Developmental Disabilities Institute

Developmental Disabilities Institute is a non-profit provider of care, education, therapeutic and residential services for people with autism and developmental disabilities on Long Island, New York. Founded in 1961 by families seeking appropriate programmes for their children, the organisation now operates as Brightway Living & Learning and supports more than 1,600 individuals across a multi-site network, with headquarters in Smithtown, NY. Its services span the whole of life, from early childhood through adulthood.

The agency's work rests on applied behavior analysis and evidence-based therapeutic intervention, delivered through early childhood education, school-age programmes, children's and adult residential services, adult day services, vocational training, transportation and self-direction support. Staff work across special education, disability services and residential care settings, with a focus on promoting independence and community connection for the people they serve.

Developmental Disabilities Institute describes its approach as combining genuine compassion with evidence-based practice. Teams of professionals work collaboratively with families, and the organisation emphasises meaningful relationship-building and support for personal growth, with progress measured at each individual's own pace.