Archived News

It's the most impactful time of the year. Every journey is unique, and at DDI, we are committed to helping everyone in our care achieve progress at every stage. Your generosity directly sustains the vital programs, dedicated staff, and supportive families that make DDI a place of belonging and possibility. Every milestone, every smile, every moment of progress begins with someone like you.

While the holiday season is a time of joy and togetherness for many, it can bring its own challenges for people on the autism spectrum.

DDI has prepared a list of tips and strategies for families ahead of the upcoming holiday celebrations to help create the best experience for everyone.

The Target store in Commack, led by Kenneth Mahoney, Service & Engagement Team Leader (ETL), was selected by New York State as the 2025 Employer Recognition Award winner for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).

On December 2nd, we will celebrate Giving Tuesday, a Global Day of Generosity that shows how much good we can create together. This year, your gift to DDI will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $20,000, thanks to the incredible generosity of The Boileroom Group.

Together we raised over $117,000 that will go directly towards enhancing DDI’s educational, residential, vocational and therapeutic services to enrich the lives of the people we support.

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 experiences by watching this full discussion.

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, followed by a panel discussion with caregivers. You can view their experiences by watching the full discussion, which is provided.

Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI), a leading Long Island care provider for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities, celebrated the extraordinary dedication and achievements of 190 employees at its annual Service Awards Ceremony, held on October 21, 2025.

Town of Smithtown officials got the VIP Tour at Smithtown's Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI) earlier this month. Supervisor Ed Wehrheim and Councilman Tom Lohmann toured Smithtown’s Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI) residence and facility on Wednesday, October 15th, alongside Kim M. Kubasek, Chief Executive Officer of DDI and Michelle Sciara, Director of the Children's Day Program.

This year’s Annual Walk is seeing incredible support from families, friends, and the community, but one team stands out for their extraordinary dedication. Team Schwegler Hero’s has raised nearly $17,000, making them DDI’s top fundraising team for 2025.