A Guild to Transition from School to College, Work and Community

Transcription

A Guide to Transition from School to
College, Work & Community Living
for Students
with Disabilities
in the Capital District
A Publication of the
Capital Region Board of Cooperative
Educational Services (BOCES)
Special Education Division
1979 Central Avenue
Albany, NY 12205
Phone: 518/464-6355
Fax: 518/464-6386
www.capregboces.org
Transition Services Guide ■
Beyond School...
Into the Community
A Guide to Transition from School to College,
Work and Community Living for Students with
Disabilities in the Capital District
Published by the
Capital Region Board of Cooperative Educational
Services (BOCES)
1979 Central Avenue
Albany, NY 12205
Dr. Barbara Nagler, District Superintendent
Dr. Inge Jacobs, Division Director
Transition Services Coordinators/Editors
Mary Leach
Carron Rutnik
Lin Polster
Suzanne Hasko
Laura Thomson
Elizabeth Klotz
Wendi Richards
518-464-6355
Visit Our Website at: www.capregboces.org
Publication designed and produced in coopearation with
the Capital Region BOCES Communications Service
Published with assistance from the New York State
Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, the
Eastern New York Transition Coordination Site
and the Capital Region BOCES
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Transition Planning Timeline and Checklist.......................................... 4
Success After High School Requires Good Planning . .......................... 6
Understanding the Role of the School................................................ 7
The IEP as a Transition Document........................................................ 8
What are the Elements of the Transition Component of the IEP?........ 8
Shopping for Adult Services................................................................. 9
Advocacy: Speaking Up and Being Heard.......................................... 10
Working in the Community................................................................ 15
Employment Information and Referral Agencies................................ 16
Moving Out: Finding a Home of Your Own........................................ 20
Recreation: Having Fun with Your Peers............................................ 27
Day Habilitation Programs................................................................. 29
Emergency Housing........................................................................... 30
Guardianship and Other Legal Options.............................................. 31
Trade, Technical and Business Schools............................................... 32
Local Colleges.................................................................................... 34
Mental Health Services...................................................................... 36
Using Transportation.......................................................................... 37
Benefit Programs Can Help with Expenses........................................ 38
NYS Relay Services............................................................................. 39
Transition Services Guide
Table of CONTENTS
Transition Planning
Timeline and Checklist
The following is a series of events that may need to be considered
during the student’s transition from school. All items will not be applicable
to all students. Use this planning tool to help ensure that you haven’t missed anything in the
transition planning process.
Action
Suggested Age Range
_______ School district to administer initial (“Level I”) vocational assessment............................................. 12
_______ Discuss the following curriculum areas at IEP meetings:.......................................................... 12 - 15
• Academic
• Social
• Language/Communication
• Occupational
• Self-help Skills
• Self-advocacy Skills
_______ Develop and implement strategies to increase responsibilities and
independence at home.......................................................................................................... 12 - 15
_______ Ask school district to complete periodic vocational evaluations . ............................................ 12 - 21
_______ Introduce and discuss transition services on IEP............................................................................. 15
_______ Assure that copies of work-related documents are available:.................................................. 14 - 16
• Social Security Card
• Birth Certificate
• Working Papers (if appropriate)
_______ Give school district consent so that the appropriate adult agency
representative can be involved in the transition planning process........................................... 14 - 21
_______ Discuss adult service options with CSE at annual review......................................................... 15 - 21
_______ Consider summer employment/volunteer experiences............................................................. 15 - 20
_______ Explore community leisure activities....................................................................................... 15 - 21
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through local agencies..................................................................................................... Ongoing
_______ Consider the need for residential services, including completing
applications as appropriate.................................................................................................... 15 - 21
_______ Obtain personal ID card (permit, license, non-driver ID)................................................................16+
_______ Obtain driver’s training and license.............................................................................................16+
_______ Develop transportation/mobility strategies.............................................................................. 16 - 21
• Independent Travel Skills Training
• Public or Paratransit Transportation
• Needs for Travel Attendant
_______ Explore workshops/parent information sessions/open houses
_______ Investigate SSDI/SSI/Medicaid Programs................................................................................. 16 - 18
_______ Consider/seek legal guardianship for children who can not give consent . ..................................... 18
_______ Develop and update employment plans.................................................................................. 16 - 21
_______ Involve VESID/CBVH, as appropriate, prior to two years of exit from school............................. 14 - 21
_______ Research post-school training/education programs such
as college, adult education, vocational training, military........................................................16 - 18+
_______ Apply for post-school college and other training programs..................................................... 17 - 21
_______ Male students register for the draft (no exceptions)....................................................................... 18
_______ Register to vote............................................................................................................................ 18
_______ Review health insurance coverage: inform insurance company
of child’s disability and investigate rider to ensure continued eligibility........................................... 18
_______ Complete transition to employment, further education or training
and community living, affirming arrangements are in place for the following:.......................... 18 - 21
• Post-secondary/continuing education
• Employment
• Legal/Advocacy
• Personal Independence/Residential
• Recreation/Leisure
• Medical/Health
• Counseling
• Financial/Income
• Transportation/Independent Travel Skills
Success After High School Requires
Good Planning While Still in School
Creating a clear path to follow after high
school and moving toward independence is
a challenge for all young people. Making the
transition from school to the adult world of
working and living in the community doesn’t
just happen. Decisions need to be made,
skills have to be acquired, and help may need
to be found. As in any major accomplishment, the most important ingredient to success is good planning. Most likely, many students will need assistance from their families,
teachers and advocates in planning for making the transition from school to work and
community living. We hope that this guide
will help families, educators, and advocates
plan with students for the future.
On the Road to Independence
What does it mean to strive for independence or to live as an independent person?
Independence means having the freedom to
make choices about what you like and what
you want to do with your life. It means being
able to direct your own life as much as possible. It DOES NOT mean living without relationships or living without the assistance of
others. No one can live successfully without
other people. People don’t just wake up one
morning to find that they are “independent.”
The most independent people are those who
work with others to achieve a level of selfsufficiency that is both rewarding and safe.
That takes a plan.
Ask Important Questions
Whether it’s a business plan, a house plan,
or a plan for independence, they all start with
asking questions. Successful transitions from
high school begin with identifying what life
after high school will look like. Try to identify where, when, how, why and who may be
included in the plan. Answer some of these
questions and begin to shape your future
and your goal of independence.
Start with questions that you can answer
easily, then work up to the tougher ones:
• What kind of job do I want?
• Where do I want to live?
• Who do I want to live with?
• Am I learning practical skills right now
that will help me live my life when I
leave school?
These questions need to be asked and
action taken very early:
Did you know that once a student with a
disability turns 21, he/she is no longer entitled to support services provided under the
IEP or 504 plan that the school developed?
There are a multitude of services available
in the community and resources within the
high school to help students learn how to
access these services. This transition guide
will help you identify these resources and
help to make the move from high school to
adult living as smooth as possible.
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What role does the school district play
in the transition planning process? You can
expect a school district to be a partner in
planning as you begin to move -- or TRANSITION -- from high school into the world
after high school.
The school is responsible for:
• Providing an appropriate education to
prepare students to become as selfsufficient as possible to live their own
life;
• Helping students with formal arrangements (sometimes called “referrals”) to
appropriate adult service agencies;
• Advocating on a student’s behalf to assist in getting necessary services.
Legally, at age 15 (younger in some circumstances) the educational team should
begin this planning process WITH STUDENTS! Based on individual needs, preferences and interests, students and their team
should begin to set goals that can be carried
forward once graduation occurs.
Measurable goals will help the educational
team assess the skills that will be needed
to be successful after graduation. Together
identified students, their parents and the
school team will develop an IEP that talks
about short-term and long-term goals and
the responsibilities the school district has
in order to help students realize these goals.
Goals may be in the areas of managing money or grocery shopping; learning job skills;
accessing the community safely; or learning
to ride a bus, to name a few. These basic daily
living skills help individuals make the move
toward independence.
Some students decide that they want to go
to college. The high school IEP should coordinate the necessary steps that are needed
to help students achieve their college goals.
The plan could include information about
who will help the student (i.e., a guidance
counselor, an adult agency or program). It
may also include information about necessary courses to take prior to graduation
including a college prep program or maybe
a technology evaluation to see if, the student
could benefit from some kind of assistive
technology.
And, if students plan to go to work right
after high school, the IEP should reflect that
as well. What vocational training will the
student receive in school? What employment
services will be in place before graduation?
Will the student have an opportunity to get
some work experience before graduation?
While still in school, students and their
parents have a right to ask for specific activities to help the student to become more
independent. During the middle and high
school years, it becomes very important to
look at what skills the student possesses and
what skills he/she would like to have in the
future.
Understanding
the Role of the School
The IEP as a Transition Document:
What Should it Address:
Transition planning, according to language of the IDEA, 2005, is:
“...a coordinated set of activities for a student with a disability, designed to be within a results-oriented process, that is focused on improving the academic and functional achievement
of the student with a disability to facilitate movement from school to post-school activities, including post-secondary education, vocational education, integrated competitive employment
(including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation. The coordinated set of activities shall be based upon
the individual student’s needs, taking into account the student’s strengths, preferences and
interests, and shall include instruction, related services, community experiences, the development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives, and, if appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and functional vocational evaluation.”
Important Transition Components of the IEP:
Measurable Post-Secondary Goals
1.Employment: What kind of work does
the student want to do after leaving high
school?
2.Education/Training: Does the student plan
to attend college or vocational training
school, or some other educational program such as adult education, non-credit
bearing courses, etc.?
3.Independent Living Skills (when appropriate): does the student see him/herself
living alone, with parents, with friends, in
a group home or other supervised setting,
etc.?
Coordinated Set of Activities provided by the
school to support the Measurable
Post-Secondary Goals
1.Instruction: What educational program will
the student be offered during the school
year to help him/her move toward their
post-secondary goals?
2.Related Services: If the student requires
services that are designed to specifically
address transition (i.e. transportation,
speech/language pathology, psychological
services, recreation, orientation and mobility services, or social work), and these services are NOT being listed under another
section of the IEP, they can appear here.
3.Development of Employment/other PostSchool Adult Living Objectives: What activities will the school provide to help
the student move toward his/her adult
employment or vocational goal – through
referrals to job placement agencies, vocational rehabilitation services, school-towork experiences, vocational training, or
college?
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5.Functional Vocational Evaluations (when
appropriate): Vocational, assistive technology and adaptive behavior evaluations can
be conducted to help schools and families
better determine what a student’s postsecondary plan should look like. Evaluations that will be conducted during the
school year should be listed here.
6.Activities of Daily Living (when appropriate):
Likewise, if basic daily living skills have not
been mastered, these can be addressed in
this section of the IEP, as well.
Participating Agencies
These are agencies that have already
agreed to provide the adult support for the
student. List agency name, address, phone
number, service provided, and implementation date.
For a sample IEP, log onto the New York
State Education Department website at
http://www.vesid.nysed.gov. There you will be
able to search their site for a sample IEP
document.
Shopping for Adult Services
When shopping for agencies or service providers to assist after high school, it is important
to get answers to some key questions. These questions may help an individual with a disability
to become more independent in life -- as they live, work and socialize in the community.
• What is the agency’s philosophy?
• What are the agency’s goals?
• Are services provided in such a way that
people with disabilities work, live and enjoy
life alongside their non-disabled peers?
• What population does the agency serve?
• What services are designed to meet your particular needs and interests?
• Does the agency provide services to people
in community places as opposed to places
designed only for persons with disabilities?
• Are services provided for as long a period as
necessary, even forever, to ensure consumer
success?
• What does the agency call the people it serves
- clients?, trainees?, workers?, patients?, residents?, consumers? Is it a positive name?
• Do the people in the agency treat you as an
adult and value your input about decisions
that affect your life?
• Do consumers have a voice in deciding the
agency’s direction?
• Are there any consumers on the Board of
Directors?
Throughout the rest of this guide you will find listings of agencies and the services they offer. Please take the time to contact individual agencies and inquire about their services. Remember - it’s all part of the planning process.
4.Community Experience: What will the high
school provide to help the student achieve
his/her goal of living and socializing in the
community? Information and referrals
to agencies that provide supported housing, recommendations for involvement in
young adult recreation/leisure activities,
and referrals to human services agencies
can be listed here.
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Advocacy:
Speaking Up and Being Heard
Advocacy is speaking up for yourself and others. At times, everything falls into place and an
individual with a disability can get the services they want. At other times they may have difficulty finding the necessary services. The service systems can be intimidating to navigate and
sometimes eligibility for services is difficult to establish.
Services don’t have to be accepted just because they are the only ones currently available.
Many services we take for granted resulted from the efforts of others who have been “advocating” for many years -- people like family members, teachers, doctors, and friends, and of
course, consumers, themselves.
Get involved! Advocacy can help get services that are needed or wanted, and create laws
that will protect people’s rights. Join others with similar concerns.
Remember: Your voice can help get things changed!
There are many different kinds of advocacy:
Citizen Advocacy
provides opportunities for relationships by matching people together.
Educational Advocacy assists in understanding and participating in the educational system
(i.e., the IEP process).
Legal Advocacy
ensures that the legal rights of persons with disabilities are guaranteed.
Parental
Support/Advocacy
allows parents to support each other’s advocacy efforts by sharing their
experiences as well as working toward common goals.
Self-advocacy
assists people in speaking up for themselves.
Peer Support Groups
provide opportunities for people with similar issues, needs, concerns or questions to get together to share information and experiences.
Systems Advocacy
works toward changing laws, regulations and policies that affect people with
disabilities at a local, state, regional or national level. Consumers, parents,
advocates and other interested citizens work together for these changes.
NOTE: The organizations listed here include self-advocacy groups run by
and for people with disabilities and groups that include family members,
professionals and members of the community. Get on the mailing lists for
these organizations so that you are aware of workshops and activities they
offer. This is not an exhaustive list. See your phone book for additional
options.
Aim High — Down Syndrome
PO Box 12-624, Albany, NY 12212
518/448-6687http://www.aimhigh.org
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Brain Injury Association
of New York State
10 Colvin Avenue
Albany, NY 12206
518/459-7911; 1-800/228-8201 (in NY)
http://www.bianys.org
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Capital District Developmental
Disbilities Services Office(DDSO)
Albany County – 518/486-1313
Saratoga County – 518/581-3042
Schenectady County – 518/370-7400
Schoharie County – 518/295-8192
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Capital District Center
for Independence
855 Central Avenue, Room 110
Albany, NY 12206-1504
518/459-6422 Voice/TTY
http://www.cdciweb.com
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Peer
Support Systems
Advocacy Advocacy
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Catholic Charities
Developmental Disabilities
Services
15 Avis Drive
Latham, NY 12110
518/783-1111
http://www.ccrcda.org
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Center for Disability Services
314 South Manning Blvd.
Albany, NY 12208
518/489-8336
http://www.cfdsny.org
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Community Human Services
543 Saratoga Road
Glenville, NY 12302
518/399-4624
http://www.connectforkids.org
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Community Living and
Advocacy Supports (CLAS)
34 Greenfield Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866-1503
518/584-6340
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Center for Law and Justice
Pine West Plaza, #2
Washington Ave. Extension
Albany, NY 12205
518/427-8361
http://www.cflj.org
Client Assistance Program
NYS Commission on Quality of Care
401 State Street
Schenectady, NY 12305
518/388-2888 or 1-800/624-4143
Parental
Support
Self-
Advocacy
Advocacy
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Citizen
EducationalLegal
Agency
Advocacy
Advocacy Advocacy
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Citizen
EducationalLegal
Agency
Advocacy
Advocacy Advocacy
Community Living Partnerships
260 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12206
518/694-3098
Disabilities Advocates
5 Clinton Square, Third Floor
Albany, NY 12207-2201
518/432-7861
Peer
Support Systems
Advocacy Advocacy
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Disabilities Law Clinic at
Albany Law School
80 New Scotland Avenue
Albany, NY 12208
518/445-2328
Parental
Support
Self-
Advocacy
Advocacy
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Down Syndrome Resource Center
1 Marcus Boulevard, Suite 105
Albany, NY 12205
518/391-2581
http://www.downsyndromeresourcecenter.org
Easter Seals New York 292 Washington Avenue Extension Ste. # 112 Albany, NY 12203 518/456-4880 1-800/727-8785
http://www.nyeasterseals.com
Equinox
95 Central Avenue
Albany, NY 12206
518/434-6135
http://www.equinoxinc.org
Families in Need of Assistance
69 Brookline Avenue
Albany, NY 12203
518/489-3734
Families Together in New York, Inc.
737 Madison Avenue
Albany, NY 12208
1-888/326-8644 (information & referral line)
518/432-0333 office
http://www.ftnys.org
Homeless and Travelers
Aid Society
of the Capital District, Inc.
138 Central Avenue
Albany, NY 12206
518/463-2124
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Peer
Support Systems
Advocacy Advocacy
Independent Living Centers
Capital District Center
for Independence
West Mall Office
855 Central Avenue, Suite 110
Albany, NY 12206
518/459-6422 V & TTY
http://www.cdciweb.com
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Independent Living Center
of the Hudson Valley
Troy Atrium
Broadway & 4th Street
Troy, N.Y. 12180
518/274-0701 V & TTY
http://www.ilchv.org
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Learning Disabilities Association
of New York State
1202 Troy-Schenectady Road
Suite 1, Room 225
Latham, NY 12110
518/608-8992
http://www.ldanys.org
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Resource Center for
Independent Living
2540 Riverfront Center
Amsterdam, NY 12010
518/842-3561
518/842-3593 TTY
Legal Aid Society of
Mid-New York, Inc.
(Schoharie County)
Amsterdam, NY 12201
518/842-9466
http://www.lasmny.org
Northeastern New York
(Albany and Schenectady
Counties)
55 Columbia Street
Albany, NY 12207
518/462-6765
1-800-462-2922
http://www.lasnny.org
Northeastern New York
(Saratoga, Warren, Washington
Counties)
10 Lake Avenue
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
518/587-5188
http://www.lasnny.org
Parental
Support
Self-
Advocacy
Advocacy
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Citizen
EducationalLegal
Agency
Advocacy
Advocacy Advocacy
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Citizen
EducationalLegal
Agency
Advocacy
Advocacy Advocacy
Parental
Support
Self-
Advocacy
Advocacy
Peer
Support Systems
Advocacy Advocacy
New York State Commission on
Quality of Care and Advocacy for
Persons with Disabilities CQCAPD
(OAPwD)
1 Empire State Plaza, Suite 1001
Albany, NY 12223
Voice/TDD/Spanish in NYS 1-800-522-4369
CQCAPD (CQC)
401 State Street
1-800-624-4143
TTY Direct 518/473-4231, relay 711
CQCAPD (OAPwD) Outside NYS
518/388-2888
Saratoga County Options for
Independent Living (SCOIL)
418 Geyser Rd.
Country Club Plaza
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
518/584-8202
Parent-to-Parent of New York State
500 Balltown Road
518/381-4350
1-800-305-8817 http://www.parenttoparentnys.org
Self-Advocacy Association of NYS
500 Balltown Road
518/382-1454
http://www.sanys.org
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Advocacy Agencies for Persons with Mental Illness
National Alliance on Mental Illness
NYS Office 518/462-2000, 1-800-950-3228
Albany Office
518/439-9756
Rensselaer Office 518/447-9611, ext. 6835
Saratoga Office
518/885-2098
Schenectady
518/377-2619
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http://www.naminys.org
Ellis Hospital Peer Advocacy
Program for Individuals with
Mental Illness and their families
1328 State Street
518/374-2785
http://www.ellishospital.org
NYS Commission on Quality of
Care for the Mentally Disabled
401 State Street
Schenectady, NY 12305-2303
1-800-624-4143
http://www.cqcapd.state.ny.us
Unity House, Mental Health Services
33 2nd Street
Troy, NY 12180
518/274-2607
http://www.unityhouseny.org
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Finding employment is a common goal for
most young adults. It is important to get as
much work experience as possible while still
in school. Talk to the school team to find out
what is offered through the district. Many
districts are now providing school-to-work
programs for their disabled and non-disabled
students. This is often an internship experience for students with a “job coach” provided by the school district.
Some young people have part-time jobs
while still in school. Others only work summers or weekends. Still other young people
want to wait until they have graduated before
looking for a job, and some need specialized
training either in a vocational school or college before they start working.
Regardless of when a person wants to go
to work, remember: the more job experience the
better. Everybody can learn some part of a job
in the real world.
A big difference between school and adult
services for a person with a disability is that
an application for adult vocational services is
necessary. A good place to start in the area of
work is the New York State Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID). VESID
is a state agency that provides some direct
services and also pays other agencies to provide vocational and related services. Contact
their office prior to two years of exiting high
school to discuss a student’s particular needs
with a VESID counselor. The Commission
for the Blind and Visually Handicapped
(CBVH) is the “sister” agency to VESID for
individuals who are legally blind and are in
need of vocational rehabilitation services.
Remember, too, that “checking out” agencies before accepting any services is essential.
Be sure the “fit” is right. Is the agency’s philosophy about work the same as yours? Do
you feel comfortable about the amount of
time a job developer or employment specialist or job coach will spend working with the
individual with a disability? Ask questions!
Vocational (Employment) Services to Look For:
The Vocational Services chart beginning on page 17 provides a listing of agencies that can
help individuals with disabilities obtain and keep jobs. What should you expect when shopping for a job placement/vocational support agency? Ask if the agency provides:
• Career counseling
• Job development
• Job coaching • Supported employment
• Sheltered employment
• Competitive employment
• Vocational evaluations
• Interpreter services
• Mobility training
Services are based on the individual needs of the consumer. Not all services are offered by
all agencies. Additionally, agencies may have eligibility requirements for specific services. Do
your homework. It pays off in the long run.
Working in the Community
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State Vocational Services
New York State Office of Commission for the Blind
Vocational and Educational and Visually Handicapped (CBVH)
Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID)
Albany District Office
Albany District Office
80 Wolf Road, 2nd Floor
155 Washington Avenue Albany, NY 12205
Albany, NY 12210-2329 518/473-8097
(Voice)
518/473-1675
Employment Information
and Referral Agencies
One-Stop Centers/NYS Department of Labor
One-Stop Centers provide a central location for state, local, not-for-profit and county
employment and training services to better serve local businesses and those seeking career
services. One-Stops are a unique way to help businesses meet their workforce needs and at
the same time create an environment that allows the working men and women of New York
to improve their careers and live better lives. Contact the One-Stop in your county to speak to
an employment or training counselor.
Albany County
Schenectady County
Saratoga County
Schoharie County
Career Central
175 Central Avenue
Albany, NY 12206
518/462-7600
www.capreg.org
Saratoga County Employment & Training
152 West High Street, Room 204
518/884-4170
www.thejoblink.org
Schenectady Job Training
433 State Street, Center City
518/344-2735
www.capreg.org
Cobleskill Workforce Solutions
795 East Main Street, Suite 4
Cobleskill, NY 12043
518/234-4254
www.fmsworkforcesolutions.org
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Supported employment involves job placement, training and support for people with disabilities at integrated jobs in the community. Ongoing support, including job and related
training (transportation, money management, time management, etc.) as well as advocacy are
provided by a job coach or employment specialist. Employment opportunities and salary are
competitively based. These services can be paid for through Medicaid Waiver (see page 20 for
description), by NYS VESID or by NYS CBVH.
Sheltered Employment
Sheltered employment involves placement of individuals with disabilities in a workshop
setting where employees typically earn a paycheck that may or may not be at a competitive
wage. Individuals with disabilities who are employed at a sheltered workshop receive various
training, work experiences and pay based on performance. Sheltered employment may be a
stepping-stone to competitive employment.
The following is a listing of local agencies and the employment services they offer:
Supported Sheltered
Agency
Employment Employment
Supported Sheltered
Agency
Employment Employment
Alpha Career Options
http://www.schohariearc.org
Saratoga County (ARC)
54 Congress Street
518/583-6410
http://www.saratogaarc.org
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Employment Options
Center for Disablity Services
1164 Western Ave.
Albany, NY 12203
518/437-5562
http://www.cfdsny.org
Living Resources, Inc.
3 Pine West Plaza, Suite #302
Washington Avenue Ext.
Albany, NY 12205
518/869-1870
http://www.livingresources.org
Northeastern Association
for the Blind (NABA)
Albany, NY 12206
518/463-1211
http://www.naba-vision.org
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New Pathways
Schoharie County ARC
P.O. Box 307
Schoharie, NY 12157
518/234-2031
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Northeast Career Planning
New Directions
Schenectady County ARC
214 State St.
518/377-2186
http://www.arcschenectady.org
New Visions
(Formerly Albany Association
for Retarded Citizens -- ARC)
334 Krumkill Road
Slingerlands, NY 12159
518/459-0750
http://www.newvisionsofalbany.org
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Albany Office
28 Colvin Ave.
Albany, NY 12206
518/438-3445
http://www.northeastcareer.org
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Schenectady Office
2469 Albany St.
518/372-2895
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Malta Office
PO Box 2375
100 Saratoga Village Blvd.
Malta, NY 12020
518/289-1000
http:www.northeastcareer.org
Menands Office
339 Broadway Menands, NY 12204
518/465-5201
Wildwood Programs
Employment Services
1190 Troy Schenectady Road●
Latham, NY 12110
518/783-9260
http://www.wildwood.edu
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18
Moving Out: Finding a
Home of Your Own
When a young person with a disability
decides to move out of their parent’s home,
it’s an exciting time of their life and yet it’s
also a time of uncertainty. Questions like,
“Where will I live? Will I be able to take care
of myself, or find people to help me?” will
inevitably be asked.
Residential Options:
Residential services are provided by a
variety of state and non-profit agencies.
The goals of residential services are to provide housing to individuals with disabilities,
and to provide the supervision and support
needed to be sure that the resident is safe,
comfortable and in the best living situation
possible.
Supportive Living — A supported apartment,
flat, or small house can be “home” to up
to three people with disabilities. Agency
supervision and assistance varies depending
on the needs of the individuals sharing the
space. Usually agency staff provides daily to
weekly visits to the residence with on-call
assistance available 24-hours-a-day.
Most providers of residential services have
lengthy waiting lists. Individuals must apply
long before they actually need to move out
on their own. People can be on a waiting list
for more than a year before suitable housing
becomes available.
Family Care — This option allows an
individual to live with a non-relative in the
community. Similar to foster care, Family
Care is a residential option that your local
Developmental Disabilities Service Office
can help you establish.
The first step is to apply to agencies to
determine eligibility for residential services.
People at the agencies can help applicants
through the process, so they don’t feel they
have to tackle this on their own.
Individualized Residential Alternative (IRAs)
— An IRA provides highly individualized
support and accessibility in a group setting.
Residents living in IRAs are less medically
needy than those living in an ICF. Although
staffed round-the-clock, IRAs offer less
clinical and more social opportunities than
the higher-level ICF.
Some people choose to live with a small
group of people, while others may choose
to live independently with varying degrees
of assistance or supervision. There is also a
trend toward very individualized living arrangements, such as living with one other
person of your choice.
See Agency Listing on page 23 for local
programs and services.
Supervised Apartments —This is an apartment
in a residential area of the community that is
agency staffed 24-hours-a-day.
Remember to plan ahead — although new housing options and locations are opening up all
the time, there are still more people waiting for
housing than there are spaces available. Know
what kind of support is needed, and be ready
to sit down and discuss it with agency intake
personnel.
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1. Who else lives there?
What is the age range of people living
there?
What is the functioning level of people living there? (Range of abilities)
Will I have a roommate or will I have a
room of my own?
Who makes those decisions?
2. What assistance/services are available?
Will someone help me learn to budget my
money and do banking activities?
Will I assist in cooking meals, cleaning the
house, doing laundry?
Is someone available to transport me to
doctor appointments?
Will someone help me learn the public
transportation system?
What’s available in my new neighborhood
(i.e., parks, recreation, activities, shopping,
employers)?
How can I solve problems? Will there be
someone I can talk to about problems I
have?
3. What are the rules of the house?
Are there curfews? What about visitors, boyfriends/girlfriends?
Are there limits on phone usage?
4. What is the house like?
Is the house accessible to individuals with
physical disabilities?
Where is the house located?
Is the house in a neighborhood I’m used
to? (Rural, urban, suburban?)
Is the house clean, roomy, and pleasing to
the eye?
5. What about my values and those of my family?
Will someone be available to transport me
to religious services/classes?
Will there be respect for my cultural values?
6. Who are the people that staff the house?
Are people certified to work there?
What are their credentials?
How many people are “on duty” at the
same time?
Will someone be there at night?
What is the male/female staffing pattern?
Is there a high staff turnover?
Is there a doctor or nurse on call or available for emergency backup?
7. What are the costs?
Who pays for me to live there and how
much will it cost?
What are the eligibility requirements for
people to live there?
How much money will I need for personal
expenses and entertainment?
The agency listing beginning on page 23
will provide you with local contact information for those agencies that provide residential services.
Here are some questions that should be considered when
interviewing potential agencies:
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20
Home and Community
Based Waiver Services
Overseen by the NYS Office of Mental Retardation and
Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD)
Services and Definitions
Home and Community Based Waiver Services (HCBS)
Also known as “Medicaid Waiver,” this consumer-driven program is designed to support an
individual with a developmental disability in his/her decision to participate in the community.
Funded through Medicaid, waiver services are developed based on individual choices, personal goals, community participation, independence, home, friends, work, informal community
support and personal enrichment.
Services provided under the Medicaid Waiver include:
• Service Coordination (MSC)
• Day Habilitation (Day Hab)
• Residential Habilitation (Res Hab)
• Prevocational Services
• Supported Employment
• Respite
• Environmental Modifications (known as “E-mods”)
• Adaptive Technology
In order to have access to these services the individual must meet OMRDD eligibility criteria. Call the intake department of the agency you wish to get services from and they will assist
you.
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Home and Community Based (“Medicaid”)
Waiver Services Program to receive these
services. See page 23 for agencies providing
this service.
Service Coordination
Also known as “MSC” or “Medicaid Service Coordination,” this is the linchpin of
developmental disabilities services. A service
coordinator is chosen by, and accountable to
the consumer (the person with the disability).
The service coordinator helps the consumer,
and his or her advocate (for example, a parent, guardian, friend or someone else whom
the consumer has chosen to help him/her
understand the issues) to create and maintain services that will help promote personal
independence and community integration
for the consumer. Service coordinators work
with the individual with a disability and their
family to develop an Individualized Service
Plan (ISP) which “drives” services for that
consumer. It identifies which services within
the Medicaid Waiver program the consumer
is accessing at a given time. See page 23 for
agencies providing this service.
Residential Habilitation
“Res Hab” services are generally homebased and provided by an agency staff person
to work with the individual with a disability.
These services are typically offered for several hours a week to enable a consumer to
target skills he/she would like to strengthen.
An individual may need instruction in daily
living skills such as bathing, cooking, doing
laundry, learning how to use the telephone
or public transportation systems. He or she
may also need assistance and supervision in
the community to learn how to grocery shop,
make and travel to medical appointments
and interact appropriately in public places
such as malls, restaurants, libraries, theaters
and museums. See page 23 for agencies providing this service.
Day Habilitation Services
Known by its more familiar name, “Day
Hab” is a day program for individuals with
disabilities that helps them gain independence through inclusion and integration into
the community in which they live, learn and
work. Although there are usually small group
activities, Day Hab is very individualized and
is designed to address the social, recreational,
educational, and pre-vocational needs of
consumers. Day Hab activities foster economic self-sufficiency, increased self-esteem,
the ability to express choices and more frequent social interactions with non-disabled
persons. Program flexibility is the hallmark
of Day Hab, and transportation is usually
provided. Individuals must be enrolled in the
Sheltered/Supported Employment
See page 17 for definitions and a listing of
agencies providing sheltered and/or supported employment services and prevocational
training.
Respite
There may be times of need such as a
family crisis, family illness, etc. when regular
caregivers are unavailable. Respite services
allow a person with a disability and his or her
family to take a break from each other and
their usual day-to-day life. Respite is a shortterm arrangement. In addition to giving
families a break, it may provide an opportunity for a person with a disability to have new
social and recreational experiences with a
group of peers, but apart from the rest of the
family. Agency-run programs may require
that you meet Home and Community Based
The following pages offer definitions of
services provided under the Medicaid Waiver
program, plus a listing of local agencies and
the services they provide.
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Waiver Services eligibility to use respite services. Be sure to check well in advance of the
time you are planning to use respite services,
as many have lengthy waiting lists. See page
23 for agencies providing this service.
• In-home respite is provided by a certified
companion who comes into the home to
spend time with an individual with a disability. This companion may provide any
needed assistance while the regular caregiver is unavailable. Families often choose
in-home respite when they need to be
away from home for a brief period of time.
• Out-of-home or community based
respite is another option families choose
if the time away is going to be more
lengthy. The individual with the disability may stay in a community residence or
other facility with other individuals with
disabilities and round-the-clock professional staffing.
Environmental Modifications
“E-Mods” are necessary changes to the
home environment that enable the individual
with the disability to function with greater
independence in the home. Some examples
of E-mods might be: retrofitting a shower
stall to allow for a wheelchair to roll in; installing ramps throughout the house for total
accessibility; widening doorways; installing
grab-bars and safety equipment; modifying
the height of cabinets, sinks, and closets to
allow for accessibility from a wheelchair, or
for someone who is short-statured. Talk with
the Service Coordinator to determine how
to apply for these modifications through the
Individualized Service Plan (ISP).
Adaptive Technology
This can include devices such as communication aids, head or hand controls, speech
appliances or other supplies that enable a
person with a disability to increase or maintain his or her ability to live at home. Examples may include computer software or
hardware; flashing lights; devices to shake a
bed; service animals; etc. Talk with a service
coordinator to determine eligibility for this
service and how to apply for adaptive technology through the ISP.
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Agency
Medicaid
Service Residential
Day
ResOvernite
Coord.
Services
Hab
Hab
Respite
Alternative Living Group, Inc.
PO Box 24
518/374-0053
http://www.alginc.org
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Alternatives in Mankind (AIM)
3257 Route 9
518/587-3208
http://www.aimservicesinc.org
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Battenkill Community Services
101 Langley Hill Rd.
Greenwich, NY 12834
518/796-0105 or [email protected]
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Weekend
Respite
In-home After-school Medical
Respite Respite
Clinic
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Capital District Developmental Disabilities Services Office (DDSO)
Albany County DDSO
30 Russell Road
Albany, NY 12206
518/486-1313
Schenectady County DDSO
Oswald D. Heck Developmental Center
Building 12-D
Balltown and Consaul Roads
518/370-7400
Saratoga County DDSO
3 Care Lane
518/581-3042
Schoharie County DDSO
PO Box 670
289-2 Main Street
Schoharie, NY 12157
518/295-8192
Catholic Charities Developmental
Disabilities Services
15 Avis Drive
Latham, NY 12110
518/783-1111
http://www.ccrcda.org
314 So. Manning Blvd.
Albany, NY 12208
518/437-5700
http://www.centercares.org
Local Agencies Providing Medicaid Waiver Services
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Agency
Medicaid
Service Residential
Day
ResOvernite
Coord.
Services
Hab
Hab
Respite
Weekend
Respite
Respite Respite
Clinic
Centro Civico
Amsterdam
227-229 East Main St.
Amsterdam, NY 12010
518/842-3762
Albany
230 Green St.
Albany, NY 12203
518/465-1145
http://www.ccalbany.org
Community Living and
Advocacy Services
34 Greenfield Avenue
518/584-6340
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Crotched Mountain Community Partnership (for persons with brain injury)
Albany
1873 Western Ave.
Albany, NY 12203
518/452-1214
1-888-586-3061
Cobleskill
573 Main St., Suite #1
Cobleskill, NY 12043 518/234-1017
http://www.crotchedmountain.org
Epilepsy Foundation of
Northeastern NY
3 Washington Square
Albany, NY 12205
518/456-7501
http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org
Family & Child Services
246 Union St.
518/393-1369 http://www.familyandchildservice.com
Fulton County ARC-Lexington Ctr.
Johnstown, NY 12095
518/736-4100
http://www.lexingtoncenter.org
Hillside House of Coeymans
Route 9W - PO Box 399
Ravena, NY 12143
518-756-8345
Living Resources, Inc.
3 Pine West Plaza, Suite #302
Washington Avenue Ext.
Albany, NY 12205
518/869-1870
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151 Townsend Ave.
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Montgomery County ARCLiberty
43 Liberty Drive
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Amsterdam, NY 12010
518/954-3239, Intake 518/842-5080, General Info
http://www.libertyarc.org
New Visions of Albany
(Formerly Albany County Association
334 Krumkill Road
518/459-0750
Northeast Career Planning
339 Broadway
Menands, NY 12204
518/465-5201
Nostalgia
5 McCrea Road
Queensbury, NY 12804
518/761-1112
Rensselear County Association
for Retarded Citizens (ARC)
415 River St.
Troy, NY 12180
518/272-3805
http://www.rensselaerarc.org
Resource Center for
Independent Living
Amsterdam, NY 12010
518/842-3561
http://www.rcil.com/ContactRCIL/
amsterdam.html
Saratoga Bridges
(Formerly Saratoga County Association
20 Prospect Street
518/602-0077
http://www.saratogabridges.org
Schenectady County Advocacy,
Resources and Choices (ARC)
214 State Street
518/377-2186
Schoharie County Association
121 Opportunity Way, Box 307, Route 30
Schoharie, NY 12157
518/295-8120
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Respite
Respite Respite
Clinic
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Service Residential
Day
ResOvernite
Coord.
Services
Hab
Hab
Respite
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Agency
Unified Services of
Rensselaer County
1600 7th Ave.
Troy, NY 12180
518/270-2800
http://www.rensco.com
Upstate Case Management
27 Wynantskill Way
Troy, NY 12180
518/274-5915
Vanderheyden Hall
PO Box 219
Wynantskill, NY 12198
518/ 283-6500 http://www.vanderheydenhall.org
Warren-Washington Association
375 Bay Road, Suite 200
Queensbury, NY 12804
518/ 793-4204
http://www.wwarc.org
Wildwood Programs
Latham, NY 12110
518/783-9260
Medicaid
Service Residential
Day
ResOvernite
Coord.
Services
Hab
Hab
Respite
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Respite
Respite Respite
Clinic
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We all need an occasional change from our usual work and living schedules to see people,
go places, or just to have fun. Living and working in the community requires more than
academic and work skills. Individuals need the personal and social skills that will help them
to make friends in day-to-day life. One of the best ways to learn social skills is to take part in
leisure/recreational activities. By doing this, individuals with disabilities will get the chance
to meet people and make new friends. Everyone disabled or not, has something unique and
good to offer to the world. Persons with and without disabilities can share and learn a great
deal from each other.
As much as possible, young people with disabilities should be encouraged to participate in
after-school and community recreation programs. These can include programs that are affiliated with a religious group, school, private agency or public program such as the local YMCA.
Contact agencies from the listing below to find out what types of recreational opportunities
they might have available.
Adaptive SPORTS Foundation
518/734-5070
Albany Cougars Special Hockey Club
518/674-2058
Albany Therapeutic Riding Center
182 Martin Road
Voorheesville, NY 12186
518/765-2764
Buddy Program
College of St. Rose
Siena College
518/785-3180
Capital District Deaf Center, Inc.
144 Clinton Street
518/377-6557
Capital District Developmental Disabilities
Services Office (DDSO)
Albany Office: 518/486-1313
Saratoga Office: 518/583-2810
Schenectady Office: 518/370-7400
Schoharie Office: 518/295-8192
314 South Manning Boulevard
Albany, NY 12208
518/437-5562
Challenger Little League Baseball
2980 Broadway
518/346-0105
Compeer (Mental Health Buddy Program)
518/462-1094
Conway Circle of Performing Arts
Rugby Road and Parkwood Blvd.
518/377-3929
EquAbility Therapeutic Riding Center
Clover Ridge Farm
Middle Grove, NY 12850
518/583-1810
Recreation: Having fun
with your peers
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Living Resources
2176 Guilderland Avenue
518/346-8888
3 Pine West Plaza Suite #302
Albany, NY 12205
518/869-1870
New Visions
(Formerly Albany County Association for
Retarded Citizens -- ARC)
334 Krumkill Road
518/459-0750
SAFE (Sports are for Everyone)
518/383-8076
Saratoga Ice Skating
518/583-3462
Saratoga Bridges
(Formerly Saratoga County Association for
Retarded Citizens -- ARC)
20 Prospect Street
518/602-0077
http://www.saratogaarc.org
Saratoga Therapeutic Equestrian
Program (STEP)
New Forest Equestrian Center
PO Box 2918
Glenville, NY 12305-0918
518/374-5116
Schenectady County Advocacy, Resources and
Choices (ARC)
214 State Street
518/372-1242
Special Olympics of New York, Inc.
504 Balltown Road, Building 12-C
517/388-0790
http://www.specialolympicsny.org
STRIDE, Inc. Adaptive Sports
PO Box 778
Rensselear, NY 12144
518/598-1279
TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer)
Capital District Youth Soccer League
Clifton Park
899-5598
East Greenbush
766-2078
Bethlehem
439-8096
Niskayuna
452-4938
Saratoga
884-7072
Saratoga
587-7246
Scotia
355-8284
Wildwood Programs
1190 Troy-Schenectady Rd.
Latham, NY 12110
518/783-3421
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Overseen by the NYS Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD)
Day Habilitation includes a variety of services and activities that take place during the day
either at a center-based or “without walls” site in the community. It is a program that provides
a combination of diagnostic, treatment and habilitative services to individuals 18 or older who
need structured, clinical programs.
Transportation to and from the program site is typically provided by the day habilitation
agency. Activities during the day may include things such as self-care, socialization, speech,
physical and occupational therapies, and therapeutic recreation opportunities. Nursing, social
work and psychological services are also available when needed.
Day Habilitation services are funded through Medicaid. Eligibility is determined by each
agency based on an application and personal interview. Agencies listed below are the parent
organizations and many maintain more than one Day Habilitation location. Please call to arrange an interview and/or tour.
Local Day Habilitation Programs Include:
Multiple locations in the Albany/
Schenectady areas
Call for locations
518/482-1548
Living Resources
2176 Guilderland Avenue
518/689-1360
New Visions
(Formerly Albany County Association for
Retarded Citizens — ARC)
334 Krumkill Road
518/459-0750
Saratoga Bridges
(Formerly Saratoga County Association for
Retarded Citizens — ARC)
2902 Route 9
518/587-5747
http://www.saratogarc.com
Schenectady County Advocacy, Resources
& Choices (ARC)
214 State Street
518/372-1242
Schoharie County Association for Retarded
Citizens (ARC)
121 Opportunity Drive
Box 307
Schoharie, NY 12157
518/295-8810
Wildwood Day Services
Shaker Park West
Building #421A
Albany, NY 12205
518/464-1126
Day Habilitation Programs
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Emergency Housing
Sometimes a situation arises when short-term, emergency housing is necessary to keep
an individual safe and out of harms way. Local shelters will provide emergency housing, and
often have crisis workers available for counseling, case management and legal advocacy.
Agencies that provide emergency shelters in and around the Capital District include:
CAPTAIN
518/371-1185
Temporary host home for youth ages 12-19.
After-hours # 1-800-924-INFO.
Southern Saratoga County
CAPTAIN,
Youth Emergency Shelter
518/584-6042
Youth ages 16 - 18 who are homeless or runaway and reside in Saratoga County
Catholic Charities
518/434-3531
Serves Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene,
Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady,
Schoharie, Warren and Washington Counties
Community Human Services
518/399-4624
Youth 10 to 18
Serves Schenectady and Saratoga Counties
Community Maternity Services
Heery Center for Young Families 518/482-8836
Family shelter (including teen parent 12-18
years w/child)
Equinox Youth Shelter
518/465-9524
Ages 13 - 17
Serves Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren and Washington Counties
Equinox Outreach Center
518/465-0683
Homeless prevention services
Homeless and Traveler’s Aid
518/463-2124
Serves Albany, Saratoga, Rensselaer and Schenectady Counties
Homeless Action Committee
518/426-0554
19-bed emergency shelter. Outreach van
provides basic survival aid, referrals, and
transportation to people living on the streets.
Albany City Only
Hope House Shelter Plus Care 518/465-4673
Homeless shelter for chemically dependent.
Interfaith Partnership
for the Homeless
518/434-8021
Overnight shelter for men & women.
Singles 16 and older and families with dependent children for emergency overnight or
weekend only
Serves Albany County
Joseph’s House and Shelter
518/272-2544
Temporary emergency shelter for homeless
individuals and families. Permanent supported housing for seriously mentally ill, and
chronically homeless.
Marillac Residence
518/869-1960
Family shelter (including teen parent w/child)
Serves Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren, and Washington Counties
SAFE House, Inc.
518/374-5178
For youth up to 21 who are on the street and
at risk of exploitation. May be able to accommodate teen parent w/child.
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Saratoga Co. Rural
Preservation Co.
518/885-0091
Provides shelter for homeless veterans and
their families.
Serves Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene,
Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady,
Schoharie, Warren and Washington Counties
Schenectady Inner City
Ministry (SICM)
518/374-2683
Bethesda House day shelter for homeless.
Serves Albany & Schenectady Counties
Schenectady City Mission
518/346-2275
Men’s shelter
Women’s and Children’s Shelter
Schenectady Community Action
Program (SCAP)
518/374-9181
Schenectady YWCA
518/374-3394
St. Catherine’s Center
for Children
Homeless family shelter.
518/453-6712
Guardianship and Other Legal Options
When some individuals reach adulthood at age 18, they may still need the assistance of another trusted person to help them make important legal, financial and medical decisions. Our
legal system has provided some different options in this matter. Freedom and civil rights are
very important, so if there are any concerns about legal action taken on your behalf, or decisions about medical care, finances, or other issues in your life, speak to a lawyer. Options are
briefly described below:
Guardianship of a Person:
A guardian is appointed through the
courts to assist an individual with life decisions and to monitor the person’s quality of
life. A guardian may be necessary to ensure
that permission for certain matters, such as
having a medical operation, may be given on
your behalf. Guardianship should only be
sought if you are not capable of making your
own decisions.
Conservatorship or
Guardianship of the Property:
A conservator is appointed through the
courts to manage a person’s financial affairs.
A conservator is not allowed to make decisions about that person’s personal life.
Power of Attorney:
A power of attorney is a written document
giving one person the power to act as an
“agent” for another person. To give power of
attorney you must be considered capable of
understanding the document. You can revoke this document at any time.
Trusts:
A “trust” gives a person or corporation
(called a “trustee”) the right to manage or
control property for the benefit of another
person (called the “beneficiary”). A parent
or guardian may set up a trust to help provide future financial security for a person
with a disability. A trust does not limit the
beneficiary’s civil rights, personal freedom or
control over money and property that is not
part of this trust.
For a listing of attorneys who specialize in
guardianship issues, contact the New York
State Bar Association at 518/463-3200.
Saratoga County Information & Referral “We Care”
518/371-2273
Information and referral telephone service
- all ages.
Serves Saratoga County
31
32
Trade, Technical and Business Schools
Sometimes an individual may want or need technical training for the job of their dreams.
College is not required, but added vocational training may be necessary, or desired, to get a
foot in the door of a chosen profession. These specialty schools are known as trade or technical schools, vocational training centers, or business schools. Usually they offer programs
that train an individual to do a specific job and do not issue college degrees. A certificate of
completion, certification in a specific technical area or professional licensing are typically issued when an individual meets all the criteria for completion of the course and/or passes the
required examination.
Local Area Trade, Technical, Business and
Vocational Schools
(See local phone book for additional listings)
Aesthetic Science Institute
Latham, NY 12110
518/786-0760
http://www.aestheticscienceinstitute.com
Adirondack Beauty School
108 Dix Avenue
Glens Falls, NY 12801
518/745-1646
Adult Learning Center
27 Western Avenue
Albany, NY 12203
518/462-7292
Albany CDL School
381 Broadway
Menands, NY 12204
518/427-8000 or [email protected]
Andrews & Holbrook Training Corp.
4 British American Boulevard
Latham, NY 12110
518/783-0649
http://www.ahtraining.com
Austin’s School of Spa Technology
527 Central Ave.
Albany, NY 12206
518/438-7879
http://www.austin.edu
Barbizon Modeling of Albany
1991 Central Avenue
Albany, NY 12205
518/456-6713
Bryant & Stratton
1259 Central Ave.
Albany, NY 12205
518/437-1802
http://bryantstratton.edu
Capital District Educational Opportunity
Center (EOC)
145 Congress Street
Troy, NY 12180
518/273-1900
http://www.hvcc.edu
Capital Region Career & Technical School
Albany Site:
1015 Watervliet-Shaker Road
Albany, NY 12205
518/862-4800
Schoharie Site:
Route 30
Schoharie, NY 12057
518/295-3000
http://www.capregboces.org
CNW School of Massage Therapy
3 Cerone Commercial Dr.
Albany, NY 12205
518/489-4026
http://www.cnwsmt.com
Columbia Greene Beauty School
342 Main Street
Catskill, NY 12414
518/943-2224
■
Computer Visions, LLC.
16 Corporate Woods Boulevard
Albany, NY 12211
518/437-1600
http://www.compvisions.com
Essencia Aesthetics Academy
3 Cerone Commercial Dr.
Albany, NY 12205
518/438-3800
http://www.cvskinschool.com/
Glenmont Job Corps Center
822 River Road, Rt. 144
Glenmont, NY 12077-0993
518/767-9371
http://www.jobcorpsny.com
ITT Technical Institute
13 Airline Dr.
Albany, NY 12205
518/452-9300
http://www.itt-tech.edu
Jordan Lynn School for Appearance
Enhancement
1801 Altamont Ave.
518/356-0368
http://www.jordanlynnschool.com
Mildred Elley
Latham Circle Mall - Latham, NY12110
518/786-3171
Also located at
52 South Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12207
518/426-9311
1-800-622-6327
http://www.mildred-elley.edu
Modern Welding School
1842 State Street
518/374-1216
http://www.modernwelding.com
New School of Radio and Television
50 Colvin Avenue
Albany, NY 12206
518/438-7682
http://www.nsrt.org
New Horizons Computer Learning Center
10 Airline Drive, Suite 101
Albany, NY 12205
518/452-6444
http://www.nhalbany.com
Orlo School of Hair Design
232 North Allen Street
Albany, NY 12206
518/459-7832
http://www.theorloschool.com
CompUSA, Inc.
Suite 229
Latham, NY 12110
518/782-7688
http://www.compusa.com
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34
Local Colleges
All colleges, including community colleges, universities and vocational schools which
receive federal funding MUST offer support services for students with disabilities. These
services can include counseling, test modifications, interpreter services, note takers, adaptive
and/or assistive technology or other equipment; accessible classes, dorm rooms and other oncampus facilities; readers, tutors, taped texts and study skills courses. Students with disabilities
can also access career and job placement services just like non-disabled students. Services at
each college can vary. It is recommended that you check with the Director of Disabled Student Services at the college of your choice to discuss your specific needs. Visit the college
prior to applying, and meet with a counselor to be sure that the campus is both physically and
academically accessible to you. This is not an exhaustive listing.
Adirondack Community College
640 Bay Road
Queensbury, NY 12804-9970
518/743-2282
http://www.sunyacc.edu
College of St. Rose
432 Western Avenue
Room 17, Cabrini Hall
Albany, NY 12203
518/454-5299
http://www.strose.edu
Columbia-Greene Community College
4400 Route 23
PO Box 1000
Hudson, NY 12534
518/828-4181
http://www.sunycgcc.edu
Maria College
Learning Resource Center
Albany, NY 12208
518/438-3111
http://www.mariacollege.edu
Marist College
3391 North Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
845/575-3274
http://www.marist.edu
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
110 8th St.
Troy, NY 12180
518/276-2746
http://www.rpi.edu
Fulton-Montgomery Community College
2805 State Highway 67
Johnstown, NY 12095-3790
518/762-4651
http://www.fmccsuny.edu/
Sage Colleges
Sage—Albany Campus
Albany, NY 12208
518/292-8624
Hudson Valley Community College
Campus Center, Room 112
80 Vandenburgh Avenue
Troy, NY 12180
518/621-7145
http://www.hvcc.edu
Russell Sage College—Troy Campus
45 Ferry St.
Campus Center
Troy, NY
518/244-6874
http://www.sage.edu
■
Union College
Reamer Campus Center
807 Union Street
518/388-6116
http://www.union.edu
Siena College
515 Loudon Road
Loudonville, NY 12211
518/783-4239
http://www.siena.edu
University of Albany
Campus Center, Room 137
Albany, NY 12222
518/442-5490
http://www.albany.edu
Skidmore College
815 N. Broadway
518/580-5760
http://www.skidmore.edu
SUNY Cobleskill
Van Wagenen Library
Cobleskill, NY 12043-9986
518/255-5282
http://www.cobleskill.edu
To obtain a copy of the Guidebook for the
Applicant with a Disability
Contact:
The State University of New York
Disabilities Services and Information
Office of University Life
State University of New York
State University Plaza, N-522
Albany NY 12246
518/443-5139
http://www.nysed.gov
Schenectady County Community College
Student Services Center, Elston 222
518/381-1345
http://www.sunysccc.edu
35
36
Mental Health Services
Each county typically provides comprehensive mental health services that are available to
individuals with psychiatric disabilities. These services include continuing day treatment programs, community residences, supportive apartments, case management services, social clubs,
and supported and transitional employment. Other services available through the mental
health system include assistance in handling life stresses, family problems, anxiety, depression,
drug and alcohol abuse, and suicide prevention. Should you find yourself in need of such services the following offices and agencies can be of assistance. You may also log onto the NYS
Office of Mental Health website for additional information at http://www.OMH.state.ny.us.
County Mental Health Services
Community Mental Health Agencies
Albany County Mental Health Clinic
260 South Pearl Street
Albany, NY 12202
518/447-4555
http://www.albanycounty.com
Albany County Mobile Crisis Team
(Located at Capital District Psychiatric Center)
Albany, NY 12208
518/447-9650
Homeless and Travelers Aid
Community Transition Team
CDPC Office, Unit F
75 New Scotland Ave.
Albany, NY 12208
518/447-9611 ext. 6537
Capital District Psychiatric Center (CDPC)
Albany, NY 12208
518/447-9611
http://www.omh.state.ny.us
Saratoga County Mental Health Clinic
Adult Intensive Case Management
211 Church Street, Cramer House
518/584-9030
Schenectady County Mental Health
Office/Ellis Hospital
216 Lafayette Street
518/386-3300
http://www.ellishospital.org
Schoharie County Community Health Center
County Office Building
3rd Floor
PO Box 160
Schoharie, NY 12157
518/295-8336
Clearview Center
500 Central Avenue
Albany, NY 12206
518/435-9931
http://www.clearviewcenter.com
Four Winds Saratoga
30 Crescent Avenue
518/584-3600
http://www.fourwindshospital.com
Mohawk Opportunities in Mental Health
218 Nott Terrace
518/374-8424
http://www.mohawkopportunities.org
National Alliance for the Mentally (NAMI)
NAMI of New York State
Albany, NY 12210
518/462-2000
http://www.naminys.org
■
Transitional Services Association
127 Union Street
518/587-6193
http://www.tsa-inc.org
Rehabilitation Support Services (RSS)
314 Central Avenue
Albany, NY 12206
518/462-1094
and
121 Burgin Drive
Cobleskill, NY 12043
518/234-8291
http://www.rehab.org
Unlimited Potential/Unlimited Possibilities, Inc.
36 Cady Hill Blvd.
PO Box 4656
518/587-2851
http://www.unlimitedpotentialonline.org
Using Transportation
Most of us would find it difficult to get around without cars, buses, trains and airplanes.
The need to “get around” is really important. Inability to use transportation or the lack of
accessible transportation can limit our social and work opportunities. Some people with disabilities can drive and own their own vehicles; others may need assistance to learn how to use
public transportation. Students may be able to include transportation and/or travel training
skills as a transition goal on their high school IEP. Request that your school Committee on
Special Education (CSE) consider this.
Practicing how to cross the street, read and understand bus and train schedules, and use
public transportation, including buses and taxicabs, is an important step toward independence. Start early to develop independent travel skills.
For more information regarding local transportation options contact:
• Capital District Transportation Authority
518/482-8822
For public bus transportation in and
around the Capital District.
http://www.cdta.org
• Half-fare Bus Card
Bus passes available for individuals with
disabilities. Physician’s report required.
• Swiper Card
If you travel a lot, a swiper card is a handy
way to avoid having to have exact change
each time you board the bus. Swipers are
available in various denominations and for
various zone combinations at a discounted
price.
• Bus Tokens
Handier than cash and discounted if purchased in quantity. One token per one-way
ride within one zone.
• STAR
518/482-2020
Curb-to-curb bus transportation for a
nominal fee. Wheelchair accessible. Must
provide physician’s report that indicates
that traditional public bus travel is not an
option for the individual.
Parsons Child and Family Center
60 Academy Road
Albany, NY 12208
518/426-2600
http://www.parsonscenter.org
37
38
• Access Transit
518/453-8377
If you have Medicaid, Access Transit can
provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social activities on
a fee-for-ride service that is billed back to
your Medicaid.
• “CDTA Bus Buddy”
518/482-8822
518/482-3371
Travel on a public bus with the help of a
rider who also has a disability.
• Schoharie County Public Transportation
518/234-0952 or 234-0960
http://www.schohariecounty-ny.gov
Provides public transportation for anyone
in Schoharie County. NOTE: Individual service providers also may
offer transportation for program participants for
clinical, social or recreational activities. Check
with individual providers for specifics.
Benefit Programs Can Help
with Expenses
Some programs can provide money or can help to buy services and products. These might
include counseling, physical therapy, occupational therapy, attendant care, transportation and
adaptive and assistive devices (i.e., braces, wheelchairs, and prosthetics). In order to receive
these benefits you must apply for them and certify that your disability qualifies you for the
particular benefit.
Some of the common benefit programs are outlined below.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI is money that is administered through the Social Security Administration. This
program requires that the person with the disability, or the parent or deceased parent under
whom they are collecting benefits, have a work history and can prove (through medical evidence) that they are (or were, in the case of a deceased parent) unable to work. An individual
under 19 years old can continue to collect SSDI survivor’s benefits as long as he/she is a fulltime student in school. It is very important to know that you can appeal a decision with which
you don’t agree.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is also administered through the Social Security Administration and is based on financial need and/or the existence of a disability which prevents an individual from working. SSI
payments can be paid to children with disabilities under 18 years old who reside with their
parents. However, parents’ income and the type of disability will all be taken into account before a determination of eligibility is made.
For those who are within 30 days of their 18th birthday and older, eligibility is based on the
applicant’s disability and his/her ability to work. Parents’ income is not considered. A person
may have very limited or no work history and still be eligible for SSI because of a disabling
condition. You may be able to receive both SSI and SSDI under certain limited circumstances.
If you qualify for SSI benefits, you will automatically receive federal Medicaid benefits.
For Information about SSDI or SSI, contact the Social Security Administration at: 1-800772-1213 or on the Web at http://www.ssa.gov.
■
Food Stamps and/or Women, Infants
and Children (WIC)
These are food supplement programs available to those who apply and are eligible
to receive benefits. Income, disability, and
parental status are among determinants of
eligibility. Apply through your county Department of Social Services.
Public Assistance
This program provides financial support to
individuals without income or other means
of support. Apply through your county Department of Social Services
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Income-eligible families and individuals can
receive assistance for home energy (heat and
utility) expenses. Apply through your county
Department of Social Services.
Albany County Department of Social Services
518/447-7300
Saratoga County Department of Social Services
518/884-4140
Schenectady County Department of Social
Services
518/388-4470
Schoharie County Department of Social Services
518/295-8334
If you need help in filling out applications,
each agency should provide this service to
you. Let them know the type of assistance
you will need so that they can arrange it
for you. You may appeal if you are denied
benefits. If you cannot afford a lawyer you
may qualify for assistance from the Legal
Aid Society of Northeastern New York at
518/462-6765.
New York State Relay Service
The New York State Relay Service is for
hearing impaired, deaf or speech impaired
individuals who have difficulty hearing or
speaking on a conventional telephone. The
Relay Service is free for all users. Individuals
without speech or hearing difficulties can use
the Relay Service to contact a person with a
speech or hearing impairment and vice versa.
For Questions about the Relay Service:
Voice Customers dial 1-800-664-6349
Text Customers dial 1-800-835-5515
To make a Relay Call:
Voice Customers in NYS call 711 or
1-800-421-1220
Text Customers in NYS call 711 or
1-800-662-1220
Spanish Relay:
1-800-662-4886
You can also contact your local Social For Saratoga, Schenectady and Schoharie Security Administration Office:
Counties:
Albany Office
Schenectady Office
O’Brien Federal Building 530 Franklin Street
1 Clinton Ave., Room 430 Schenectady, NY 12305
Albany, NY 12207 518/382-1001
518/431-4051 or 1-800-772-1213
TTY 518/431-4050
39
A Guide to Transition
from School
to College, Work
& Community Living
for Students
with Disabilities
in the Capital District
Transition Coordination Service
1979 Central Avenue
Albany, NY 12205
Phone: 518/464-6355
Fax: 518/464-6386Website: www.
capregboces.org

A Guild to Transition from School to College, Work and Community

Transcription

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