ARTICLE
182 Wolfpit Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851 | 203.846.9581 | starct.org Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter Member Profile | Member Since 1978 STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way is a not–for-profit organization established in 1952 to serve individuals of all ages who are impacted by intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in Fairfield County as well as providing support services to their families. STAR creates opportunities for individuals to live full lives with independence, freedom of choice and personal growth by providing support, services and advocacy. STAR informs and encourages the community to recognize and appreciate the value of all individuals. STAR is the only affiliated chapter of The Arc in Fairfield County. The Arc is an advocacy and informational agency benefitting people with intellectual disabilities on state and national levels. STAR EMPLOYMENT SERVICES STAR connects individuals with developmental disabilities to employer partners that provide them with opportunities to grow, utilize their skills, earn income, interact and contribute to the community around them. They receive training and support wherever and however it is needed, whether that is one-on-one supervision with a STAR employment specialist who provides on-the-job support, group supervision and support in an enclave employment situation, transportation to and from the job, completely independent work responsibilities or volunteer opportunities that build skills and experience. We are very proud of all our STARS. For information about partnering with STAR, contact Kari Ryan at 203-846-9581 x313 or kryan@starct.org. PROGRAMS & SERVICES Programs for Infants & Toddlers at STAR's Rubino Family Center Beginning with infants and toddlers with special needs, STAR Rubino Family Center's team of certified teachers and therapists provide early intervention services in the home, daycare center, preschool, and other community settings. Services focus on helping the family to help their child within the family's daily routine, culture, values and priorities. Therapeutic, educational and social services are offered to meet the development and health needs of their child. Family Support Services STAR provides families with flexible supports of their choosing at times that they need them in order to assist their children with their roles, activities and responsibilities within the family. Formal programs and professional services, as well as the informal support available from extended family, friends, neighbors and community members are utilized. Parent education and training is also provided. Senior Services STAR helps seniors with developmental disabilities to continue to build their interpersonal relationship skills, make new friends and utilize communication skills while encouraging them to participate more fully in community life. Day Services Each year, individuals receive job training from STAR and they are supported at local corporations and businesses, where they earn competitive wages and benefits. Employment Services STAR provides training and job opportunities to individuals with developmental disabilities so that they are able to participate with greater independence and self-sufficiency in the community. We offer employment training and placement, as well as opportunities to work in area businesses or with STAR’s fulfillment services or work crews. Residential Services Approximately 70 individuals are supported each year living in STAR operated Group Homes and Supported Apartments. Individuals receive training, supervision and support in order to live full and productive lives. Recreation Services STAR helps individuals with developmental disabilities to safely enjoy themselves by participating in recreational activities that build their interpersonal relationship skills, help them to make new friends and utilize communication skills while encouraging them to participate more fully in community life. Supported Independent Living Services Independent living provides opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities to design their own lives. Support provided by STAR allows them to develop and utilize their daily living skills, work skills, interpersonal relationship skills and community involvement creating a reality of inclusion and self sufficiency. Advocacy, Case Management, and Transportation Services All participants of STAR programs receive coordinated case management, social services and advocacy. Transportation is available to and from STAR programs for eligible participants. Accessibility Compliance Policy: It is the policy of STAR to provide equal employment opportunities and promote the means for accessibility to programs for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, veteran status or disability. STAR actively pursues and annually evaluates all its programs, services, and facilities to eliminate physical, attitudinal, architectural, communication, environmental, financial, transportation and employment barriers. Sibshops Siblings of those with intellectual disabilities are a very important part of the family, and crucial to positive family dynamics and the life of the person with an intellectual disability! This program for siblings (ages 8-13) of a special needs brother or sister validates that special role and strengthens the sibling relationship as well as the lifelong family bond. For more information about STAR’s programs for infants, children and adults with developmental disabilities, please contact:Katie Banzhaf, Executive Director kbanzhaf@starct.org (203) 846-9581.
182 Wolfpit Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851 | 203.846.9581 | starct.org Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter Member Profile | Member Since 1978
STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way is a not–for-profit organization established in 1952 to serve individuals of all ages who are impacted by intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in Fairfield County as well as providing support services to their families. STAR creates opportunities for individuals to live full lives with independence, freedom of choice and personal growth by providing support, services and advocacy. STAR informs and encourages the community to recognize and appreciate the value of all individuals. STAR is the only affiliated chapter of The Arc in Fairfield County. The Arc is an advocacy and informational agency benefitting people with intellectual disabilities on state and national levels. STAR EMPLOYMENT SERVICES STAR connects individuals with developmental disabilities to employer partners that provide them with opportunities to grow, utilize their skills, earn income, interact and contribute to the community around them. They receive training and support wherever and however it is needed, whether that is one-on-one supervision with a STAR employment specialist who provides on-the-job support, group supervision and support in an enclave employment situation, transportation to and from the job, completely independent work responsibilities or volunteer opportunities that build skills and experience. We are very proud of all our STARS. For information about partnering with STAR, contact Kari Ryan at 203-846-9581 x313 or kryan@starct.org.
PROGRAMS & SERVICES
Programs for Infants & Toddlers at STAR's Rubino Family Center Beginning with infants and toddlers with special needs, STAR Rubino Family Center's team of certified teachers and therapists provide early intervention services in the home, daycare center, preschool, and other community settings. Services focus on helping the family to help their child within the family's daily routine, culture, values and priorities. Therapeutic, educational and social services are offered to meet the development and health needs of their child. Family Support Services STAR provides families with flexible supports of their choosing at times that they need them in order to assist their children with their roles, activities and responsibilities within the family. Formal programs and professional services, as well as the informal support available from extended family, friends, neighbors and community members are utilized. Parent education and training is also provided. Senior Services STAR helps seniors with developmental disabilities to continue to build their interpersonal relationship skills, make new friends and utilize communication skills while encouraging them to participate more fully in community life. Day Services Each year, individuals receive job training from STAR and they are supported at local corporations and businesses, where they earn competitive wages and benefits. Employment Services STAR provides training and job opportunities to individuals with developmental disabilities so that they are able to participate with greater independence and self-sufficiency in the community. We offer employment training and placement, as well as opportunities to work in area businesses or with STAR’s fulfillment services or work crews. Residential Services Approximately 70 individuals are supported each year living in STAR operated Group Homes and Supported Apartments. Individuals receive training, supervision and support in order to live full and productive lives. Recreation Services STAR helps individuals with developmental disabilities to safely enjoy themselves by participating in recreational activities that build their interpersonal relationship skills, help them to make new friends and utilize communication skills while encouraging them to participate more fully in community life. Supported Independent Living Services Independent living provides opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities to design their own lives. Support provided by STAR allows them to develop and utilize their daily living skills, work skills, interpersonal relationship skills and community involvement creating a reality of inclusion and self sufficiency. Advocacy, Case Management, and Transportation Services All participants of STAR programs receive coordinated case management, social services and advocacy. Transportation is available to and from STAR programs for eligible participants. Accessibility Compliance Policy: It is the policy of STAR to provide equal employment opportunities and promote the means for accessibility to programs for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, veteran status or disability. STAR actively pursues and annually evaluates all its programs, services, and facilities to eliminate physical, attitudinal, architectural, communication, environmental, financial, transportation and employment barriers. Sibshops Siblings of those with intellectual disabilities are a very important part of the family, and crucial to positive family dynamics and the life of the person with an intellectual disability! This program for siblings (ages 8-13) of a special needs brother or sister validates that special role and strengthens the sibling relationship as well as the lifelong family bond. For more information about STAR’s programs for infants, children and adults with developmental disabilities, please contact:Katie Banzhaf, Executive Director kbanzhaf@starct.org (203) 846-9581.