AHRC New York City

ACCESS Community Health Center, formerly known as AHRC Health Care Inc., is dedicated to serving the acute and chronic health care needs of all community members. ACCESS provides a wide range of health care services including Primary Care and Specialty Care. One of their specialties is health care and dental care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
To find out more about the services provided by ACCESS Community Health Center or make an appointment go to www.accessCHC.org

Access provides health care to individuals with developmental disabilities of all ages residing in all five boroughs. Service sites located in the Bronx and Manhattan.

The focus of Adult Day Services is to support people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injury, and autism spectrum disorders in overcoming the challenges they face in an effort to live a self determined and meaningful life in the community.

AHRC offers adult with disabilities a variety of day services and opportunities using a person centered framework. AHRC supports people in contributing, participating, and becoming valued community members. Download the full Adult Day Services Brochure.

Adult Day Services provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities over the age of 21 who reside in all five boroughs. Service sites located in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx.

Vocational Services

Opportunities to prepare for work are provided through a variety of activities, including:

-Cafeteria services
-Janitorial and cleaning services
-Toner cartridge remanufaturing
-Packaging and assembly

All activities and opportunities in the area of Vocational Services support people in achieving their vocational dreams and establishing their place in the community.

Day Habilitation

All activities and opportunities offered in our programs are designed to develop or maintain skills in the following areas:

-Communication and language development
-Social relationships
-Health and safety skills
-Personal care
-Money management

People served in Adult Day Service Day Habilitation share the same places at the same time as their neighbors in the community. They shop at local supermarkets, patronize local restaurants, make purchases in neighborhood shops, visit museums and use local libraries, attend spectator events, buy memberships in local gyms and pools, join community advocacy organizations, join hands with neighbors in keeping the neighborhood safe, clean and accessible to everyone.

Highlights some of the amazingly talented artists that are served at AHRC New York City's Day Programs.

Individualized Service (Day Habilitation Without Walls)

Individualized service follows a person centered plan as developed with the individual as the primary participant, the family and a team of professionals.  Activities and services emphasize those outcomes a person has chosen. Service begins from the person’s home and continues through the day. The individuality of each experience is supported by a staff member who is dedicated to the path which leads to the attainment of each outcome.

Day Habilitation Without Walls provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities over the age of 21 who reside in all five boroughs.

Service sites located in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx.

E-SEMP – Enhanced Supported Employment

Enhanced supported employment services are designed to allow individuals to work toward work goals. Unlike regular supported employment, enhanced supported employment is designed to allow flexibility in development of the individual employment outcomes and affords individuals with significant barriers the opportunity to work in the community. Time and duration of staff support is flexible. The goal of the program is to assist in identifying and securing customized work opportunities for each person that match his or her skill set, interests, dreams and desires.

E-SEMP provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities over the age of 21 who reside in all five boroughs. Service sites located in [we need to find out the answer]

Community Volunteer Opportunities

Strengthening community relationships is important. Becoming a member of the community is enriching for everyone.  In support of expanding community relationships, volunteer opportunities in which individuals served in AHRC Adult Service may participate are offered to all participants. 

Life Enhancing Experiences

Adult Day Services offer life enhancing experiences through which individuals can choose to express themselves, such as:  film making, creative arts, photography, music, culinary arts, martial arts and meditation.

Travel Training

Getting from here to there is essential for a productive and independent life.  Training in travel skills is offered to each person in Day Services. Travel skills include: pedestrian skills, appropriate social behavior in the community, safety skills, problem solving and direct route training to and from a designated location.

Communication - Breaking Free from Isolation

Communication is an act by which one person gives or receives information about another person’s needs, desires, perceptions and feelings. It allows us to experience a sense of belonging and participate in social activities. It is often regarded as representing the essence of life. AHRC Adult Day Service believes that every person can communicate. Communication is supported in many ways. Community based experiences are used to provide development of common vocabulary, build stronger bonds and relationships with community members. Communication support devices provide an avenue for dialogue, human connection and a voice for expression. Augmentative and assistive technological supports assist in overcoming communication challenges. Supports include: sign language, augmentative communication picture boards, voice activated picture based communication systems, and Dynovox programmed speaking machines.

Technology

In Adult Day Services assistive technology is used as a means of supporting each person to be free to move about their environment. The world today is technology dependent. Computer systems are relied on for everything. Depending upon the individual, AHRC Adult Day Service may provide access to: Computers equipped with operating systems that run on pictures instead of text, Internet access for people to explore or surf the World Wide Web, special accommodation hardware such as touch screens, single switch mouse, and head touch wands, GPS (Global Positioning Systems) to support the travel training process, Personal Digitized Assistants (PDA). Smart Boards are used to share and manage information. Wii systems may be utililzed to visually simulate activities while also reinforcing eye-hand coordination and understanding of spatial relationships. Technology is also used to support sensory integration needs that individuals may have.  The Snoezelen Rooms are used to stimulate people who require sensory input and sooth people who have over stimulated sensory systems.

Domestic Violence Prevention (ESCAPE)

The ESCAPE project is a collaborative effort between AHRC and the Center for Opportunities and Outcomes for People with Disabilities at Teachers College, Columbia University. The project focuses on the evaluation and dissemination of a systematic educational curriculum, the Effective Strategy Based Curriculum for Abuse Prevention and Empowerment (ESCAPE) to empower individuals with developmental disabilities to recognize abuse and remove themselves from an abusive situation.

Domestic Violence Prevention (Escape) provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities over the age of 21 who reside in all five boroughs. Service sites located in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx

A program that provides services to adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and those classified with emotional disturbances, multiple disabilities, or other health impairments.more info

Prevention, Education, Information and Referral (PEIR)   
The Prevention, Education, Information and Referral Program (PEIR) aims to increase community awareness of intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injury, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and co-existing alcohol and/or other drug abuse by individuals with these disabilities. For further information, please call 212-780-2658.

Treatment
AHRC New York City was a pioneer in the field or person-centered outpatient chemical dependency treatment for individuals with intellectual disabilities and traumatic brain injury.
Currently available at ACCESS Community Health Centers (formerly AHRC Health Care Inc.) a team of qualified professionals combine best practice cognitive strategies with a 12 Step Recovery program, making lasting recovery possible. Personalized and holistic treatment plans emphasize case coordination, harm reduction, relapse prevention, education and skill building in an intimate and supportive environment. The program integrates medical, mental health and rehabilitation services to meet the complex needs of individuals with disabilities. For information visit www.accessCHC.org

ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES
Provides care to adult individuals with developmental disabilities residing in all five boroughs.
Service sites located in the Bronx and Manhattan.

CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY
Provides care to adult individuals with developmental disabilities residing in all five boroughs.
Clincs located in the Bronx and Manhattan.. PEIR Program can be offered at a location other than the Clinics.

For young adults, the Article 16 clinic offers:

Evaluation and Testing

Psychological Testing makes it possible to determine the nature and extent of an individual’s developmental disability. Testing is often necessary to determine whether a person qualifies for services or for admission to a specific program.

Psychosocial Evaluations are performed in order to develop a better understanding of a person in context of his or her family and the social environment. It usually involves the professionals meeting with the individual and his or her family in order to obtain information about the individual’s development, family, medical and vocational history. This evaluation is required for determination of whether an individual qualifies for services.

Unless a borough is specified, these services can be provided to individuals of all ages residing in all five boroughs. Clinics located in Manhattan and the Bronx. Specified services provided in the Bronx or Queens as noted.

Mental Health Services

Individual, Group & Family Counseling
Individual counseling, family therapy, group counseling and marital counseling are available to individuals with developmental disabilities (children, adolescents, and adults) their caretakers, and other family members, as are a variety of support groups.

Intensive Behavioral Services
Intensive Behavioral Services is a program for individuals who live in the Bronx in non certified settings and who present with challenging behaviors which put them at risk for placement in a more restrictive setting.  AHRC provides a team of psychologists who work with the individual and family to establish and carry out a behavior plan to resolve the challenging behaviors and enable the individual to remain in a least restrictive setting. Referrals to this program are made directly to the Bronx DDSO.

Bronx In-Home Behavior Management Team
Known as the “Crisis Team”, this program provides in home behavior management to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities in the Bronx who live at home with their family. The team also provides access to emergency respite as well as referrals to, and/ or consultation with, various agencies, hospitals, and schools. 

Unless a borough is specified, Mental Health Services can be provided to individuals of all ages residing in all five boroughs. Clinics located in Manhattan and the Bronx. Specified services provided in the Bronx or Queens as noted.

Other Therapies

Occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language therapy, nursing, nutrition and weight management counseling are available.

ADEPT – The Assessment Diagnosis Evaluaton Planning and Treatment Team

The ADEPT team consisting of a neuropsychologist, psychologist, social worker and physician provides comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluations to aging individuals with developmental disabilities for the purpose of clarifying reasons for functional decline.  The team provides trainings to the community, family members and providers about the aging processes of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Queens In-Home Parenting Program

The Queens in Home Parenting programs serves parents who are intellectually and developmentally disabled.  Services are provided in the home and include case management, advocacy, linkage and referral. 

Available to parents with developmental disabilities in Queens.

Family Reimbursement, the Francesca Nicosia Fund

The Nicosia Family Reimbursement Fund makes the possibility of purchasing services and goods that are not funded through any other sources a reality. The goods and services have been deemed appropriate to meet the needs of the person being served

Family Reimbursement funds are limited and competitive but upon application may be available to families of individuals with developmental disabilities residing in all five boroughs.

ISS – Individual Support Services

Individual Support Services (ISS) provide financial assistance to people with developmental disabilities in locating and leasing individualized living arrangements that are alternatives to traditional group living. Residential options include home sharing, independent living, and other leasing opportunities.

CLINICAL SERVICES
Unless a borough is specified, services can be provided to individuals of all ages residing in all five boroughs. Clinics located in Manhattan and the Bronx. Specified services provided in the Bronx or Queens as noted.

Intensive Behavioral Services
Intensive Behavioral Services is a program for individuals who live in the Bronx in non certified settings and who present with challenging behaviors which put them at risk for placement in a more restrictive setting.  AHRC provides a team of psychologists who work with the individual and family to establish and carry out a behavior plan to resolve the challenging behaviors and enable the individual to remain in a least restrictive setting. Referrals to this program are made directly to the Bronx DDSO.

Bronx In-Home Behavior Management Team
Known as the “Crisis Team”, this program provides in home behavior management to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities in the Bronx who live at home with their family. The team also provides access to emergency respite as well as referrals to, and/ or consultation with, various agencies, hospitals, and schools. 

Unless a borough is specified, Mental Health Services can be provided to individuals of all ages residing in all five boroughs. Clinics located in Manhattan and the Bronx. Specified services provided in the Bronx or Queens as noted.

Two summer camps – Isaacson Gordon Lodge and
Camp Anne - that offer vacation opportunities to
adults and children with developmental disabilities.
Both sites are fully wheelchair accessible and
ADA compliant.

AHRC Camping Website

Prevention, Education, Information and Referral (PEIR)   
The Prevention, Education, Information and Referral Program (PEIR) aims to increase community awareness of intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injury, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and co-existing alcohol and/or other drug abuse by individuals with these disabilities. For further information, please call 212-780-2658.

Treatment
AHRC New York City was a pioneer in the field or person-centered outpatient chemical dependency treatment for individuals with intellectual disabilities and traumatic brain injury.
Currently available at ACCESS Community Health Centers (formerly AHRC Health Care Inc.) a team of qualified professionals combine best practice cognitive strategies with a 12 Step Recovery program, making lasting recovery possible. Personalized and holistic treatment plans emphasize case coordination, harm reduction, relapse prevention, education and skill building in an intimate and supportive environment. The program integrates medical, mental health and rehabilitation services to meet the complex needs of individuals with disabilities. For information visit www.accessCHC.org

ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES
Provides care to adult individuals with developmental disabilities residing in all five boroughs.
Service sites located in the Bronx and Manhattan.

CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY
Provides care to adult individuals with developmental disabilities residing in all five boroughs.
Clincs located in the Bronx and Manhattan.. PEIR Program can be offered at a location other than the Clinics.

For young adults, the Article 16 clinic offers:

Evaluation and Testing

Psychological Testing makes it possible to determine the nature and extent of an individual’s developmental disability. Testing is often necessary to determine whether a person qualifies for services or for admission to a specific program.

Psychosocial Evaluations are performed in order to develop a better understanding of a person in context of his or her family and the social environment. It usually involves the professionals meeting with the individual and his or her family in order to obtain information about the individual’s development, family, medical and vocational history. This evaluation is required for determination of whether an individual qualifies for services.

Unless a borough is specified, these services can be provided to individuals of all ages residing in all five boroughs. Clinics located in Manhattan and the Bronx. Specified services provided in the Bronx or Queens as noted.

Mental Health Services

Individual, Group & Family Counseling
Individual counseling, family therapy, group counseling and marital counseling are available to individuals with developmental disabilities (children, adolescents, and adults) their caretakers, and other family members, as are a variety of support groups.

Intensive Behavioral Services
Intensive Behavioral Services is a program for individuals who live in the Bronx in non certified settings and who present with challenging behaviors which put them at risk for placement in a more restrictive setting.  AHRC provides a team of psychologists who work with the individual and family to establish and carry out a behavior plan to resolve the challenging behaviors and enable the individual to remain in a least restrictive setting. Referrals to this program are made directly to the Bronx DDSO.

Bronx In-Home Behavior Management Team
Known as the “Crisis Team”, this program provides in home behavior management to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities in the Bronx who live at home with their family. The team also provides access to emergency respite as well as referrals to, and/ or consultation with, various agencies, hospitals, and schools. 

Unless a borough is specified, Mental Health Services can be provided to individuals of all ages residing in all five boroughs. Clinics located in Manhattan and the Bronx. Specified services provided in the Bronx or Queens as noted.

Other Therapies

Occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language therapy, nursing, nutrition and weight management counseling are available.

ADEPT – The Assessment Diagnosis Evaluaton Planning and Treatment Team

The ADEPT team consisting of a neuropsychologist, psychologist, social worker and physician provides comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluations to aging individuals with developmental disabilities for the purpose of clarifying reasons for functional decline.  The team provides trainings to the community, family members and providers about the aging processes of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Queens In-Home Parenting Program

The Queens in Home Parenting programs serves parents who are intellectually and developmentally disabled.  Services are provided in the home and include case management, advocacy, linkage and referral. 

Available to parents with developmental disabilities in Queens.

Family Reimbursement, the Francesca Nicosia Fund

The Nicosia Family Reimbursement Fund makes the possibility of purchasing services and goods that are not funded through any other sources a reality. The goods and services have been deemed appropriate to meet the needs of the person being served

Family Reimbursement funds are limited and competitive but upon application may be available to families of individuals with developmental disabilities residing in all five boroughs.

ISS – Individual Support Services

Individual Support Services (ISS) provide financial assistance to people with developmental disabilities in locating and leasing individualized living arrangements that are alternatives to traditional group living. Residential options include home sharing, independent living, and other leasing opportunities.

CLINICAL SERVICES
Unless a borough is specified, services can be provided to individuals of all ages residing in all five boroughs. Clinics located in Manhattan and the Bronx. Specified services provided in the Bronx or Queens as noted.

All activities and opportunities offered in our programs are designed to develop or maintain skills in the following areas:

-Communication and language development
-Social relationships
-Health and safety skills
-Personal care
-Money management

People served in Adult Day Service Day Habilitation share the same places at the same time as their neighbors in the community. They shop at local supermarkets, patronize local restaurants, make purchases in neighborhood shops, visit museums and use local libraries, attend spectator events, buy memberships in local gyms and pools, join community advocacy organizations, join hands with neighbors in keeping the neighborhood safe, clean and accessible to everyone.

Individualized service follows a person centered plan as developed with the individual as the primary participant, the family and a team of professionals.  Activities and services emphasize those outcomes a person has chosen. Service begins from the person’s home and continues through the day. The individuality of each experience is supported by a staff member who is dedicated to the path which leads to the attainment of each outcome.

Day Habilitation Without Walls provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities over the age of 21 who reside in all five boroughs.

Service sites located in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx.

The ESCAPE project is a collaborative effort between AHRC and the Center for Opportunities and Outcomes for People with Disabilities at Teachers College, Columbia University. The project focuses on the evaluation and dissemination of a systematic educational curriculum, the Effective Strategy Based Curriculum for Abuse Prevention and Empowerment (ESCAPE) to empower individuals with developmental disabilities to recognize abuse and remove themselves from an abusive situation.

Domestic Violence Prevention (Escape) provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities over the age of 21 who reside in all five boroughs. Service sites located in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx

AHRC offers educational advocacy services to individuals of school age with developmental disabilities 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 trainings 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 city, state, and federal agencies is also provided.  Download Education Advocacy Brochure

This service can be provided to any school-age individual (3-21) with a developmental disability residing in any of the five boroughs. The office of the Educational Advocate is located in Manhattan

AHRC’s Education Department believes that children and adolescents grow and thrive in a nurturing, loving, and developmentally appropriate learning environment. High quality developmentally appropriate instruction provides the foundation for independence, autonomy, and a sense of individual worth. website

Supported Employment

Supported employment offers individuals who are developmentally disabled and some disadvantaged youth ages 16-24 without disabilities the opportunity to enter the workforce.  Individuals are provided multiple avenues to prepare for and become successful in the workforce.  These include: paid and unpaid internship programs; occupational training programs in specialized fields; school to work programs and daily job readiness programs to help enhance social skills and prepare individuals with developmental disabilities for supported work, as well as competitive employment.

Employment services are available to individuals with developmental disabilities 18 and older, and some specified services are available to individuals without disabilities who meet income guidelines from all five boroughs.

School to Work Programs:
In collaboration with the New York City Department of Education, AHRC helps individuals in special education classes to smoothly transition from school into AHRC employment programs.  An AHRC staff member helps student’s qualify for State funding with VESID or OPWDD so they can enter into AHRC employment services immediately after graduation.  Students have the choice of entering any AHRC training or internship programs or being directly placed in an employment opportunity.

Daily Job Readiness
AHRC specializes in preparing individuals for employment by ensuring that the necessary clinical and support linkages are established and maintained. Job preparation programs utilize a person centered approach to create a weekly schedule of activities, trainings and volunteer opportunities that best meet the needs of the individual. Program participants are provided with trainings to enhance their ability to obtain, and maintain, employment.

Direct Placement Programs
These programs are for individuals who are interested in direct employment opportunities not in an internship program or a training program. AHRC will foster their natural abilities, and utilize their past and current skills to create employment opportunities. Some individuals may choose to attend AHRC’s weekly job club that helps to prepare them for the workforce and builds on currents skills. Individuals with a developmental disability will be provided with a job coach once they secure a position. 

E-SEMP – Enhanced Supported Employment
Enhanced supported employment services are designed to allow individuals to work toward work goals. Unlike regular supported employment, enhanced supported employment is designed to allow flexibility in development of the individual employment outcomes and affords individuals with significant barriers the opportunity to work in the community. Time and duration of staff support is flexible. The goal of the program is to assist in identifying and securing customized work opportunities for each person that match his or her skill set, interests, dreams and desires.

E-SEMP provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities over the age of 21 who reside in all five boroughs.

Job Connection Center for Dually Diagnosed Individuals
A small innovative program with highly trained and experienced staff, specializing in preparing individuals emotionally, socially, and vocationally for the demands of employment. The program ensures that necessary clinical and support linkages are established and maintained.  Individuals are provided with training to enhance their ability to obtain employment. This is a flexible program where participants can come as often they like.

The Job Connection Center offers services to dually diagnosed individuals over the age of 18  from all boroughs. The service is located in Brooklyn.

Internships

AHRC runs several training programs.  These programs help youth with a development disability ages 16 to 24 and some youth without a disability, to find the career direction they want to pursue.  Internships provide valuable entry-level work experience in a planned, supervised setting within a desired field. Additionally, individuals gain valuable career related experience, expand their professional knowledge, develop contacts and networking skills. In addition, they may develop self-confidence and start to recognize their abilities.

Internships are available to individuals with developmental disabilities over the age of 18 and some youth without disabilities in locations throughout the city.

Young Adult Internship Program (YAIP)
The YAIP program consists of in-house training seminars to prepare individuals ages 16-24, those with disabilities and those without, for employment and an internship to build skills and enhance their resumes. While participating in the program individuals will earn an hourly wage. After the completion of the program AHRC will continue to work with individuals to help secure regular employment or educational opportunities

Job Training Programs

AHRC offers training programs in specific fields. The training programs begin with work readiness and focus on resume building, time management and team work followed by an externship which will provide hands-on experience in a chosen field.  At the end of the program AHRC will assist individuals in finding a job.

Careers in Foodservice Training Program
This training program will prepare individuals (ages 18-21 with a developmental disability and those without a disability who meet income guidelines) for a career in food service through classroom training and hands-on experience in a professional food service environment.

Careers in Hotel Housekeeping Training Program
AHRC offers a program for individuals with developmental disabilities in the hotel housekeeping industry.  Individuals work towards improving their math, reading and writing abilities, while being taught the profession of hotel housekeeping by experienced professionals and gaining hands on experience at major New York City Hotels. Upon graduation students receive certificates of completion signed by the New York State Tourism and Hospitality Association. 

Careers in Janitorial Service Training Program
This training program prepares individuals (ages 18-21 with a developmental disability and those without a disability who meet income guidelines) for a career in janitorial service through classroom training and hands-on experience in a professional janitorial environment.

Employment services are available to individuals with developmental disabilities 18 and older, and some specified services are available to individuals who meet income guidelines from all five boroughs. Services are provided in all five boroughs as specified.

Supported employment offers individuals who are developmentally disabled and some disadvantaged youth ages 16-24 without disabilities the opportunity to enter the workforce.  Individuals are provided multiple avenues to prepare for and become successful in the workforce.  These include: paid and unpaid internship programs; occupational training programs in specialized fields; school to work programs and daily job readiness programs to help enhance social skills and prepare individuals with developmental disabilities for supported work, as well as competitive employment.

Employment services are available to individuals with developmental disabilities 18 and older, and some specified services are available to individuals without disabilities who meet income guidelines from all five boroughs.

E-SEMP – Enhanced Supported Employment
Enhanced supported employment services are designed to allow individuals to work toward work goals. Unlike regular supported employment, enhanced supported employment is designed to allow flexibility in development of the individual employment outcomes and affords individuals with significant barriers the opportunity to work in the community. Time and duration of staff support is flexible. The goal of the program is to assist in identifying and securing customized work opportunities for each person that match his or her skill set, interests, dreams and desires.

E-SEMP provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities over the age of 21 who reside in all five boroughs.

Psychological Testing makes it possible to determine the nature and extent of an individual’s developmental disability. Testing is often necessary to determine whether a person qualifies for services or for admission to a specific program.

Psychosocial Evaluations are performed in order to develop a better understanding of a person in context of his or her family and the social environment. It usually involves the professionals meeting with the individual and his or her family in order to obtain information about the individual’s development, family, medical and vocational history. This evaluation is required for determination of whether an individual qualifies for services.

Unless a borough is specified, these services can be provided to individuals of all ages residing in all five boroughs. Clinics located in Manhattan and the Bronx. Specified services provided in the Bronx or Queens as noted.

Assistance with obtaining Guardianship for a family member with a developmental disability who is 18 years and older is available to individuals from all five boroughs, as is assistance with future care planning. Assistance with legal issues that may arise related to a family member with a developmental disability is also available on a limited basis.

Please see the attached AHRC Guardianship Brochure. Download Guardianship Brochure

Guardianship & Legal Services may be provided to individuals with developmental disabilities 18 years and older and their families from all five boroughs.

AHRC Home Care Services Inc., an affiliate of AHRC New York City, can offer eligible persons with and without disabilities, home health care services which include: home health or personal care aides, nursing, physical, occupational and speech therapies, respiratory therapy and social work services.   

Home Health Care is available to individuals with developmental disabilities of all ages and to individuals without disabilitie from all five boroughs. Services are provided in the home.

The Melissa Riggio Higher Education Programs at Kingsborough Community College (KCC) and The College of Staten Island (CSI) are college based programs designed to prepare people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities for adult life through higher education coursework, career exploration and preparation, self awareness and socialization. Both programs engage students in supporting individual academic, vocational, community and social experiences. These students have the same opportunities for social and personal growth as other young adults who attend college.

Individuals with intellectual disabilities over the age of 21 who reside on Staten Island may be eligible to attend the Melissa Riggio Higher Education Program at the College of Staten Island. Individuals with intellectual disabilities over the age of 21 who reside in Brooklyn may be eligible to attend the Melissa Riggio Higher Education Program at Kingsborough Community College.

HOPE is an acronym that represents AHRC’s mission regarding the education of children with autism, program guidelines for best practice, and the philosophy of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) more info

With the assistance of a Service Coordinator, families determine the actual services they need to help them at home. For instance, an individual with a developmental disability may be assisted in becoming more independent with daily living skills such as dressing or preparing meals. The frequency of service provision is dependent upon the need and the availability of in-home opportunities. Families may be eligible to receive from 4-8 hours a week to 20 hours a week, depending on availability.

In-Home Residential or Community Habilitation is available to individuals with developmental disabilities of all ages. Services are provided in the home.

AHRC is devoted to expanding the array of individualized supports available to AHRC individuals and their families. Person Centered Planning, the cornerstone of this approach, is utilized by staff to create desirable lifestyle changes, experiences and new possibilities for the people served by AHRC throughout the organization.

Individualized service design and delivery ensures that services and supports are customized and designed around the interest and needs of the person who will be supported.

Individualized supports are created around the person rather then the program. They are defined as an array of supports, services and resources that are based on the distinctive interests and needs of the person, afford the person as much control over their supports as possible, and are adaptable as the person’s life changes. 

Advancing a culture of person-centered service and individualized support at AHRC New York City is different from replicating a service model or implementing a new program.  The possibilities for support are as different from one another as the circumstances of the individuals involved, the changing opportunities in a person’ communities, and the changing policies of the service system.  AHRC is commited to this practice. For example:

- AHRC's Department of Individualized Supports is responsible for both creating new programs based on a vision, and working with others to change existing programs and forge the development of a community of person-centered practice.

- Using person centered design AHRC focusing on small groups who want something different.

- Some of the innovative  projects that have received funding thus far are: HomeBuilders-NYC (individualized and self directed housing), Building Futures (Middle/High School curriculum and practice for transition based on person centered design and implementation), college programs at The Melissa Riggio Higher Education Program at the College of Staten Island and Kingsborough Community College (for students graduating high school with an IEP who want to go to college) and an after-school program and weekend cultural exploration, for students from Brooklyn with ASD.

Individualized Services and supports are available to individuals with developmental disabilities of all ages. Services are provided in all five boroughs in any variety of settings and locations.

For more information on these opportunities, fill out an online referral form or call our Referral and Information Center.

AHRC Referral and Information Center
83 Maiden Lane
New York, NY 10038
212-780-4491, 4493

AHRC offers training programs in specific fields. The training programs begin with work readiness and focus on resume building, time management and team work followed by an externship which will provide hands-on experience in a chosen field.  At the end of the program AHRC will assist individuals in finding a job.

Careers in Foodservice Training Program
This training program will prepare individuals (ages 18-21 with a developmental disability and those without a disability who meet income guidelines) for a career in food service through classroom training and hands-on experience in a professional food service environment.

Careers in Hotel Housekeeping Training Program
AHRC offers a program for individuals with developmental disabilities in the hotel housekeeping industry.  Individuals work towards improving their math, reading and writing abilities, while being taught the profession of hotel housekeeping by experienced professionals and gaining hands on experience at major New York City Hotels. Upon graduation students receive certificates of completion signed by the New York State Tourism and Hospitality Association. 

Careers in Janitorial Service Training Program
This training program prepares individuals (ages 18-21 with a developmental disability and those without a disability who meet income guidelines) for a career in janitorial service through classroom training and hands-on experience in a professional janitorial environment.

Employment services are available to individuals with developmental disabilities 18 and older, and some specified services are available to individuals who meet income guidelines from all five boroughs. Services are provided in all five boroughs as specified.

A small innovative program with highly trained and experienced staff, specializing in preparing individuals emotionally, socially, and vocationally for the demands of employment. The program ensures that necessary clinical and support linkages are established and maintained.  Individuals are provided with training to enhance their ability to obtain employment. This is a flexible program where participants can come as often they like.

The Job Connection Center offers services to dually diagnosed individuals over the age of 18  from all boroughs. The service is located in Brooklyn.

For families of individuals with developmental disabilities, individuals and professionals referring individuals -- individuals with developmental disabilities who have not been involved in AHRC services before or those currently receiving AHRC services who are interested in additional services -- AHRC’s Referral and Information Center will make referrals to AHRC programs, services, and supports. If needed services are not available at AHRC, the unit will refer individuals to services provided outside the organization.

For more information, contact:

AHRC Referral and Information Center
83 Maiden Lane
New York, NY 10038
212-780-4491, 4493
online referral

AHRC runs several training programs.  These programs help youth with a development disability ages 16 to 24 and some youth without a disability, to find the career direction they want to pursue.  Internships provide valuable entry-level work experience in a planned, supervised setting within a desired field. Additionally, individuals gain valuable career related experience, expand their professional knowledge, develop contacts and networking skills. In addition, they may develop self-confidence and start to recognize their abilities.

Internships are available to individuals with developmental disabilities over the age of 18 and some youth without disabilities in locations throughout the city.

Young Adult Internship Program (YAIP)
The YAIP program consists of in-house training seminars to prepare individuals ages 16-24, those with disabilities and those without, for employment and an internship to build skills and enhance their resumes. While participating in the program individuals will earn an hourly wage. After the completion of the program AHRC will continue to work with individuals to help secure regular employment or educational opportunities

Assistance with obtaining Guardianship for a family member with a developmental disability who is 18 years and older is available to individuals from all five boroughs, as is assistance with future care planning. Assistance with legal issues that may arise related to a family member with a developmental disability is also available on a limited basis.

Please see the attached AHRC Guardianship Brochure. Download Guardianship Brochure

Guardianship & Legal Services may be provided to individuals with developmental disabilities 18 years and older and their families from all five boroughs.

An MSC or Medicaid Service Coordinator helps link individuals and their families with the services and supports they want and need. In addition they provide advocacy, resources and information to help solve problems and improve quality of life. If you are looking for assistance in transferring your Medicaid Service Coordination provider, please contact us at 212-780-4491 or 93 or email referrals@ahrcnyc.org. Eligible families may choose an AHRC service coordinator who will assist them in navigating the system, write and maintain a written plan describing all services that are needed and in place, and advocate for an individual.

Medicaid Service Coordination is offered to individuals with developmental disabilities of all ages residing in all five boroughs.

Non-Medicaid Case Management Services are also available for OPWDD eligible individuals who reside in Brooklyn and do not have Medicaid.

Working with his or her MSC, under the Home and Community Bases Services Medicaid Waiver AHRC can provide the following services to eligible individuals:

Day Habilitation
Vocational Services
Supported Employment
Residential Habilitation
Environmental Modification
Adaptive Technology

Medicaid Waiver Services are offered to individuals with developmental disabilities of all ages residing in all five boroughs.

ACCESS Community Health Center, formerly known as AHRC Health Care Inc., is dedicated to serving the acute and chronic health care needs of all community members. ACCESS provides a wide range of health care services including Primary Care and Specialty Care. One of their specialties is health care and dental care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
To find out more about the services provided by ACCESS Community Health Center or make an appointment go to www.accessCHC.org

Access provides health care to individuals with developmental disabilities of all ages residing in all five boroughs. Service sites located in the Bronx and Manhattan.

The Melissa Riggio Higher Education Programs at Kingsborough Community College (KCC) and The College of Staten Island (CSI) are college based programs designed to prepare people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities for adult life through higher education coursework, career exploration and preparation, self awareness and socialization. Both programs engage students in supporting individual academic, vocational, community and social experiences. These students have the same opportunities for social and personal growth as other young adults who attend college.

Individuals with intellectual disabilities over the age of 21 who reside on Staten Island may be eligible to attend the Melissa Riggio Higher Education Program at the College of Staten Island. Individuals with intellectual disabilities over the age of 21 who reside in Brooklyn may be eligible to attend the Melissa Riggio Higher Education Program at Kingsborough Community College.

Individual, Group & Family Counseling
Individual counseling, family therapy, group counseling and marital counseling are available to individuals with developmental disabilities (children, adolescents, and adults) their caretakers, and other family members, as are a variety of support groups.

Intensive Behavioral Services
Intensive Behavioral Services is a program for individuals who live in the Bronx in non certified settings and who present with challenging behaviors which put them at risk for placement in a more restrictive setting.  AHRC provides a team of psychologists who work with the individual and family to establish and carry out a behavior plan to resolve the challenging behaviors and enable the individual to remain in a least restrictive setting. Referrals to this program are made directly to the Bronx DDSO.

Bronx In-Home Behavior Management Team
Known as the “Crisis Team”, this program provides in home behavior management to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities in the Bronx who live at home with their family. The team also provides access to emergency respite as well as referrals to, and/ or consultation with, various agencies, hospitals, and schools. 

Unless a borough is specified, Mental Health Services can be provided to individuals of all ages residing in all five boroughs. Clinics located in Manhattan and the Bronx. Specified services provided in the Bronx or Queens as noted.

The Queens in Home Parenting programs serves parents who are intellectually and developmentally disabled.  Services are provided in the home and include case management, advocacy, linkage and referral. 

Available to parents with developmental disabilities in Queens.

Recreational Activitiesare available to individuals in all age groups and requiring different levels of support.  These activities take place in the five boroughs of New York City on an ongoing basis and include age-appropriate recreation groups for children, participation in theater, photography, arts and crafts, and sports, as well as planned vacations to resorts and tourist attractions for adults.

Available to individuals with developmental disabilities of all ages in all five boroughs at service sites throughout the city.

AHRC currently provides a variety of residential options in group homes, supervised apartments, and independent settings for 369 individuals in 53 group homes, as well as 89 supported apartments. Although there is currently a long waiting list for residential placement, referrals are still being readily accepted and new options are in development. AHRC operates IRA’s, Supervised Apartments, Independent Settings, and two residential settings for Individuals who are Medically Fragile and in need of 24/7 nursing care. Download the full Residential Services Brochure

Available to individuals with developmental disabilities over the age of 18 (with the exception of one home for adolescents with autism) from all five boroughs at service sites throughout the city.

With the assistance of a Service Coordinator, families determine the actual services they need to help them at home. For instance, an individual with a developmental disability may be assisted in becoming more independent with daily living skills such as dressing or preparing meals. The frequency of service provision is dependent upon the need and the availability of in-home opportunities. Families may be eligible to receive from 4-8 hours a week to 20 hours a week, depending on availability.

In-Home Residential or Community Habilitation is available to individuals with developmental disabilities of all ages. Services are provided in the home.

AHRC provides out-of-home and in-home respite opportunities, ranging from a period of a few hours to a few weeks, to individuals with developmental disabilities who reside at home with their families.

School Holiday Respite is offered during the weeks that twelve month school programs are closed, for a total of 5 weeks (2 weeks in August, 1 in December, 1 in February and 1 in April). The respite is for children with special needs, between the ages of 5 and 21 years of age. Children are picked up at their homes in the morning and brought back in the afternoon.

Weekend Hotel Respite offers recreational weekends at hotels, staffed by AHRC personnel.

Free Standing Respite is available at AHRC staffed houses and apartments, for up to 14 consecutive days.

Download Full Brochure

Respite opportunities are available to individuals with developmental disabilities of all ages from all five boroughs at sites throughout the city. Free Standing Respite is available only in the borough in which an individual resides.

Supported employment offers individuals who are developmentally disabled and some disadvantaged youth ages 16-24 without disabilities the opportunity to enter the workforce.  Individuals are provided multiple avenues to prepare for and become successful in the workforce.  These include: paid and unpaid internship programs; occupational training programs in specialized fields; school to work programs and daily job readiness programs to help enhance social skills and prepare individuals with developmental disabilities for supported work, as well as competitive employment.

Employment services are available to individuals with developmental disabilities 18 and older, and some specified services are available to individuals without disabilities who meet income guidelines from all five boroughs.

School to Work Programs:
In collaboration with the New York City Department of Education, AHRC helps individuals in special education classes to smoothly transition from school into AHRC employment programs.  An AHRC staff member helps student’s qualify for State funding with VESID or OPWDD so they can enter into AHRC employment services immediately after graduation.  Students have the choice of entering any AHRC training or internship programs or being directly placed in an employment opportunity.

Daily Job Readiness
AHRC specializes in preparing individuals for employment by ensuring that the necessary clinical and support linkages are established and maintained. Job preparation programs utilize a person centered approach to create a weekly schedule of activities, trainings and volunteer opportunities that best meet the needs of the individual. Program participants are provided with trainings to enhance their ability to obtain, and maintain, employment.

Direct Placement Programs
These programs are for individuals who are interested in direct employment opportunities not in an internship program or a training program. AHRC will foster their natural abilities, and utilize their past and current skills to create employment opportunities. Some individuals may choose to attend AHRC’s weekly job club that helps to prepare them for the workforce and builds on currents skills. Individuals with a developmental disability will be provided with a job coach once they secure a position. 

E-SEMP – Enhanced Supported Employment
Enhanced supported employment services are designed to allow individuals to work toward work goals. Unlike regular supported employment, enhanced supported employment is designed to allow flexibility in development of the individual employment outcomes and affords individuals with significant barriers the opportunity to work in the community. Time and duration of staff support is flexible. The goal of the program is to assist in identifying and securing customized work opportunities for each person that match his or her skill set, interests, dreams and desires.

E-SEMP provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities over the age of 21 who reside in all five boroughs.

Job Connection Center for Dually Diagnosed Individuals
A small innovative program with highly trained and experienced staff, specializing in preparing individuals emotionally, socially, and vocationally for the demands of employment. The program ensures that necessary clinical and support linkages are established and maintained.  Individuals are provided with training to enhance their ability to obtain employment. This is a flexible program where participants can come as often they like.

The Job Connection Center offers services to dually diagnosed individuals over the age of 18  from all boroughs. The service is located in Brooklyn.

AHRC’s TBI Service, developed in 1992, was the first community-based program of its kind for persons with TBI was built upon the successful model of long-term service delivery to persons with developmental disabilities in New York State.

Since its inception, AHRC’s TBI Services has been consumer driven: services and support provided reflect preferences of the people using the services; are provided to individuals based on their specific needs and not a pre-determined "package" or bundle; aim at overcoming fragmentation and episodic care; and are integrated and coordinated, including both medically-based clinical and non-clinical services. Services and supports offered are not time-limited. Individuals may receive them for as long as necessary.

AHRC’s TBI Services has grown considerably over the years and now serves greater numbers of people in expanded program areas, such as substance abuse treatment and supported employment. The array of services now offered also includes in-home services, as some individuals prefer support in settings that are not “programs,” are individualized and provided in their homes. And a new Medicaid Waiver allows for increased individualized services at home.

In addition to the programs, services and supports specifically developed for individuals who have incurred traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that are listed below, some individuals with TBI are served in AHRC programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. Visit our Services by Type page or Services by Age page to get information on all services offered.

About Traumatic Brain Injury Community Support Services:

TBI-CSS is not your traditional rehabilitation program. At TBI-CSS, rehabilitation services are provided through an array of life-long community-based programs and supports tailored to meet the needs and interests of individuals with acquired brain injuries long after they have been discharged from traditional rehabilitation settings.  TBI-CSS is an excellent service option post-discharge from a traditional rehabilitation setting or as a complement to those services. 

For more information on Traumatic Brain Injury, please refer to our FAQ page on TBI.

What can AHRC TBI-CSS Provide?

We can offer the following services to you at one of our centers: Structured Day Program (full day community-based rehabilitation)

Service Coordination (Case Management)
Clinical Rehabilitation Services (Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Psychology Services)
In-Home Services and Respite
TBI Sobriety Services
Work Readiness Program
Supported Work Program

Can you participate in TBI-CSS while still receiving traditional outpatient rehabilitation services?

Yes, TBI-CSS can complement traditional rehabilitation services as well as provide a whole range of traditional clinical rehabilitation services, such as Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Psychological Counseling.  An individual may also receive traditional clinical rehabilitation services in other settings and still take advantage of the unique community-based services provided by TBI-CSS

What is the AHRC TBI Structured Day Program like?

The Program is a community-based rehabilitation service designed specifically for individuals with TBI. The basic goals of the service are to enhance functional independent living skills, socialization opportunities, community inclusion, and to maintain and enhance gains made in short-term traditional rehabilitation.  Rehabilitation goals are worked on in structured therapy groups at the Resource Center as well as in supervised community settings.  

What are Sobriety Services?

AHRC's TBI-specific Sobriety Service (an OASAS certified clinic) is aimed at promoting and maintaining a life style free from drug and alcohol abuse. Treatment emphasizes a multi-faceted approach built around the use of an adapted 12-step recovery model adapted for individuals with TBI, and includes psycho-educational groups, facilitation of coping mechanisms and skill-building techniques, money, time and stress management training, along with more traditional alcohol/drug treatment therapy approaches.  

These services are provided at AHRC's OASAS Certified clinic site in Manhattan: 83 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038

Who is eligible for TBI-CSS?

Eligibility criteria vary depending on the specific service, but essentially AHRC TBI-CSS serves adults, 18 and over, with acquired brain injury. Children with acquired brain injury may also be eligible for Service coordination, in-home and clinical services.

How do I access AHRC TBI-CSS services?

For information about any AHRC TBI-CSS service, please:
Call: Ana Sostre (718) 832-2309