‘Special Needs Got Talent’ Competition to Be Held on Long Island

The first Long Island “Special Needs Got Talent” competition will be held in the style of the X-Factor and American Idol on Feb. 4 in East Islip.

Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE), in partnership with the BroadHollow Theatre, will be putting on the competition to show the world that “being differently-abled does not mean you are not able,” according to a press release.

FREE was founded in 1977 and proudly supports more than 4,000 individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, mental illnesses, and traumatic brain injuries.

What contestants need to know:

The first round of auditions will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 18 and Sunday, Jan. 22 from 6pm to 10pm.
Applicants are asked to contact Jessica Gallone at 516-870-1600 (x1815) to register for an audition time.
Contestants will audition in four different age groups, 7-9, 10-13, 14-17, and 18 and up.
All entrants must bring an accompaniment CD and current photo with their name and phone number on the back.
The application fee is $10 and is non-refundable.
Applications are for children and young adults with developmental and other disabilities.