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Challenge The Status Quo.
Evelyn Kennedy Did, In A Big Way.

Imagine you have a young son who you adore. But, you’ve been told by your doctor that you should institutionalize him. Then, you should forget you ever had him. And it’s not just the opinion of that one doctor. It’s the general view of society. In 1951, Evelyn Kennedy thought this was ridiculous, and believed that there must be others out there who agreed. That’s where our story begins.


Seven Decades of Doing Special Things

Black and white image of children sitting in classroom at desks.

1951

Responsible for the first public school classes for children with cognitive disabilities in New England.

Black and white photo of an original facility of the program.

1956

New England’s first parent-sponsored, public school facility for children with cognitive disabilities, on Williams Street in Bridgeport.

Black and white photo of educators and children doing activities.

1956

Wrote Connecticut legislation that made it mandatory for school systems to provide educational services for children with cognitive disabilities. This became instrumental in the establishment of the Connecticut Council for Retarded Children, and later Connecticut’s Division of Developmental Service (DDS).

Black and white photo of Evelyn Kennedy.

1959

Founder, Evelyn Kennedy, is appointed by the Governor to the Connecticut Council on Mental Retardation.

Black and white photo of group of adults singing and playing piano.

1964

Opens the first group home licensed by the Department of Mental Retardation for adults with disabilities.

Black and white photo of woman with chefs hat working in kitchen.

1966

Opens the first residential group home for women, at Maridot Manor.