DDRO Front Door
The Front Door is OPWDD’s person-centered process for establishing access to services for people who are new to OPWDD, or those seeking to modify existing services.
I/DD Resources
More information about applying for a service and availability
This database is of resources most commonly referred to when someone calls the LINK department. Search resources using the search box, or target resources by categories and tags listed to the right. YAI does not intimately know all the programs on this list. Availability and service changes are beyond our control. If you are trying to understand what an acronym might mean, check out our Acronym Guide. If you are unable to find what you are looking for, please feel free to call us at 212.273.6182.
CLOSEPages
Ariva
Ariva offers free one on one financial services and free income tax assistance at locations around New York City to low or modest income, vulnerable, or special needs clients.
Ariva partners with social service providers in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Brooklyn to empower underserved New Yorkers with effective tools and resources so they can make informed financial decisions and achieve economic stability.
Directory of Family Support Services
Also known as "Family Support Guides", these directories list services available for people with a developmental disability and/or their families. In order to use many of these services, the person with a developmental disability must live with his or her family in the borough the service is offered.
Directory of I/DD Specialized Clinics
Directory of I/DD Specialized Clinics list clinical locations available for people with an intellectual and/or developmental disability (I/DD). Insurances accepted will vary from clinic to clinic. Most will take straight Medicaid, but please contact clinics directly for more information.
Include NYC
Include NYC (formerly known as Resources for Children with Special Needs, or RCSN) is New York City’s only independent nonprofit organization that works for families and children with all disabilities, across all boroughs, to understand, navigate, and access the services needed to ensure that all children and youth have the opportunity to develop their full potential.
Include NYC provides information and referral, resource guides, educational advocacy, and a whole host of really informative workshops/training for parents, professionals, etc.
Community Service Society
Center for Benefits and Services and The Benefits Plus Learning Center offers publications, training, and consultation services designed to educate and support the social service professional and clients through the complexities of the public benefit system. http://b.3cdn.net/nycss/b1c5e80086ef997aad_67m6iy4r2.pdf
Acronyms
Tired of the alphabet soup in the I/DD (intellectual and/or developmental disabilities) field?
Well we are here to help with this super helpful acronym cheat sheet.
NYC Well
Formerly known has LIFENET, NYC Well is much broader and bigger, with increased capacity to handle calls, and more services available.
Crisis Intervention with YAI
An interdisciplinary team of behavioral intervention specialists and social workers provide information and referral, advocacy, short-term crisis counseling and/or in-home behavioral interventions. This is provided to stabilize familial relationships, maintain the integrity of the family unit, and promote functional behavior.
Contact 212.273.6200 if you reside in Manhattan or 718.793.2182 x 4572 if you reside in Queens. Alternatively, you can contact YAI LINK at 212.273.6182.
NYLAG Special Education Unit
Parents of children with disabilities often need help negotiating the legal complexities of the special education system. To ensure that children with disabilities receive opportunities to learn and grow, NYLAG’s Special Education Unit (SEU) offers consultation and representation to low-income families on a variety of educational issues.