The Board of Trustees of Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities, Inc. (ACLD) named Robert Ciatto as Executive Director starting January 1, 2021. ACLD is one of the largest not-for-profit providers of critical support and other services in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, supporting children and adults with autism, intellectual and other developmental disabilities, and their families.

As Executive Director, Mr. Ciatto will provide strategic direction and innovative leadership and promote program integrity. He succeeds Robert C. Goldsmith who retired at the end of 2020 after more than six years at the helm of ACLD, which was founded in 1957.

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Mr. Ciatto brings more than 25 years of experience supporting people with developmental disabilities to his new position at ACLD. Since he joined the agency in 2014 as the Assistant Executive Director, ACLD’s residential program has seen remarkable growth, expanding from 29 homes and soon to be more than 50 homes. Mr. Ciatto was responsible for all of the agency’s program areas including Residential and Day Services, Community Habilitation and Children’s Services as well as the support departments of Maintenance, Information Technology, Purchasing and Human Resources.

During his tenure at ACLD, he assisted in the launch of ACLD’s RewearAble program, which provides sustainable employment for people with special needs, and in the creation and expansion of ACLD’s Program Without Walls day habilitation initiative.  Most recently as Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Ciatto was directly involved in ACLD’s annual budgeting process and developing and implementing the agency’s strategic plan.

Mr. Ciatto has worked tirelessly during the COVID-19 pandemic to implement proactive measures to safeguard the health of the 400 residents who reside in ACLD homes and apartments. He played a critical role in the launch of a new Respite Center in Bethpage, a facility designed to protect and meet the health care needs of residents infected with COVID-19 who did not require hospitalization.

“I have dedicated my entire career to ensuring that people with special needs receive the services and attention they deserve. As Executive Director of ACLD, I will use my experience to build upon the agency’s remarkable foundation and legacy of excellence. Working alongside our exceptional and professional staff, we will begin a new chapter for ACLD and for the people we are dedicated to supporting,” said Robert Ciatto, ACLD Executive Director.

“Rob is a dynamic and visionary leader who understands the multifaceted and complex challenges we face as a large not-for-profit agency that offers important services for people with special needs. His decades of experience and personal commitment to protecting the health and bettering the lives of those who are part of the ACLD family makes him the right person at the right time to lead the organization,” commented Joseph J. Ortego, President of the ACLD Board of Trustees.

Prior to joining ACLD, Mr. Ciatto spent more than two decades with AHRC Nassau, beginning as a Direct Support Professional and ultimately rising to the post of Senior Director of Business Operations. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from SUNY-Old Westbury and earned his Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling from LIU Post.  Married for 20 years, Mr. Ciatto lives with his wife and their 16-year-old son in Ronkonkoma, NY.

About ACLD

Founded in 1957, ACLD is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit agency whose mission is to provide opportunities to children and adults with autism, learning and developmental disabilities to pursue enviable lives, promote independence and foster supportive relationships within the community. ACLD employs more than 1,300 people and operates more than 100 program sites including community residences and apartment programs across Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Services include early childhood services, day habilitation, residential alternatives, vocational training and job placement, recreation programs, respite, family support services, and occupational, speech and physical therapies.

For more information, visit www.acld.org or contact Aimee C. Keegan, Director of Development and Community Relations at ACLD by phone at (516) 822-0028, ext. 206 or via email at keegana@acld.org.