We will list local organizations, places, programs and other resources on this page.
There is some great information shared online from groups like:
We hope you find this helpful. Please let us know if we can help in any way.
Preparing for IEP and Annual Review Meetings
As we begin the Annual Review season and parents are getting notices for meetings, please take note that the meetings are available virtually and in-person.
And here are some websites that are helpful in preparing for IEP, 504 and Annual Review Meetings. They are:
Wantagh Public Library:
A Wonderful Community Resource
The library has a section dedicated to the children and parents in our SEPTA community.
We thank them for this wonderful resource and for the many programs they offer.
At least one in fifteen people are neurodivergent and they offer special skills. Microsoft has a Neurodiversity Career Connector. Founded in 2017, the Neurodiversity @ Work Employer Roundtable is a collection of employers committed to neurodiversity-focused hiring initiatives. Though we span many industries, we share a belief that organizations thrive when they tap into the unique talents of their employees, and individuals thrive when they can present their best self at work. We strive not only to match neurodivergent job seekers with meaningful jobs but also to provide the training and support needed for career growth and success.
Go here for more information: https://ndcc.simplifyhire.com/
If you want to learn about planning properly for the future here is a resource that some of our District families have used. Estate planning is different for special needs families, so it is important to talk to someone with experience in this specialized planning. Mitchell I. Weisbrot, CLU, ChSNC is a Special Care Planner with Mass Mutual Long Island Metro and is "Committed to families with special needs."
Address: 6800 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 202W | Syosset, NY 11791 | Phone (516)682-3391 / Fax (516)364-4263 | Email: mweisbrot@financialguide.com
A Welcomed Respite is a non-profit Organization, providing information, resources, and respite opportunities to families who are caring for a child with a developmental disability.
In addition to education about the importance of respite, they support and strengthen families by providing a temporary break from their daily care-giving routine with planned trips and activities, as well as safe referrals for substitute care givers. Telephone: 631-759-7891 Email: awelcomedrespite@gmail.com
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For families, individuals and professionals affected by Asperger Syndrome, High Functioning Autism and other Pervasive Developmental Disorders. 888-918-9198, info@ahany.org
Be The Best Sport is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization focused on providing adaptive sports, socialization, and vocation program for children, teens, and adults. Our mission is to create and provide fun and exciting programs for children, teens, and adults with special needs ages 3 & up; such programs will offer recreational sports as well as socialization and vocation activities for the participants and their families.
All people, regardless of ability level, have the right to opportunities found in the world around them. Individuals with both physical and developmental disabilities, as well as their families, should experience year-round recreational and respite care activities in a camp setting.
Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck of New York provides this needed service to all. The camp provides opportunities for social and personal growth within a supportive environment. Campers learn to try a variety of creative and challenging activities and experience success. Campers develop enhanced self-esteem which carries over to work, home, or school environments.
A non-profit organization serving individuals with ADHD and their families.
Nassau County CHADD: nassau-county@chadd.net
Suffolk County CHADD: eric_haracz@yahoo.com
Challenger League - South Shore's mission is to establish a lacrosse program for people with both physical and cognitive disabilities. Our objective is to foster, promote and encourage sportsmanship, teamwork and friendship through the sport of lacrosse.
While striving for these goals our athletes will develop social skills and increase self-esteem. Finally, it is our intention to increase community awareness and sponsorship for our program and for people with special needs.
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DogAbility Center invite participants to visit at an all-inclusive location where a specialized canine-interactive experience is aligned with a participant's needs. Dogability provides canine-assisted activities, utilizing certified dogs, supervised by professionals and/or devoted volunteers while providing education, recreation, socialization, inspiration or comfort to a large variety of individuals and groups. Participants include adults and children with and without special needs.
Participants engage not only in one-on-one experiences including elements found in canine sports, but also learn about behavior/nutrition and veterinary care. Offering multiple activities at our location brings enhanced value to DogAbility Center's participants.
The Down Syndrome Connection of Long Island is a parent-run, volunteer organization made up of families and individuals touched by Down syndrome. They are an affiliate of both the National Down Syndrome Society and the National Down Syndrome Congress.
DSCLI aims to unite the local Down syndrome community so that we may share information, support, resources and experiences.
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A not-for-profit organization founded by a group of individuals who have children or family members with Down syndrome. DSAF believes that individuals with Down syndrome have the right to be respected as valued members of society with their own level of independence, self determination, and sense of belonging in the community.
DSAF goals are: . Advocacy . Support . Community Acceptance and Responsibility
Down Syndrome Advocacy Foundation | P.O. Box 12173 | Hauppauge, NY 11788-0848 | Phone: (516) 983-7008
www.dsafonline.org/contact.html | Email: dsaf03@gmail.com
Eden II/Genesis Programs has been a leader in providing services utilizing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for individuals with autism for over 35 years. ABA Therapy uses basic principles of behavior to bring about meaningful and lasting changes in the skills and behavior of individuals with ASD. Most insurance plans in New York are now required by law to cover up to 680 hours per year of ABA therapy for individuals with autism. The Eden II Programs Diagnostic and Outreach Center works with all eligible insurance plans for the ABA therapy program and was one of the first agencies in the region to provide these services. Eden II Programs is now offering ABA Therapy to Long Island families. The Eden II Programs Diagnostic and Outreach Center has clinicians with expertise in all aspects of autism programming and service delivery, and has the most advanced ABA treatment program in the Tri-state area. The staff at Eden II/Genesis has many years of ABA experience and is providing families and individuals with the highest quality support and treatment programs. All ABA therapy programs at Eden II/Genesis are developed and supervised by Licensed and Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) with significant experience working with individuals on the spectrum. ABA therapy is provided at the "location of need" which may include the individual's home or school, the community, or a specialized treatment setting.
Marissa Bennett Outreach Coordinator Eden II Programs Eden II/Genesis Outreach Autism Center 600 Newbridge Road East Meadow, NY 11554 516.937.1397 x617/phone 516.937.1463/fax mbennett@eden2.org/email www.eden2.org
Long Island's center of excellence for providing premier treatment, care, education and support to those with epilepsy, and to individualswith intellectual or emotional challenges.
(516) 739-7733; www.epicli.org; info@epicli.org
Founded in 1926 as a grass roots social service agency, FSL presently operates fifty social service programs in more than twenty locations throughout Suffolk County. FSL staff, numbering more than 600 professionals and support personnel, provides both physical and emotional aid to Long Island's underprivileged families. In particular, we strive to keep fragile families strong and supportive
Offers a wide range of services and programs for people of all ages who are blind or have vision impairments. Hempstead: (516) 485-1234 Huntington: ( 631) 424-0022.
The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) is an organization focused on the complex issues of dyslexia and related language-based learning disabilities which make it difficult to learn to read and write. Since its incorporation in 1974, the Long Island Branch of IDA (IDALIB) has served as a resource and support system for individuals with dyslexia, parents of children with language-based learning disabilities, and involved professionals living and/or working in the New York City/Long Island area. Affiliates include individuals with dyslexia, parents, educators, administrators, psychologists, physicians, speech/language pathologists, advocates, attorneys, and others.
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Nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to providing recreational and therapeutic land and sea sports programs for children on the Autism Spectrum and other developmental disabilities. Email: info@landandseasportsclub.org, 631-281-0117
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Nonprofit organization that provides a baseball league for children with disabilities. This league is free to all players. Contact Kristine Fitzpatrick for more information. 631.278.6385 info@leagueofyes.com.
Visit the site www.leagueofyes.com
Offering children and young adults with a disability the opportunity to play ice hockey.
This program teaches skating and hockey skills, as well as gives the player the opportunity to play in a team sport. Prior skating and hockey experience is not required.
LICIL's Mission is to serve as a down-to-earth home base where persons with disabilities access services and information that can open doors for a more productive, healthy and secure life.
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Long Island Crisis Center provides 24/7, free, high quality, confidential and non-judgmental programs and services to support and empower Long Islanders at critical times in their lives.
LIFT was created to raise awareness about children's mental health services on Long Island, and across New York State.
Specializing in the Treatment and Correction of: Language Disorders, Memory & Auditory, Processing Difficulties, Fluency, Voice Disorders, Motor Planning Disorders, Deviate Swallowing which Contributes to Orthodontic, Pedodontic and Periodontic Problems, Tongue Thrust, Feeding & Swallowing Problems / Aversions, Thumb & Finger Sucking, Articulation Disorders, Oral Facial Muscle Weakness.
Specialized Therapy Approaches Including: PROMPT Therapy, Individual Feeding Therapy, Augment active Communication Evaluations & Therapy, Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) & Stroboscopy, Myofunctional Therapy
PAL in Nassau County for kids with special needs. Nassau PAL hosts dances, basketball leagues and computer classes.
Nassau PAL SPECIAL NEEDS UNIT | 510 Parkside Blvd. | Massapequa Park, NY 11758 | 516-809-7617
NSASA is a volunteer organization of parents who have children and adults with autism spectrum disorders. Though not a service provider, NSASA fundraisers enable them to assist families with social, recreational and educational opportunities. All of the funds raised go right into community-based programs.
If you wish to partake in the free offerings of the NSASA, families must subscribe to the NSASA Yahoo Group. Please send a brief email to nsasa-subscribe@yahoogroups.com with your request to be added to the list.
NYTPS is dedicated to serving clients of all ages from birth to geriatrics in Nassau and Suffolk County and all five boroughs of New York City. They operate in both the educational and medical environments, and are experts in the placement of the following NYS licensed and or certified healthcare professionals:
Clients include early intervention programs, preschools, New York City Department of Education, Long Island Public schools, private schools, rehabilitation facilities, group homes and certified home health care agencies and hospitals. NYTPS is an approved NYS Department of Health Early Intervention provider as well as a NYS Education Department approved 4410 evaluator, special education service provider and related service provider.
Ooooh! The Possibilities Farm is a self-directed, self-sustaining farm in East Islip, NY managed and maintained by young adults with special needs. Founders, Dawn Meany, a parent of a child with special needs, and Melissa Kearns a special education teacher and career counselor, embarked on this adventure to create a place where individuals can work together alongside one another and their community. A farm can offer a perfect opportunity to create a sustainable business for individuals with special needs, in order to obtain skills that will lead to a productive life. Farming teaches concepts of time, patience, nurture, life, and environmental awareness. You cannot spell disabilities without abilities, and by working together there are Ooooh! So many possibilities!
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The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is responsible for coordinating services for more than 126,000 New Yorkers with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, and other disabilities. It provides services directly and through a network of approximately 700 nonprofit service providing agencies, with about 80 percent of services provided by the private nonprofits and 20 percent provided by state-run services.
415-A Oser Avenue | Hauppauge, NY 11788 | 631-434-6000
We provide therapy for personal growth and confidence in a comfortable, supportive atmosphere. Therapy motivates you to reach your highest potential and improve the quality of your life. Treatment is individualized, goals are mutually established, and feedback is given frequently. Therapy encourages self-worth, achievement, relaxation, and better ability to cope with life's challenges. You and your Therapist will approach your difficulties as an alliance. You will develop effective coping strategies starting from the very first session. Psychologists at this office practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a proven, pragmatic approach to good emotional health. Therapists provide services in an individualized, comfortable environment. Appointments are arranged to avoid waiting rooms and wasted time. Our professionals are long time residents of Long Island, familiar with the challenges unique to this area. Our office is conveniently located for residents of Suffolk, Nassau and Queens.
400 South Oyster Bay Road, Suite 204 | Hicksville, NY 11801 | (516) 818-8383
Rolling Thunder Special Needs Program is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing challenged individuals with the opportunity to successfully participate in all levels of mainstream running, walking or wheelchair racing year round.
Rolling Thunder is open to developmentally and/or physically challenged individuals, age 5 or older, regardless of athletic ability. (RTSNP currently has team members ranging in age from 5 to 50+ years old). The team is also open to typical siblings and parents, and to any members of the community willing to volunteer their time and effort. RTSNP is a true inclusion program, integrating special needs individuals with their typical peers at all team practices, races and events. All team coaches are volunteers. (RTSNP has no paid staff). There is no membership fee to join or to participate in Rolling Thunder activities.
We Are A Private Practice Providing Pediatric & Adolescent Occupational Therapy Services. We are dedicated to meeting the unique needs of our children and families in order to facilitate optimal development and participation in daily activities. We provide skilled, child-centered individual and group intervention for children ages birth to 21 who may be experiencing difficulty with daily activities such as self-care, academics, play, social skills, organization, coordination etc. Children who may benefit from occupational therapy services include, but are not limited to, those diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADD/ADHD, dyspraxia/apraxia, neurological impairments and developmental delays. We utilize a child directed approach and focus on parent/caregiver education to help you create therapeutic opportunities in your daily life for optimal therapeutic growth and change.
669 Broadway, Massapequa, NY 11758 | Phone: (516) 799 - 2900 | Email: Info@sensationaldevelopment.com
The Special Moms Network's mission is to educate, support & empower the lives of our special children, our families & community.
Early Intervention Services for Suffolk County
Suffolk County Department of Health Services
Division of Services for Children with Special Needs
50 Laser Court | Hauppauge, NY 11788 | Telephone: (631) 853-2327 | FAX: (631) 853-2310
The Long Island Advocacy Center, Inc. (THE LIAC) is a private non-for-profit agency dedicated to protecting the legal rights of students and individuals with disabilities.
Yoga for kids with special needs.
Offers holistic services at very low cost to free, to children and young adults with developmental disabilities. All types of approaches to ease the symptoms of autism and related disorders will be taken such as yoga, massage therapy, NAET, Reiki and our Free to Be Me! Music and Art therapy program.
The Theresa Academy of Performing Arts is exclusively for students with special needs and their families. We have fine and performing arts classes, respite, camp, and workshops for children as well as training, informational sessions, and support for parents.
250 Lido Blvd. | Lido Beach, NY 11561 | For more information, please contact Assistant Director Lindsay Rogan at (516) 432- 0200 * Scholarships available
Third Eye Insight is a fitness program offering martial arts/self-defense, yoga and meditation class designed specifically for the blind and visually impaired.
The mission of Third Eye Insight is to help build physical strength and endurance, instill self confidence, promote independence, and empower blind and visually impaired individuals with the tools they can use to be successful at setting goals and in managing life's challenges.
The Vincent Smith School is an independent school, well-known for its individualized program for students with ADD, ADHD, and Learning Disabilities, such as Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities, Auditory Processing Disorders and Language (Expressive/Receptive) Processing Disorders for children in grades 1-12.
Intro to Musical Theatre for Individuals with Special Needs. Stage Right Studios is a family owned and operated theatre company which produces several adult and youth musicals throughout the school year. Classes will include performance in a winter recital and culminate with participation in a spring musical. Please see the attached flyer and visit the website for additional information: www.stagerightstudiosli.com.
Family-Based Treatment for Children with ADHD and Their Parents presented by the ADHD Center, Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics Cohen Children's Medical Center of NY. Weekly program consists of concurrent groups for parents and children. See flyer for more information.
A list of recreation resources compiled by the Three Village Central School district. Click here to download.
Resources for Children with Special Needs (RCSN) Camp Guide 2013. Click here to download the searchable, clickable directory for the New York Metro Area.
Recreation Packet compiled by the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District. This Recreation Packet was designed to provide information on the large amount of valuable recreation programs that take place year-round- including during weekends, summer, and vacation. The extensive variety of athletic, creative, vocational-focused, socialization, and academic activities provided for young adults with disabilities offer great opportunities to fulfill the very important recreational needs for our students. This up-to-date resource book provides an overview of the programs offered, location and contact information, age ranges of participants, cost- if one exists, and links to more extensive information on each program. Click here to download the packet.
The K.I.S.S. Center for Special Needs was established to provide a comprehensive range of programs and services for children through young adults with developmental disabilities including, but not limited to, Autism, Asperger's, ADHD, and Non-Verbal Learning Disorders. Click here to download their flyer on Summer Social Enrichment Programs. The Mid-Island Y JCC offers additional summer camp programs for children and teens with special needs including full day inclusion camp, half day camp, June gap camp, August gap camp and Sunday programs. Financial aid is available. You do not need to be a member or Jewish to take part in these services. Click here for more information.