Building the Arch to Independence

Spectrum Arch, Inc. is a New York nonprofit based in Clifton Park. We support people with autism and developmental disabilities and their families, starting with Support Brokerage for families who self-direct their OPWDD services.

Our 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.

Our 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.

How we work toward our mission today

New York has not opened applications for new residential homes in about two years, and no one can say when it will. So the board decided not to wait. The goal behind our mission is the same: adults with autism and developmental disabilities living with dignity, independence, and purpose in their own communities. Today we pursue it through Support Brokerage, which helps people who self-direct their OPWDD services build a life around their own goals, often while living at home or in housing they choose.

Right now, Spectrum Arch:

  • Publishes free, plain-language guides for New York families on OPWDD eligibility, Self-Direction, budgets, hiring staff, school transitions, benefits, and planning for the future. See the Self-Direction guide and our blog.
  • Offers free consultations to families as part of our community help: we talk through where a family is in the process and point them to the right next step, such as OPWDD's Front Door, a Care Coordination Organization, or county services.
  • Connects families with OPWDD-authorized Support Brokers who work with Spectrum Arch, and keeps a list of Capital Region families who want one so we can match them as brokers have availability.

Residential services remain a long-term goal. You can read about the model we hope to offer when the state reopens applications.

Asad M. Butt, President and Founder of Spectrum Arch

Our founder

Asad M. Butt founded Spectrum Arch and serves as its President. He is based in Clifton Park and is an advocate for families raising children on the autism spectrum: mentoring caregivers, taking part in community awareness events, and working with organizations that help families find housing and services.

He is Chairman of the Board of the Global Relief and Support Corporation, a New York State licensed real estate salesperson in the Capital Region, and holds an MBA in Supply Chain Management and a certification in negotiation from eCornell. He speaks English, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, and Pashto.

He founded Spectrum Arch to address a gap many Capital District families face: when school services end at 21, there are far too few residential options, and many adults stay at home with aging parents and no plan for the future.

Asad M. Butt standing between two PTA members at the National PTA convention
Asad M. Butt, Spectrum Arch's President, at the National PTA convention, where he went to learn more about the options available to children with special needs and their families.

Board of directors

Spectrum Arch is governed by a volunteer board of three directors, two of them independent. Directors are not paid for board service, and the board has adopted a conflict of interest policy.

Asad M. Butt

Asad M. Butt

President and Founder

An advocate for Capital Region families raising children on the autism spectrum. Asad also chairs the board of the Global Relief and Support Corporation and has served as a director of other organizations. More about Asad

Tyrone Crooks

Tyrone Crooks

Director (Independent)

An entrepreneur with deep expertise in financial management. Tyrone has built successful companies and serves with several charitable nonprofits, and brings that experience to the board's oversight of Spectrum Arch's finances and governance.

Khalid (Kay) Rehman

Khalid (Kay) Rehman

Director (Independent)

A London-based entrepreneur in the hospitality industry. Kay has a track record of building successful businesses and is involved with several charitable nonprofits, bringing a focus on service, operations, and the experience of the people being served.

Our organization

  • Legal status: 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit corporation
  • EIN: 42-3421753
  • Incorporated: New York State, June 15, 2026
  • IRS 501(c)(3) determination: July 2, 2026
  • Service area: Saratoga County, expanding across the Capital District

Governance and readiness

  • IRS-approved 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
  • New York State nonprofit incorporation
  • Board of directors with independent members
  • Corporate bylaws adopted
  • Conflict of interest policy adopted
  • Comprehensive business plan completed
  • Compliance framework designed

Our goals

Offer Support Brokerage

Our first priority. Help families who self-direct their OPWDD services plan, budget, and hire staff, across Saratoga County and the Capital Region.

Become a Fiscal Intermediary

In the future, seek OPWDD approval as a Fiscal Intermediary, so families can self-direct with one trusted local partner handling payroll and budget tracking.

Residential homes (on hold)

Community homes for adults with autism remain a long-term goal. That work is on hold while we focus on Support Brokerage.

Educate and connect families

Publish clear, practical guides on adult services in New York, and connect families with the right local resources.

Where we are

  1. June 2026 — Incorporated in New York State; board of directors established
  2. July 2026 — IRS 501(c)(3) determination received
  3. Now — Working with OPWDD-authorized Support Brokers and matching families from our list
  4. Next — Begin serving families on the waitlist once authorized