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.
CLOSEAlso 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.
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.
The Early Childhood Direction Centers (ECDCs) provide free confidential information, referral, support and training for families and professionals about services for young children, ages birth through five, with suspected or diagnosed physical, mental health, and developmental delays or disabilities. They ca
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.
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.
The Autism Society envisions people and families living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are able to maximize their quality of life, are treated with the highest level of dignity, and live in a society in which their talents and skills are appreciated and valued. The Autism Society works to increase public awareness about the day-to-day issues about people with autism, advocates for appropriate services for people of every age, and provides the latest information regarding treatment, education, research, and advocacy.
Advocates for Children of New York works on behalf of children who are at greatest risk for school-based discrimination and/or academic failure due to poverty, disability, race, ethnicity, immigrant or English Language Learner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, homelessness, or involvement in the foster care or juvenile justice systems. Focus is on Least Restrictive Enviroment (LRE) for the person. Helpline is open Monday to Thursday 10am to 4pm.
NYLPI protects and promotes the educational rights of students with disabilities in New York City. Their attorneys and advocates use a variety of approaches to ensure that students with disabilities have access to a free appropriate public education and to the full spectrum of programs and activities that the New York City Department of Education has to offer.
AHRC offers educational advocacy services to people with developmental disabilities who are experiencing difficulty accessing services or have problems with the services being provided.
The Association for Children with Down Syndrome's services are designed with the person in mind. All of their activities – educational, recreational, therapeutic, social – focus on the unique characteristics and abilities of the person they are serving, with one goal - to help that person develop to their full potential.
