Special Connections

Our Program

Special Connections offers a quality day program for special needs adults in the Greater New Orleans area. We provide a safe and stimulating environment where these individuals can socialize and feel valued. The program offers opportunities for social engagement, reinforcing skills, recreational and enrichment activities, and appropriate interactions with the community at large. Additionally, the program is designed to offer respite to parents/guardians whose adult children are living at home.

Special Connections strives to enrich the lives of our Members by offering a variety of weekly activities. These include I-pad instruction, group games, movies, crafts, sign language instruction, aerobics, line dancing and art instruction. Monthly events include birthday celebrations and seasonal parties, such as the Black and Gold Tailgate party and Mardi Gras. In addition, Members look forward to field trips during which the group is exposed to a variety of local attractions that allow them to engage with the wider community. 

Special Connections welcomes volunteers year round and provides numerous opportunities for them to spend significant time with adults with special needs and thereby gain insights into the life lessons they have to offer everyone.

Testimonials

"Our son has been at Special Connections for four years now. Over that time period, we have seen our son strengthen his fine motor skills and enhance his socialization.  The program has been a delight for him and us as well! His world has expanded to include field trips,music,dance, and so much more.  (Including new friends.)  The staff is exceptional and delightful.  We feel confident in his safety and belonging at Special Connections. Thanks Special Connections!"

Karen and Greg N.

"Since there are very few day programs for adults with special needs. Special Connections has been a lifesaver for my family. My son enjoys socializing, exercising, working on I-pads, learning sign language, and the many wonderful craft projects. He also enjoys going on field trips out in the community. As parents, we need to remember they are adults and need to have a sense of independence from their families, even if it is just a few days a week. Many, many thanks to the staff and board for putting this program together. The leaders are wonderful caring people who truly know how to deal with adults with special needs as each member is different in their communication as well as their ability."

Christine D. 

"This program provides the social engagement we were looking for. The activities are appropriate our son's abilities. He enjoys I-pad instruction, exercise sessions, sign language/music enrichment, and opportunities to experiment with various art forms. And, he would tell you, the field trips are the best!!! 

As a family, we feel good about bringing our son to Special Connections. The wonderful staff brings out the best in each member in a caring and fun environment. The center where they meet is beautiful, safe, and well-staffed.

Our son has made friends and feels a sense of belonging. As parents, this is what we hoped we would find for him. We are grateful to those who started the program and for the families and friends who continue to help support it." 

Sandy and John D.

"I like everything about Special Connections. It is my second home. I love the staff. They do a great job. I love the field trips they plan. I like to play games, play on the I-pad and to do arts and crafts. I just like being there with my friends."

Margaret B. (participant)

"My 48 year old son has Down Syndrome. He has attended Special Connections since it first opened in 2004.He was so shy he wanted to stay in the corner. I started volunteering there so I could help him adjust. As time went on he slowly started to come out of his shell. It was like watching a flower bloom. Now he is happy to be there. I asked my son what Special Connections means to him. He calls it his job. He likes that he can paint pictures, listen to music and just relax with his friends. 'I feel like a human being.' After volunteering, I was asked to join the staff. What a joy it is to spend time with these special people. They have so much to give and ask for nothing in return."

Theresa H. 

"Having become increasingly specially connected with Special Connections over the past seven years, I am so impressed with the loving dedication of the staff, parents and Board members of this wonderful organization. I've seen how much my autistic step-son, a long time member, looks forward to attending the program and is positively impacted by it. While he is busy attending his program, my wife and I (both retired) are able to focus spending time with other children and grandchildren. It's a win-win for everyone!"

Tim J.