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Interactive learning center for kids with, without autism chosen for service award grant

The Times Telegram - 4/12/2021

Apr. 10—West Winfield resident Dana DiNigro's project to create a place where children with and without developmental disabilities can safely play and interact with each other recently received a boost when she was chosen as one of Northwestern Mutual's 2021 Community Service Award winners.

With the support of CNY Quest, a nonprofit organization committed to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, DiNigro founded Mia's Place, which opened recently at 8387 Seneca Turnpike, New Hartford.

Her award for being chosen as one of Northwestern Mutual's 2021 Community Service Award winners included a $15,000 grant, which she presented to CNY Quest for Mia's Place to help fund special programming, including classes, therapy sessions and support groups.

The idea for Mia's place was the result of DiNigro's daughter being diagnosed with autism.

"My husband and I were blessed to welcome our second child, and first daughter Mia, on March 18, 2013," DiNigro explains on the Mia's Place website.

She noted that they were concerned about Mia's physical abilities at 15 months compared with those of their son, who had been walking by the time he was a year old.

"Our pediatrician encouraged us to stay positive reminding us that all children develop differently," she recalled. "My motherly instinct told me otherwise; there was something wrong. After 12 months of being told not to worry, and repeated misdiagnosis by the medical professionals in Mia's life, we faced a harsh reality when she was diagnosed with autism."

The couple wondered what to do next and what their daughter's future would hold. She had difficulty coping with loud noises and places she found overwhelming.

"A newfound pressure seemed to consume our daily living. We began to fear normal interaction with other families. Are people going to understand? Will we be judged? It became a very lonely existence," Dana DiNigro recalled.

Eventually they were introduced to the people who make up CNY Quest.

"In spite of Quest's impactful work in the areas of advocacy, family support and medical care, no interactive learning center existed that welcomed my daughter and others with neurodevelopmental disorders to learn and play alongside typical children. Wanting her to have the opportunity to interact with all children in a setting tailored to her needs, in collaboration with Dr. Andy Lopez-Williams, neuropsychologist and founder of CNY Quest, Mia's Place was born."

Mia's Place welcomes children and their families, giving them a place to play, learn and integrate.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all visits to Mia's Place are by reservation only. For more information, visit the website at miasplacecny.com.

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