My name is Donna Irving and I have a 12 year old child with Autism and Developmental disabilities, whom receives services through Self Direction formerly known as Consolidated Support Services. I have also been Support Staff for individuals in Self Direction for 5 years now.

Since I began working in this field I realized that there was very little connection with other participants or families receiving services through OPWDD. So, I formed Long Island CSS & Friends so that people could connect as well as learn about upcoming events. Last year, I began a yahoo group called Long Island CSS as well as I started local meet ups in places such as Wantagh Pool, Adventureland, and Splish Splash. We recently changed the name of the group to Long Island CSS & Friends, along with adding a Facebook group. Over the past few months, we have also had meetups at several cafes such as Starry Night Cafe, Sip This, Starbucks in Long Beach, Witches Brew, Panera Bread in Bellmore, Roller Skating at United Skates of America and Hot Skate, Wednesday Walkers at the Source Mall, and more to come. I have created this place so that we can support each other, share important information, share resources, share stories, receive support, and participants can make friends with others in Self Direction as well as make new friends in the community.

If you do not wish to receive posts, please let me know and I will remove you from the list.

I look forward to meeting all of you in time at one of our meetups.

Donna Irving

PS: Please note you can also reach me via email at:

[email protected] or [email protected]