Given the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19/coronavirus pandemic, we have replaced QSAC's homepage for the duration of the situation.
You can still view QSAC's regular website by clicking any of the links on the above navigation bar.
Important Updates and Announcements
Updated: June 19, 2020
NEW UPDATE: Action Alert: Stop OPWDD Residential Cuts with One Click!
OPWDD has proposed almost $250 million in cuts* for certified IRA and ICF residential programs! These proposed OPWDD cuts will devastate residential programs and will result in a loss of residential beds, longer waiting lists, and fewer options for those living at home with their families. Some providers will go out of business. Many providers will have to cut staff – and quality of services – just to survive. Specifically, these cuts will eliminate reimbursement to providers for beds that are vacant (most due to COVID-19 deaths) and slash reimbursement in half for days when individuals are in hospitals or home with their families. Providers serving people with high medical or psychiatric needs will be hurt the most! These cuts are particularly cruel in the wake of COVID-19, when providers have spent enormous sums of money to protect our individuals, with not a single cent of reimbursement from OPWDD. Go to https://www.cpstate.org/advocacy/ to oppose the OPWDD proposed IRA & ICF residential program cuts with just one click!
NEW UPDATE: QSAC's Day Habilitation and School Sites
QSAC's day habilitation and school programs will continue to be closed until further guidance is received from the respective government agencies. Please continue to follow updates on our website and to regularly check your email from pertinent alerts from QSAC.
QSAC Schools to Continue Remote Learning through Summer
In addition to continuing remote learning through June, the Governor has announced that remote teaching will continue through the summer months. QSAC's schools will continue to provide remote teaching for our students in accordance with our current summer calendar — July 6, 2020 to August 14, 2020.
ABA Parent Training Series and Support Groups Now Online
QSAC is now offering our ABA Parent Training Series and our parent support groups in an online format. We also have a full calendar of online programs and events for individuals with autism and their families. Click here for more information.
Resources for Families and Individuals Affected by COVID-19
New York City has created a website with information for New Yorkers affected by COVID-19. The website includes resources related to employment, housing, food assistance, etc. The United Way of Long Island has also created a resource page on their website as well as an application for families in need of financial assistance.
The New York City Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) has created an online COVID-19 resource section to inform people with disabilities on the resources available to the them during NYC's response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Click here to visit the resource site.
On May 7th, Governor Cuomo announced that the moratorium on evictions (residential and commercial) would be extended to August 20, 2020. The Governor also indicated there would be a ban on late payment fees and that renters may use their security deposit to pay rent.
Please continue to visit our website for updates and announcements.
To All Group Home Families:
We find ourselves in an unprecedented situation and we want you to know that the health and safety of your family member is our top priority. As directed by the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities, effective today, March 25, 2020, we must temporarily suspend all home visits.
If you decide that your family member will visit you, we are unable to provide an exact date when this restriction will be lifted and when your family member will be able to return to the group home. If you have any questions, please email info@qsac.com.
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Effective Saturday, March 21, 2020 at 8:00 pm, Governor Cuomo has issued an Executive Order that sets forth work restrictions until further notice. Specifically, NYS residents are not allowed to travel unless they are considered Essential Health Care Workers, which include OPWDD Group Home staff, staff that work in families homes and administrative staff to support the essential functions to operate QSAC. Failure to comply with this mandate may subject you to a civil fine.
Additional information regarding your work status will be communicated prior to Monday. All group home staff and in home staff currently working should continue to work.
All staff will receive an email with an attachment that indicates you are an Essential Health Care Worker as well as a letter from Lisa Veglia and Cory Polshansky indicating that you are able to travel to/from work. Only staff who continue working should furnish this upon request. In addition, all staff must carry their QSAC IDs.
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CityMD has closed several locations throughout the region. Please view CityMD's website for the most up-to-date information regarding those locations that are open.
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To all group home families, effective immediately, as directed by the NYS Office of People With Developmental Disabilities, all visits to group homes are suspended until further notice. We highly discourage having your son/daughter visit you at your home.
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Effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020 all QSAC day habilitation programs will be closed until further notice. If you're family member lives at home with you and you are interested in Day Habilitation services at your home, please email DayhabAtHome@qsac.com with your details and we will be in touch. For any other questions please email info@qsac.com.
In accordance with the New York City Department of Education as well as Nassau and Suffolk counties, QSAC’s early intervention, SEIT, SETSS, preschool, school, after school, and after day programs will be CLOSED beginning Monday, March 16, 2020 and will remain closed until notified otherwise.
For additional updates regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus) please click here.
At-Home Learning Resources
During this unprecedented crisis, we recognize that families may be seeking educational resources to use in supporting at-home learning while schools and other programs are closed. Below you will find a series of resources, websites, and mobile applications that may be helpful. We will continue to update this with new resources.
Resources for Children and Students
BrainPop: This website offers web-based educational resources for an array of subjects including social studies, science, math, English, arts and music, health, engineering, and technology. Currently, they are offering free memberships for families.
ExploreWork: ExploreWork offers online courses focused on career planning and the development of work skills for students with disabilities. The website is a collaboration between George Washington University and the Workforce Innovation Technical Assistance Center (WINTAC). The website is free.
Skills to Pay the Bills: This downloadable workbook provides tips, strategies, and activities for helping students learn and practice soft skills for the workplace. This resource is free.
Storyline: The SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s award-winning children’s literacy website, Storyline Online, streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations. Readers include Viola Davis, Chris Pine, Lily Tomlin, Kevin Costner, Annette Bening, James Earl Jones, Betty White and dozens more.
Resources for Adults
Resource Folder: This Google Drive folder contains an array of resources that can be used to support skill development. The resource provides an extensive selection of websites, applications, social stories, videos, visual supports, worksheets, and workbooks.
Enrichment Resources
Google Arts and Culture: Google Arts & Culture is an online platform through which the public can access high-resolution images of artworks housed in the initiative's partner museums. You can also take virtual tours of some of the world's most famous museums and historical sites. This resource is free.
Computer Literacy (Online Course): Northstar Digital Literacy has made its Basic Computer Literacy course available online for free for a limited time in response to the coronavirus/COVID-19. If you are interested in getting access to other features/courses, please email Joseph Amodeo at jamodeo@qsac.com.
Monterey Bay Aquarium Live Stream: Be delighted by the antics of the aquarium's sea otters or mellow out to the hypnotic drifting of our jellies. With ten live cams to choose from, you can experience the wonder of the ocean no matter where you are. The website is free.
Virtual Tour of the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History: Dinosaurs! Snakes in jars! Giant diamonds! Our suggestions: The Ocean Hall, The Hall of Mammals, and the Hall of Fossils. Or, mix it up with minerals.
