AABR, Inc., one of the largest service providers for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities in the New York region, recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its newly renovated Queens Hub at the organization’s headquarters and service center located at 1508 College Point Boulevard in College Point.
Elected officials and representatives from local organizations joined with AABR leadership to officially open the Clubhouse. This event represents a significant milestone for AABR for the organization which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. The space was transformed into a modern, welcoming environment designed specifically for individuals in AABR’s Program Without Walls. The renovated areas reflect AABR’s ongoing commitment to creating spaces that promote independence, dignity, and inclusion.
Attending the event were NYC Council Member Vickie Paladino; Gina Bittner Director, Health and Human Services, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr’s. Office; Queens Community Board No. 7 Member Barbara McHugh; A Better College Point Civic Association Members Elizabeth Cuccia and Mirjana Karcic; Joshual Simanowitz of NYS Assembly Member Sam Berger’s Office; and David I. Troise, Jr. of NYS Senator Toby Ann Stavisky’s Office.
“We created a space where individuals feel comfortable, empowered and eager to engage with their peers and community. This renovation reflects our deep understanding that meaningful growth happens in environments that feel welcoming and inclusive, not institutional. Every design choice, from the sensory-friendly features to the collaborative activity areas, was made with the goal of fostering genuine connection and supporting each person’s journey toward greater independence,” said Libby Traynor, CEO of AABR.
The Queens Hub now serves as a home base for 75 individuals in AABR’s Queens Program Without Walls. Built on the principle of true community integration rather than center-based isolation, the program supports individuals as they actively participate in everyday community life.
Participants engage in meaningful activities including volunteering at food pantries and local organizations, visiting museums, libraries, and cultural institutions, and participating in neighborhood events and public spaces throughout Queens and New York City. Through these community-based experiences, participants develop essential life skills including community interaction and social communication, money management and financial literacy, travel training and public transportation navigation, and confidence, independence, and self-advocacy.
The newly reimagined space features sensory-friendly elements to support regulation and comfort, along with flexible gathering spaces for group activities, planning, and social connection. A small library of books provides opportunities for learning and enrichment, while collaborative games and activities are designed to encourage teamwork, communication, and social engagement among participants.
To learn more about AABR and its programs, visit https://aabr.org/.
AABR, Inc., one of the largest service providers for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities in the New York region, recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its newly renovated Queens Hub at the organization’s headquarters and service center located at 1508 College Point Boulevard in College Point.
The space was transformed into a modern, welcoming environment designed specifically for individuals in AABR’s Program Without Walls.