ARI of Connecticut, Inc.

06/19/2026

In celebration of Juneteenth, ARI’s Day Program and Administrative offices are closed today.

06/18/2026

The Supreme Court has already decided that living in the community is a legal right.

More than 25 years ago, the Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision affirmed that people with disabilities have the right to live in their communities and not be forced into institutions.

That ruling changed millions of lives. But a right on paper only works when people can get the support they need. That’s what Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) make possible.

Congress made the biggest cuts to Medicaid in history last year. Now, many states are considering options that could reduce access to HCBS.

Help keep the promise of Olmstead alive. Tell Congress to protect Medicaid HCBS and the right of people with disabilities to live in their communities. https://bit.ly/4fAVl54

06/17/2026

Tomorrow we will be at Sterling Farms Golf Course for the 31st Annual Lotstein/Martin Golf Tournament. The weather looks good for a day of great golf and camaraderie in support of ARI. This year is another near sell-out with 120 golfers expected to tee off. We will have 5 individuals from our golf program playing with 5 coaches. Thank you to all of our sponsors especially our Tournament Sponsors: Friends of ARI and The Family of Michael Flynn and our Major Sponsors: First County Bank, Cingari Family Markets, Umbrella Club, Stew Leonard's and West High Service Station Inc.

See everyone tomorrow for a great day of golf! Lunch/Registration at 11:30am with 1pm tee off and 6pm dinner. Thanks for your support.

Check out our auction items at www.arict.org/2026golf

06/10/2026

It is with great sadness that we post the passing of Bob Bryson. Bob and his family were dedicated to ARI well over 50 years. Bob was a dedicated volunteer, board member, friend to individuals we serve, and was a father of an individual that received services (Matthew). Up until just a few years ago, Bob was a swim coach for the Darien Lions in Special Olympics. Bob, and his wife Betty, chaperoned many ARI vacations and even welcomed individuals to their Vermont home to ski. Also, while at Pitney Bowes, Bob secured work for ARI individuals-cleaning the mail cases. There aren't enough words to say all the things Bob and his family did for ARI and individuals with disabilities. He will be missed by the entire ARI family and we are thankful to know him.

View Robert "Bob" Bryson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/08/2026

It was a great weekend at the Special Olympics Summer Games in New Haven! Once again athletes from ARI competed with the Darien Lions at the Swim competition on Saturday and Sunday. All had a great time gaining medals in several events. ARI is grateful for the coaches-Amanda, Melinda, Thomas and Abby for taking the time over the last 3 months to practice and prepare for the games. ARI joined with athletes from other areas for another great year.

Congrats to Francine, Rickey, Laura, Tiffany and the rest of the team for a successful weekend!

06/06/2026

All are welcome and valued at ARI.
Happy Pride Month!

06/05/2026

Thank you to the Stamford Police Department CT for once again leading the Special Olympics Torch through Stamford today! A great showing from the group of officers running the nearly 4 miles through Stamford on the way to New Haven. Tomorrow, Francine, Rickey, Laura and Tiffany will be swimming in the Summer Games at Southern Connecticut State University along with the Darien Lions Team. Cheer them on as they represent ARI at the games! Good luck to all and thank you to the Stamford Police Department CT for a great day.

06/04/2026

Looking forward to cheering on the Stamford Police Department CT as they run the Special Olympics torch to New Haven in preparation for the Summer Games tomorrow along Rt 1 through Stamford! The ARI athletes participating in Swimming this weekend will meet the SPD runners at the Darien border for the annual event. Thanks to all at the SPD for this annual treat!

Cheer on the ARI athletes, Francine, Rickey, Tiffany, and Laura as they compete with the Darien Lions Swim Team. Good luck to all!

06/02/2026

Final Call! We have just a few spots remaining for our 31st Annual Lotstein/Martin Golf Tournament at Sterling Farms Golf Course on Thursday, June 18th! Please contact Gerard Gasparino at [email protected] to reserve space soon. Join us for a day of golf while supporting programs at ARI. We will honor longtime volunteer with the golf program, Rich Giordano along with Michael Flynn. The cost to participate is $250. If you don't play golf, you can still enjoy a great dinner at 6pm under the tent. Purchase your ticket, become a sponsor or browse auction items at www.arict.org/2026golf.

Thank you to our Tournament Sponsors--Friends of ARI & The Family of Michael Flynn; and our Major Sponsors--Umbrella Club, First County Bank, West High Service Station Inc, Cingari Family Markets, and Stew Leonard's. We thank all of our sponsors (listed on our website.
See you June 18th!

05/28/2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Noreen Gallagher. Mrs. Gallagher was a long time volunteer with the Aqua-Aerobics program and the mother of Tommy. Each Wednesday at the Darien Y for well over 20 years, Mrs. Gallagher led the group in exercising. She cared so much for all at ARI and continued the program even when Tommy stopped participating. Her dedication and love for ARI and all the individuals was unmatched. When we restart the program in October, she will be with us in spirit and we will hear her leading the exercise. Thank you Mrs. Gallagher and say hi to Tommy for us.

There will be a wake on Sunday from 4-8pm at Lawerence Funeral Home in Darien and a Funeral at St. Thomas More in Darien. https://lawrencefuneralhome.com/tribute/details/4231/Noreen-Gallagher/obituary.html?proxy=original -start