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Special Needs Resources

A curated collection of programs & resources for our Special Needs community.

Library Programs

We offer a variety of educational and recreational programs for adults, teens, and children with Special Needs. Check our newsletter to see what’s coming up! 

Resources for Special Needs

Want to be the first to know about new & upcoming events, programs, and opportunities at the Library? Join our Special Needs email list! 

Join the email list.

Special Needs Upcoming Programs

View Full Special Needs Calendar

Questions about Special Needs Services and Resources? Contact Michael Ambrosio, Special Needs Community Liaison, at [email protected] 

Questions about Special Needs Programs? Contact Emmy Wiest, Special Needs Program Coordinator, at [email protected] 

Books and More

Special Needs Book Collection

Our Special Needs Book Collection can be found on the main floor of the Library, shelved in the nonfiction section. Please ask a reference librarian at the Information Desk for assistance locating titles. 

Accessible Book Collection

Our Accessible Book Collection is displayed on the main floor of the Library, near the DVD collection. Please ask a staff member if you need assistance locating the display. 

Braille Books

  1. For adult patrons interested in braille books, the Andrew Heiskell Library offers a wide array of materials and services, including physical copies and digital braille books for refreshable braille displays. Learn more on their website by following this link. 
  2. Our children’s collection includes a selection of braille titles in house. This collection can be found on the upper level in the juvenile nonfiction section. Please ask a staff member for assistance in locating this collection. 

Audiobooks

Audiobooks are available to borrow in digital format through Libby, Hoopla, and Comics Plus.

 Learn more about our audiobook collection here. 



Sensory Backpacks for Children

Oceanside Library card holders can borrow our sensory backpacks to take home. These backpacks include various sensory tools and materials designed to engage children’s senses on the go. 

Additional Materials for Children

Our children’s collection includes VOX, WonderBooks, Tonieboxes, and Playaways. Library card holders can borrow these materials from the Children’s Room. Ask a Youth Services librarian for more information! 

The Library hosts an Annual resource Fair every May. This event is a great opportunity to learn about the many organisations and businesses that offer services for Long Island’s Special Needs community.

Local Organizations

AHRC Nassau

189 Wheatley Rd., Brookville, NY 11545 

(516) 626-1000 

[email protected] 

https://www.ahrc.org/ 



Backyard Players & Friends

215 N. Long Bead Rd., Rockville Centre, NY 11570

(516) 581-2018

[email protected] 

https://www.bypandfriends.com/ 



Best Buddies International - Long Island

Camp ANCHOR

Lido Beach Town Park

630 Lido Blvd., Lido Beach, NY 11561 

(516) 431-6946

[email protected]

Family and Children’s Association (FCA)

377 Oak Street, 5th Floor 

Garden City, NY 11530

(516) 746-0350

https://www.fcali.org/  



Independent Support Services

Long Island Office 

380 Rabro Dr., Hauppauge, NY 11788

(631) 864-2536

[email protected]

https://www.issny.org/ 

Life’s WORC

P.O. Box 8165

1501 Franklin Ave., Garden City, NY, 11530

(516) 741-9000

https://lifesworc.org/ 

Long Island Advocacy Center (LIAC)

Nassau County Office: 

Herricks Community Center

999 Herricks Rd, Room 108, New Hyde Park, NY 11040

(516) 248-2290

https://theliac.org/

Long Island Center for Independent Living (LICIL)

3601 Hempstead Turnpike, Suite 500, Levittown, NY 11756

(516) 796-0144 

[email protected]

https://licilinc.org/ 

Nassau County PAL Special Needs Unit

167 South Broadway Hicksville, NY 11801

(516) 670-6999 



Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America (NSASA)

PO Box 7472

Wantagh, NY 11793

(516) 404-2306

[email protected]

https://nsasa.org/ 

Oceanside SEPTA (Special Education Parent Teacher Association)

145 Merle Ave., Oceanside, NY 11572 

[email protected]


State Resources

New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)

44 Holland Ave., Albany, NY 12229

(866) 946-9733

[email protected]



New York State Independent Living Council, Inc.

111 Washington Ave., Suite 101, Albany, NY 12210 

(518) 427-1060

[email protected]





NYSED Adult Career & Continuing Education Services

89 Washington Ave., Albany NY 12234

(518) 474-3852