DDI Receives High Honors for Employee

(Smithtown, NY) Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI), the leading service provider for children and adults with autism on Long Island, will have one of its employees honored at the New York State Association of Day Service Providers (NYSADSP) annual Symposium. NYSADSP is a non-profit devoted to advocating for the rights of people with disabilities.

Steve Gagas DDI’s Recreation Manager

Steve Gagas is DDI’s Recreation Manager who will be awarded the Leadership Award from NYSADSP.  This award is presented to an individual who has provided strong and consistent leadership for direct support staff and exemplifies these qualities consistently.  Steve will be recognized at NYSADSP’s annual Symposium held in November at the Gideon Putnam in Saratoga Springs.

“Steve’s imagination, dedication, and leadership has transformed our recreation program for the individuals we serve in our Adult Day Program,” commented John Lessard, DDI’s Executive Director.  “Steve’s ability to create innovative ways to engage the individuals we serve is remarkable.  We are truly proud of Steve’s many accomplishments and thank NYSADSP for recognizing his outstanding achievements at DDI.”

The NYSADSP promotes a service environment that offers personal growth and development for people with developmental disabilities to live to their fullest potential. NYSADSP acts as a resource to provide its members with current technological, programmatic and regulatory information, education, training, technical assistance and the opportunity to advocate, network and collaborate on issues with other members.

DDI is a not-for-profit agency headquartered in Smithtown, NY, with more than 30 locations throughout Suffolk and Nassau Counties.  Serving nearly 1,000 children and adults with a diagnosis of an autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), DDI is the largest provider of services for individuals with Autism on Long Island.  It provides special educational, vocational, day and residential programs, as well as healthcare services for over 5,000 children and adults with autism or other developmental disabilities.  DDI also operates family-centered preschool programs for both children with disabilities as well as typically developing students.  DDI was founded in 1961 by a group of parents to address the special educational and therapeutic needs of their children with autism or other developmental disabilities.  DDI is a member agency of the United Way of Long Island.  For more information about DDI, visit www.ddiny.org.