Select Region
Let's Get Social!
  • THINGS TO DO
    • Calendar Weekend Events in Manhattan Weekend Events in Brooklyn Weekend Events in Queens Weekend Events in Long Island Weekend Events in Westchester Weekend Events in Rockland/Bergen
  • After-School
    • Brooklyn Manhattan Queens Long Island Rockland Westchester
  • Education
    • Brooklyn Manhattan Queens Long Island Rockland Westchester
  • Camp
    • Brooklyn Manhattan Queens Long Island Rockland Westchester
  • Special Needs
    • Brooklyn Manhattan Queens Long Island Rockland Westchester
  • Advertise


    • Home Special Needs Articles
    'Special Needs Got Talent' Competition to Be Held on Long Island

    'Special Needs Got Talent' Competition to Be Held on Long Island

    By Bethany Braun-Silva

    The first Long Island “Special Needs Got Talent” competition will be held in the style of the X-Factor and American Idol on Feb. 4 in East Islip.
     

    Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE), in partnership with the BroadHollow Theatre, will be putting on the competition to show the world that "being differently-abled does not mean you are not able," according to a press release.

    FREE was founded in 1977 and proudly supports more than 4,000 individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, mental illnesses, and traumatic brain injuries.

    What contestants need to know:

    • The first round of auditions will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 18 and Sunday, Jan. 22 from 6pm to 10pm. 
       
    • Applicants are asked to contact Jessica Gallone at 516-870-1600 (x1815) to register for an audition time.
       
    • Contestants will audition in four different age groups, 7-9, 10-13, 14-17, and 18 and up.
       
    • All entrants must bring an accompaniment CD and current photo with their name and phone number on the back. 
       
    • The application fee is $10 and is non-refundable.
       
    • Applications are for children and young adults with developmental and other disabilities.
       

    The finals will be held on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 7pm at the Bayway Arts Center in East Islip. General admission tickets are $15.
     

    RELATED: Find More Special Needs Resourcs Near You

    More Special Needs Articles:

    Web App Helps Kids with Special Needs Connect and Make Friends

    Making Authentic Friendships is a new web app that helps kids and adults with special needs connect with people who share similar interests and abilit...


    Latest News:

    Support & Resources for Children with Special Needs in Brooklyn

    Get the proper care for your child with special needs with these helpful resources in Brooklyn. Find the perfect school or therapy program online.


    Family Activities:



    Have a Laugh:

    Best Memes of the Week for Parents

    Here are the funniest parenting memes from Instagram, Facebook, and Reddit this week.

    Featured Listings:

    About Us

    NYMetroParents, the parenting division of Schneps Media, publishes eight regional print magazines around the greater New York City metro region, as well as the website nymetroparents.com.

    Read more...

    Join Us

    This Month's Issue

    NYMP Cover
    Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy SE Link