The K.I.S.S. Center (Kids In Special Services)
Mid-Island Y Jewish Community Center
45 Manetto Hill Road, Plainview
516-822-3535 x332
www.miyjcc.org

Does your child need social, recreational and educational support services? The Mid-Island Y Jewish Community Center's K.I.S.S. Center (Kids In Special Services) provides services to high functioning children with developmental disabilities including but not limited to those with learning disabilities, language delay, ADHD, Aspergers Syndrome, Autism Spectrum disorders and other special needs. The K.I.S.S. Center offers a comprehensive range of programs in a caring and supportive environment for children, teens and young adults. Gym, swim, art, music, movement/dance, science and leadership skill-building classes, before and after school programs, vacation programs, and parent support groups. The K.I.S.S. Center is supported by a grant from the J.E. & Z.B. Butler Foundation, Inc. For more information, please call Kristen Nelson, K.I.S.S. Center Coordinator, at 516-822-3535 x332.

Opti-Health CARE
75 Landing Meadow Rd., Smithtown
631-366-5800
www.ddiinfo.org

A doctor's office can be a frightening place, especially for a child with a developmental disability. That is why the Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI)designed a network of NYS Department of Health-licensed diagnostic and treatment centers called Opti-Healthcare, to offer comprehensive medical, dental, psychiatric and rehabilitation services specifically designed for children and adults with special needs. Families are welcomed into a comfortable environment with facilities designed for patients with emotional, mental and physical difficulties. The friendly and caring staff has the knowledge and patience to calm patients and make their visits a pleasant experience. Opti is a leader in educating the medical community about the current research and care of the special needs population. Visit www.ddiinfo.org or call 631-366-5800.

East Meadow Hearing & Speech
576 Merrick Ave., East Meadow
516-489-9327
Kids In Action, Rte. 111, Islip
631-581-6800

If your child has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), dyslexia, Learning Disabilities, Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) or autism, he or she may also have a condition known as auditory processing disorder (APD). APD is a neurological condition that causes the brain to have difficulty interpreting the information the child hears. "It's not the same as a hearing problem," explains Shelley Francis, who has been diagnosing and treating APD for 15 years as the founder of East Meadow Hearing & Speech. The symptoms of ADP are varied and may include delayed speech and language, difficulty following multi-step directions, difficulty with abstract material, reading difficulty, etc. The good news: there's treatment available. Call Shelley Francis at her East Meadow office to find out how you can have your child tested, and, if needed, treated for APD. Therapies are also offered at our new Suffolk facility.

Elaine Lerner, MSW, CSW
ADHD Parent Trainer
46-31 Hanford Street  Douglaston, NY  11362
516-487-0636
Elaine@adhdparenttrainer.com
www.AHDParentTrainer.com

Are you struggling with a child who has problems paying attention or who exhibits defiant behaviors? Does your life feel out of balance? Is your child capable of more? Elaine Lerner, MSW, CSW, specializes in helping parents of children with ADHD and related difficulties achieve their full potential. "My 25 years of experience working with children in my family practice and in schools has shown me that if you can discover how toreach these bright children in the proper way, you can transform their lives," she promises. Through work-shops and individualized therapeutic relationships that focus on attention, impulsivity and activity level issues, you'll learn how to respond to your child's behavior in a positive, loving and supportive manner and how to collaborate with physicians, teachers and community resources.

Gold Medal Gymnastics Center (GMGC)
149 Centereach Mall, Centereach,
631-981-GOLD (4653)
266 E. Pulaski Rd., Suite 2, Greenlawn
631-427-8275
www.GMGC.com

The Gold Medal Gymnastics Center staff has worked closely with special needs educators to create anew, low-ratio gymnastics program for individuals with intellectual and physical challenges. The program is designed to achieve specific fitness objectives in a way that's both fun and healthy. GMGC's special needs pro-gram helps build self-esteem, self-confidence and physical fitness in a caring and fun environment with a maxi-mum of six students per teacher. GMGC is a state-of-the art facility featuring 13,000 square feet of space. Open seven days a week, GMGC offers beginner to advanced gymnastics classes and cheerleading with a safety CPR-and U.S.A. Gymnastics-certified staff. Gold Medal does awesome birthday parties where the birthday child will get to fly like Peter Pan in a super safe "flying belt" over an in-ground trampoline.

Peninsula Counseling Center 124 Franklin Ave., Woodmere
516-569-6600
www.peninsulacounseling.org

Individualized programs and a friendly, caring environment define Peninsula Counseling Center. We custom design our treatment programs for each child's special needs, so that they can realize their full potential. As the oldest licensed non-profit mental health agency in Nassau County, PCC provides one of the widest ranges of services for children and families available on Long Island that includes diagnostic evaluations and counseling. PCC, a leading resource for special needs children, adolescents and their parents since 1913, maintains a friendly, caring confidential, respectful and non-judgmental environment in its offices that are open week-days, nights and Saturdays. Medicaid, Medicare and most insurance are accepted. PCC's professional staff includes psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, psychiatric nurses, vocational rehabilitation counselors and social workers.

Spark Development Centers
337 Merrick Rd., Suite 4, Lynbrook
516-568-2100
www.sparkcenters.com

Is paying attention or learning difficult for your child? Maybe you've been told your child has ADD, ADHD or LD. Such problems may be caused by under-developed cognitive skills, sensory integration issues or nutritional deficiencies. Spark Development Centers helps individuals, from kindergarten to adult, improve attention, behavior and learning skills through safe, fun and effective programs – all without resorting to medication. Our multidiscipline approach of skill assessment, sensory integration development, cognitive processing enhancement, advanced learning technique training and nutrition counseling strengthens the core physical and mental abilities necessary to achieve academic – and personal – success. Call Spark Development today, and unlock your child's potential.

Suffolk AHRC
2900 Veterans Memorial Hwy., Bohemia
631-585-0100

Suffolk AHRC provides programs and services for over 2,500 men, women, and children with develop-mental disabilities. Our staff numbers over 1,000 dedicated individuals. Our membership includes close to 2,000 families, and our support base of corporate and private supporters continues to grow, helping Suffolk AHRC provide individualized and dynamic opportunities for the individuals we serve. Suffolk AHRC is like a large extended family whose members are our staff and pro-gram participants. We're here to offer solutions, advice, comfort and support.

Dr. Joan Dorfman Cohen
350 Northern Blvd., Suite 310, Great Neck
516-482-3312

Stimulant medications aren't necessarily the answer to treating ADHD/ADHD/LD/PDD or autistic spectrum disorders in children. An alternative to treatment with medication is offered by Dr. Joan Dorfman Cohen, a board-certified neurofeedback specialist and expert in the treatment of attention and learning problems, and related syndromes. Dr. Cohen specializes in using EEG biofeedback (neurotherapy), a proven, non-medication treatment providing permanent results. Children use a computer program providing "rewards" for focusing and concentrating to produce brain waves necessary for normal cognitive functioning. Many behavior problems associated with these disorders disappear as well. Dr.Cohen and special education professionals work directly with you, your child and teachers as part of an individualized program for ages five to adult. The program includes neurotherapy, parenting strategies, family counseling, individual therapy, educational planning and tutoring. Dr. Cohen has cared for children and adults for over 30 years.

Down Syndrome Advocacy Foundation
P.O. Box 12173, Hauppauge, 11788-0848
516-983-7008
www.dsafonline.org

The Down Syndrome Advocacy Foundation (DSAF)is 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. This can best be achieved by being allowed full community involvement. The Foundation provides support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families in seeking inclusive opportunities and promotes community acceptance and responsibility toward individuals with Down syndrome. DSAF member families have access to a support network of other families with experience in countering negative images of children and individuals with Down syndrome. Support and strategies for county IFSP and district CPSE/CSE meetings is also provided.

Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island
506 Stewart Ave., Garden City
516-739-7733
www.epilepsyfoundation.org/longisland

Epilepsy affects all aspects of a person's life. The Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island has programs designed to assist children in school, help adults cope in the workplace and help families and friends. Through cooperation and coordinated efforts, family, teachers and managers are taught about epilepsy and how best to cope with its affects. The Community Education Department offers speakers to middle and high school students to help them understand what effect Epilepsy has on their peers. Younger children in the third and fourth grade are taught with a well developed puppet show. A member of the Foundation is available to attend CSE meetings to act as an advocate for students with epilepsy. For information or to arrange for a presentation, please contact June Lipsky, Coordinator of Development and Community Relations of the Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island at 516-739-7733, Ext. 141.

H.E.A.R.S. Audiology P.C. (Hearing Education, Assessment & Related Services)
732 Smithtown Bypass, Suite 301, Smithtown
631-360-4327
www.hearsny.comIs your child experiencing speech problems, chronic ear infections or learning difficulties? Has he/she been diagnosed with ADHD? Often, attention deficit and other learning disorders are confused with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), which involves the brain's ability to make sense of sound. At H.E.A.R.S. Audiology, owner Kathleen Page, a board certified audiologist specializing in pediatrics and APD, offers APD assessments with detailed recommendations. Page emphasizes that early identification and treatment are key to preventing unnecessary developmental delays and learning-related problems. Audiological evaluations, ear protection such as custom-fitted swim plugs (which are also useful in blocking out distracting noise that hinders children with APD), and educational workshops are services offered at H.E.A.R.S. Day care and preschool directors should check out H.E.A.R.S. comprehensive hearing and speech screening program, unsurpassed on Long Island.

HorseAbility
238 Round Swamp Rd., Melville
386 Bread & Cheese Hollow Rd., Northport
631-367-1646
www.horseability.org

HorseAbility is a non-profit organization offering a Therapeutic Riding Program, Hippotherapy Program, Equine Facilitated Activities and Summer Day Camp for children and adults with special needs. HorseAbility now has two convenient locations – one at the Thomas School of Horsemanship on the Nassau/Suffolk border in Melville, and the new location at Ketcham Farm in scenic Northport on the North Shore of Suffolk County. The year-round Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program serves people with muscular dystrophy, visual and hearing impairment, learning and emotional disabilities, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and autism, among other disabilities. The Hippotherapy program is for riders who need assistance from a licensed physical, occupational and/or speech therapist. HorseAbility was founded and is directed by Katie McGowan, who is a certified instructor from the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) and an accredited instructor from the Cheff Center for the Handicapped. HorseAbility is a "Premier Accredited Center" of NARHA.

Life's WORC
1501 Franklin Ave., Garden City
516-741-9000

Life's WORC was founded in 1971 by Victoria Schneps, who wanted her own daughter to have an alternative living environment to institutional care. Building upon this philosophy, the organization pioneered a breakthrough for people with developmental disabilities when it opened New York State's first group home for these individuals in 1977. Today, Life's WORC operates 32 group homes and 11 non-residential programs throughout Queens, Nassau and Suffolk counties. People with developmental disabilities are able to live with dignity and a sense of independence close to their families and friends while receiving comprehensive support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The organization supports individuals with community based programs, after school programs for children, weekend respite and recreation, day habilitation, in-home residential habilitation and service coordination.

Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes
800-300-1818
www.lindamoodbell.com

Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes, an internationally renowned leader in educational research and remediation, has pioneered learning programs that help children and adults learn to their full potential in reading, spelling, math and comprehension. Lindamood-Bell is the only provider endorsed and licensed by the authors of the Lindamood-Bell® programs. Call now for the Lindamood-Bell® Learning Center nearest you and to receive a free information package. You can reach us at 800-300-1818 or visit us online at www.lindamood-bell.com.

The Long Island Head Injury Association, Inc.
65 Austin Blvd., Commack
631-543-2245
www.LIHIA.org

The Long Island Head Injury Association, Inc., is a not-for profit organization committed to ensuring that survivors of head injury maximize their potential for recovery and are provided tools necessary to achieve the valued outcomes of individualization, independence, integration and productivity. We seek to increase public awareness of traumatic brain injury and its consequences, and as a result, obtain some solutions to the many problems facing Long Island's head-injured survivors and their families. We're your link to information, education, support and services from the onset of head injury, through all phases of recovery. We strive to meet these challenges by offering these services: residential, service coordination, structured day program, recreation, family support services, information and referral, community integration counseling, intensive behavioral support services and support groups.
Marcus Avenue Early Childhood Developmental Program, Inc.
1983 Marcus Ave., Suite E-100, New Hyde Park
516-326-5622
SUNY Old Westbury, AHRC
#45, P.O. Box 410-789, Old Westbury
516-333-0268

Children receive a special helping hand from the Marcus Avenue Early Childhood Developmental Program, Inc. (ECDP). The Marcus Avenue ECDP is located on the campus of the State University of New York (SUNY) Old Westbury and in New Hyde Park. Both locations offer child care and early childhood education services for children ranging in age from 6 weeks to 5years. Children with or without developmental disabilities are served by the program with an educational and play-based curriculum with a small staff-to-child ratio with certified staff, including Master's certified in special education and/or early childhood education. The program is affiliated with AHRC and the North Shore-LIJ Health System and offers child care, early intervention and preschool programs with full and part-time schedules.

Saf-T-Swim Swimming Instruction Centers
866-SAFE-SWIM
866-723-3794
www.saf-t-swim.com

Saf-T-Swim, New York's number one swim school, offers year-round swimming and water safety fun for all ages – from infants to seniors. Water safety can never start too soon; the ability to swim confidently and correctly saves lives. Swimming is also considered "total exercise"; involving all the muscles of the body, with the great advantage of having the lowest impact on bones, joints and ligaments. Youngsters involved in aquatic sports benefit physically, socially and mentally. Individual, semi-private and group lessons are avail-able, the "Mommy and Me" program is designed for children from two months to two years. Hydro-Aerobics is for adults who have difficulty exercising in a conventional manner. Our low-impact aerobics class increases cardiovascular and muscle strength without taxing the joints. Saf-T-Swim has seven convenient locations: Bohemia, Commack, Coram, East Meadow, Westbury, Riverhead and Deer Park.

Sid Jacobson JCC/Camp Kehalia
East Hills
516-484-1545, Ext. 175
www.sjjcc.org

Children and teens need a social outlet to relax and unwind just like adults. They need to be with friends in anon-threatening environment. Parents should seek activities that promote socialization, structure and interpersonal relationships. Sid Jacobson JCC, located in East Hills, offers classes and programs in a caring and supportive environment geared specifically for children, teens and adults with special needs ranging from Aspergers Syndrome, ADHD, learning disabilities, social disabilities and other special needs. Its Club L.E.A.P (Learning With Excitement and Promise) offers a rich and engaging experience that includes social-skill building groups, after school and Sunday enrichment programs, Saturday evening lounge for preteens and teens, trips, day and sleep-away camps, parenting groups and much more. Please call Jeremy Melnick, LMSW, director of special services, at 516-484-1545,Ext. 175.

South Oaks Child & Adolescent Services
400 Sunrise Hwy., Amityville
631-608-5610

Children and adolescents with behavioral difficulties and/or emotional illness can find treatment and support at South Oaks Hospital on the Nassau/Suffolk border. A children's inpatient program provides structure within a therapeutic environment for preadolescents ages 5through 12. An adolescent inpatient program with separate male and female units, and separate tracks for psychiatric and substance abuse treatment, is designed for individuals ages 13 through 18 who present symptoms of psychiatric disorders and emotional illness. Both the children's and adolescent programs include comprehensive patient and family assessments, treatment planning and continuation of care following the inpatient stay. Personalized and community responsibility, individualized goal setting and the performance of alternative coping skills are emphasized. Treatment teams consist of a variety of health care professionals working in tandem. Family support group is also available.

Sulam-LI
111 Irving Pl., Woodmere
516-319-9856

Sulam-LI is dedicated to improving Jewish educational opportunities for children with moderate to severe developmental disabilities. (The word "sulam" means "ladder," expressing the hope that students will reach heights that they couldn't reach alone.) Sulam-LI's mission is to provide a warm and nurturing environment where learning needs will be accommodated. Classes meet on Sunday mornings,10 am to noon. Sulam-LI offers small class sizes with highly-trained special educators and a specialized multi-sensory curriculum. Socialization and parent support groups are offered as part of the program. Starting this month, Sulam-LI is offering a high school/socialization class for Jewish teenagers with developmental disabilities. Additional classes will be offered for children with Learning Disabilities (LD)and social/emotional delays. In 2005, Sulam-LI's Educational Director, Andrea Bernstein, won an award for outstanding leadership in Jewish Education from the Long Island Caring Community of the U.J.A. Federation of New York.

United Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County, Inc.
380 Washington Avenue, Roosevelt, NY 11575
516-378-2000, Ext. 355

The Children's Learning Center is affiliated with the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County, Inc. Established in 1948, our school has a well-earned reputation for outstanding education, evaluation and treatment services for children from birth to 21 with a broad range of mild to severe disabilities, including speech/language delays, physical disabilities and mental retardation. Each child's program is individualized and closely monitored by a team of multidisciplinary, caring and dedicated professionals. Preparation for inclusion, mainstreaming and maximum independence in the community is emphasized. There are three divisions within the CLC, Early Intervention, Preschool and School Age. Currently, 250 children receive services through the CLC. Some of the many therapies, programs and services offered on-site include: physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, audiology, social work intake, psychological, educational, assistive technology and bilingual educational evaluations.