DDI Now Known As Brightway Living & Learning
Sixty-five years ago, a small group of dedicated families came together with a simple but powerful belief: that every person, regardless of ability, deserves a life of dignity, connection, and possibility. What began as a quiet act of advocacy has evolved through several historical chapters into a cornerstone of the Long Island community.
Today, as it marks its 65th anniversary, the organization is taking its most intentional step forward yet: transitioning from Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI) to Brightway Living & Learning.
“For over six-and-a-half decades, families have trusted us with the moments that matter most,” said Brightway CEO Kim M. Kubasek. “Our original mission hasn’t changed, but our compassion ever grows. Brightway is more than a new name; it is the next chapter that honors our history while illuminating a deliberate, joyful path forward for every person we support.”
Today, Brightway stands as an institutional leader in person-centered support, advocacy, and research. Driven by a dedicated workforce of over 2,500 professionals, the agency supports 1,600 children and adults daily across more than 65 locations throughout Long Island.
The new identity, Brightway, reflects the optimism that has defined the organization since 1961. The “Living & Learning” philosophy emphasizes that support is not a clinical destination, but a lifelong journey — spanning from early childhood services to adult residential support and the dignity of meaningful work for adults.
For Joseph W. Schmidt, Brightway board chairperson and the father of a son in one of the agency’s residences, the rebrand carries a deeply personal weight.
“I lead with the mind of a board chair, but I see this mission through the heart of a father,” said Schmidt. “DDI provided my family with a foundation of safety and expertise for decades. As we become Brightway, we are reaffirming a promise to the next generation of families: that their loved ones will always have a place where they belong, flourish, and move forward.”
Throughout April and May, Brightway is celebrating this milestone through a series of community gatherings, partner events, and shared moments that honor both the past and the future. Highlights include a community-wide Field Day, a 65th Anniversary brunch celebration, and a time capsule. These events celebrate a legacy of impact and efficiency, where 91 cents of every dollar goes directly back into the programs and supports that empower the individuals they support. The official anniversary date fell on May 22, when the full story of Brightway was amplified across all channels.
For more information, visit www.brightwayny.org, or follow along at @brightwayny across all major social channels.