POSTPONED – Developmental Disabilities Resource Fair

This event has been postponed until further notice. For more information, please contact Amanda Smith at (718) 225-6750 ext 286 or at [email protected].

We’re hosting a Special Services Resource Fair on Sunday, March 29th, from 1-4pm at the Commonpoint Queens Sam Field Center!

This FREE public event is for:

• People with disabilities
• Family members and friends
• Teachers, students, professionals and community members

We will be giving out information on our vast array of programs for individuals with developmental disabilities, including: day rehabilitation services, summer camps, recreational programs, transitional & vocational services, respite services and more. We’ll also be addressing assistive technology, special needs financial planning, parent support services, care coordination and therapy options.

Discover community resources, attend break out workshop sessions, network with families and share information. You can see our full workshop schedule at the bottom of the page.

Shuttle Bus service available to/from Commonpoint Queens’ Central Queens 67-09 108th Street, Forest Hills NY 11375. Pick up times at CQ: 12:30pm, 2:30pm. Bus will leave the resource fair to head back to CQ at 2pm and 4pm.

For more details, please contact Amanda Smith at (718) 225-6750 ext 286 or at [email protected]

Workshop Schedule

1:15pm-2:00pm – Special Needs Financial Planning

Join Andrew Cohen, Esq. for an informative workshop that addresses the legal and financial preparations crucial to safeguarding assets and benefits for your child with special needs, including how to preserve assets without disqualifying eligibility for government benefits, customizing an estate plan for a special needs family, supplemental needs trusts, strategies for funding trusts, and guardianship.

2:00pm-2:30pm – Assistive Technology

Join Mark Surabian, Founder of ATHelp for an engaging workshop that aims to guide individuals, families, caregivers, and professionals in the effective acquisition, use, and implementation of Assistive Technologies (AT) which may support individuals with learning, communication, physical access, or productivity needs, to increase their participation within schools, workplaces, leisure activities, and in their communities.

2:30pm-3:00pm – Supportive Employment

Join Stephanie Costa, MSW for an informational workshop on the ins and outs of supportive employment, including OPWDD programs, ACCES-VR referral process, how to know if your child/young adult is ready to work, and ACCES-VR vs. OPWDD. Stephanie has been in the field for the last 5 years working with young adults doing vocational assessments, linking them to the right services, and finding the right job placement/internship.

3:00pm-3:30pm – Holistic Therapy Options

Join Maryann Sucich-Massari, Founder of Purple Table for an innovative workshop showcasing her unique and varied practice, which offers a holistic twist to ‘traditional’ Speech-Language/Feeding Therapy and treating the wellness of the entire family. Maryann is a Nationally Certified Speech-Language Pathologist who is also a NYS licensed Massage Therapist (MA CCC-SLP/TSHH/LMT), and she has worked with the pediatric population for over ten years.

3:30pm-4:00pm – Care Coordination/Access to Services

Join Peter Coleman from Care Design NY, which provides high-quality services to people with I/DD and their families, funded and overseen by the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). Care Coordination Organizations such as Care Design NY help individuals and families coordinate and advocate for the services they need and want.