Devereux New York Cares, located at 27 Radio Circle Drive, Mt. Kisco, NY 10549, and reachable at (914) 941-1991, stands as a beacon of hope and support for children and adults facing intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), emotional and behavioral differences, and dual diagnoses. As a cornerstone of the Devereux continuum of care, the New York Center for Autism Research and Education Services (CARES) delivers comprehensive, year-round, full-day programs. These intensive educational and behavioral interventions are meticulously designed for students aged five to 21 diagnosed with ASD and other cognitive differences.
Established in 1996, Devereux New York CARES has become a highly respected institution, serving nearly 50 students and their families navigating the complexities of autism. Recognized as one of New York’s premier programs for individuals with ASD, we pride ourselves on providing an exceptional level of individualized attention. Our commitment extends to offering a diverse array of activities specifically crafted to enhance students’ learning, foster independence, and promote meaningful integration into their communities.
At the heart of our program lies the principles of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). We understand that each student is unique, and therefore, educational goals and activities are carefully customized to align with their individual strengths. Students benefit from a wide spectrum of educational, vocational, and behavior intervention programs, all aimed at supporting personal growth and development. Beyond our direct student services, Devereux N.Y. CARES extends its expertise through consultation services for parents, teachers, school districts, and other relevant agencies, reinforcing our commitment to the wider community and embodying the spirit of new york cares.
Our overarching mission at Devereux N.Y. CARES is to empower our students and their families to lead positive and fulfilling lives, both within and beyond the classroom setting. We are dedicated to cultivating a safe and nurturing environment where students and families alike feel genuinely supported as they work collaboratively towards achieving academic, social, and vocational milestones.
Educational Programming: Tailoring Learning Paths for Success
Devereux N.Y. CARES is deeply committed to enabling students to reach their maximum potential and achieve success within the least restrictive environment possible. To ensure this, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is meticulously developed for each student, in close collaboration with their families and their home school district. These IEPs are designed to address various crucial behavioral areas, including:
- Learning Readiness and Pre-Academic Skills: Focusing on building foundational skills while addressing challenging behaviors that may impede learning progress.
- Communication Skills: Enhancing both receptive and expressive communication abilities to facilitate interaction and understanding.
- Cognitive and Academic Skills: Developing essential skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and motor skills (both gross and fine motor), ensuring a well-rounded academic foundation.
- Daily Living Skills: Cultivating self-help and home living skills to promote independence and self-sufficiency in everyday routines.
- Socialization and Leisure Skills: Encouraging independent, cooperative, and symbolic play to foster social interaction and enjoyment of leisure activities.
- Pre-vocational, Vocational Skills, and Community Living Skills: Preparing students for future employment and community engagement through targeted skill development.
Our curriculum is meticulously aligned with New York State’s learning standards for students with severe disabilities, ensuring all students participate in appropriate alternate assessments to measure progress and achievement.
Staffing and Instruction: Dedicated Support for Individual Growth
Devereux N.Y. CARES maintains a highly supportive staffing ratio, approved by the New York State Education Department (NYSED), of 6:1:3 (six students, one teacher, and three teaching assistants). This dedicated team of four professionals collaborates to deliver instruction tailored to each student’s goals and objectives, all holding appropriate certifications and undergoing specialized training. In some cases, students may be assigned 1:1 aides as specified in their IEPs. While these aides provide crucial support for student participation within the school environment, their role is to assist and not to provide direct instruction.
Intensive Community-based Instruction: Learning Beyond the Classroom
Recognizing the vital importance of real-world application, Devereux N.Y. CARES prioritizes providing students with opportunities to experience life beyond the confines of the classroom. Our core objective is for students to effectively apply the skills and knowledge acquired at school within their own communities, thus preparing them for a successful and integrated life after Devereux.
All students actively participate in weekly community-based instruction activities, carefully designed to meet their individual IEP goals. These activities encompass a range of experiences, such as visiting the local library, grocery store, and post office, enabling students to practice essential skills in authentic settings. Furthermore, teenagers and young adults engage in pre-vocational learning opportunities, developed in partnership with local nonprofits and businesses. These partnerships, supported and monitored by our dedicated staff, are crucial for developing skills essential for future employment and independent living, further demonstrating how new york cares for its young adults with special needs.
Title IX Policy and Procedures: Ensuring a Safe and Equitable Environment
Understanding Title IX: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”) is a landmark legislation that prohibits discrimination based on sex in any educational program or activity receiving federal funding. This prohibition extends to sex-based harassment, discrimination on the basis of sex, and any retaliation related to complaints of sex discrimination. Sex-based harassment encompasses unwelcome conduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, other forms of sexual violence and misconduct, and gender-based harassment. This comprehensive policy applies to all aspects of our programs, including academic, educational, athletic, and residential components.
Key Changes in Title IX Regulations: The updated Title IX regulations underscore the accountability of schools in responding equitably and promptly to incidents of sexual misconduct. These regulations ensure a more robust and reliable adjudication process that upholds fairness for all students. The Final Regulations specifically outline how recipients of federal financial assistance, including schools and educational institutions, must address allegations of sexual harassment in accordance with Title IX’s fundamental prohibition against sex discrimination.
Training and Resources: [Links to Training Materials], [Links to Policy and Procedure Documents]
Non-discrimination in Transportation Services: Devereux N.Y. CARES is committed to non-discrimination in all services, including transportation, ensuring equal access and opportunity for all individuals we serve.
This comprehensive approach at Devereux New York CARES reflects a deep commitment to fostering growth, independence, and community integration for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities, truly embodying the essence of new york cares.
