To enhance the lives of children and adults with special needs by providing opportunities to recognize their potential, utilize their strengths, and overcome their challenges.
In the late 1950s a small group of parents began to meet. They had recognized that their children had special needs including: socialization, appropriate educational services at all levels, vocational opportunities, and parental support. However, there were no such services and programs available.
This small group, under the leadership of such parents as Mr. and Mrs. Eli Nieman and Dr. and Mrs. Alvin Plotkin, persuaded the Board of Education to open special classes, eventually at all levels. From there, parents started a preschool program and a Saturday play group, originally held at community sites and in finished basements. They trained young adults for Civil Service tests and many still hold such positions. They accomplished these projects without outside funding by holding small fundraising events.
In time, hundreds of parents joined what was then a chapter of the New York State Association for Brain Injured Children (NYABIC). In 1975, we incorporated as an independent organization as ANIBIC, Inc. ANIBIC has become the leading advocate for people with special needs. By the time the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD) was established, ANIBIC was ready to move ahead. As funding became available from OPWDD (formerly OMRDD) and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, we were able to offer essential programs and services.
As available services evolve so does ANIBIC. We are preparing for the move to managed care and in an ever changing environment we are carefully looking at options to maintain the integrity and the quality of the services we provide.
ANIBIC continues to reach out to families, legislators, community groups and individuals so that they will participate in our intensive efforts to extend and enhance the lives of people with a wide range of special needs and difficult challenges.
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