Ability Connection has announced the launch of its summer program for teens with disabilities, Camp Connections.
Camp Connections provides a comprehensive, meaningful summer program designed for tweens and teenagers with intellectual and developmental disabilities ages 10-17, and also provides respite for caregivers.
It continues the mission of Ability Connection. In its seventh decade, it currently serves around 800 people across Texas, providing 24-hour care to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
But they also work with teens through after-school and spring break programs.
Last year, they received a grant from the Crystal Charity Ball to start a pilot version of the Camp Connections program. It went so well that they are expanding it to a full-scale program.
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"A lot of teens with intellectual (and other) disabilities tend to regress or lose some of the skills they develop during the school year," Jim Hanophy, Ability Connection president and CEO said.
Parents/guardians pick three goals for their tween or teen to concentrate on over the summer.
"In our pilot last year, it went exceptionally well," Hanophy said. "Our families were just thrilled with the results. We came close to meeting all the goals for all the kids for the summer."
This program will run on a full-day block schedule led by certified special education instructors, focusing on improving educational, vocational, and social skills in a safe and enriching environment.
Camp Connections will host two separate sessions from June 6 - July 1 and July 5 - July 29.
The program will take place at two locations, including Cochran Chapel Administration Building, as well as a second additional location that will be announced in the coming weeks.
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