways and ensuring the cafeteria furniture is spotless and inviting. She often brings doughnuts for the staff and residents as a kind gesture. On several occasions, Lera has created encouragement cards for the residents, and she even made
Henry’s Passion Through Volunteering
With warm weather upon us, Henry, supported by our Individualized Day Community Group Supported Employment (IDC-GSE) program, has been enthusiastic about being at the Guilford Community Garden, where he enjoys planting for the season. Whether the skies are sunny or gray, Henry shows up with a smile.
Gardening has become more than just a hobby for Henry; it’s a source of joy, pride, and connection. He looks forward to each visit, preparing the soil, and eagerly checking on the progress of the plants. The garden has not only provided a chance for him to develop hands-on skills but also a way to build relationships with others in the community.
What is Individualized Day Community—Group Supported Employment (IDC-GSE)?
The IDC-GSE program offers personalized support for individuals as they embark on their employment journey. Receiving 1:1 support, individuals work closely with staff to explore various job opportunities through volunteer experiences. Staff assist individuals in developing resumes and researching potential jobs of interest. This program prepares individuals before transitioning to the Individualized Supported Employment (ISE) program.
What is Individualized Supported Employment (ISE)?
Individualized Supported Employment (ISE) services are programs designed for individuals ready to secure and maintain competitive employment. This program uses a 1:1 structure with an Employment Specialist. A typical day can include preparing resumes, attending interviews, and submitting job applications.
Once an individual secures meaningful employment, they transition to receiving on-thejob support from an Employment Specialist. As their confidence increases and they master their new job, their on-the-job support will be adjusted to reflect their independence in the role.
Gianna receives the Alexandra Dilger Award!
This year, Gianna was one of two Lumibility individuals honored with an Alexandra Dilger Award for Neurodiverse Young Adults, through the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, in support of her studies in the culinary arts, specifically cake design.
What is the Alexandra Dilger Award Fund?
The Alexandra Dilger Award Fund was established in honor of Alexandra Dilger, a woman who lived a rich and fulfilling life despite facing personal challenges. One of her aspirations was to find meaningful employment where she could truly excel. With the support of A Little Compassion/The Nest, a Deep River nonprofit that offers authentic and enriching employment and social opportunities for neurodiverse young adults. Alexandra was able to pursue that goal. In her memory, the Dilger family created this fund as a lasting tribute and as a way to support other neurodiverse young adults navigating similar challenges related to intellectual and developmental disabilities. Learn more about the story and purpose behind the Alexandra Dilger Award Fund by clicking here!
Fun Friday with LUMIBIL-AT
Individuals in our Employment programs participate in Fun Friday, which is hosted by Lumibil-AT, Lumibility’s Assistive Technology Program. Thanks to an AT Innovations grant from the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services, we were able to purchase this exciting equipment.
Virtual reality is a new frontier in Assistive Technology. It provides people with a lowrisk way to learn and practice, whether that’s crossing the street, learning kitchen safety, or rehearsing for interviews. We’re just starting to tap into its potential.
1. Desktop VR: This type of VR is experienced through a computer screen. Users interact with the virtual environment using a keyboard, mouse, or other input devices. It's often used for educational and therapeutic applications.
2. Immersive VR: Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs): Devices like the Meta Quest 3 provide a fully immersive experience, where users wear a headset that covers their eyes and ears, creating a 360-degree virtual environment. This type is highly effective for rehabilitation and training
3. Web-Based VR: Accessible through web browsers, this type of VR allows users to experience virtual environments without needing specialized hardware.
EnrichmentHighlights
Lumibility Celebrated Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Day!
This May, Lumibility had a great time participating in the 2nd Annual Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Day at Camp Harkness, hosted by the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services. This much-anticipated event is a joyful celebration of inclusion, community, and the remarkable individuals we serve every day. Individuals from our Westbrook Enrichment Program also joined in the fun by participating in engaging activities, such as exploring the sensory garden, taking a scenic train ride to the beach, dancing with DJ Joe, and checking out the food trucks. It was a joyful and memorable day, and we ’ re already looking forward to next year ’ s Annual Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Day!
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) Awareness Day was observed on March 23rd this year. It's a day dedicated to supporting, advocating for, and celebrating individuals with I/DD and their families. This important day highlights the achievements, talents, and unique contributions of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, while also raising awareness.
Madison’s Monthly Mission to Give Back To Their Communities
Each month, individuals from our Madison Enrichment Program proudly volunteer with the Madison Senior Center to support their Meals on Wheels program.
Individuals assist with a variety of tasks, from organizing, packing bags to riding along on delivery routes and offering a warm smile and friendly conversation to those receiving meals.
It’s a meaningful opportunity for individuals to give back, build valuable life skills, and experience a strong sense of purpose through service. Whether they’re helping to load the delivery van or personally delivering meals to local families, each participant plays a vital role in the success.
Meals on Wheels is just one of the many meaningful ways individuals in our Enrichment Programs volunteer their time and give back to the community. Through opportunities like this, individuals build confidence, develop valuable life skills, and experience the joy of making a positive impact.
Click the image to watch the video!
North Haven’s 2nd Annual Memorial Day Cookout!
This May, our North Haven Enrichm Program had its 2 Annual Memor Cookout! While the delicious food certainly a highlight, the fun didn’t nd stop there.
The day was packed with outdoor g and activities that had everyone mo and mingling. From bowling and co to music and dancing, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
With each passing year, the cookout becomes more than just a gathering. It has become a cherished tradition that strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories with friends and Lumibility staff.
Westbrook Enrichment Program
Embraces Summer with Fun-Filled Community Outings
With the warm weather here, individuals from our Westbrook Enrichment Program are making the most of the sunshine by participating in a variety of exciting community outings. These trips not only offer a chance to enjoy the outdoors but also provide meaningful opportunities for social connection, exploration, and fun.
Individuals have visited several local favorites, including a lively round of Mini-Golf at Saybrook Point, a peaceful stroll through the scenic Lavender Pond Farm, and a cozy visit to Syd’s Book Shack, where they browsed books and enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere. Each outing offers something unique—whether it’s friendly competition, a sensory experience in nature, or the quiet joy of discovering a new book.
These community-based experiences are an important part of the Enrichment Program, encouraging individuals to engage with the world around them, build confidence in new settings, and create lasting memories with peers and staff.
Click this image to watch the video!
Click this image to watch the video!
JOIN OUR TEAM!
At Lumibility, we ’ re proud to provide the highest-quality services to more than 2,100 children and adults with differing abilities across Connecticut, but it’s our team who makes that possible. We’re thankful for the compassionate, creative, and dedicated individuals who bring our mission to life every day. If you ’ re looking to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to explore opportunities to join us.
- KIDSTEPS
turedPositions
SITIONAL SERVICES JOB COACH
ooking to hire a Transitional Services Job Coach. In this will provide supervision, support and training to people ering abilities served by Lumibility through struction.
ATHOLOGIST
We are looking to hire Speech-Language Patho the state of Connecticut. In this role, you will be assessing children and families to assist with the development, implementation, and review of cu that will meet the individual developmental nee children and their families.
Click here to view our openings!
