New Innovative Programming for Children with Disabilities

Commonpoint Queens is proud to offer diverse and innovative programming for children with disabilities in our community. Thanks to the support of the Butler Foundation, we are excited to be offering new enrichment programs for children with disabilities at Central Queens beginning this May, including cinematography, gardening, cooking, and magic!

While we have been long known for our engaging after school, summer, weekend, and sports programs at Sam Field, Central Queens, and Bay Terrace for all ages and abilities, more families than ever have turned to us to provide a safe and fun experience for their children in classes such as adaptive swim and cooking. From 2021 to 2022, enrollment nearly doubled in our Weekend Teen and Summer Respite programs. Based on feedback from both children and parents, as well as new funding, we have expanded new innovative programs geared toward the individualized needs of our students.

We were also able to provide job training and career-readiness skills for 43 teens with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) through internships this school year with new funding from the Butler Foundation!

“We discovered a significant amount of high school students would benefit from job readiness skills, and with the support of the youth department and special services, we’ve worked to provide internships in the Kids Korner after school program at Central Queens,” said Lisa Armband, Senior Director of Special Services. “After assessing interests and identifying appropriate settings in addition to after school, we are partnering with the food pantry at Central Queens to provide support within food distribution for needy families. We are looking to expand to other departments as well!”

To learn more about programs for children with disabilities, please contact Lisa Armband at LArmband@CommonpointQueens.org or visit CommonpointQueens.org/specialservices.

This story is part of our Summer 2022 Newsletter – click here to read more