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Creative Exchange & Life Skills Programs

Established exclusively at CSI, Creative Exchange is one of the first post-secondary programs of its kind nationally, serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a non-degree lifelong learning program.  Creative Exchange also offers a more demanding non-degree lifelong learning program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities called Life Skills.  Established in 1998, Life Skills serves a cohort of adults with the goal of building independent living competencies.  Through educational and social initiatives, we foster a unique, safe, and collaborative environment for personal growth and community-building, regardless of ability as part of CSI's legacy of place initiative.  Translate this text in your language in Google Translate here.

Contact Information

Meaghan Hilton

Days: Mon.- Thur. from 9am - 2pm

Building 1A-310
Email Meaghan Hilton

Elizabeth Francis

Program Assistant

Evenings: Mon. - Thur. from 3pm-6pm
Building 2A-203a
Email Elizabeth Francis

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be 21 years old or older
  • Must reside in New York City
  • Recognized by NYSOPWDD as having a Developmental Disability
  • Motivated to participate independently
  • For Life Skills only: applicants are asked to demonstrate why they want to participate in the program through a project of their choosing and an interview. Applicants are encouraged to be as creative as they'd like in their projects. For example, applicants can submit a work of art they created, a PowerPoint, a recording, a brief essay, or a creative writing piece like a poem

Tuition:

  • Free 
  • Creative Exchange is generously sponsored by the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene 
  • Other sponsors include the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities 

How to Apply:

  • In addition to a completed Registration Form, students in Creative Exchange and Life Skills must email elizabeth.francis@csi.cuny.edu with the following documents:
    • Current Physical Exam within the past 12 months
    • Recent Psychological Evaluation within the past 5 years 
  • For Life Skills applicants ONLY, students must also email the following documents at time of Registration.
    • Current Level of Care Eligibility Determination Form (LCED) 
    • Copy of ISP/Life Plan either recommending continuing with the Life Skills Program or recommending entering the Life Skills Program.