Adler Center For Special Needs
RESOURCE CENTER

Access Coordination Services
Lilach Koch, Access Coordinator
Mid-Island Y JCC
(516) 822-3535
The services are offered to Nassau County residents at no cost and will provide the following support:
• Assist with the initial OPWDD (Office for People with Developmental Disabilities) Eligibility Determination process.
• Connect eligible individuals and their families to Medicaid Service Coordinators, Care Coordinator and Family Support Brokers.
• Support families in navigating the system and expediting their HCBS (Home and Community Based) Medicaid Waiver process.
• Assist families in identifying and hiring OPWDD funded staff, (community habilitation workers, job coaches, respite workers and more).
• Introduce Self-Direction versus agency-centered New York State services.
• Make referrals to state, city and private programs and link families to resources available to them in their community.
• Educate families regarding their OPWDD and school district rights.
• Promote self-advocacy skills.
• Help families determine if they should change their child’s day school placements.
Advocacy Groups
Long Island Advocacy Center
New Hyde Park Office: (516) 248-2222
Hauppauge Office: (631) 234-0467
Long Island Parent Center, Center for Community Inclusion
The LIPC is available to provide information and support to parents and professionals, through person to person contact, training, workshops, website contact and our resource library regarding services to children with special needs.
100 Second Ave., Brentwood 11717
(516) 589-4562
Parent to Parent of New York State
Providing emotional support and information to families of individuals with special needs in NY State.
(800) 559-1729 | ( 631) 493-1716 | (631) 493-2403
AHA/Asperger’s Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association
Asperger’s Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association/AHA a not-for-profit organization established in 1988, provides resources, support and information for families, individuals and professionals affected by Asperger’s Syndrome, High Functioning Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders and related conditions. AHA presents two major conferences yearly and offers support groups from Montauk to Manhattan. This website and our electronic list serves families, individuals and professionals in New York, as well as across the country and internationally. Answering thousands of hotline calls yearly, they are a valuable source of science-based information.
NYS Office For People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)
OPWDD is committed to communicating with individuals and families so they can better understand the OPWDD system and what services and supports are available. The webpage is another way to help keep people informed, and another way we are Putting People First.
UJA-Federation of New York
Providing vital support to beneficiary agencies and grantees that serve children and adults with developmental, behavioral, and physical disabilities. Last year, our collective impact provided:
• Support for 8,700 clients with autism and their families, including recreational and social
opportunities, respite care, advocacy, and public education.
• Advocacy to secure $1.6 million in city funding for autism services, including $725,000 for
UJA-Federation’s beneficiary agencies.
• The opportunity for 58 synagogues throughout Manhattan, Westchester, and Long Island to
take part in the Shabbat of Inclusion, welcoming those with disabilities and their families.
www.ujafedny.org/what-we-do/help-people-in-need/disabilities/
Adult Career & Continuing Education Services — Vocational Rehab
ACCESS - VR offers access to a full range of services that may be needed by persons with disabilities throughout their lives. Through its administration of vocational rehabilitation and independent living programs, VESID coordinates policy and services relating to:
• Transition services for students with disabilities from school to adult services;
• Vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities, ages 16 and older;
• Independent living services for people with disabilities of all ages; and
• Employer services for hiring a qualified diverse workforce.
The seeds of adult success are sown during the school years. The system established by the Board of Regents to administer education and vocational services for people with disabilities fosters this and has evolved into a national model, designed to focus on our customers and produce results.