Family Support Workshops & Services

Family Support Workshops & Services


Additional services and supports offered by AHRC New York City that may be of help to you and your family member with a developmental delay:

Respite Services

RespiteFor families of a person with a developmental disability who lives at home, a dilemma may arise when it is time to do the simplest of tasks, such as going food shopping, visiting the doctor, or simply relaxing. We can be trusted to take care of a family member with a disability when his or her caregiver must attend to necessary chores or needs to take a break.

For people with developmental disabilities who reside at home with their families, AHRC New York City provides out-of-home and in-home respite opportunities, ranging from a period of a few hours to a few weeks.  Additionally, we provide programs that engage people with disabilities after their day programs, on weekends, and even during vacations, making their lives more fulfilling.

> LEARN MORE ABOUT RESPITE SERVICES


AHRC New York City’s Summer Sleep-Away Camps

Recreation and LeisureCamp is a wonderful opportunity for individuals with developmental disabilities to have an enjoyable summer vacation away from the city while also providing a chance for the families of the individuals to take a break from the responsibilities of caregiving.

Camp Anne is open to persons with intellectual disabilities and significant challenges, from the age of five through adulthood. There are a limited number of openings for individuals who are non-ambulatory or semi-ambulatory; special diets are available as needed.  A small number of campers who require one-to-one supervision for self-help needs or minor behavior problems are accepted.

The Katy Isaacson Elaine Gordon Lodge serves adults, 18 and over, with fewer challenges who show independence in the areas of daily living.  There are a limited number of openings for individuals who are non-ambulatory or semi-ambulatory. Accommodations are also available for married couples.

All Camp Anne and Lodge applicants are screened on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants are required to have a recent physical examination prior to admission into a program. Twenty-four-hour-a-day nursing services and a physician on-call is provided at both programs.  Fees are calculated on a sliding scale. Camp Anne and Isaacson Gordon Lodge are open to all without regard to race, religion, national origin, creed, age, or ethnic background.

> LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR CAMPS


Educational Advocacy

Educational AdvocacyAHRC NYC offers educational advocacy services to individuals with developmental disabilities of school age who are experiencing difficulty accessing services or have problems with the services being provided. The Educational Advocate will provide assistance with reviewing evaluations, securing additional evaluations, developing strategies to utilize when accessing needed services, explaining rights, and negotiating systems.

The Advocacy Office conducts training for parents and professionals.  Where necessary, the Advocate will also attend CPSE & CSE meetings and Impartial Hearings with city and state agencies.  Although the primary focus of the Advocate is education, assistance with accessing other needed services available through the city, state, and federal agencies is also provided.

To assist you in obtaining the education services to which your child is entitled, AHRC NYC provides free consultations from an experienced team of advocates who understand the sometimes complex decisions in Special Education.  AHRC NYC’s team of advocates can help with service provision, student placement, IEP development, and many other challenging and sometimes contentious decisions that have to be made by parents of children with developmental disabilities and ASD.

> LEARN MORE ABOUT EDUCATIONAL ADVOCACY


In-Home Services

With the assistance of a Care Manager or Care Coordinator, families determine the actual services they need to help them at home. Our In-Home Supports include Community Habilitation, Individual Services and Supports, and In-Home Respite.

The frequency of service provision is dependent upon the need and the availability of in-home opportunities such as Community Habilitation, Individual Services and Supports, and In-Home Respite.

> LEARN MORE ABOUT IN-HOME SUPPORTS


Sibling Services

The brothers and sisters of persons with disabilities including autism can often benefit from professional guidance and peer support.  Sometimes we fail to recognize the challenges that siblings face within families of individuals with developmental disabilities.  AHRC NYC ensures that they receive the attention they need to lead happy, fulfilling lives while offering exceptional support to their family member with a disability.

Additional Resources for Siblings are available from SiblingResources.org is a website dedicated to serving the needs of siblings, providing online learning, educational webinars, and opportunities for siblings to connect and share expertise in future planning for one’s sibling with a disability, securing appropriate services within the New York State disabilities services system, and tools to advocate on the behalf of siblings.

> LEARN MORE ABOUT SIBLING SERVICES


Family Education

We provide FREE educational workshops which are offered twice per month. Our Family Education Series includes workshops and informational sessions on topics of great interest to families of people with developmental disabilities.

Our workshops provide education and information for families in obtaining services for their family member with a developmental disability. They also help families to cope with challenges that may arise as they care for their loved ones.

> LEARN ABOUT UPCOMING FAMILY EDUCATION SERIES WORKSHOPS