ADVOCACY * SUPPORT * AWARENESS
The Staten Island Developmental Disabilities Council (SIDDC) was established in 1969 to assist in the planning, promotion, and development of supports and services for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families throughout their lifespan.
The SIDDC works in an effort to ensure the best possible quality of life for Staten Islanders with special needs through advocacy and providing individuals with relevant information. Members include self-advocates, their parents/family, friends, and service providers.
General Council monthly meetings are held both mornings and evenings, which sometimes include presentations by guest speakers keeping members informed about current issues. At these meetings, each of the SIDDC committees provide monthly reports, describing their work and advocacy efforts on the latest issues and trends impacting individuals with developmental disabilities. These committees are comprised of parents, self-advocates, advocates and professionals who have extensive knowledge in the field.
The SIDDC communicates the needs of families to public and elected officials using various media outlets, legislative information exchanges and through an annual Community Breakfast to ensure that the concerns and needs of the people represented are received and addressed. The SIDDC offers numerous events throughout the year to support our members including; a Family Resource and Transition Fair, Celebrating Achievements, Direct Support Professional (DSP) Awards Ceremony, Educational forums, Adult Transitioning forums and various events that are relevant to the mission of the Staten Island Developmental Disabilities Council.
SIDDC Executive Board Officers
Dina Klein is currently part of the Executive Team at A Very Special Place, Inc. as the Sr. Director of Community and Benefit Services . She began working for AVSP in 1998 where she started as a Service Coordinator and soon became Senior Service Coordinator assisting with the supervision of the Department. Mrs. Klein then expanded her experience moving onto the Resource and Transition Coordinator where she assisted countless families with obtaining, retaining services and coordinating needed benefits. After several years Mrs. Klein then became the FI Director at AVSP and helped navigate and expand the FI department within the agency to provide self-directed services. In 2021 she was promoted to be a part of AVSP’s Executive Team as a Sr. Director.
Dina Klein has been a member of the SIDDC for over 20 years. She was previously the Co-Chair of the Self-Directed Supports Committee. She has been a SIDDC Executive Board Officer since 2020 and is now honored to be the Chair. She continues to be a stark advocate for individuals with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities.
Fidaije Nesimi brings more than 20 years of executive Human Resources leadership experience in the software industry. A highlight of her career included leading a New York City software consulting firm through its European expansion and subsequent initial public offering (IPO).
For the past decade, Fidaije has served as a New York State Self-Direction Broker, partnering with families and self-advocates to design, develop, and implement person-centered supports through OPWDD’s Self-Direction program. She has successfully launched more than 200 Self-Direction plans, helping individuals with developmental disabilities build meaningful, individualized lives within their communities. Her Human Resources expertise has been instrumental in assisting families with staff recruitment, retention, training, and performance management.
Fidaije currently serves as Co-President of the Citywide Council for District 75 (CCD75), where she advocates for students with disabilities and their families across New York City. She also serves as First Vice-Chair of the Staten Island Developmental Disabilities Council (SIDDC) Executive Board and as Treasurer of the New York Independent Support Brokers Association (NYISBA) Executive Board, where she supports Independent Support Brokers through professional collaboration, education, and advocacy while promoting excellence in Self-Direction services.
Previously, Fidaije proudly served as Co-Chair of the Staten Island Self-Directed Supports Committee for five years. During that time, she organized educational forums for families and professionals on topics including Sustainability: What Happens After the Parent Is Gone?, Supported Decision-Making, Supported Employment, Independent Housing, and Medicaid advocacy.
Committed to empowering families, Fidaije also serves as an IEP Parent Member, where she supports parents throughout the special education process and helps them navigate complex educational systems. She has mentored numerous new Self-Direction Brokers, sharing her knowledge and helping to strengthen the field through person-centered practices and advocacy.
Fidaije is bilingual in English and Albanian and has served as a trusted interpreter and advocate for Albanian-speaking families. Through her leadership roles with CCD75, SIDDC, and NYISBA, she is committed to advancing person-centered services, strengthening family advocacy, and improving systems that support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families throughout New York State.
Maryann Virga is the Marketing and Development Coordinator at Catholic Charities of Staten Island (CCSI). She was employed by CCSI from 2012 to 2018, and then again from 2021 to the present. Before this role, she worked on Wall Street for Brown Brothers Harriman & Co for 13 years. Maryann has been a member of the Staten Island Developmental Disabilities Council (SIDDC) since 2014 and has been the co-chair of the Family Support Services Advisory Committee (FSSAC) since 2020. She graduated from Pace University with a BBA in Human Resources Management and a minor in Marketing. Maryann is a parent and advocate for a wonderful and charming adult son with multiple severe disabilities.
Janet La Mantia, M.S.Ed., is the Director of Family Services and Benefits & Entitlements at Eden II Programs. A 21-year veteran of the organization, she began her career as a Teacher Assistant/Direct Support Professional and has advanced into a leadership role overseeing benefits and family services.
Janet has been an active member of the Staten Island Developmental Disabilities Council (SIDDC) since 2011 and served as Chair of its MSC/Care Management Committee from 2017–2026. She is actively involved in the annual Family Support Fair, assisting with its planning and implementation. She also co-chairs the IAC IHCBS Committee and serves on the HRA Disability Advisory Council. Janet is a licensed Special and General Education teacher in both New York and New Jersey.