Welcome to ACLD

ACLD (Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities) is a leading not-for-profit agency that proudly serves the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. The ACLD mission is to provide the opportunity for children, teens and adults with developmental disabilities to pursue enviable lives, increase their independence and improve the quality of their lives.

An Enviable Life through Recreation

I met John when he applied for our Recreation Program several years ago. Before officially joining, he attended a party for the program to see if he would like it. His mother brought him in and they were introduced to the staff in his recreation group. She lingered a bit to see that he adjusted while staff seated him at a table and introduced him to other members of his group.

He had a great time at the party. He easily socialized with others and when the DJ got started, he was all over that dance floor with moves that would put Michael Jackson to shame! His mother returned a little bit earlier than the scheduled pick up time, no doubt to make sure he was okay, and saw him tearing up that dance floor. She then turned to me with wide eyes and a huge smile and  said "I didn't know he could dance!" And boy, could he dance! In fact, he has been boogey-ing with his friends at every Recreation party since!

That mother's joy at discovering her son's hidden talent and his success with making friends and thus, casting out lonliness, is one of those very significant and rewarding, moments that really makes me such a strong advocate for our Recreation Program. Of course, we all need a place to live and a job to do, but it is our realtionships and enriching experiences that truly complete the recipe for an enviable life.

Colleen Valentin

Administrator of

Family Support Services