Northport-East Northport SEPTA

Check this page often for updates on seminars, workshops, conferences and other events for special needs families in our community. After-school programs are listed on the Programs page.

Special Needs Radio Program, Long Island's WGBB 1240 AM

Tune in to "Special Needs Long Island,"  the radio program for the special needs community. Listen at 1240 AM WGBB or on the web at www.am1240wgbb.com (click on "Listen Live").

School Vacation Recreation/Respite Program

Dates: February 21-24

Location: Early Discoveries, Port Jefferson

Two Sessions: 9 am-noon and 1-4 pm

The Cody Center will offer a 4-day recreational program for children between the ages of 5 and 9 during the February school break.  Children must have an autism spectrum diagnosis, and must meet OMRDD eligibility requirements to be able to take part in the program. We will be accepting children for the full 4-day program only, in either the morning or afternoon session. Having the same group of children together for the full session will provide consistency and the opportunity for children to get to know each other. The program will offer indoor and outdoor structured play activities based on children’s interests and abilities. A home visit will be scheduled with each child before the program begins, so that staff can become familiar with the child and gather information on his/her preferred activities, behavioral needs or special concerns. Up to 6 children will be accepted for each session (morning or afternoon). The program staff will include a special educator, a behavior specialist and classroom assistants. Cost: Because this program is sponsored by a grant from OMRDD, and supported by the generosity of the Early Discoveries Center, we are able to offer it to families at the reasonable fee of $75 per child. For an application: contact Bonnie Gumiela at 632-3147 or ElizabethGumiela@sbumed.org.

9th Annual Conference: Best Practices in the Education of Children With Down Syndrome

March 9-10

Long Island University Post Campus

Keynote Speakers: Joan Guthrie Medlen, Joann Ripp, Jenni and Jason Newbury

Plus many other presenters. Child care is available. Financial Assistance is available for a limited number of families. Large groups eligible for group rates. Certificates of Attendance will be provided on-site.

To register: contact Irene Morsch at 516-299-2231 or conferenceonbestpractices@yahoo.com.

Cost: $6 per person. Families can bring their own GFCF snacks. For more info: contact Assemblyman Jim Conte at 631-271-8025 or contej@assembly.state.ny.us   

Camp and Recreation Fair

March 2

10 am - 2 pm

Location: Long Island Developmental Disabilities Services Office, 45 Mall Drive, Commack

Sponsored by Parent to Parent

What will your child be doing this summer? Stop by our fair to find out about great local programs for special needs children. For more info or to RSVP: contact Valerie Stammelman or Valerie Reid at 631-434-6196 or liparent2parent@verizon.net   

Sexuality, Relationship, and Social Skill Training

March 15 @ 7 pm at the Cody Center

Presenter: Bonnie Gumiela, MPS

This 2-hour workshop for caregivers, parents, and professionals working with individuals between 10 and 21, who have developmental disabilities, will focus on the following: 

Preparation for puberty and body changes, Relationships, Communication and Social Skills Training, Personal Boundaries and Abuse Prevention, Teaching Tips, Activities to use when providing sexuality education and training.  

Location: Putnam Hall Conference Room #168. Registration: Registration is limited to 20 people. We suggest a donation of $10 per family to help cover the costs of presenting workshops. To reserve your spot, please send check payable to: The Cody Center, 177 Putnam Hall, Stony Brook, NY 11794. For more info: call (631) 632-8844, or e-mail Marlies.Brandt@sbumed.org.