Category: News

From CBS 2 New York:

There is a call to ease COVID-19 restrictions for some of our most vulnerable New Yorkers.

Those with developmental disabilities, along with family members, are asking the state to ease certain guidelines, especially for those who are fully vaccinated.

Robyn Lipshutz never thought getting the COVID vaccine would mean she still needs to quarantine for 14 days, if someone at her Long Island group home tests positive.

“Yes, I know you’re trying to protect me, but I’m wearing a mask, I’m fully vaccinated, and they’re telling me I’m still stuck in this house. That’s unacceptable,” Lipshutz told CBS2’s Andrea Grymes.

On Monday, she spoke out at a virtual news conference with family members, advocates for the developmentally disabled, and Long Island Assemblywoman Melissa Miller. They’re imploring the state Department of Health to update its COVID protocols for group homes.

“I have received countless emails, phone calls, messages from frustrated families. They cannot understand why their loved one who resides in a group home must repeatedly quarantine for 14 days after an exposure, even though they have been fully vaccinated,” Miller said.

The latest state guidance says those who are fully vaccinated do not need to quarantine after exposure, unless they show symptoms. Advocates say that same standard should apply to group homes, too.

Suzanne Reek’s 21-year-old, non-verbal son, Joseph, is vaccinated and lives at a home in Lido Beach.

“My son, for four months, we were not able to see him, and now we have the potential again to have this happen,” Suzanne Reek said.

The health department referred CBS2 to the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. A spokesperson there said the department is, “… currently reviewing our quarantine requirements for group homes, which are consistent with CDC and New York State Department of Health-issued guidelines. We understand family concerns … and we will continue to work with state and federal authorities to ensure people are safely supported with the least restrictions possible.”

Group home advocates are also calling for mandatory COVID testing for staff. The Office for People with Developmental Disabilities said it continues to require daily health screens for anyone entering facilities, and recommends testing for those with symptoms.

Nassau Suffolk Autism Society of America welcomes Dr. Ann Desire, MD as a member, Board of Directors.

Dr. Desire specializes in internal medicine and geriatrics and is a Stony Brook Medical School graduate. Dr. Desire is an accomplished writer, blogger, and mom. During the early days of the pandemic, she sewed more than 1,000 masks for group homes and families. We are excited to have her as a valuable part of our board, helping to continue our work for Long Island’s autism families.

Each week, we’re thanking some incredible people in 0ur community who help support Long Island’s Autism families dealing with the COVID-19 crisis. By raising money, supplying food for group homes, or further supporting The Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America, these COVID-19 Heroes are a bright light in these dark and uncertain times.

Thank you, LONGWOOD SEPTA, and organizer, Nicolle Fowler for their donation of $3,010 from their SEPTA Virtual Auction: Spin It To Win It!

If you’re also interested in donating to support The NSASA, contact Suzanne Reek at (516) 404-2306 or SReek@NSASA.org.

On Friday, August 7th, our very own Suzanne Reek, Executive Director of The Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America, had an interview with News 12 Long Island. The interview was for an upcoming segment of, “On A Positive Note.” The show will air on Greater New York Area News12 stations Saturday, August 15th at 10:30 AM

“On A Positive Note” is a News 12 exclusive original series hosted by Judayah Murray. The segment takes a look at the week’s most uplifting stories that will help start your day with a smile. This week, Suzanne Reek and The NSASA will be the ones that help you smile during these troubling times.

Suzanne and Judaya discuss what The NSASA has been doing for group homes and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. They talk, in detail, about the ice cream trucks we have been sending to group homes for the past two weeks. We also delivered more than 8,000 bagels, over 2,000 meals, and over 9,000 masks over the last four months.

“On A Positive Note” will air at 10:30 AM on Saturday, August 15th, and garner tri-state area coverage. Tune in to show your support for The NSASA and families with Autism.

Each week, we’re thanking some incredible people in 0ur community who help support Long Island’s Autism families dealing with the COVID-19 crisis. By raising money, supplying food for group homes, or further supporting The Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America, these COVID-19 Heroes are a bright light in these dark and uncertain times.

Ali Carbone and The Mighty Shed donated $500 for group home meals. Ali is the sister of Michael Carbone, Anthony Carbone, and Luke Carbone. All the boys live in group homes and have enjoyed the meals provided by The NSASA.

If you’re also interested in donating to support The NSASA, contact Suzanne Reek at (516) 404-2306 or SReek@NSASA.org.

Each week, we’re thanking some incredible people in 0ur community who help support Long Island’s Autism families dealing with the COVID-19 crisis. By raising money, supplying food for group homes, or further supporting The Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America, these COVID-19 Heroes are a bright light in these dark and uncertain times.

This week, we’re thanking Bethpage Federal Credit Union for donating $4500 to our Sweet Treat Rewards Program. We are sending ice cream trucks to Group Homes. Group Homes for four months were confined to their homes. They couldn’t go out for a simple thing like an ice cream cone. Our friends at Bethpage Federal Credit Union brought the ice cream to them.

If you’re also interested in donating to support The NSASA, contact Suzanne Reek at (516) 404-2306 or SReek@NSASA.org.

Each week, we’re thanking some incredible people in 0ur community who help support Long Island’s Autism families dealing with the COVID-19 crisis. By raising money, supplying food for group homes, or further supporting The Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America, these COVID-19 Heroes are a bright light in these dark and uncertain times.

Thank you Jeannie Church and Emily Levine for visiting Salk Elementary School! Theses women came and dropped off a check for $5200 in donations toward The NSASA. Salk, East Broadway, Lee Road, Division, Abby, and other Levittown schools sold t-shirts for Autism Awareness Month. Thank you, Jeannie, Emily, and all the other teachers, staff, and students that bought shirts, showed support, and donated. Thank you, to Nectaria Kourkoumelis for all her support.

If you’re also interested in donating to support The NSASA, contact Suzanne Reek at (516) 404-2306 or SReek@NSASA.org.

Each week, we’re thanking some incredible people in 0ur community who help support Long Island’s Autism families dealing with the COVID-19 crisis. By raising money, supplying food for group homes, or further supporting The Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America, these COVID-19 Heroes are a bright light in these dark and uncertain times.

We would like to thank Diane Cahill and Cahill Strategies, LLC. this week. Diane donated funds for breakfast and dinner for a group home.

We would also like to thank Mark Cronin and John Cronin of John’s Crazy Socks. John’s Crazy Socks donated $1800 to the NSASA.

If you’re also interested in donating to support The NSASA, contact Suzanne Reek at (516) 404-2306 or SReek@NSASA.org.

Each week, we’re thanking some incredible people in 0ur community who help support Long Island’s Autism families dealing with the COVID-19 crisis. This week, we’re thanking one inspirational individual and offering our condolences to a grandfather, a father, and an incredible all-around person who will truly be missed.

Robert Donus, also called “Papou Bob” affectionately by his three grandchildren and others in the Greek Orthodox Community, has passed away this month. Bob was the grandfather of three boys with Autism, Max, Michael, and Dimitri. He was also a father to Andrew and a father-in-law to Melanie. Bob was a long time supporter of The NSASA, lending his support to our Annual Comedy Event and other fundraisers. The Donus Family asked for donations in his memory to The NSASA. More than 850 dollars raised will be used to provide prepared meals to local group homes. Bob was a wonderful, loving grandfather, and his devotion, understanding, and patience reflect in the many family photos. Bob was devoted to his church and many other charities. We send our condolences to the Donus Family on their loss of a man that will be missed by the Autism Community and hundreds more. It is the honor of The NSASA to be chosen to receive the support of the Donus Family during these challenging times.

If you’re also interested in donating to support The NSASA, contact Suzanne Reek at (516) 404-2306 or SReek@NSASA.org.