Adult Education
QSAC (Quality Services for the Autism Community) is now a National External Diploma Program (NEDP) agency approved by both NEDP/CASAS and the New York State Education Department's High School Equivalency Office. We also offer a series of trainings and courses aimed at supporting young adults and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other intellectual and developmental disabilities in realizing their academic goals.
Eligibility: QSAC is approved by NYSED to offer the NEDP program as a pathway for earning a high school diploma. QSAC's NEDP program has the following eligibility requirements:
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Registrants must have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or another intellectual/developmental disability;
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Must live in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau County, or Suffolk County;
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Complete diagnostic testing in-person and commit to regular in office check-ins with their advisor/assessor; and,
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Cannot be currently enrolled in a high school program and must be 18 or older.
QSAC is only able to accept applications for the NEDP for people who live in New York City or on Long Island. Proof of residency may be requested. In addition, all diagnostic testing (Reading, Math, and Writing) must be completed in-person at QSAC's Manhattan location (253 West 35th Street).
NEDP leverages the skills you’ve gained from life and work experience to demonstrate your reading, writing and math high school level skills. This web-based program for adults and out-of-school youth offers flexibility to earn your diploma even if you are employed full time, enrolled in job training, or have other commitments. The NEDP program can be completed in 6 to 12 months.
Work at home, the library, or wherever you have a computer
You will work through online activities and with an assessor to complete your program. You have multiple opportunities to demonstrate your mastery of academic skills in core subject areas. The NEDP is aligned with the college and career readiness standards.
NEDP + Project Achieve
With support from the Heckscher Foundation, QSAC is able to offer Project Achieve. This program assigns all QSAC NEDP students to an Achieve Counselor who provides one-on-one support and tutoring to help you prepare for the NEDP assessments and performance tasks based on your unique learning needs. The Achieve Counselor will also help you develop your post-NEDP career and/or academic plans. This support program is only available for New York City residents from any of the five boroughs who are 26 years old or younger.