Get with the "In" Crowd at Inclusive Together
Join us as we empower communities to advance neurodiversity acceptance
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Join us as we empower communities to advance neurodiversity acceptance
Meet Lauren Tarzia, a mother of two boys aged 7 and 6. Her older son is autistic, revealing to her a path of self-love and acceptance. As an experienced SLP in an affluent school district, Lauren initially thought her son was developing typically until she noticed he wasn't progressing in school. Despite her extensive training in autism and inclusive educational practices, navigating her son's diagnosis overwhelmed her as a parent. Persistent fear and uncertainty led her into profound sadness until she realized her son remained the same beloved child she knew before his diagnosis, leading her to find hope & reassurance.
Together with her husband, Tony, Lauren embraced her son's autistic identity, focusing on support rather than change. Since then, their family has flourished, motivating Lauren to aid other families facing similar challenges. While Lauren has discovered inclusive spaces and opportunities for her son, they are infrequent and limited. Her mission now is to encourage communities to make impactful changes that enhance opportunities for neurodivergent children and their families to thrive.
"Inclusion begins with understanding and a mindset shift. When we confront our fears and discomfort with something by taking the time to understand it, we gain the courage to engage with it confidently. Embracing each other's differences opens us to new experiences and love, making us stronger," Lauren emphasizes. She believes inclusion is the new "in" crowd—where kindness to all minds is not just cool but essential. Join the "in" crowd and embrace inclusion.
Christina is a seasoned Sales & Marketing Executive with over two decades of experience in client success, account management and business development. She has led successful teams and driven significant growth across diverse industries, including consumer packaged goods and healthcare.
Christina's tenure at Nielsen involved partnering with prominent organizations like Unilever, Beiersdorf, Edgewell and Walmart. She has consistently stabilized complex client relationships, launched innovative go-to-market strategies and exceeded sales targets.
Beyond her professional achievements, Christina is a passionate advocate for the neurodiverse community. Inspired by her family's experiences, she is dedicated to promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion for individuals of all abilities. Her strategic thinking and leadership skills are invaluable to the Board, where she leverages her expertise in marketing and business development to advance the organization's mission and broaden its impact in the community.
Tony is a dedicated Board Member where he ardently supports inclusive practices and neurodivergent acceptance. As the parent of an autistic boy, Tony brings a deeply personal perspective to the organization’s mission, driven by his desire to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with exceptional needs.
Currently, Tony serves as the Head of Mergers & Acquisitions for the Valcourt Group, overseeing strategic transactions and driving business growth. His extensive background in corporate finance and strategic planning is instrumental in guiding the nonprofit’s financial health and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Before joining Valcourt, Tony was the CFO of Tone It Up Inc., a leading women's health and wellness brand, where he played a critical role in managing the company's financial strategy and operations. He also held several senior leadership positions at Henkel Consumer Products, where his expertise in finance and management significantly contributed to the company’s success.
Tony's previous role as Chairman of the Stamford Golf Authority involved leading the Master Plan Project, which established a 30-year capital plan and redesigned the golf course, reflecting his commitment to enhancing community resources and planning for future development.
Tony's unique blend of personal experience, financial acumen, and leadership across diverse sectors makes him a valuable asset to the Board, advancing the nonprofit’s mission to promote inclusivity and acceptance for neurodivergent individuals.
Lauren Connolly Nussbaum and her husband Matt Nussbaum have lived in New Canaan since 2013. They have three daughters who currently attend South Elementary and Saxe Intermediate and New Canaan High School. Lauren grew up in Boston, MA and earned a bachelor's degree in English Literature with a minor in Hispanic Studies from the College of William & Mary where she played on the nationally ranked women's lacrosse team. Lauren’s professional career has included work in NYC, Boston, Chicago and Toronto in the legal, non profit, and education sectors. Lauren is an active volunteer, coach and board member of many organizations in New Canaan. Lauren is passionate about public service, social justice, special & exceptional education and creating a more equitable world for all. Lauren is an avid reader and Boston Red Sox fan.
New Canaan's Scarecrow Festival is back and better than ever! The Young Women'a League of New Canaan teams up with us to continue this beloved New Canaan tradition. This year we ask the public to vote for each scarecrow. Local leaders & business owners will judge the top ten scarecrows & select the winners. Let's decorate our beautiful town while supporting our cause to provide much-needed resources & meaningful opportunities for our neurodiverse & special needs families!
Scarecrow kits will be available in our online through September 23rd.
Limited quantities available; online orders can be picked up at Northeast Building & Home through September 23rd Scarecrows will be displayed October 16th-30th on downtown lampposts on Main, Elm, & Forest Streets.
1. Registration: After purchasing your Scarecrow Kit, complete the registration form to enter your scarecrow into the contest. Signs with your family or business name will be attached to your scarecrow for all to see. ALL FORMS MUST BE COMPLETED BY SEPT. 23rd!
2. What's in the Kit?: Each scarecrow kit contains what you will need to make the foundation of the scarecrow. Think of it as the scarecrows bones. All other scarecrow items (e.g. head, clothing, stuffing, etc.) are your choice. This is where you can get real creative.
2. Drop-Off: Bring your scarecrow to the clock on Elm Street in front of Ann Taylor on October 15 or 16 from 10 AM to 1 PM. An IT team member will check you in.
3. Display: Registered scarecrows will be hung on lampposts by the New Canaan Dept. of Public Works.
4. Pick-Up: You must opt to retrieve your scarecrow or have it discarded on the registration form. Retrieval will be October 30 from 10 AM to 1PM at the clock on Elm Street. Look for balloons again. All unclaimed will be safely discarded.
1. Durability: Scarecrows must be constructed to withstand various weather conditions, including wind and rain. Use materials that ensure long-lasting stability.
2. Family-Friendly: All scarecrows should be suitable for all ages. Designs should be non-offensive, avoiding any themes or imagery that could be considered inappropriate or controversial.
3. Neutral Content: Please ensure that scarecrows do not include political, religious, or any other potentially divisive themes. The goal is to create a positive and inclusive display for everyone to enjoy.
4. Creativity and Originality: We encourage unique and imaginative designs while adhering to the above guidelines. Judges will choose winners based on design, creativity, & originality.
5. Safety: Scarecrows should be safely constructed to avoid any hazards. Ensure that all parts are securely fastened and there are no sharp or dangerous elements sticking out that could potentially harm a pedestrian.
Have fun and get creative! Use this as a chance to bond with loved ones or strengthen team camaraderie. Embrace the chance to work together, share ideas, and create something special.
Sensory-Friendly Public Safety Day: meet the emergency responders of New Canaan. Come see vehicles, watch demonstrations & learn about Linked-Autism Safety Project . All ages & whole family welcome. Must register for admittance. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Join us October 10th 10am-11:30am at New Canaan Library for an interactive panel discussion for parents of neurodivergent children. Discover practical strategies for embracing your child's strengths & navigating special education with confidence. Learn how to advocate effectively for IEPs, select appropriate therapies, & create a supportive home environment. Connect with fellow parents & gain valuable insights to support your child's educational journey. Must register using this link.
Coming Soon!
Our program is all about empowering the community to embrace neurodiversity. Through specialized training, you'll learn practical strategies to create inclusive environments for neurodivergent individuals and their families. Join us to discover simple adjustments and enhancements that can make a big difference in patron & customer experience and workplace diversity. Together, let's build a more inclusive community where everyone feels valued and supported!"
Please reach us at inclusive2gether@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
There are all kinds of minds in this world. Neurodiversity is a term to describe that different brains exist & there is no right or wrong brain to have. Neurodiversity is not just about types of brains but how our nervous systems function. How our nervous systems react to input deeply affects how we function & relate to the outside world. How our nervous system makes us behave can be perceived as disordered rather than what it really is: a difference.
Those individuals who have brain & nervous system differences that can affect communication, motor, all types of regulation, & cognition.
Classified medical labels are used to identify these differences & they usually use the term "disorder" in the label. Disorder is certainly not what anyone would like to be associated with but these labels are necessary to provide opportunities for medical, educational, occupational, and social supports.
These can be found in the DSM-5 by the American Psychiatric Association. Although not all of these labels require the same amount of support or intervention, if at all, they are different from the neurotypical label. Some examples of neurodivergent medical labels are Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Tourette's Syndrome, Bipolar Disorder, & Schizophrenia to name a few.
Ableism refers to the ways that society might unintentionally create challenges for people with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals. It encompasses attitudes, practices, and environments that can make it harder for individuals with diverse abilities and sensory or learning needs to fully engage and participate in everyday life.
Ableism can appear in various forms, such as:
1. Language and Attitudes: Using language or holding attitudes that don’t fully respect or appreciate the diverse experiences and strengths of people with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals.
2. Accessibility: When places, websites, or services aren’t designed to be easily accessible or accommodating to different sensory and learning needs, it can make it more difficult for these individuals to use them comfortably.
3. Inclusion: Sometimes, systems or activities might not consider the varied needs of people with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals, which can unintentionally leave them out of important experiences.
4. Assumptions: Making broad assumptions about what people with disabilities or neurodivergent individuals can or can’t do, instead of recognizing and valuing their unique abilities and contributions.
5. Representation: Ensuring that people with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals are included and represented in all aspects of community life and decision-making.
Creating a more inclusive society involves being mindful and making thoughtful adjustments so that everyone, regardless of their abilities or sensory and learning needs, can enjoy equal opportunities and support. It’s about celebrating and embracing each person's unique contributions and working together to ensure everyone can participate fully.
Supporting neurodivergent individuals and people with disabilities is important for everyone, including those who are neurotypical. Around one in four people worldwide experience sensory challenges or other disabilities, which means that inclusivity touches many lives, including potentially our own or those of our loved ones. By advocating for and supporting accessibility and understanding, neurotypical individuals contribute to a more equitable and compassionate society. This effort not only ensures that everyone can fully participate and thrive but also enriches our communities by embracing diverse perspectives and talents. When we work together to support all individuals, we create environments where everyone benefits from greater innovation, empathy, and shared success.
Everyone can! Learning about inclusive practices & how to navigate the neurodivergent & disability journey benefits everyone by fostering empathy and understanding. It helps break down barriers, reduce misunderstandings, and create environments where all voices are valued. This not only enhances collaboration and innovation but also strengthens communities, ensuring that everyone can contribute and thrive.
Resources for families with disabled and/or neurodivergent individuals will include workshops & speakers to help parents & caregivers support their loved ones. We will also provide connections to local interventionists & medical professionals that play a vital role in enhancing & supporting development of these individuals. In addition, we will partner with professionals who specialize in supporting families & siblings who are often overlooked as needing specialized interventions & therapy.
Inclusive, sensory supported events & activities will be held to create more opportunities for families who oftentimes avoid community gatherings & activities. These events and activities will provide a model for all local organizations and businesses on how to provide an inclusive event.
Local businesses, organizations & clubs will receive specialized training in neurodiversity and inclusive practices that will help enhance our incredible community and provide meaningful opportunities for our neurodiverse & special needs families.
All donations are used to support Inclusive Together's mission. All events & nonprofit business expenses are currently funded by donations and fundraising.
Make a difference in the lives of others by donating to Inclusive Together. Every contribution helps us continue our mission of bringing positive change.
Maya Angelou - Author, Poet, Activist
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