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History In 1976 a group of parents of autistic adolescents came together to advocate for their aging out children. Realizing that there were no ongoing services available including residential and vocational programs, we organized Special Citizens Futures Unlimited, Inc. Though programs existed for those with mental retardation and other development disabilities, few were available or appropriate for our children. As advocates we refused to be victims. We amended our not-for-profit corporate papers to become full fledged providers of services. We have the support of gifted professionals who are recognized authorities in the field.There were no group homes to speak of and few programs available. We re-organized Special Citizens to address the void in programs and services. In 1981, thanks to a prior three year grant from the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD) we opened our first group home, Cortlandt Hills, in Westchester, NY. It was not until 1986 that we were able to open the DeClemente Group Home in Riverdale, Bronx. The following year we opened our first supported work program, the Value Plus Shop (VPS), a women’s retail clothing store. VPS has provided employment for our consumers since 1987. Our young adults also made saleable crafts such as baby blankets, pillows and placemats, which sell well in the community. In 1993 we opened another group home, the Grace Cavanagh Residence. In 1995 we opened Delafield, an apartment for two young men with Asperger’s. In 1999 Corlear Apartments opened providing a home and support for four men in two separate apartments. We currently have one residence in Manhattan for a high functioning man which will be followed by other residential programs. The Munch Center, a work readiness program, opened its doors in 2001. Designed for higher functioning adults, participants are trained for the real world of work. It is the commitment of Special Citizens to help autistic people become employees in accordance with their abilities whenever it is possible. We believe traditional workshops for other disabilities are inadequate to teach the special skills we have seen develop in the autistic. We believe that self-esteem and self-worth go hand-in-hand with appropriate behavior, resulting in paychecks!. Many of our consumers have proven to be reliable workers. For children, we provide in-home programs to help youngsters acquire skills. For consumers who have aged out or are not in residence, we provide day-habilitation to help individuals maintain their skills and to continue learning. We also offer augmentative communication through the use of computers as well as other traditional and appropriate speech services. We provide case management for parents and families who need all kinds of assistance. In the category of family support, we are working to provide new program development and advocacy which must result in ongoing programs so desperately needed. We also provide family group meetings as requested. A unique work program in Manhattan known as Wonder of Wonders, Yes (WOWY) is forthcoming. This program was created to provide vocational training for autistic adults. As a business endeavor, we anticipate our copy center will fill orders from business people and friends at competitive prices. The art work done by our consumers is unique and beautiful. We reproduce their art work in color to be sold as prints, either framed or unframed. We will also reproduce the artwork on greeting and holiday cards, blank notes, postcards as well as take on other printed items. A sales catalogue will be available shortly including business cards, flyers, etc. Special Citizens Futures Unlimited, Inc. |
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