QSAC Opens New Center for Adults with Autism

Quality Services for the Autism Community’s (QSAC), a nonprofit providing services for children and adults with autism, celebrated the opening of its new center for supporting adults with autism in Suffolk County with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, May 20, 2015. The center (320 South Service Road, Melville, NY) will provide person-centered support services for adults with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The opening of QSAC’s new offices in Melville are a part of the agency’s continued expansion on Long Island as it seeks to meet a growing need for services for families affected by autism living in the region.

Initially, the new site will provide day habilitation services for adults with autism living in the surrounding area. QSAC’s day habilitation program supports participants in developing the skills necessary for them to become active and participating members of their own homes and communities. QSAC will also offer trainings and support groups for families and professionals supporting individuals with autism.

Joining QSAC’s leadership team for the ribbon cutting was Jackie Best, Director of the Long Island Developmental Disabilities Regional Office for the New York State Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) as well as local elected officials including Suffolk County Legislator Tom Cilmi and Town of Huntington Councilwoman Susan Berland as well as Brian Finnegan of Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci’s office.

Regarding the new site, Gary Maffei, QSAC’s executive director said, “Our new office in Suffolk is a testament to QSAC’s ongoing commitment to providing quality services and supports for individuals with autism and their families throughout New York City and Long Island. With the opening of a Suffolk office, we look forward to serving this wonderful community and to helping to meet a growing need for services.”

Pictured L to R: Lisa Veglia, QSAC Deputy Executive Director; Cory Polshansky, QSAC Deputy Executive Director; Jackie Best, Director of the Long Island Developmental Disabilities Regional Office for the NYS Office of People with Developmental Disabilities; Gary Maffei, QSAC Executive Director; Brian Finnegan, Legislative Aide to Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci; Tom Cilmi, Suffolk County Legislator; Councilwoman Susan Berland of the Town of Huntington; and Paul Naranjo, QSAC Chief Financial Officer.