Developmental Disabilities Institute

11/20/2025

As National Family Caregivers Month continues, we are pleased to share the panel discussion from the July screening of "UNSEEN: How We're Failing Parent Caregivers & Why It Matters." The panelists explored a range of meaningful topics, offering insights into the challenges families face and the changes needed to truly support them.

During National Family Caregivers Month—and all year—we recognize and honor family caregivers. We were proud to present this summer the award-winning documentary UNSEEN: How We’re Failing Parent Caregivers & Why It Matters, followed by a panel discussion with caregivers. You can view their exp...

11/18/2025

Students from the Smithtown Children’s Day Program recently visited our Main Street Masterpieces Art Gallery, where their artwork is featured in the Autumn on Long Island exhibit. They had the chance to admire their own creative paintings and share them with the community. We are so proud of the hard work, imagination and care they put into every brushstroke.

11/17/2025

Our little learners from the Ronkonkoma Early Childhood Services program participated in an “All About Us” lesson this week. They created Play-Doh models of themselves, learned about emotions and examined their unique handprints. What a fun way to experience the joys of discovery and self-identity!

11/16/2025

11/15/2025

✨Happy National Philanthropy Day! ✨

Today, we celebrate the donors, partners, and supporters who fuel DDI's mission. Your generosity creates real possibilities for the people we support. As we honor the power of giving, we're also gearing up for our Annual Walk on November 22! 👟

🕖10:00AM – 12:00PM
🗓️ Suffolk Credit Union Arena, Brentwood

Join us and keep the impact going.💙

11/14/2025

Thank you to our Human Resources Department for hosting biometric screenings for staff! These quick screenings provided a snapshot of health in just minutes, including a review of potential risk markers for diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. This was an excellent way to take proactive steps toward employee health and well-being.

11/13/2025

Thank you so much to Kevin Long and Timmy’s Team, for working to raise over $6,000 for a new outdoor classroom at DDI’s Ronkonkoma campus! This weekend, on Saturday the 15th, Kevin will be running the Richmond Marathon. We’d like everyone in the DDI family to send words of support to Kevin as he runs for Timmy’s Team!

There is still time to support Kevin and his run for Timmy’s Team, just go to: https://bit.ly/3WDi5qd

11/12/2025

We’re only 10 days away from DDI’s Annual Walk!

If you haven't donated yet, don't worry there is still time, visit - https://bit.ly/4o8UkSP

And be sure to join us:

🗓️ Saturday, November 22, 2025
🕖 10:00AM – 12:00PM
📍 Suffolk Credit Union Arena, Brentwood

11/11/2025

Students from the Smithtown Children's Day Program traveled to the Long Island State Veterans Home in Stony Brook to spend time with the veterans. They handed out 50 student-made Veteran's Day cards and learned about what a veteran is and the hard work and sacrifices they have made for our country.

We are incredibly thankful for their service and selfless dedication to protecting our freedoms.

We are especially grateful to the veterans from DDI who prove every day that true service never ends.

11/09/2025

DDI team member Javier recently shared his delicious empanada recipe during a hands-on cooking class with folks from our Without Walls program. From mixing the ingredients to savoring the final bites, everyone enjoyed learning new skills and creating something tasty together. Thank you, Javier, for bringing joy (and flavor!) to the kitchen!

11/07/2025

The petting zoo and farm made special visits to all three of our Early Childhood locations, and the students were absolutely thrilled. They couldn't get enough of their new farm friends—spending time brushing, petting, and learning all about each animal. It was a wonderful hands-on experience that sparked curiosity and built confidence. Not to mention all the smiles!