Making an impact on the lives of those who are disabled is what you as a donor have achieved.  It is because of your thoughtfulness that we are able to touch so many lives.  One can say that certain circumstances dictate what is possible and what is not. Oak Hill has been able to make many possibilities into realities because of the support of our donors and friends.

Making possibilities . . . into realities!

Is it possible for one act of generosity to bring joy, independence, value and a sense of self worth and belonging to thousands of individuals? We know it is. Because we see it every day in the faces and lives of the people with disabilities we serve through Oak Hill.

One person can’t do it all. But one generous gift combined with another, and then another builds up the resources we use each year to provide medical equipment, assistive technology, school programs for children, supportive employment, residential living and meaningful interaction for people who are blind or disabled from birth to 100 years of age.

Oak Hill is the largest nonprofit provider of services to people with disabilities in Connecticut. After nearly 120 years of this tremendous honor and responsibility, we can say with assurance: Your giving matters!

Consider our impact through history — 

• 1960s – 70s: Concept of deinstitutionalization focuses on the return of individuals with disabilities to the community. Deinstitutionalization endorsed the closing of state institutions and promoted the establishment of community living. Oak Hill responded in 1978 by opening our first group home in the community, giving individuals with disabilities a higher quality of life enhanced through interaction with others. Today we provide residential services to over 400 individuals.

• 1975: Law Guarantees Free, Appropriate, Public Education for All Disabled Children. Oak Hill responded by expanding our educational programs to serve children with multiple disabilities as well as those who are blind. Over the years, community support has enabled us to provide children with a public education in the most inclusive environment possible. In 1976 Oak Hill School created a new model of education, subsequently embedding our classrooms into public school districts, which have created new opportunities for integration and interaction with non-disabled students.  Today, almost 100 children are enrolled in 10 classrooms throughout Connecticut. 

• 2010: Apple’s iDevice platform revolutionizes the world of Special Education by providing de-stigmatizing devices that serve as assistive technology. Oak Hill responded by teaming with Apple to provide training to teachers and individuals with disabilities. Since 2010 our training classes and mobile computer labs have provided professional training to 2,000 teachers, caregivers, people with disabilities and their families, clinicians, businesses, referral sources and state agencies. 

Please join us and others in supporting this year’s annual fundraising campaign by making a gift today. We take our responsibility for stewardship of your investment seriously. By giving to Oak Hill, you will improve the lives of people challenged by disabilities.

Your giving matters. Thank you for making a difference!