Community Resources

We recognize that supporting a loved-one with developmental disabilities can be challenging. SOYAN is sharing these local resources to help ease the burden.

For Families

• Future Planning Guidebook for Older Caregivers of Adults with I/DD
• Abilibee  App for connecting families to I/DD resources
• Parent to Parent of NYS  Peer support: connect with other families facing the same challenges
• Home & Community Positive Behavior Support Network  Practical PBS resources for home and community settings
• NYC FAIR  NYC-based family advocacy group

Planning for the Future

• NY Housing Resource Center: What Happens When I'm Gone
• ACA: First Steps to Prepare for the Future
• Our Futures, Our Wishes Workbook  University of Arizona tool capturing individual wants, needs, and family plans
• The Arc National: Free Planning Guide
• List of Important Legal Documents (National Institute on Aging)  Plain-language explanations of documents to consider
• Future Planning Guidebook for Older Caregivers of Adults with I/DD

Emergency Preparedness

• Ready.gov: Planning for People with Disabilities
• Ready.gov: Financial Preparedness

Financial Assistance

• PSEG Household Assistance Program
• Amazon Prime: 50% Off for Government Assistance Recipients

Advocacy & Legal Rights

• Disability Rights New York (DRNY)  Free legal and advocacy services for people with disabilities
• Legal Services of Long Island  Free/low-cost legal support for adults with low income and disabilities
• Coalition 4 Self Direction  Information on community class denials and seeking advocacy
• Independent I/DD Ombuds Program (IDDO)  New for 2024: resource and advocate for navigating OPWDD programs
• NY Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation  Leading resource for organizations, individuals, and families; hosts yearly FI/SD Conference
• Advocacy Institute  Builds advocacy skills and power for social justice organizations
• Able News at The Viscardi Center is a news outlet and monthly digital publication that serves as a vital resource on disability and amplifies the perspectives of the diverse, vibrant disability community.

Self-Advocate Resources

• CareDesign NY: Peer Empowerment Groups  Monthly sessions for self-advocates; also includes 'In the Know' topical education series
• Self-Advocacy of NYS (SANYS)  NYS statewide self-advocacy network with regional connections
• SILO: Self-Initiated Living Options  Community programs, benefits advisement, and personal dignity advocacy
• Southern Tier Connect: Know Your Rights Videos  Short 10-minute videos with concrete information for adults with DD
• Supported Decision Making NY

Self-Direction Resources

• In the Driver's Seat  Navigation tools for the self-directed service system (Western NY)
• NY Self-Determination Coalition  Grass-roots coalition started by parents on Long Island

DD Councils by Borough / Region

• Brooklyn DD Council
• Bronx DD Council
• Manhattan DD Council
• Queens Center for DD
• Staten Island DD Council
• Long Island Family Services & Support Council (LIFSSAC)

Stretch Your Self-Direction Budget

1. Com Hab staff ID from the FI: Have your Com Hab Staff/DSP obtain an ID from the Fiscal Intermediary. Many venues will not charge staff a fee to enter when they are supporting a person with a disability.
2. NYS Parks ACCESS Pass: Free access to all NYS parks for the disabled person. Requires a DMV Non-Driver ID to apply.
3. Library museum passes: Check your local library for free passes to local museums and attractions.
4. Regal Theatre Disability Companion Pass: Companions attending in an assistant role for a guest with a disability may be admitted free by management.