Press Releases

    Ability Beyond Disability meets challenges head on

    Vice president positions provide dedicated focus on growth in two states

    BETHEL, Conn. -- Ability Beyond Disability has promoted Joan Volpe to Vice President of Services in the state of Connecticut and appointed Christine Reinhard as Vice President of Services in New York, it was announced by Thomas H. Fanning, President/CEO of the organization.

    The decision was made to have a Vice President dedicated to overseeing the services in each state. This change to the management structure was done to support the current and future goals set forth in Ability Beyond Disability’s Vision 2013 five year strategic plan and, at the same time, address the critical need to diversify funding sources in both Connecticut and New York in the face of such difficult economic times.

    In their new roles, Ms. Volpe and Ms. Reinhard will oversee the full scope of programs and services offered in their respective states, allowing the organization to better prepare for growth across two states that have very different regulations and laws.  Additionally, having a program focus that exists on a state by state basis will allow for more visibility and relationship building within the community.

    Ms. Volpe, resident of Danbury, CT has been with Ability Beyond Disability for eighteen years, most recently serving as Director of Services, overseeing the organization’s Day and Work services in both States. 

    “She played a leadership role in closing our sheltered workshop as the organization moved to offer only community-based services,” said Fanning.  “Joan brings strong management skills and a wealth of knowledge in service delivery for individuals with a wide range of disabilities to her new position,” he said. 

    Ms. Reinhard, resident of Croton-on-Hudson, NY comes to the organization from the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health where she served as Deputy Commissioner and has experience working in both the public and the private sector. 

    “Chris’s extensive experience, strong reputation and key relationships in New York will be invaluable as we continue to expand our services,” said Fanning.  “We are delighted that she is joining the Ability Beyond Disability family.”

    Through Vision 2013, Ability Beyond Disability is prepared to double the number of people it serves, by growing existing services and pursuing much-needed specialty services. Included in the plan is the development of facilities designed to meet the special needs of aging adults with disabilities, the substantial expansion of employment and supported living services and the growth of service sites for young adults and youth with disabilities. In addition to growth in services areas, Vision 2013 will also focus on strengthening and expanding its workforce, implementing new technologies to enhance the efficiency of service delivery and financing its future.

    Ability Beyond Disability is a 501{c} (3) organization headquartered in Bethel, Conn. and Mount Kisco, N.Y. It provides a wide range of services for approximately 1,000 people with a disability that inhibits their activities of daily living -- including numerous residential alternatives, employment training, career counseling, job placement services, cognitive and life skills instruction, clinical and therapeutic support, and volunteer and recreational activities. Today, its services extend far beyond the Danbury community into much of Connecticut and the Hudson Valley, New York. For more information about Ability Beyond Disability go to www.abilitybeyonddisability.org.
Meet Calvin “Calvin had just graduated from High School and was looking for support as he started his adult life working in the community. Ability Beyond Disability was able to help him. ”