For more than 65 years, the Center for Disability Services has been the place to turn to for innovative services and expert care for individuals with disabilities and chronic medical conditions in the Capital Region. The Center for Disability Services provides services to more than 15,000 individuals - newborns to seniors - and their families at 85 locations throughout 9 counties in Upstate New York.

Website: cfdsny.org

COMMISSION ON QUALITY OF CARE AND ADVOCACY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (CQC)

CQC serves New Yorkers with all kinds of disabilities by providing independent oversight of programs and services designed to meet their needs, and by offering legal, advocacy, training, information, and technical assistance services to promote their full inclusion in all aspects of community life.

Website: cqc.ny.gov/

Families Together in New York State, Inc. a statewide, parent-governed, non-profit organization, grew out of the efforts of many people who were concerned about children's mental health services in New York State and across the nation. A 1990 study estimated that of the general population of children in the U.S., about 14% (between 9.5 and 13.6 million children), have an emotional, behavioral or mental disorder. In that same year, the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) reported 19,000 children being served, and another 19,000 waiting for services in state operated programs alone.

Website: www.ftnys.org

For most of us, "home" is a powerful word, evoking images of warmth and comfort, a safe haven filled with the love of caring family and friends. Home is truly where the heart is. Our lives outside of "home" reflect what takes place within its walls - our sense of self-worth, our perception of our talents, our abilities to love and be loved, our feelings of peace and stability, our strength to forge ahead. Coming Home means that individuals can pursue their dreams, whatever they may be. Living Resources' commitment is to leave the light ever burning at the door, and to nurture the home within the heart. In the region served by Living Resources, it is estimated that only 40% of individuals with developmental disabilities are receiving adequate services. Living resources strives to support families and reduce the unmet need. Living resources provides a wide range of services - over 1,200 every day - to individuals challenged by a variety of developmental disabilities including mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, neurological impairment, and traumatic brain injury.

Website: livingresources.org

Founded in 1973, the National Down Syndrome Congress is the country’s oldest national organization for people with Down syndrome, their families, and the professionals who work with them. We provide information, advocacy and support concerning all aspects of life for individuals with Down syndrome, and work to create a national climate in which all people will recognize and embrace the value and dignity of people with Down syndrome.

Website: ndsccenter.org/

The mission of the National Down Syndrome Society is to be the national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.  The National Down Syndrome Society envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations, and become valued members of welcoming communities.

Website: ndss.org/

The DDPC is responsible for developing new ways to improve the delivery of services and supports to New Yorkers with developmental disabilities and their families.  The Council focuses on community involvement, employment, recreation and housing issues faced by New Yorkers with developmental disabilities and their families. The DDPC affects positive systems change through grants.

Website: ddpc.ny.gov/

OPWDD is responsible for coordinating services for more than 126,000 New Yorkers with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, and other disabilities.  OPWDD provides services directly and through a network of approximately 700 nonprofit service providing agencies, with about 80 percent of services provided by the private nonprofits and 20 percent provided by state-run services.

Website: opwdd.ny.gov/

The Office of Special Education works to promote educational equity and excellence for students with disabilities through its roles and responsibilities to: 1) oversee the implementation of federal and State laws and policy for students with disabilities, 2) provide general supervision and monitoring of all public and private schools serving New York State preschool and school-age students with disabilities, 3) establish a broad network of technical assistance centers and providers to work directly with parents and school districts to provide current information and high quality professional development and technical assistance to improve results for students with disabilities, 4) ensure a system of due process, including special education mediation and impartial hearings, and 5) meet with stakeholders through the Commissioner's Advisory Panel for Special Education Services.

Website: p12.nysed.gov/specialed/

NYSARC, Inc. is America's largest non-profit organization supporting people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and their families since 1949.  NYSARC is the New York State Chapter of The Arc.

Website: nysarc.org

The PNCR is one of thirteen special education parent technical assistance centers throughout the state, funded by a grant from the New York State Education Department. The mission of the PNCR is to provide parents with the knowledge, skills, resources and support to effectively advocate for their children and to facilitate productive relationships between parents and school districts for the benefit of students with disabilities.  PCNR offers these services free-of-charge to parents, service providers, disability organizations and schools.

Website: www.pncrny.org

Parent to Parent of NYS is a place where families of individuals with special needs and the professionals who serve them can meet and share information.  This website is maintained as a resource for families.  We've walked the walk and are here to help other families through:
Support – Information & Referral – Trainings

Website: www.parenttoparentnys.org

RCSN is New York City’s only independent nonprofit organization that works for families and children with all special needs, across all boroughs, to understand, navigate, and access the services needed to ensure that all children have the opportunity to develop their full potential.
Founded in 1983 by three New York mothers, RCSN serves families of children and young adults with all special needs – social, cognitive, physical, and behavioral – with a focus on the city's highest-needs families and communities, and the organizations that serve them.

Website: www.resourcesnyc.org

The Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region promotes the active and informed involvement of family members and the individual with autism in the planning of individualized, appropriate services and support.

Website: albanyautism.org

The New York State Early Intervention Program (EIP) is part of the national Early Intervention Program for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families.  First created by Congress in 1986 under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the EIP is administered by the New York State Department of Health through the Bureau of Early Intervention.  To be eligible for services, children must be less than 3 years of age and have a confirmed disability or established developmental delay, as defined by the State, in one or more of the following areas of development: physical, cognitive, communication, social-emotional, and/or adaptive.

Website: health.ny.gov/community/infants_children/early_intervention/

INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, AGING, AND DEMENTIA

The Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia website was developed under a grant from the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council.  It is intended to be a resource for staff caring for individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities who are showing signs of dementia.  Administrators and researchers will also find some of the links helpful.

Website: www.albany.edu/aging/IDD/r-id.htm

Working collaboratively with individuals, families and the community, Wildwood Programs empowers and enables children and adults with neurologically based learning disabilities, autism and other developmental disorders to live independent, productive and fulfilling lives.

Website: wildwoodprograms.org