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Creative Exchange has evolved into a community inclusion program. We offer adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) lifelong learning experiences for personal growth and skill-building that are unique to college, in and out of the classroom. In-person courses and events take place on the grounds of what was formerly the Willowbrook State School, which was transformed into CSI in 1993. Our programs remain responsive to our student community’s self-identified needs, regardless of ability, and align with best practices. Translate this text in your language in Google Translate here.
Contact Information
Gabriella DiSalvo
Program Coordinator
Creative Exchange
Building 1A-310
Phone:
718-982-2723
Email Gabriella DiSalvo
Office Phone Numbers
Day 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday 718.982.2723
Calendar
- 9/14/26: Virtual Orientation 6:15pm - 7:15pm
- 9/18/26: Take Me Home movie & panel with cast - 2pm-5pm. RSVP HERE
- 9/21/26: No Classes - Holiday
- 10/12/26: No Classes - Holiday
- 10/13/26: Classes on a Monday Schedule
- 10/29/26: Halloween Party - 6:15pm - 8:15pm
- 11/5/26: Community Board Virtual Meeting 6:15pm-7:15 pm - No Classes
- 11/25/26-11/26: No Classes - Holiday
- 12/17/26: Holiday Party
Program Requirements
- Creative Exchange serves NYC residents over the age of 21 who have mild or moderate intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, and who have a desire to participate independently in the program.
- Creative Exchange reserves the right to request:
- One-to-one support
- An updated psychosocial evaluation or clearance from a licensed professional in the event of a behavioral incident
- This program does not have the capacity to offer one-to-one support. If the student needs one-to-one support, please contact us for virtual course options and information on service providers.
Schedule
- Arrival time is 6:15pm
- Residential staff must remain with their students at arrival time until their students are “checked in” by program staff
- Providers are required to walk their student(s) into the classroom if they arrive after 6:30pm
- Period 1 classes are from 6:30pm – 7:15pm
- Period 2 classes are from 7:25pm – 8:10pm
- Pick up is at 8:10pm
- In person students must "check out" with program staff before leaving the building
- Creative Exchange offers its students the opportunity to explore what CSI has to offer with events and activities in premiere spaces during the evening and workday. Please see the events calendar above for the upcoming event and activity details.
Tuition
- Free
- Creative Exchange is generously sponsored by the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene
How to Apply
- Submit a completed Registration Form with the student's annual physical within the year
- New students will also be required to submit their most recent psychological evaluation
- If an individual wants to try out or audit up to 3 classes before registering, please email the request to the Program Coordinator.
- After completing registration, new students will receive a CSI student ID