ACDS

Sharing in case this is of interest.

In honor of our 60th anniversary, ACDS will be posting testimonials from our constituents, alumni and staff about the agency's lasting impact, with the hope that we inspire future generations of families and supporters. This week we are so excited to share an update on how our amazing alum Xandria is doing at the Lavelle School for the Blind! We are so proud of you Xandria!!!

ACDS's Family Resources Page will feature monthly updates, strategies and resources of use to our community. The focus for the month of the October is Tips and Strategies for Going Out in the Community. Check out the page here:

https://sites.google.com/view/acdsfamilyresources/home?pli=1&authuser=0

Also, please tell us in the comments what topics you would like to see explored!

ACDSFamilyResources Welcome to the ACDS Parent Resource Center! This website was created by the ACDS School Psychologists and Social Workers to support the wonderful families in our school community. Whether you're looking for information, ideas, or encouragement, we hope this site becomes a resource you can return to

ACDS is thrilled to be a beneficiary of the Msgr. John Knights of Columbus #11836 Octoberfest event on Saturday November 7th from 1:00 to 5:00pm at Plattduetsche Park Biergarten in Franklin Square, NY. Please consider attending and supporting this worthwhile event. The entire indoor and outdoor space at The Plattduetsche Biergarten has been reserved, so attendees will be protected in the event of inclement weather.

Admission is $85 (in advance) / $100 pp at the door and $50 pp for non-alcohol. Included in your admission is unlimited German food, b**r, w**e, soda and live music performed by Anthony Gal of the popular band Guys with Guitars. Silent auction prizes, gift baskets, and 50/50 raffle's will be available for purchase.

Advance Sale Admission options, Sponsorship Opportunities, and more event information is available on the event site using the following link:
https://givebutter.com/koc-octoberfest-2026-mv63vz

As we wrap up DSP Appreciation Week, we hope you’ve enjoyed seeing our staff spotlights from across ACDS Adult Services. We’re ending the week with our final two spotlights, but our appreciation certainly doesn’t end here!

Jenna’s patience & caring nature show in every interaction she has with the children, teens & adults in the 5Plus program. Her hard work, dedication & almost perfect attendance make Jenna an excellent role model for our new staff.
Fatimat is a hard worker who displays a positive attitude at all times. She is always ready to help & support the residents in her care at the Seaford house.

To all of our incredible DSPs thank you for the kindness, patience, dedication and heart you bring to ACDS each and every day. Most importantly, thank you for the difference you make in the lives of the people we support.

We are so grateful for all that you do. Happy DSP Appreciation Week!

Andre & Latoya are two of the many hardworking and compassionate DSPs who help make our Residential department so special.

Andre is an important part of the Hellenos team who consistently goes above & beyond his daily work responsibilities. Latoya the consistency, dedication, and heart you bring to your work make a lasting impact on the individuals we support and their families.

We’re grateful to have Andre & Latoya as part of our Adult Services team. Thank you for all you do!

DSP Appreciation Week: Meet Vera & Tara!
When we think of the 5Plus Recreation & Respite department we often think of the core group of staff who have been part of our programs for many years. Vera & Tara are definitely two of those people!

What makes Vera so special is how well she knows the people we support. She meets everyone at their level, finds ways for each person to participate and makes sure everyone feels successful and included. Vera puts her heart into everything she does, and we couldn’t offer all that we do without her talent & passion.

Through her many years at ACDS, Tara has built strong and meaningful relationships with the people we support and their families and she has become a familiar & reassuring presence. Tara is also one of those staff members who is always willing to help whether she’s working directly with participants or helping behind the scenes. She sees what needs to be done and does it, with a smile and without ever having to be asked.

Thank you, Vera & Tara for showing up year after year with the same enthusiasm & commitment to our participants & programs and embodying what it means to be an exceptional DSP.

Let’s continue celebrating the amazing DSPs who make a difference at ACDS every day!

Tonight we’re highlighting Jayne & Keith, two of the many caring and dedicated DSPs from our Com Hab department.

Jayne supports Robbie as he explores his community & socializes with his peers. Jayne has made a positive impact on Robbie’s life. Keith goes above & beyond his required duties in many ways. Keith helps Joe learn how to take care of himself in a safe & healthy manner.

Thank you for everything you do to support, encourage and bring joy to the people we serve!