Chaleski Tours Ability Beyond Intermediate Care Facility in Danbury

**News Release Submitted by Connecticut House Republicans**

July 22, 2024

Tucked away on a quiet street in Danbury, the nonprofit Ability Beyond operates an intermediate care facility. State Representative Rachel Chaleski (R-138) wanted to learn more about how one of the largest providers of disability services in the state cares for people in the community and was invited to tour one of the 30 homes the Bethel-based 501(c)3 nonprofit operates in Danbury.

"One of the challenges I'm hearing about from Ability Beyond leaders, and those nonprofits doing similar work, is that there are more training and requirements, and more liability for staff today than ever," said Chaleski. "Many people who work for nonprofits in Fairfield County have a hard time affording the cost of living, finding efficient transportation, housing, and available daycare. I'm hoping that at least one of those challenges can be eased with a bill I helped to craft aimed at bolstering the early childcare sector. While we made COVID-era telehealth policies permanent in Connecticut, which will help facilitate residents’ physical and mental healthcare needs, Ability Beyond serves clients in neighboring New York and I hope to lend my support to further expanding these services."

The home toured by Chaleski is semi-accessible, meaning that it's one level, but there are limitations in that accessibility. The transition from one flooring type to the next can cause mobility issues. In older homes there are also slimmer hallways and many more angles than in new construction making it difficult for modern wheelchairs to get around. Ability Beyond is looking to make renovations and other residential projects.

Ability Beyond offers several levels of services. Supportive services are offered in-home for clients with limited needs. The next level of care is a community living arrangement, and finally intermediate care facilities offering 24/7 staffing, nursing, behavioral support, and speech, physical and occupational therapies.

"Families can rely on Ability Beyond for long into adulthood. These facilities really help I/DD clients to age in place in the communities that they've known their whole lives," said Chaleski.

The organization was started in the 1950s by a group of families who had children with intellectual disabilities, and the only option at that time was placement at institutions across the state. These families wanted their kids closer to home and in their own communities. Ability Beyond started with day programs and evolved to serve people with developmental challenges. Their Pathways program is award winning and prepares clients for the workforce.

Ability Beyond provides services to more than 3,000 people across Connecticut and New York.