Under gorgeous sunny blue skies, but with an autumn chill in the air, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Sept. 16 to commemorate the opening of the ELIJA School in Levittown. Located on the west end of the grounds of the Levittown Community Church on Periwinkle Road, the school is dedicated to teaching students with autism.

"We are opening doors to independent growth for children with autism," said Nicole Dibra. "Our goal is for children with autism to live dignified and independent lives." Dibra and Debora Harris are the founders of the school and also serve as executive directors.

Each student receives individualized attention as the school has 14 staff members to service the 10 students. In addition to academic skills, the school focuses on developing communication, social, and life skills to teach the students everything they need to do from when they wake up in the morning until they go to bed at night. Among the activities that develop life skills are making a bed, cooking popcorn and preparing a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, along with games to develop social skills.

"When we heard what they do, we were just blown away," said Pastor Joe Cusack of the Levittown Community Church. "It is a total loving environment."

To celebrate the school's opening in Levittown, a celebration was held. Students, faculty, parents, local leaders and members of the community packed into the yard for an afternoon of rides, food and fun. Nassau County Legislator Dennis Dunne, Sr. Town of Hempstead Councilman Gary Hudes and Nassau County Family Court Judge and Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard S. Lawrence were among the guests on hand for the ceremonies.

"I'm very pleased with this very special program," said Dunne. "The presentation is unique and really caters to those with special needs. It is a state of the art program and I'm glad to see it here in Levittown."

Added Hudes, "This is a welcome addition to the community and to the children of the community. A school like the ELIJA School gives children with autism the ability to grow and prosper in our community."

According to the Autism Society of America, Autism is a complex developmental disability that is the result of a neurological disorder, which affects the normal functioning of the brain. Autism impacts development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. According to the society, approximately 1.5 million Americans and their families are affected by Autism.

For more information about the ELIJA School, call 216-5270 or visit www.elijaschool.org.