Celebrating 75 Years of Empowerment.
Seventy-five years ago, a mother’s courageous initiative emerged as a beacon of hope for families with children considered ineducable due to developmental disabilities.
A two-line classified ad in the New York Post ignited the spark that brought together a small group of parents. What began as a modest response soon evolved into a powerful movement, fueled by word of mouth and compelling news coverage. Within a year, this heartfelt call united hundreds of determined parents.
In an era where discouraging words like, “Your child will never learn,” or “Institutionalize them now,” were commonplace, these resilient parents defied the odds. Instead, they forged an unbreakable bond, standing shoulder to shoulder to support one another and ensure their children had every opportunity to thrive. This marked the inception of AHRC, the esteemed New York City Chapter of NYSARC, Inc. The vivid memory of that time, when people with disabilities were treated as outcasts, continues to drive AHRC New York City’s mission.
Rooted in a social justice movement, our organization champions our shared humanity, advocating for a socially just world.
We passionately promote an environment where the power of difference is not only embraced but also valued and celebrated. AHRC New York City has been a catalyst for change, advocating for disability rights, influencing legislative changes, and pioneering programs for underserved and emerging populations.
Our unwavering commitment has always been centered around providing people with disabilities a life of fulfillment and opportunity.
Through our efforts, we aim to empower individuals to achieve their potential in their communities. Join us as we commemorate 75 years of unwavering dedication, passion, and relentless advocacy for the empowerment of people with disabilities. Together, we continue to build a future where every individual thrives and belongs in a world that embraces diversity and celebrates our unique differences.
Over the past 75 years, AHRC New York City has played a pivotal role in shaping a life for people with developmental disabilities that was once unimaginable.
Interested in witnessing our transformative journey? Watch a video that encapsulates our history here.
What We’ve Accomplished Together
Over the past seventy-five years, AHRC New York City has helped to create a life for people with developmental disabilities that did not exist previously. Some of AHRC’s “firsts” include:
1950
Created the first medical clinic for children with disabilities at Flower Fifth Avenue Hospital
1954
Established the first service options funded by a federal grant for adults aging out of the school system
1970
Opened the first group residence in New York State on East 16th Street in Manhattan
1974
Ceded portions of its special education program to the New York City Board of Education, to use as a model for public school special education classes
1985
Created the first sibling network to deal with the issues of sisters and brothers of people with developmental disabilities
1989
Collaborated with the City University of New York, (CUNY,) to create the CUNY Consortium on Disabilities
1994
Opened the first licensed outpatient alcohol and substance abuse clinic for people with developmental disabilities
1995
Opened the first facility in New York State providing ongoing community-based services to people whose disability is the result of incurring a traumatic brain injury
2007
Opened the Bloomberg Residences (ICF’s: Intermediate Care Facilities) for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) who are medically frail, requiring 24/7 nursing care; Opened the Dickson-Goodman Residences in 2010
2008
Developed first College programs for people with I/DD at the College of Staten Island and Kingsborough Community College. Now operating at a total of five community colleges. The programs are known collectively as the Melissa Riggio Higher Education Programs.
2009
AHRC New York City Healthcare, an affiliate of AHRC New York City with expertise in the provision of healthcare to people with I/DD, was granted the prestigious status of federally qualified health center (FQHC) by the federal government and began doing business under the name Access Community Health Center.
2014
Joined with the other four Metro Chapters of NYSARC Inc. to create Partners Health Plan (PHP), a not-for-profit managed-care company to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Currently, a provider in the PHP network, participating in New York State’s first I/DD FIDA or fully integrated Duals advantage program, a managed care initiative providing supports to people with I/DD
2019
Through funding awards from NYC Health + Hospitals, The New York State Office of Mental Health, and the Mother Cabrini Foundation, AHRC NYC expanded its Crisis Intervention and Stabilization services, to help support safe hospital discharges for individuals with suspicion of an intellectual and developmental disability (I//DD) or with a confirmed I/DD diagnosis, who no longer need hospital-based medical and/or psychiatric care, but are not able return to their prior residence because their family or other caregivers are unable to support their needs.
2019
AHRC New York City entered a partnership with the NYC Department of Social Services, with support from the Taft Foundation, for creating the Partnership for Inclusive Internships to develop internship opportunities and a pathway to public sector employment for people with disabilities.
2020
AHRC New York City dedicated Its newest school, James P. Murphy Staten Island Preparatory School, expanding its preschool and school-age educational opportunities to families residing in the borough.
2021
Participated in a study of COVID impact in residential settings for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
2023
The City of New York and New York State selected the PII Program as a cornerstone model in their plans for making NY a “Model Employer” for people with disabilities, collaborating with AHRC NYC to grow the Partnership for Inclusive Internships.
2024
AHRC NYC High School introduced curriculum designed to support its students in meeting Local/Regents Diploma requirements, providing a well-rounded education across various subject areas and opening doors to a wide range of opportunities including college admission, career advancement, and personal growth.
2024
AHRC NYC’s Partnership for Inclusive Internships is recognized as a Zero Project Awardee 2025, nominations from 90 countries were submitted. Zero Project awards exemplary solutions for their innovation, impact, and scalability. More than 350 experts were involved in the selection process.
Documenting Our History
Explore ‘The History of AHRC 1948-1998’ by David Goode from the City University of New York. Click the link below to access the PDF document for a detailed read.
