Access Independence

08/12/2026

We are collecting backpacks to distribute to the community in partnership with DanburyWORKS at their annual Party on the Patio community event. To learn more, visit: https://www.unitedwaycwc.org/blog/back-school-supply-drives

08/12/2026

08/12/2026

The Replenish Project is officially over halfway to its goal of providing school supplies to 500 students! Thanks to the generosity of community members, businesses, and organizations more than half of the goal has already been reached! Donations of new or gently used school supplies, backpacks and monetary contributions are being accepted through Thursday, August 20. Every donation, big or small, helps make sure local students have the supplies they need for a successful school year! 🍎📚✏️

School supplies can be dropped off during regular business hours at:
📍Bridgeport Public Library - North Branch (3455 Madison Ave)
📍Bridgeport Public Library - Beardsley Branch (2536 East Main St)
📍Durango Insurance - Bridgeport Branch (2574 Main St)
📍Durango Insurance - New Haven Branch (266 Grand Ave, New Haven)

Distribution Day
📅 Saturday, August 22
🕑 12 PM - 2 PM
📍68 Omega Ave - Hallen School

08/06/2026

🌟 Looking to meet new people, build confidence, and connect with others who understand your journey? 🌟

Access Independence is excited to introduce our new Mentor Program, designed to connect individuals with disabilities through peer support and shared experiences.

This monthly virtual program is designed to help participants:
🤝 Build meaningful peer connections
💬 Learn from shared experiences
🎯 Develop skills in advocacy, goal setting, and independent living
🌱 Grow in confidence while supporting one another

📅 Registration Deadline: August 24, 2026

💻 First Meeting: September 21, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST

Whether you're looking for guidance, encouragement, or simply a community that understands, we'd love to have you join us!

📞 203-378-6977
🌐 www.accessinct.org
📧 [email protected]

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post with anyone who may be interested!

07/01/2026

We will be experiencing a heatwave over the next few days. Below are some cooling centers in Stratford.

Based on the current forecast, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an Extreme Heat Watch for most of our area, including Stratford, for Wednesday through Friday. NWS has placed all of Connecticut in the Major Heat Risk Category, which is one step below the highest level of Extreme. As a result, Governor Ned Lamont is activating the State’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol, and the Town of Stratford is activating its Extreme Heat Protocol from Wednesday, July 1, at 8:00 am until Sunday, July 5, at 6:00 pm.

I urge everyone to stay safe and be smart during this Extreme Heat Watch. I’ve activated Stratford’s cooling centers from Wednesday through Sunday to ensure everyone has somewhere cool to go during this long stretch of severely hot and humid weather. I know that many people will be out and about during the July 4th holiday weekend, and I encourage everyone to stay hydrated and in air-conditioned environments as much as possible. Please avoid outdoor yard work and activities during peak temperatures and direct sun exposure, also remember to check on family, friends and neighbors during the next several days, especially older adults or those prone to heat-related health problems, as heat index values of this kind can cause heat-related illnesses.

The weather forecast shows temperatures warming each day, with 90+ highs from Wednesday through Saturday. Heat peaks are expected on Thursday and Friday, with temperatures ranging from 95 to 100 degrees and heat indices potentially reaching 110 degrees.

Stratford cooling center availability will be as follows:

1.) Town of Stratford Birdseye Municipal Complex: 468 Birdseye St.
Wednesday: 8 am to 9 pm
Thursday: 8 am to 6 pm
Friday through Sunday: Closed for the Independence Day Holiday

2.) Stratford YMCA: 3045 Main St.
Wednesday: 5:30 am to 9 pm
Thursday: 5:30 am to 9 pm
Friday: 5:30 am to 7 pm
Saturday: 7 am to 1 pm

Residents who need additional resources, such as overnight sheltering, transportation assistance or other social services, should call 2-1-1 or visit www.211ct.org for statewide cooling center information. If you or anyone is experiencing a heat-related emergency or any other emergency, do not hesitate to call 9-1-1.

Stratford Health Department Stratford CT Police Department Stratford CT Fire Department Stratford Community Services Stratford YMCA - Stratford, CT Sterling Community Center Celebrate Stratford

07/01/2026

Stratford has initiated its cooling center protocol due to extreme heat in the forecast, officials announced. Read details here.

07/01/2026

We’re excited that Stop & Shop has selected our organization to benefit from the Community Bag Program! Throughout July, we will receive a $1 donation for every $2.50 reusable Community Bag purchased at the Stop & Shop located at 200 East Main Street, Stratford.

06/11/2026

Access Independence is excited to offer a Driver’s Permit Study Group beginning July 7 at 2:00 PM! This supportive and accessible group is designed to help individuals with disabilities prepare for the Connecticut learner’s permit exam.

Participants will have the option to attend either in person or virtually, allowing everyone to learn in the format that works best for them.

Email [email protected] or call 203-378-6977 to learn more about this study group or to register.

06/09/2026

Support Access Independence this July, one bag at a time!

We're excited to share that Access Independence has once again been selected as a nonprofit partner in the Stop & Shop Community Bag Program!

For every $2.50 reusable Community Bag purchased during the month of July 2026 at the Stop & Shop located at 200 East Main Street, Stratford, CT, Access Independence will receive $1.

It's an easy way to support our mission while helping reduce waste in our community. Every bag purchased makes a difference! You can support Access Independence by visiting Stop & Shop on 200 East Main Street, Stratford, CT.

Thank you for supporting Access Independence and helping us continue empowering individuals with disabilities to live independently.