Hospital for Special Care

04/02/2026

This past Saturday, we hosted an ASHA CEU event, AAC Unlocked: Basics, Best Tools & the Vendors Who Make It Possible. Kim Winter, M.A., CCC-SLP, lead therapist in our neuromuscular clinic, and Adriana Najar, M.S., CCC-SLP, lead therapist in our autism program, provided an informative presentation to 50 pediatric and adult SLPs from Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island who work across the continuum of care.

Topics included the AAC evaluation process, technology, and funding options, as well as how to implement tools and resources into practice. Eight local vendors were also present to share information for how their company can aid in the evaluation and treatment of individuals who benefit from alternative augmentative communication.

We are so proud of our HFSC therapists who go above and beyond the call of care and for presenting at this conference. Given the success of the event, the speech therapy department is looking into hosting a future conference going more into depth on the topics discussed Saturday, so stay tuned!

04/01/2026

April is Autism Acceptance Month 💙

April serves as a reminder to listen, learn, and celebrate the unique strengths and perspectives of individuals on the autism spectrum. While awareness is just the starting point, it's acceptance, inclusion, and understanding that truly create a meaningful impact.

Let’s work together to foster environments where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported, regardless of their diagnosis. Hospital for Special Care proudly celebrates those with autism this month and every month.

03/30/2026

03/30/2026

Today, we proudly celebrate National Doctors’ Day and honor the extraordinary doctors who bring skill, compassion, and hope to every patient they serve.

At Hospital for Special Care, our doctors go beyond treatment. They listen, they support, and they make a lasting difference in the lives of our patients and their families every single day.

To our HFSC doctors: thank you for your dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to care. We are grateful for all that you do. 💙

03/27/2026

When you race the MahoneySabol, CPAs and Advisors 5K at the Travelers Championship on Sat, April 25, you're racing to raise funds that help us provide exceptional complex care for patients living with a rare neuromuscular disease. 🧬

Visit https://www.hartfordmarathon.com/mahoneysabol-5k-at-the-travelers-championship/ to save your place at the starting line!

03/26/2026

Meet the Ryan Martin Foundation, a true partner to HFSC! 🏀️ Born with Spina Bifida, Ryan became a pro wheelchair basketball player and founded his own foundation to help youth and wounded soldiers with disabilities succeed on and off the court.

This weekend, their junior team ranked #16 in the country at Nationals! We're so proud of the team and grateful to sponsors, parents, and supporters who helped them shine. 🙏️ Good luck to the seniors who will be continuing their academic and athletic careers next fall!

03/25/2026

It's a hole-in-one for adaptive sports! ⛳ Join us May 4th at the Ivan Lendl Golf Classic, benefitting our Ivan Lendl Adaptive Sports Camp. Swing high with TPC River Highlands' exceptional hospitality on the course known for its annual Travelers Championship excitement.

➡ Learn about registration options by visiting https://HFSCLendlGolf.givesmart.com. Your sponsorship helps us offer adaptive sports camp and year-round adaptive recreational activities at no cost - ever! - to participants and their families.

03/24/2026

⁉️ Did you know that older adults with higher levels of physical activity showed slower rates of cognitive decline than their peers who were less active?

🧠 Join us for April’s Aging and Brain Health Lunch & Learn, Everyday Moves for Mind and Body Fitness on April 2 from 11:30 AM-12:30 PM! Led by Dorothy Villano, DPT, this session will help you incorporate mindful movement into your daily life to support physical strength, mental clarity, and overall wellness.

🤝 A light complimentary lunch will be provided, and staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide tours. Save your seat now by calling 860-827-1958 ext. 3204.

03/20/2026

📢 Come check out our table at the All Abilities Resource & Job Fair today until 4:00 PM at the New Britain Public Library!

We are helping empower individuals with disabilities by connecting them with local employers, providing opportunities to practice interview skills, network with community partners, and explore exciting career pathways.👏🏼

👋🏼While you're there, say hi to David, and make sure to pick up some free HFSC swag!

03/18/2026

Congratulations to Steve Wilcox, Mechanic II, on receiving February’s Most Valued Professional award! 🏆

Nominated by his manager, Linda Mulford, Steve was recognized for his dedication and drive specifically during the recent snowstorms. He worked tirelessly coordinating on-site snow removal to ensure the campus remained accessible for staff, first responders, and patients receiving care.

This is just one of many ways Steve demonstrates HFSC’s core values of caring, integrity, and pursuit of excellence every day. “He comes to work each day with a positive attitude and willingness to perform whatever tasks are needed and take on any role that is requested so that the grounds are safe and beautiful.”

03/17/2026

Carly Law, OTR/L, one of our incredible occupational therapists, was featured in the latest issue of American Association of Medical Assistants' Medical Assisting Today publication, where she shares her expertise on the importance of driving rehabilitation.

For many people recovering from stroke, brain injury, or neurological conditions, driving represents independence, confidence, and connection to their community. Carly highlights how specialized evaluation and training can help individuals safely return to the road. As Carly explains in the article: “Driving is one of the most complex instrumental activities of daily living. It requires the integration of vision, cognition, and motor skills to safely navigate the environment.”

Through comprehensive assessments, simulation training, and adaptive equipment trials, programs like HFSC’s Driving Rehabilitation Program help individuals determine readiness for driving and rebuild the skills needed for safe community mobility.

📖 Read the full article featuring Carly and other expert insights:
https://www.aama-ntl.org/docs/default-source/medical-assisting-today/2026/ma26/ma-today-marapr26-ce2-5.pdf?sfvrsn=243a7ad6_

03/16/2026

🏀 Come cheer on the home team at the Connecticut Spokebenders Wheelchair Basketball Team’s last home game, next Sunday, March 29.

We are proud to be the home court for one of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association’s longest running competitive wheelchair teams!

Mark your calendars!