Abilities Without Boundaries

Abilities Without Boundaries place clients in jobs in the community. Photo Credit: Abilities Without Boundaries

Adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities are no different than anyone else in their desire to lead productive and fulfilling lives. But opportunities for employment are often too few. For more than 30 years, a Cheshire-based organization has been overcoming this hurdle for the benefit of both adults with disabilities and area employers.

"Our individuals are a great choice for a variety of jobs," says Abilities Without Boundaries Executive Director Kevin Cassesse.

Abilities Without Boundaries is a day center for differently-abled adults that teaches life skills, offers recreation and music therapy, walking groups, and other activities in addition to job placement and community services. It was started in the 1970s by a group of concerned parents. For many years, the organization was known as COCO (Cheshire Occupational & Career Opportunities) until it changed its name in 2011.

The organization is referred clients from the Department of Developmental Services. In addition to state funding, Abilities Without Boundaries relies on private donations. Every fall it holds its annual Hot Coco 5k and Kids Fun Run, taking place this year on November 19th. The nonprofit has also received support through The Great Give®.

Abilities Without Boundaries has a family atmosphere, with some clients who have been coming for two or more decades, Cassesse says. Those with the ability to work are placed in a range of job settings including janitorial services, shredding, mailing, and landscaping.

"We have the most amazing people. We just ask people in the community to give us a chance," says Cassesse.

To learn more about the Abilities Without Boundaries and support its mission, visit its profile on giveGreater.org®.

Did you Know?

Intellectual disability is a disability characterized by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning (reasoning, learning, problem-solving) and in adaptive behavior, which covers a range of everyday social and practical skills. This disability originates before the age of 18.

Source: American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.