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Rotary Club of Hicksville South promotes special needs awareness
The event brought together educators, advocates, and families for a seminar focused on support, inclusion, and early intervention.
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Staff Reporter - Fri, 17, Apr 2026
- 11:08 EDT
- 22
Organizers and speakers / Handout
The Rotary Club of Hicksville South brought together members of the Indian American community and local stakeholders for a seminar on special needs planning, spotlighting the growing need for awareness, resources, and support systems for families.
Held April 9 at Levittown Hall in Hicksville, Long Island, the event focused on empowering caregivers and fostering collaboration between educators, healthcare professionals, and community leaders.
Under the leadership of club president Tahira Sharif and Secretary Dr. Neeru Bhambri, the seminar created a platform for dialogue around early intervention, advocacy, and holistic care.
The evening featured four speakers who brought professional expertise and personal perspectives to the discussion.
Educator Jasia Mirza emphasized the importance of inclusive classrooms, noting that children with special needs contribute unique strengths and perspectives. She highlighted how teaching such students often leads to mutual growth for both educators and learners.
Vera Hartofilis, a longtime New York City educator and parent of a child with profound autism, shared her lived experience navigating the system. Her remarks underscored the importance of sustained advocacy and equitable access to services for children across the autism spectrum.
Sarah Sajjad, chief marketing officer at Choudhry and Franzoni Law Group and founder of the nonprofit Aspiring Insha, focused on legal awareness and community engagement. Drawing from her work with organizations including the Developmental Disability Institute, she stressed the need for families to be informed, organized, and proactive in securing support.
Adding a healthcare perspective, Mausam Nihalani Mascarelli spoke about holistic approaches to care. A former respiratory therapist, she highlighted the role of nutrition, gut health, and individualized treatment plans, blending medical insight with personal experience.
The seminar drew a full audience, including community leaders and public officials, reflecting strong local engagement. Founding president Kamlesh Mehta commended the club’s continued commitment to service and impactful programming.
A key highlight of the evening was the presentation of certificates of appreciation to speakers and contributors by Nassau County’s Director of Asian American Affairs, Own Murtajiz Naqvi, recognizing their efforts in advancing awareness and support for special needs families.
The event also featured a networking session over traditional refreshments, fostering deeper connections within the community.
Concluding the program, Dr. Bhambri described the seminar as both meaningful and impactful, noting that it embodied Rotary’s guiding principle of “Service Above Self.” She emphasized that the initiative helped bridge gaps between families, educators, and resources, reinforcing the club’s commitment to ensuring that every member of the community has the opportunity to thrive.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
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