Why this matters to us
Every family we train eventually asks the same question
Run enough parent sessions and a pattern emerges. Families arrive worried about a diagnosis, then about school, then about an IEP. Somewhere around their child's eighteenth birthday the question changes, and it is always a version of the same one: what happens when we are gone?
GRSCorp can answer a great deal. We can explain how OPWDD works, walk a family through a Self-Direction budget, and set out the alternatives to guardianship. What we cannot do is hand anyone a key. We are an education and awareness organization; we do not operate housing, and becoming a certified residential provider is a different undertaking entirely — a different corporation, a different regulator, a different set of obligations.
Spectrum Arch exists to do that work. We support its mission and vision, point families toward it, and share what we have learned from seven years of running training and awareness programmes across New York State.
The gap
At 21, school services end — and often there is nowhere to go next
When a young adult with autism turns 21, school-based services stop. Many families find no residential options waiting. Adults stay at home with parents now in their seventies and eighties, with no plan for what follows.
Figures published by Spectrum Arch, Inc. See spectrumarch.org for their sourcing and current position.
In their own words
Spectrum Arch's mission and vision
Mission
“Spectrum Arch provides safe, person-centered, community-integrated residential services that enable adults with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities to live with dignity, independence, and purpose.”
Vision
“To become the Capital District's leading provider of high-quality, innovative residential services that reflect best practices in autism support and developmental disabilities services.”
Quoted from spectrumarch.org/about.
What they are building
Homes on ordinary streets, not institutions
Spectrum Arch is seeking certification from the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) as a residential operator. The model is the Individual Residential Alternative — a house in a normal residential neighbourhood, not a campus.
IRA homes for 5–8 adults
Houses in ordinary residential neighbourhoods, with trained staff on hand 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Round-the-clock support
Help with daily living skills and positive behavioural support, delivered by Direct Support Professionals.
Health and wellness
Health care coordination, medication management, and preventive care built into the residential plan.
Community and employment
Taking part in community life, and supported employment for residents who want to work.
Person-centred planning
A service plan built around each person, regular communication with families, and quarterly reviews.
Support Brokerage
For families who self-direct: help to plan, build a budget, and put supports in place. Read their Support Brokerage page.
Where things stand
The path to the first home
Spectrum Arch is not accepting placements yet. Families, care managers, and referral sources can join the interest list now.
- Fall 2026
OPWDD new provider orientation, and application for certification as a residential operator.
- Late 2026
OPWDD review and certification.
- Early 2027
First home opens in Saratoga County, serving six residents.
- Years 2–3
Additional homes across the Capital District.
How the two organizations are related
GRSCorp and Spectrum Arch are separate corporations, separately incorporated, with separate finances, separate EINs, and separate IRS determinations. Neither controls the other.
They do share people. Our Chairman, Asad Munir Butt, is the founder and president of Spectrum Arch. Our Chief Financial Officer, Tyrone Crooks, and our Executive Director, Kay Rehman, both sit on its board as independent directors. We state that plainly, because a reader deciding what weight to give this page should know that the people recommending Spectrum Arch also run it. Our board page lists the same names.
- Legal status501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit corporation
- EIN42-3421753
- IncorporatedNew York State, 15 June 2026
- IRS determination2 July 2026
- Principal officeClifton Park, Saratoga County, NY 12065
- Service areaSaratoga County, expanding across the Capital District
If you are a family, a care manager, or a referral source
Spectrum Arch is building its interest list now, ahead of the 2027 opening. Go to them directly — they will know more about residential placement than we will.