Special Citizens Futures Unlimited is a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive and integrated services to adults and children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in New York. We provide an array of services including specialized Residential Programs, Day Habilitation, Community Habilitation, Respite, Medicaid Service Coordination, Life Skills Programs, Recreation, Pre-Vocational Training, and Supported Employment.
For over 40 years, Special Citizens has supported men, women, and children who have Autism Spectrum Disorders, pervasive developmental disabilities and associated mental and physical health issues. In 1976, a group of parents of autistic adolescents came together to organize Special Citizens as a nonprofit organization. The organization began as a vehicle to advocate for ongoing adult programs for their children who had aged out of Special Education services with very few options for long-term housing or day programming. The group of parents began their journey in 1977. Upon approval of a three-year grant, Special Citizens opened its first group home in Westchester on December 7, 1981. Since then, our staff has grown to over 200 dedicated professionals that provide services to over 350 individuals each year in 22 Residential Programs group homes and 4 Day Habilitation facilities across New York City, the Bronx, and Westchester. Our compassionate and person-centered approach empowers them with the tools to build a life of independence, inclusion, individuality, and productivity.