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Developmental Disabilities Institute Inc

EIN 11-6077347 · Smithtown, NY

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair57 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

WE HELP CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH AUTISM AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES EXPERIENCE PERSONAL GROWTH AND FULFILLMENT.

Income
$159.8 million
Spending
$157.1 million
Spent on programs
94%
Reserves
1.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 98%
Employees
2,836
Volunteers
18
Highest pay
$449,713, chief executive officer

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Fair: 57 out of 100. Higher than 50% of charities in its peer group (human services, over $100m).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 1.2 months of spending.

  • Debt

    5 of 20

    It owes 53% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    12 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 2% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 8% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    94% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 17 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 29% of charities in its peer group (human services, over $100m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    18 of 18 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (8)
  1. $52.0 million spent. ADULT RESIDENTIAL CARE PROGRAMS: THE ADULT RESIDENTIAL SERVICES DIVISION SUPPORTS COMMUNITY LIVING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES WHO ARE OVER THE AGE OF 21. THE EMPHASIS IS ON INDIVIDUALIZED SUPPORT FOR MEN AND WOMEN, WHILE RESPECTING THEIR SPECIAL NEEDS AND REQUIREMENTS. DDI PROVIDES THE RESPECT AND DIGNITY TO HELP THEM REALIZE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL. THE CERTIFIED CAPACITY OF THE ADULT RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM WAS 234 DURING THE REPORTING YEAR. (Expenses $ 21,435,350 including grants of $ 0)(Revenue $ 21,853,961) CHILDREN'S SERVICE: THE CHILDREN'S DAY SERVICE OPERATES A FULL DAY SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS BETWEEN 5 AND 21 YEARS OF AGE. THIS PROGRAM IS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THOSE STUDENTS WHO DISPLAY EVIDENCE OF AUTISM OR PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDER. STUDENTS RECEIVE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES IN A HIGHLY STRUCTURED LEARNING ENVIRONMENT, ALONG WITH SPEECH/LANGUAGE THERAPY, ADAPTIVE PHYSICAL EDUCATION, OCCUPATIONAL AND PHYSICAL THERAPY, CLINICAL SERVICES, VOCATIONAL SERVICES AND INTENSIVE PARENT TRAINING. THE ORGANIZATION SERVED AN AVERAGE OF 225 STUDENTS DURING THE REPORTING YEAR. (Expenses $ 16,218,624 including grants of $ 0)(Revenue $ 14,775,239) CHILDREN'S RESIDENTIAL CARE PROGRAMS : THE CHILDREN'S RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM (CRP) PROVIDES INTENSIVE EDUCATION, IN A HOME-LIKE SETTING, TO AUTISTIC AND AUTISTIC-LIKE CHILDREN WHOSE NEEDS EXCEED WHAT CAN BE ADDRESSED BY TYPICAL SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES. A TEAM OF PROFESSIONAL STAFF AND PARENTS TOGETHER CAREFULLY MONITOR EACH CHILD'S GROWTH WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF RETURNING THAT STUDENT TO HIS OR HER NATURAL HOME AND SCHOOL, OR ANOTHER LESS RESTRICTIVE ALTERNATIVE AT THE OPTIMAL TIME. THE CERTIFIED CAPACITY OF THE CHILDREN'S RESIDENTIAL CARE PROGRAM DURING THE REPORTING YEAR WAS 65. (Expenses $ 10,958,321 including grants of $ 0)(Revenue $ 12,593,155) "SELF DIRECTION" IS THE PRACTICE OF EMPOWERING PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES TO MANAGE THE SUPPORTS AND SERVICES THEY RECEIVE, DETERMINE WHO PROVIDES THE SUPPORTS, AND HOW AND WHERE THEY ARE PROVIDED. ON 12/31/2024, the Agency served as the Fiscal Intermediary for 362 individuals. (Expenses $ 346,242 including grants of $ 0)(Revenue $ 376,870) AS OF AUGUST 22, 2016, THE AGENCY SURRENDERED THE LICENSE FOR ITS DIAGNOSTIC AND TREATMENT CENTER ("OPTI-HEALTHCARE"). OPTI HEALTHCARE WAS TRANSITIONED OVER TO ANOTHER UNRELATED NOT-FOR-PROFIT ENTITY, LONG ISLAND SELECT HEALTHCARE ("LISH") WHICH WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SERVICES AS A FEDERALLY - QUALIFIED HEALTHCARE CENTER. THE AGENCY LEASES SPACE TO LISH AND HAS A LANDLORD TENANT RELATIONSHIP. (Expenses $ 122,494 including grants of $ 0)(Revenue $ 249,420) OTHER PROGRAMS
  2. $24.2 million spent. EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION - EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES IS DDI'S SPECIAL PROGRAM FOR INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN, FROM BIRTH TO FIVE YEARS OLD, WHO DEMONSTRATE A DELAY OR DISABILITY IN COGNITION, MOTOR, SOCIAL, LANGUAGE OR EMOTION DEVELOPMENT. IT ALSO OFFERS A SPECIALIZED PROGRAM FOR YOUNG CHILDREN WITH AUTISM/PDD, CHILDREN WHO ARE CULTURALLY AND LINGUISTICALLY DIVERSE, AND CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME. CONDUCTED BY A TRANSDISCIPLINARY TEAM OF PROFESSIONALS, PARENTAL PARTICIPATION IS ENCOURAGED AND FAMILY SUPPORT IS PROVIDED. BY OFFERING INTENSIVE SERVICE EARLY, THE PROGRAM STRIVES TO MAXIMIZE EACH CHILD'S POTENTIAL AND REDUCE THE NEED FOR MORE INTENSIVE SERVICE AS HE OR SHE MATURES. OPERATING TWELVE MONTHS A YEAR, FAMILIES ARE ENROLLED IN EITHER EARLY INTERVENTION OR PRESCHOOL SERVICES. HOME-BASED AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE. THE ORGANIZATION SERVED AN AVERAGE OF 378 STUDENTS (SCHOOL AGE, PRESCHOOL AND EARLY INTERVENTION) DURING THE REPORTING YEAR.
  3. $22.4 million spent. ADULT DAY HABILITATION PROGRAMS, GENERAL/OTHER: THE ADULT DAY SERVICES DIVISION OFFERS A VARIETY OF PROGRAMS TO DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED INDIVIDUALS OVER THE AGE OF 21. ALL PROGRAMS ARE BASED ON A PERSON-CENTERED APPROACH, CREATING OUTCOMES DESIGNED TO SUPPORT AND MAINTAIN EACH ADULT PARTICIPANT LIVING AND WORKING IN THE COMMUNITY. IT PROVIDES SUPPORT TO INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES WHO PRESENT CHALLENGING BEHAVIORS. INCLUSION IN COMMUNITY; REGULAR AND ROUTINE USE OF COMMUNITY RESOURCES, AND TRAINING ON NEEDED SKILLS IS STRESSED. THE ORGANIZATION SERVED 500 INDIVIDUALS DURING THE REPORTING YEAR. (Expenses $ 21,435,350 including grants of $ 0)(Revenue $ 21,853,961) CHILDREN'S SERVICE: THE CHILDREN'S DAY SERVICE OPERATES A FULL DAY SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS BETWEEN 5 AND 21 YEARS OF AGE. THIS PROGRAM IS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THOSE STUDENTS WHO DISPLAY EVIDENCE OF AUTISM OR PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDER. STUDENTS RECEIVE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES IN A HIGHLY STRUCTURED LEARNING ENVIRONMENT, ALONG WITH SPEECH/LANGUAGE THERAPY, ADAPTIVE PHYSICAL EDUCATION, OCCUPATIONAL AND PHYSICAL THERAPY, CLINICAL SERVICES, VOCATIONAL SERVICES AND INTENSIVE PARENT TRAINING. THE ORGANIZATION SERVED AN AVERAGE OF 225 STUDENTS DURING THE REPORTING YEAR. (Expenses $ 16,218,624 including grants of $ 0)(Revenue $ 14,775,239) CHILDREN'S RESIDENTIAL CARE PROGRAMS : THE CHILDREN'S RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM (CRP) PROVIDES INTENSIVE EDUCATION, IN A HOME-LIKE SETTING, TO AUTISTIC AND AUTISTIC-LIKE CHILDREN WHOSE NEEDS EXCEED WHAT CAN BE ADDRESSED BY TYPICAL SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES. A TEAM OF PROFESSIONAL STAFF AND PARENTS TOGETHER CAREFULLY MONITOR EACH CHILD'S GROWTH WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF RETURNING THAT STUDENT TO HIS OR HER NATURAL HOME AND SCHOOL, OR ANOTHER LESS RESTRICTIVE ALTERNATIVE AT THE OPTIMAL TIME. THE CERTIFIED CAPACITY OF THE CHILDREN'S RESIDENTIAL CARE PROGRAM DURING THE REPORTING YEAR WAS 65. (Expenses $ 10,958,321 including grants of $ 0)(Revenue $ 12,593,155) "SELF DIRECTION" IS THE PRACTICE OF EMPOWERING PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES TO MANAGE THE SUPPORTS AND SERVICES THEY RECEIVE, DETERMINE WHO PROVIDES THE SUPPORTS, AND HOW AND WHERE THEY ARE PROVIDED. ON 12/31/2024, the Agency served as the Fiscal Intermediary for 362 individuals. (Expenses $ 346,242 including grants of $ 0)(Revenue $ 376,870) AS OF AUGUST 22, 2016, THE AGENCY SURRENDERED THE LICENSE FOR ITS DIAGNOSTIC AND TREATMENT CENTER ("OPTI-HEALTHCARE"). OPTI HEALTHCARE WAS TRANSITIONED OVER TO ANOTHER UNRELATED NOT-FOR-PROFIT ENTITY, LONG ISLAND SELECT HEALTHCARE ("LISH") WHICH WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SERVICES AS A FEDERALLY - QUALIFIED HEALTHCARE CENTER. THE AGENCY LEASES SPACE TO LISH AND HAS A LANDLORD TENANT RELATIONSHIP. (Expenses $ 122,494 including grants of $ 0)(Revenue $ 249,420) OTHER PROGRAMS
  4. $21.4 million spent. CHILDREN'S SERVICE: THE CHILDREN'S DAY SERVICE OPERATES A FULL DAY SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS BETWEEN 5 AND 21 YEARS OF AGE. THIS PROGRAM IS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THOSE STUDENTS WHO DISPLAY EVIDENCE OF AUTISM OR PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDER. STUDENTS RECEIVE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES IN A HIGHLY STRUCTURED LEARNING ENVIRONMENT, ALONG WITH SPEECH/LANGUAGE THERAPY, ADAPTIVE PHYSICAL EDUCATION, OCCUPATIONAL AND PHYSICAL THERAPY, CLINICAL SERVICES, VOCATIONAL SERVICES AND INTENSIVE PARENT TRAINING. THE ORGANIZATION SERVED AN AVERAGE OF 225 STUDENTS DURING THE REPORTING YEAR.
  5. $16.2 million spent. CHILDREN'S RESIDENTIAL CARE PROGRAMS : THE CHILDREN'S RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM (CRP) PROVIDES INTENSIVE EDUCATION, IN A HOME-LIKE SETTING, TO AUTISTIC AND AUTISTIC-LIKE CHILDREN WHOSE NEEDS EXCEED WHAT CAN BE ADDRESSED BY TYPICAL SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES. A TEAM OF PROFESSIONAL STAFF AND PARENTS TOGETHER CAREFULLY MONITOR EACH CHILD'S GROWTH WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF RETURNING THAT STUDENT TO HIS OR HER NATURAL HOME AND SCHOOL, OR ANOTHER LESS RESTRICTIVE ALTERNATIVE AT THE OPTIMAL TIME. THE CERTIFIED CAPACITY OF THE CHILDREN'S RESIDENTIAL CARE PROGRAM DURING THE REPORTING YEAR WAS 65.
  6. $11.0 million spent. "SELF DIRECTION" IS THE PRACTICE OF EMPOWERING PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES TO MANAGE THE SUPPORTS AND SERVICES THEY RECEIVE, DETERMINE WHO PROVIDES THE SUPPORTS, AND HOW AND WHERE THEY ARE PROVIDED. ON 12/31/2024, the Agency served as the Fiscal Intermediary for 362 individuals.
  7. $346,242 spent. AS OF AUGUST 22, 2016, THE AGENCY SURRENDERED THE LICENSE FOR ITS DIAGNOSTIC AND TREATMENT CENTER ("OPTI-HEALTHCARE"). OPTI HEALTHCARE WAS TRANSITIONED OVER TO ANOTHER UNRELATED NOT-FOR-PROFIT ENTITY, LONG ISLAND SELECT HEALTHCARE ("LISH") WHICH WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SERVICES AS A FEDERALLY - QUALIFIED HEALTHCARE CENTER. THE AGENCY LEASES SPACE TO LISH AND HAS A LANDLORD TENANT RELATIONSHIP.
  8. $122,494 spent. OTHER PROGRAMS

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since April 1967.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.