no new contracts for EI and SEIT on Long Island

[Guest guest]

Even though there are many students who have EI or SEIT hours

available, and can't find a qualified and available therapist, Nassau

and Suffolk counties have stopped giving contracts to NYS approved

EI-providers and SEIT-providers. Even though an agency can get its

state approval, they must get a contract in the specific county in

order to get on the approved provider list for each county. When I

contacted both Nassau and Suffolk Counties to obtain such contrfacts

they both agve the answer that they " just aren't giving new contracts

right now. " I explained that I get calls all the time from parents

who have hours available who can't find available qualified

therapists, and I have qualified therapists available, and am approved

by NYS, but the counties won't open up new contracts. Neither county

offered any valid explanation for this. Perhaps if parents started

contacting the county offices and asking questions, or started

demanding that more contracts be provided so more providers will be

available, maybe that will get somewhere. I haven't been able to make

much headway.

Andretta, BCBA