Special Needs Resources*

Camp Anchor
630 Lido Blvd
Lido Beach, NY 11561
(516) 431-6946
http://www.campanchor.org/
About: The program is dedicated to children and adults with special needs who reside in the Town of Hempstead. The Town of Hempstead's Camp Anchor Program provides programs after school and on Saturdays in various locations throughout the township during the Fall, Winter and Spring.  A comprehensive six-week summer camp located in Lido Beach is also offered to the Town's special needs population.

Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck
2 Chet Swezey Road
Center Moriches NY 11934
(631) 878-1070
http://www.camppaquatuck.com/
About: Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck – dedicated to the benefit of physically and mentally challenged children of Long Island and beyond – stands today, not from the efforts of one organization, but rather as a culmination of a tremendous wave of effort from many Rotary Clubs throughout District 7260.

Great Slides LI
41 Coram Swezeytown Road
Middle Island, NY 11953
631-786-9708
https://www.greatstridesli.org/
julie@greatstridesli.org
About: Since 2009, the founders of Great Strides Long Island have worked to make it possible for anyone to benefit from the horse/human relationship. We develop equestrian programs and seek ways to fund lessons for those who cannot afford to pay.  

At Great Strides Long Island, we believe in the benefits of equine assisted activities for children, adults, veterans - of all abilities.  Our equine friends can help us face all of life’s challenges with strength and confidence.  Whether you're a teenage girl with a love of animals, a child with CP or autism, or an adult that needs to get some exercise, horseback riding and other equine activities offer opportunities to strengthen your mind, body and soul.

Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, Inc
829 Old Nichols Road
Islandia, New York 11749
631-348-1389
https://pal-o-mine.org/
About: Pal-O-Mine Equestrian began in 1995 as a therapeutic horseback riding program for individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable populations. Our mission has been, and continues to be, to provide a comprehensive therapeutic equine program using horses to facilitate growth, learning and healing. Our populations include children and adults with disabilities, those who have been abused or neglected, the military and the impoverished.

ACDS
4 Fern Place, Plainview, NY 11803
(516) 933-4700
http://www.acds.org
info@acds.org
About: Serving children and adults with Down Syndrome, autism and other developmental disabilities. ACDS was originally founded in 1966 by a group of parents on Long Island who were seeking services for their young children with Down syndrome. Since then we have grown and evolved into a lifetime services agency that serves families of individuals with a wide range of disabilities, from before birth until late adulthood. Our programs are delivered in a variety of settings, including our educational center in Plainview, in the family’s home, in community-based programs and in our Individualized Residential Alternative group homes (IRAs). We currently have the capacity to serve more than one thousand people across all our programs.

AHRC
83 Maiden Lane
New York, NY 10038
212-780-2500
https://www.ahrcnyc.org/
About: A family governed organization committed to finding ways for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities to build full lives as defined by each person and supported by dedicated families, staff and community partners.

Developmental Disabilities Institute
99 Hollywood Drive
Smithtown, NY 11787
631-366-2900
https://www.ddiny.org/
About: Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI) was founded in 1961 to address the special education needs of children with autism and other developmental  disabilities and provide therapeutic intervention.

Today, DDI is a dynamic, non-profit, multi-site agency, each day serving hundreds of children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities, providing educational, residential, habilitative, vocational, transportation, and service coordination support to the Long Island community.

Eden II Programs
Multiple locations
718-816-1422
http://eden2.org/
About: Established in 1976, Eden II Programs began with just six students and one special education teacher. Today, the not-for-profit organization serves over 500 participants in New York City and Long Island. The mission of Eden II Programs is to support people with autism through service, science and passion so they may achieve their full potential throughout their lives. Eden II Programs provides a variety of services using the evidence-based principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) to treat the delays and challenges associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Eden II is recognized nationally as a leader in working with individuals across the autism spectrum, including those with the most significant challenges.

EPIC
1500 Hempstead Turnpike
East Meadow, NY 11554
516-739-7733
http://www.epicli.org/
About: EPIC Long Island’s commitment to excellence is rooted in the belief that education, training and supportive services can help all individuals reach their fullest potential.  Established in 1953 by a small group of parents of children with epilepsy who were determined to see their children lead productive and satisfying lives, our founders worked tirelessly for all those with epilepsy.

Independent Support Services, Inc.
390 Rabro Dr. / 1st Floor
Hauppauge, NY 11788
631-864-2536
http://www.issny.org
Family Liaison - family@issny.org
About: Independent Support Services, Inc. (ISS) facilitates and delivers Self-Directed and individualized supports to people with developmental disabilities.  We encourage and foster the growth of this service model by providing Fiscal Intermediary services in alignment with New York State’s OPWDD Self-Direction plan. Our Long Island and Monticello, NY offices offer participants the resources and supports needed to Self-Direct his or her life and to make their own path.

LIAC
Herricks Comunity Ctr.
999 Herricks Road
New Hyde Park, NY 11040
(516) 248-2222
http://www.theliac.org/
About: 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 

Variety Child Learning Center
47 Humphrey Drive
Syosset, NY 11791
516-921-7171
https://vclc.org/
About: Preschool special education center-based classes, SEIS, SCIS and related services
School-age special education center-based classes
Family Center Sunday Respite Services
Early Intervention
Evaluations
Fee for service programs:
Social Skills Training Groups
Fabulous Fingers
Lufrano Training
Program which provides workshops and seminars
Child Care for children 6 weeks to 5 years

Kids in Action
252 Islip Avenue
Islip, NY 11751
(631) 581-6800
http://kidsinactionli.com/
About: Kids In Action opened its doors in 1995. Our mission is to provide a center which provides evaluations and therapy to infants and children working as a team with their families, schools and the community. Kids In Action's affiliated occupational, physical, speech-language therapists as well as special educators, psychologists, and counselors bring extensive experience to the practice.

Life’s WORC Family Center for Autism
1517 Franklin Avenue
PO Box 7587
Garden City, NY 11530
516-355-9400
http://familycenterforautism.org/
About: The Family Center for Autism is Long Island’s first venue that provides a lifespan of services and programs to people with autism, a lifeline of support to families who love them—and a vital resource to the educators who teach them. 

Located in Garden City in a gleaming, 9,800-square-foot, four-story building, the Center is open seven days a week to our members and the general public. We offer a full range of therapeutic, educational, social, recreational and vocational services and programs for people with autism—and a wealth of support, informational, respite and social opportunities to their parents, siblings and other family members.

A Breakthrough Approach Built on a Proven Foundation
It’s the latest initiative of Life’s WORC, a nonprofit organization that’s been at the forefront of providing innovative services that enable individuals with developmental disabilities such as autism to lead independent, productive lives for more than 40 years.

We’re a Resource, a Respite and a Place to Simply Relax
Expanding our services for individuals with autism is key to our mission, but what’s perhaps most important about The Family Center for Autism is that it’s just that—a center for the family. We are a source of information and comfort for parents—a support system free from peer pressure for siblings—a place to just be yourself without the unwanted attention that far too often accompanies even the most routine family outings.

Mid Island YJCC
45 Manetto Hill Road
Plainview, NY 11803
516-822-3535
https://www.miyjcc.org/program-overview
About: The Mid-Island Y JCC provides vital services and fosters Jewish identity, personal growth, family strength and community. The Mid-Island Y JCC is open to everyone in the community serving individuals of all ages, abilities and challenges.

Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism
80 Hauppauge Road
Commack, NY 11725
http://www.nssa.net/
About: Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism offers hope to people with autism and their families by providing high quality life-long support through services which enable people with autism to function better in everyday life. NSSA offers the most advanced treatment and training programs for the benefit of people with autism, and will continue to pioneer, through research, comprehensive treatment models which can be adopted nationally.

New York Families for Autistic Children
164-14 Cross Bay Blvd
Howard Beach, NY 11414
347-566-3122
https://www.nyfac.org/
About: Since 1998 we have been motivating and inspiring individuals diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder — and their families — to live life to the fullest. Providing support, education, recreational and socialization programs is just a small facet of what we do. Working together with professionals in the field, amazing and dedicated parents, grandparents and other family members, we innovate. We design cutting-edge programs that challenge our individuals to learn, develop and grow to maximize their full potential.

Pop Earth
Island Wide
516-650-6121
https://popearth.org/

About: The mission of Pop.Earth is to provide holistic health and wellness options to people with Autism and other Developmental Disorders throughout the special needs, disabilities and inclusive communities at little to no cost.

Theresa Academy of Performing Arts
250 Lido Blvd
Lido Beach, NY 11561
516-432-0200
http://www.tapany.org/

Ariella’s NY Friendship Circle
501 Vanderbilt Parkway
Dix Hills, NY 11746
631-351-8672
https://www.nyfriendshipcircle.com/
About: None of us is complete unless all of us are included. It is this concept that motivates the Friendship Circle. Everyone in this world has a unique purpose. When we focus on abilities instead of disabilities, everyone can be part of strong friendships and influence people in positive ways. Unwavering acceptance, positive thinking, honesty, and commitment are just a few of the important lessons we teach by example.

The Friendship Circle exists to create meaningful relationships between children and teens with and without special needs by celebrating their individuality, increasing confidence, igniting dreams, and redefining worldviews for all parties. To do this, we focus on developing the values of altruism, compassion, and acceptance in our teens as we heighten community awareness and sensitivity and encourage a sense of acceptance, responsibility and involvement.

Everyone gets to experience the priceless value of giving, the power of friendship and the vital importance of integrating everyone into the community. The Friendship Circle offers a unique opportunity for teenagers to create meaningful connections with each other.

Be the Best Sport
Various locations
516-453-0990
https://bethebestsport.org/
About: Be The Best Sport is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) special needs adaptive sports and socialization program for children, teens, and adults with developmental disabilities as well as physical impairments. At Be The Best Sport we offer a variety of sports and programs that focus on exposing the participants to the world of sports, learning social skills, and learning transferable skills that can carry over into everyday life. Through these programs, participants develop and strengthen their motor, cognitive, and social abilities. Our participants have the opportunity to learn the basics of each sport, through a hands-on multi-sensory approach while interacting with other kids and typical peers that volunteer in the program. The program helps facilitate the building of sport & social skills, confidence, self-esteem, and sportsmanship, while meeting the needs of each individual. Our motto is to “Have FUN, make FRIENDS and always leave with a SMILE” and is what motivates us each week to provide a great experience that our participants will remember for a lifetime. 

A key philosophy of Be The Best Sport is to accept athletes of all capabilities. We offer a free trial class so families can try out programs and make sure it is the right fit before committing. Be The Best Sport is a great program for children and adults with verbal and non-verbal language abilities, physical disabilities, across all socio-economic, race, and ethnic backgrounds. All of our programs are staffed adequately so that the athletes are challenged and constantly learning new skills each week.

League of Yes
Po Box 754162
Forest Hills, NY 11375
(631) 278-6385
http://www.leagueofyes.org/
About: The League of YES’s mission is to establish and sustain baseball programs for people (of all ages) with disabilities. Our objective is to provide an opportunity for those individuals to experience the joy and benefits that come from playing our national pastime.

The Spirit of Huntington Art Center
2 Melville Road North
Huntington Station, NY 11746
631-470-9620
http://www.spiritofhuntingtonartcenter.com/
About: The Spirit of Huntington Art Center is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides children with special needs and Veterans the opportunity for art and creative expression that can transform their lives.

YAI
Brentwood, Farmingdale, Westbury
631-967-7100, 631-858-9377, 516-338-9264
https://www.yai.org/

About: YAI was launched in February of 1957 out of a small school in Brooklyn, New York. Initially staffed by Co-Founders Bert MacLeech and Pearl Maze MacLeech alone, their pilot program served just seven people. According to Bert, from its very beginning YAI has been dedicated to providing innovative services for the I/DD (intellectual and/or developmental disabilities) community. MacLeech envisioned a, “total life adjustment approach, emphasizing personal growth, social responsibility, employment goals, and the development of independence for the individual.” At a time when institutional living was the norm for people with I/DD, this vision was nothing short of revolutionary.

Asperger Syndrome & High Functioning Autism Association
330 Broadway
Amityville, NY 11701
888-918-9198
http://ahany.org/
About: Asperger Syndrome & High Functioning Autism Association (AHA) serves individuals on the autism spectrum, their families, and the professionals who work with them, providing crucial resources and support as they face challenges, build on their strengths and fulfill their potential. AHA helps families and individuals become more informed self-advocates. Our programs encourage awareness and acceptance.

Family Service League
790 Park Avenue
Huntington, New York 11743
631-427-3700
http://www.fsl-li.org/
About: Presently, our organization operates 60+ social service programs in more than 20 locations, situated primarily in Suffolk County. Our tireless staff, numbering more than 700 professionals and support personnel, provides both physical and emotional aid to Long Island’s most vulnerable citizens. We give seniors companionship and purpose, we provide hope and protection for the homeless, we allay the fears and desperation of young adults consumed by addiction or mental illness, and we offer nourishment and shelter to the working poor facing insurmountable financial burdens. Most importantly, we strive to keep vulnerable families strong and supported. Our five Family Centers feature up to twenty distinct social services consolidated into one help center— enabling fragile families to take advantage of multiple, integrated services in a more efficient and cohesive way.

Parent to Parent of New York State
415 A Oser Avenue
Hauppauge, NY 11788
631-434-6196
http://parenttoparentnys.org/offices/long-island/
About: Welcome to the Long Island Office of Parent to Parent of NYS
– a place where families of individuals with special needs, and the professionals who support them, can meet and share information.
– a place for us to find each other, a place for us to be made strong.

The Center for Family Support
110 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 103
Floral Park, NY 11001
Telephone: 516.292.3000
https://www.cfsny.org/
About: The Center for Family Support, Inc. (CFS) is a not-for-profit human service agency that provides individualized support services and programs for individuals living with developmental disabilities, and for the families that care for them.

At the core of our mission is the concept of personal choice. We work closely with participants, tailoring our programs to accommodate individual needs, preferences and goals. We continually monitor progress, adjusting individual services and care plans to accommodate change and growth.

Our reach extends throughout New York City’s five boroughs, Westchester County, and Long Island in the State of New York and throughout the State of New Jersey.