MISSION:

By serving as Stamford’s central hub for information, support, and community collaboration, we are advancing dignity, access, and inclusion for people with disabilities. We empower individuals to thrive with autonomy and confidence by building equitable systems so everyone can participate fully.

PURPOSE:

The primary purpose of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is to help bridge the gap for residents and neighbors who are unserved or underserved due to limited access to disability-related information and awareness of available services and supports. The ADRC will serve as a recognizable, trusted entry point for disability-related information, navigation, and empowerment. This volunteer-operated center provides public information, guidance, and support only; all medical, legal, and clinical decisions should be verified with a qualified professional.

For City of Stamford employees, the ADRC will provide guidance and consultation on meeting ADA mandates and standards, while helping to build an inclusive municipal framework that reflects best practices in accessibility, communication, and public service delivery. These efforts aim to move Stamford beyond basic compliance toward true inclusion, making ADA principles visible and actionable in everyday civic life.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

Annual Stamford Disability Resource and Job Fair

Centralized Information and Navigation Hub

Collaboration & Partnership Coordination

Public Education and Empowerment

Stamford Opens ADA & Disability Resource Center at Government Center

Stamford, CT – The City of Stamford proudly announces the opening of its new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), located at Government Center, marking a significant step forward in advancing access, inclusion, and disability-related support for residents and employees. Phillip Magalnick, Co-Chair of the Stamford ADA Advisory Council recognized the need for this center and played an instrumental role in the planning and development of getting us here today. “Opening Stamford’s first ADA and Disability Resource Center, is more than the launch of a new facility, it has been a labor of purpose and perseverance for the past 18 months and it is the realization of Phillip’s vision rooted in dignity, access, and human connection”, says Carmen Hughes, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the City of Stamford.

The ADRC officially opened March 2, 2026 with a ribbon cutting ceremony followed by an informational introduction of community partners who will play an instrumental role connecting those with a disability, their families, and/or their caregiver with the available resources, networks, services and peer support to empower them to live independently.  The resource center is not simply a place to gather pamphlets or obtain referrals. It is a central hub of reliable information, guidance, and advocacy.  More importantly, it is a place where people can feel seen, heard, and supported.

The City extends its gratitude to all the local, state, and federal agencies for their support, participation, and active partnership. “What moves me most is the extraordinary commitment of our community partners. Organizations, advocates, professionals, and committed volunteers have stepped forward to offer their time, their talent, and their resources. Their willingness to help build and grow the center reflects a shared belief that it is indeed respectable to be disabled”, says Honorata Kazmierczak, Program Manager, ADRC.

Mayor Simmons proudly supports the opening of this center, affirming that it reflects her vision of Stamford as an inclusive, equitable, innovative, and accessible city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive regardless of ability. During the ceremony, the Mayor issued a formal proclamation underscoring the essential need for the center’s services and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Stamford ADA Advisory Council for its steadfast advocacy and leadership in making this vital community resource a reality.

The Center is a volunteer-operated facility that provides public information, guidance, and support. No medical, legal, and clinical decisions will be provided by the volunteers at the center.

The ADA and Disability Resource Center is located at Government Center. Regular hours of operation will be:

Mondays: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Wednesday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

The ADRC will host monthly informational workshops for the public, beginning with “ADA 101: Why the American with Disabilities Act Matters to You and Our Community” All workshops will be offered in a hybrid format, allowing guests to attend in person at the Government Center or via Zoom. If you are interested in participating, please note that in-person seating is limited, so reserve your spot today by clicking this REGISTRATION LINK.

Residents, neighbors, and City staff are encouraged to visit the Center during these hours to learn more about available resources and meet the City’s community partners. Additional information about the Center and its partners can be found at StamfordCT.gov under the “People Living with Disabilities” tab.

For more information: ADRC@stamford CT.gov

Pictured above (Left to Right):

Honorata Kazmierczak, Program Manager ADRC & Vice Chair Stamford ADA Advisory Council; Cari, Service Dog; Honorable Mayor Caroline Simmons presenting Proclamation to celebrate the opening of the ADRC; Phil Magalnick, Stamford ADA Advisory Council; Ryder, Service Dog; Carmen Hughes, Director Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion & ADA Coordinator