Last week, on a bright day inside the rotunda at CT State Community College Manchester, something powerful happened. The space itself, a beautiful, welcoming setting, became the backdrop for an event that was more than just training. It was about understanding, connection, and creating a stronger, more compassionate community.
Vendors came together to share resources and information, each dedicated to supporting individuals who are Blind, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing. For many of these agencies, it was not only a chance to meet the public but also an opportunity to connect, building partnerships that will ripple out across Connecticut.
The Helen Keller National Center led the Human Guide Training workshops, offering us a chance to step into real-life scenarios. With eyeshades on, they sat down to simulate what it might feel like to navigate a restaurant as a person who is blind. The experience was eye-opening, challenging us to think about the obstacles people face daily, and how both allies and individuals themselves can better advocate for accessibility and dignity.
What made the day even more special was the participation of students. Manchester High School students toured the Allied Health programs, met with vendors, and attended presentations, while college students volunteered and joined the workshops. Seeing young people engaged and inspired gave us hope for a future marked by greater empathy, advocacy, and inclusion.
As I reflect, during the event, someone called me a “community connector.” It struck me deeply. For years, as a physical therapist in home care, I was often the only person sitting with a patient, just the two of us, in their living room or kitchen. Time and again, I saw how much people craved connection. That need for human connection has driven every program I’ve built at UR Community Cares?.
This Human Guide Training wasn’t just about teaching a skill. It was about reminding us of the power of empathy, the importance of connection, and the truth that when we break down silos, we build a stronger, more caring Connecticut.
I wish I could turn back time and share with those patients everything I witnessed at this event: the shared learning, the compassion, and the togetherness. They would have been moved, just as I was.
Michelle Puzzo, Executive Director
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