Abilities First LLC

01/15/2026

Our hearts are heavy with this loss. ❤️ Intesar was an amazing woman; kind and compassionate to everyone. When you talked with her, she made you feel that you were heard and that you were a priority. She was a passionate OT who was a strong advocate for all students. She was a great example to us all and she will be greatly missed! Her family is in our prayers 🙏

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our beloved colleague and friend, Intesar Taye, after a short but courageous fight with esophageal cancer. She was surrounded by her family and knew how deeply she was loved by the UCP community.

For more than three decades, Intesar dedicated herself to our mission, beginning her journey with UCP as a student and leaving behind an extraordinary legacy as a leader, mentor, and advocate for children with disabilities and their families. Her impact will continue for years to come.

Beyond her accomplishments, Intesar will be remembered for her warmth, humor, and the genuine care she showed to everyone she met. She had a rare gift for making people feel seen and supported.

Intesar will be deeply missed, and her legacy will live on through the work we do every day.

01/15/2026

Our Wolstein Center, Alternative Education, and LeafBridge West locations are CLOSED today due to snow.

We will reopen tomorrow.

Stay safe and warm!

01/08/2026

Winter can feel heavy, especially when you’re carrying a lot for your family. 💗

The Winter Blues is a free, virtual caregiver support group where you can connect with others who get it. Join CFK staff for a low-pressure evening to share your roses (joys), thorns (struggles) and buds (hopes) in a supportive, judgment-free space.

You’re welcome to talk, listen or just show up as you are.

🗓️ Monday, Jan. 26 at 7:00 p.m.
💻 Virtual

🔗 Register at connectingforkids.org/support

ID: Announcement for The Winter Blues, a free virtual caregiver support group hosted by Connecting for Kids, featuring an image of a caregiver sitting on a couch with a laptop and coffee mug. The graphic includes the event date and time of Monday, Jan. 26 at 7:00 p.m. and explains that participants will join CFK staff for monthly themed sessions to share roses (joys), thorns (struggles) and buds (hopes) to foster connection and support, with registration information listed as connectingforkids.org/support and a phone number.

12/01/2025

11/13/2025

🎤 Connecting for Kids Speaker Series: Join Jessica Esway, Director of Menlo Park Academy, as she helps families understand what it means to be gifted or twice-exceptional — and how to collaborate with schools to best support your child’s unique needs.

💡 Learn practical tips for building a supportive home environment, discover common pitfalls to avoid, and explore strategies for managing complex emotions.

📅 Tuesday, Nov. 18 | 🕡 6:30 p.m. | Westlake Porter Public Library

✨ Registration required and childcare available:
Register here: https://www.connectingforkids.org/event-6273336

11/13/2025

Connecting for Kids provides resources, support and community to families in Northeast Ohio who have concerns about their child. We serve all families, including those children with and without diagnoses.

11/13/2025

Wonderful opportunity to explore and meet new friends!

Looking for a calm, supportive space where your child can play, explore, and build social skills?

Our Adapted Playgroups are happening next week, and there’s still time to save your spot.

These small-group sessions are perfect for families who have concerns about their child’s development and want hands-on support from early childhood professionals. Designed for ages 18 months–6 years.

📅 November dates:
• Thu, Nov. 20 – 6:30 PM (Westlake)
• Fri, Nov. 21 – 10:30 AM (Westlake)
• Sat, Nov. 22 – 9:30 AM (Lakewood Main)

Free, registration required
🔗 connectingforkids.org/play

ID: Flier for Connecting for Kids’ Adapted Playgroups. At the top, the title reads “Adapted Playgroups – November 2025.” The left side lists session dates and times: Nov. 20 and 21 at Westlake Porter Public Library, and Nov. 22 at Lakewood Public Library, Main Library. A photo shows a young child holding up a lion toy for a caregiver to see. Text at the bottom notes “Free for families with children ages 18 mos–6 years. Registration required.” Website: connectingforkids.org/play.

10/31/2025

Truly a magical evening!❤️❤️🎃

10/14/2025

We look forward to seeing you and your child at our sensory friendly Trunk or Treat!🎃

🎃 Join Us for a Sensory-Friendly Trunk or Treat! 👻

UCP of Greater Cleveland is excited to host a Trunk or Treat at our newest location (formerly Abilities First) at 3301 Wooster Road, Rocky River on Saturday, October 25 from 4:30–6:30 PM!

✨ This fun and inclusive event is designed especially for children and adolescents with special needs. It’s sensory-friendly, safe, and will be held indoors in case of rain.

🍬 We’re looking for:
- Volunteers to help pass out candy
- Families interested in signing up their children for a spook-tacular time!

📞 To register or volunteer, call 440-333-1880 today!

Let’s make this Halloween magical for everyone! 🎃🧡

09/10/2025

As parents, we know self-care is tough to prioritize. That’s why our caregiver support groups are designed to make it easy:

💻 Virtual: Join from home, in your PJs, or even from the car while the kids are at practice — no judgment here.

📆 Regular: Always scheduled for the last Monday of the month, so it’s easy to plan ahead.

🫂 Peer Support: Connect with other parents who truly understand.

Register for this month’s group — or sign up for all three sessions: connectingforkids.org/support

ID: Flier-style graphic with the headline “Connecting for Kids Support Groups.” On the left, three dates are listed: Sept. 29 (Back-to-School), Oct. 27 (Complex Needs Caregivers), and Nov. 24 (The Highs & Lows of the Holidays), all scheduled for 7:00 p.m. On the right, a photo shows a laptop screen with four people in a video call, while a hand rests on the keyboard. Text at the bottom encourages families to “Join us from the comfort of your home each month to get and share support!” The flier ends with a call to action to register online at connectingforkids.org/support, along with the Connecting for Kids logo.

09/10/2025

We still have a few spots left in our Sept. 19 and 20 Adapted Playgroups!

Learn, play and connect with other families in a safe and welcoming space. Our early Childhood Specialist will also be there to answer your questions!

Learn more or join us for an upcoming session:
connectingforkids.org/play

ID: Graphic with the title “Adapted Playgroups – September Sessions” and a badge indicating ages 18 months to 6 years. The program is described with three keywords: Learn, Play, Connect, each paired with photos of children and caregivers engaging in activities. September sessions are listed for Westlake (Sept. 18 at 6:30 PM and Sept. 19 at 10:30 AM) and Lakewood (Sept. 20 at 9:30 AM). The website connectingforkids.org/play is included at the bottom.

09/10/2025

Connecting for Kids provides resources, support and community to families in Northeast Ohio who have concerns about their child. We serve all families, including those children with and without diagnoses.