New York City Resources for

Families of Students with Disabilities

1. Quality Services for the Autism Community (QSAC)
Address: Various Locations include
o Manhattan Office (main office and mailing address): 253 W. 35th St., 16th Floor
New York, NY 10001
o Bronx Day Habilitation: 1968 Eastchester Road Bronx, NY 10461
o Long Island Day Habilitation: 872 Atlantic Avenue, Baldwin, NY 11510
o Astoria Office, Service Coordination, & Community Habilitation: 15-09
Broadway, Astoria, NY 11106
o Preschool & Early Childhood Center: 245-37 60th Avenue Douglaston, NY
11362
o Astoria Day Habilitation Program: 30-10 38th Street Astoria, NY 11103
o Hollis Day Habilitation: 196-10 Woodhull Avenue Hollis, NY 11423
o Floral Park/Long Island Office and Residential Department: 110 Jericho Tpke.
Ste. 220 Floral Park, NY 11001
o Day School: 12-10 150th Street Whitestone, NY 11357
Phone #: (718) 7-AUTISM
Email: info@qsac.com
Website: http://www.qsac.com
Who they serve: Adults and children with autism, as well as families, caregivers, and
siblings who support individuals with autism
Range of services available: QSAC is a multi-purpose organization. The three
overarching services that QSAC provides include the following:
o Adult Programs: Day Habilitation, Community Habilitation, Emergency respite
fund, Family Reimbursement, Residential services, Respite at home, Overnight
respite, and Service coordination
o Childrens Programs: ABA Child Learning Series, After School Program,
Community Habilitation, Day School, Early Intervention, Emergency Respite
Fund, Family Reimbursement, Overnight Respite, School Holiday Respite,
Saturday Recreation, Preschool, Preschool Evaluation, Respite at Home, Service
Coordination, SEIT, SETSS, Social Skills Groups
o Support Groups & Trainings: Training Consultants, Parent Support Group, Parent
Training, Sibling Support Group, Social Skills Group
o Online Resources
o Online Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) courses
Cost: Because all programs vary in cost significantly, it is best that a person who is
interested contacts QSAC directly. Support groups are free of cost. Training series prices
vary, i.e. ABA Child Learning Series is free for all parents and family members of
children with Autism; and $15 per session for professionals.
Eligibility Requirements: Requirements depend on specific programs. Since QSAC
provides a plethora of services, it best to reach out to QSAC directly to inquire about
specific programs. These are the eligibility requirements for some of QSACs programs.
o Adult Day Habilitation is open to individuals 21 years of age or over who are
diagnosed with autism or PDD
o Community Habilitation: all participants must have a diagnosis of autism or
pervasive developmental disorder
o Parent Support Groups: There are no eligibility requirements for parent support
groups.
o Emergency Respite: Families living in Queens
o Family Reimbursement: all individuals who are diagnosed with autism or
pervasive developmental disorder.
o Service Coordination: individuals with autism or pervasive developmental
disorder and their families.
o Childrens Programs (After School Program, Community Habilitation, and Day
Habilitation): children and adolescents with autism or pervasive developmental
disorder.
Inclusionary & Exclusionary Criteria: For some parent support groups, childcare services
are available; Spanish language parent support groups are available.
Information Provided in Different Languages: The parent support group is offered in
English and Spanish.

2. The Brooklyn Parent Center at the Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled
(BCID)
Address: 27 Smith St. Suite 200 Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone #: (718) 998-3000
Email: Go to: http://www.bcid.org/email_bcid
Website: http://bcid-bpc.org
Who they serve: Parents, grandparents and caregivers of children ages 3 years to 21 with
disabilities. Their motto is, Empowering Parents of Children with Disabilities Through
Information (Services, 2014).
Range of services available: The Brooklyn Parent Center, housed within the Brooklyn
Center for Independence of the Disabled (BCID), is funded by the New York State
Education department to provide outreach, information, and referrals to the individuals
mentioned above. Their team of outreach and information specialists meet individually
with parents, grandparents and caregivers. They provide relevant information and useful
referrals regarding a persons child with a disability. They collaborate with the New York
City Department of Education and community-based organizations, to provide free
workshops on special education and related topics of interest, to parents and students.
The children and young adults of the parents who are served by the Brooklyn Parent
Center can benefit from services provided by BCID. These services include
comprehensive Information and Referral Resources; Benefit and Entitlement Counseling;
Advocacy and Mediation Services; Peer Support Groups; Independent Living Skills
Training; Community Education and Outreach; Deafness Advocacy and Interpretation
Services (most Tuesdays); College Outreach Program; Youth in Transition Services; and
Parent Outreach and Training.
Cost: FREE
Eligibility Requirements and Inclusionary & Exclusionary Criteria: Must be a parent of a
child with a disability, ages 3-21 to be involved with BCID.
Information provided in different languages? According to their website, Language and
location are not barriers to providing services (Services, 2014).

3. Super Soccer Stars Shine Program
Address: NYC Headquarters: 606 Columbus Ave. at 89
th
St. New York, NY 10024
Telephone Number: (212) 877-7171
Email Address: info@supersoccerstars.com
Website: http://supersoccerstars.com/shine/
Who They Serve: Individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities including
but not limited to, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Down syndrome, ADHD and PDD-NOS.
Students are split up into the following age groups: 4 to 6 year olds; 2
nd
-5
th
grade; 12-16
year olds; 5 to 10 year olds; 5 to 9 year olds.
Range of Services Available: Super Soccer Stars Shine Program provides recreational
services on Saturdays and Sundays. They use soccer to teach life skills to individuals
mentioned above. They work with a developmentally-appropriate curriculum designed by
licensed educators and therapists that promotes the complete growth of each individual
and encourages players to improve at his or her own pace. They use soccer to enhance
peer interactions and provide a safe environment for players to increase social potential.
They have a low player-to-coach ratio to ensure that individuals receive continuous
support and personal attention. Classes are held at various locations throughout the city,
including 14
th
Street Y of the Educational Alliance, Central Park West @ 86
th
St, Public
School 89, Central Park East @ 97
th
St. and JCC in Manhattan. Each location serves a
different age range.
Cost: Cost depends on location and age group. Costs range from approximately $315-
$495 per season.
Eligibility Requirements: The website does not indicate specific eligibility requirements.
Inclusionary & Exclusionary Criteria: As mentioned above, they serve individuals with
developmental and intellectual disabilities including but not limited to, Autism Spectrum
Disorders, Down syndrome, ADHD and PDD-NOS.
Information Provided in Different Languages: Unknown

4. Kicking the Spectrum
Address: 350 East 82
nd
Street, 2
nd
Floor New York, NY 10028
Telephone Number: (212) 867-5008
Email Address: info@kickingthespectrum.com
Website: http://kickingthespectrum.com
Who They Serve: Students range in age from 3 years old to adulthood. They work with
students across a broad spectrum of abilities. They have taught students with Autism
Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), speech and
language delays, physical disabilities, and more.
Range of Services Available: Kicking the Spectrum is a martial arts program developed
to teach and motivate students with special needs. Each class is taught by a martial arts
instructor and a behavioral specialist. They provide various classes, which include:
o Small group classes: consists of 2-5 students
o Parent/Child Classes & Sibling Classes
o Private Lessons
o School Programs: works with various schools throughout New York City to
provide in-school and after-school programs
o Birthday Parties
o Camps
Cost:
o Karate Classes: Approximately $350 for ten 30 minute classes; $500 for ten 60
minute classes; $60 for 60 minute individual class; $40 for 30 minute individual
class (more rates can found on their website)
o Parent/Child Classes & Sibling Classes: $300 for five classes; $550 for ten classes
o Schools: Range from $350-$590
o Birthday Parties: Packages are $450 OR $700
Eligibility Requirements and Inclusionary & Exclusionary Criteria: Must be an individual
with a disability from ages 3-adulthood.
Information Provided in Different Languages: Unknown



5. Sparkidz
Address: Main office is located at 805 Third Ave. 10
th
Floor New York, NY 10022;
Programming located at PS 6 The Lillie Devereaux Blake School, 45 East 81
st
St. New
York, NY 10028
Telephone Number: (800) 661-3660
Email Address: info@sparkidz.org
Website: http://www.sparkidz.org
Who They Serve: SparKidz services children with special needs ages 8 through 18.
Children younger or older will be considered on a case-by-case basis. They primarily
serve individuals who have difficulties with social skills, impulsivity and anxiety.
SparKidz include those with ADHD, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorders, PDD-NOS,
learning disabilities and other special needs.
Range of Services Available: SparKidz is a recreational enrichment program. It provides
afterschool and weekend activities that include sports, arts, creativity, and socializing.
Experienced professionals and trained volunteers lead various activities that include
visual arts programs, culinary arts, performing arts, sports/fitness, board games,
technology, outdoor activities, and group discussions with peers. The goals include
enhancing socialization skills and building self-esteem.
Cost: Saturday program runs in three 12-week sessions throughout the school year (from
September-June). The cost is $100 per Saturday for a full day (10am-4pm), $50 for a half
day.
o Payment plans will be considered on an individual basis.
o A non-refundable one time $25 registration fee is required to secure enrollment.
o Early Bird Registration = a 15% discount
o Family Discount: Each sibling receives a 25% discount
Eligibility Requirements and Inclusionary & Exclusionary Criteria: To join SparKidz,
you must fill out an application. If enrollment is full, they will place you on a waiting list.
Children who have difficulties with social skills, impulsivity and anxiety, are included, as
well as those with ADHD, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorders, PDD-NOS, learning
disabilities and other special needs
Information Provided in Different Languages: Unknown (not indicated on website)

6. Snack*
Address: 220 East 86th Street (Lower Level), New York, NY 10028-3606; Programs take
place at two locations: 1) Go Fish Location (same address as above) and 2) St.
Bartholomews at 190 E. 50
th
St. New York, NY 10022
Telephone Number: (212) 439-9996
Email Address: info@snacknyc.com
Website: http://www.snacknyc.com/
Who They Serve: Snack* serves children ages 3-18 with special needs. The majority of
children in the snack* program have a diagnosis of ASD, but the program is not limited
to children/young adults on the spectrum.
Range of Services Available: Snack* runs two Manhattan activity centers that offer group
and individual activities. Programs run Tuesday through Sundays. The main program is
called, Snacktivities, which is geared towards individuals with challenging behavioral
issues. The goal is promote social interaction. The classes consists of four, thirty minute
segments to address sensory and behavior issues, and promote language skills. Segments
are usually comprised of art, music, lunch/snack, and a movement activity. The classes
have a 2:1 ratio. Additionally, snack* offers the following programs:
o Soccer & Sports
o Swim Program
o Holiday Program (3-4 days in February, March/April, and over the summer)
o Teen Programs: socialization and recreational opportunities
Cost: Free trial class is available here: http://www.snacknyc.com/#!form/cnod; snack* is
a fees-based program, but payment plan options are available. The Medicaid waiver does
not cover program fees, but some families have been successful at getting fees
reimbursed under various Reimbursement Programs.
Eligibility Requirements and Inclusionary & Exclusionary Criteria:
o Snack* has a no intake policy which is a result of their philosophy of
accepting children of all abilities. They offer free trial classes so that families can
decide if the program is the right fit.
o Snack*s activity centers are devoted to Fun, Friends, and Hope and welcome
those with physical disabilities, verbal and non-verbal language abilities, across
all socio-economic, race, and ethnic backgrounds (Snack, 2014).
o Additionally, students who are not toiled trained are welcome. Individualized
toileting schedules are honored.
o Caregivers/SEITS are welcome to attend.
o Snack* accepts children from all five boroughs.
o Children with high needs, such as seizures, cerebral palsy, and/or disruptive
behaviors are welcome to participate in the *snack programs. Behavior protocols
are developed by a BCBA, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and staff is trained
to implement. Protocols are modified as needed.
Information Provided in Different Languages: Unknown (not indicated on website)

7. Resources for Children with Special Needs (RCSN)
Address: 116 E. 16th Street - 5th floor, New York, NY 10003
Telephone Number: (212) 677-4650
Email Address: info@resourcesnyc.org
Website: http://www.resourcesnyc.org/
Who They Serve: Families of children and young adults in NYC with all disabilities
social, cognitive, physical, and behavioral with an emphasis on the city's highest-needs
families and communities, and the organizations that serve them.
Range of Services Available: RCSN is a federally funded parent training and information
center. Their main services include:
o Individual Advocacy (one to one help) over the phone (Resource Line- 212-677-
4660) and/or in person. Help with the IEP process, early childhood services and
programs, Kindergarten placement, Transition planning, Transportation issues,
Navigating systems, including Developmental Disabilities, Mental Health, and
others, Camps, afterschool, and other community resources, and developmental
disabilities.
o Specialized Trainings
o Parent Workshops: free workshops geared towards parents of children/adults,
ages 0-26, to train parents on special education, disability and related topics.
Topics include, Services and Systems, Education, and Parenting.
o Community Awareness Events
o Digital Resources: tip sheets, online resources and references, and how-to
videos.
o High School Match: A free RCSN program for public middle schools and
students in New York City. This series of workshops provides tools and resources
to help students, especially those with disabilities, become excited about high
school in NYC, develop a list of appropriate high school options,
thoughtfully complete the application process
Cost: All direct services, including parent workshops, are free.
Eligibility Requirements and Inclusionary & Exclusionary Criteria: Families of children
and young adults in NYC with all disabilities are welcome.
Information Provided in Different Languages: Parent workshops are provided in English,
Spanish, and Chinese. The Resource Line has a Spanish Language number (212-677-
4668)

8. 92
nd
Street Ys Nesher Program
Address: 1395 Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10128
Telephone Number: (212) 415-5626
Email Address: Go this website: http://www.92y.org/email.aspx?recipient=159
Website: http://www.92y.org/Uptown/Afterschool/Nesher-Program-for-Children-and-
Teens-with-Develop.aspx
Who They Serve: Children and young adults ages 8-20, with developmental disabilities,
including neurological impairment, mental retardation, speech and language delays,
learning disabilities, PDD, Asperger syndrome and Autism.
Range of Services Available: Nesher provides recreation-based programs, designed to
strengthen and support the social development and learning experiences of children
with disabilities. Nesher supports social skills, fine and gross motor coordination,
communication and language and academic skills. Their programs provide
developmentally appropriate classes that are engaging and fun and strengthen social skills
(Nesher, 2014).
o Afterschool classes
! 8-13 year olds: Swimming on Mondays, Movement & Mind on Tuesdays,
Sports & Skills on Wednesdays, and Arts & Adventure on Thursdays. All
classes run from 3pm-5pm. An extended day option is available from 5 to
5:45 pm for an additional fee.
! 14-20 year olds: Dancersize on Mondays, Yoga on Tuesdays, and Art on
Wednesdays.
o Minicamps
! Minicamp days are specially designed for children during school holidays
and include activities such as swimming, arts, sports, cooking, computer
programs and more. MiniCamps meet on: Dec 26-30, Feb 21-24 and Apr
9-12.
o Summer camps: Camps Tova and Bari Tov (ages 5-13) for campers with learning
and other special needs
Cost: Costs are not indicated on the website. You must contact Melanie Mandel, Nesher
Director, at (212) 415-5626
Eligibility Requirements: An interview with the Director is required for all children who
are new to the Nesher Program.
Inclusionary & Exclusionary Criteria: 92Y reaches out to people of every race, ethnicity,
religion, age and economic class. Anyone who walks through our doors may reap the
benefits of our diverse programs92Y welcomes everyone to take advantage of our
programs regardless of economic circumstance. Limited scholarship funds are available
to make participation possible for both children and adults who qualify based on financial
needs (About Us, 2014).
Information Provided in Different Languages: English only