AHRC NYC’s Day Habilitation program provides opportunities for exploration and growth that reflect each person’s passions, interests, and goals.
Day Habilitation is available to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are over the age of 18, in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx. To enroll the participant must have Medicaid, Care manager enrolled in CCO (Care Coordination Organization)
Unlocking Possibilities for People with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
AHRC NYC’s Day Habilitation programs are designed to inspire personal growth and open doors to new experiences. Tailored to adults 18 and over, our programs provide diverse services that cater to people’s individual preferences.
Led by a team of passionate professionals dedicated to disability justice and equity, our Day Habilitation programs boasts over seven decades of organizational experience. Our Direct Support Providers support participants every step of the way, using strength-based methods and a person-centered approach, presuming competence to safely guide each person through every stage of the learning process. We foster inclusion by acknowledging that community access is a human right, and that community life is better when everyone is included.
Whether participants thrive in structured on-site activities, prefer 100% community-based engagement, or seek a combination of both, our goal is simple: empower people to lead self-directed lives with increased independence and opportunities aligned with their unique interests and goals.
Living with Independence and Purpose!
People supported through our Day Habilitation programs develop essential independent living skills and cultivate natural support systems such as accessing local resources, contributing to non-profit organizations, socializing, honing culinary skills, making art, staying fit, learning financial literacy, navigating public transit systems and much more! These experiences empower people to build self-determination skills in real-time, ultimately enhancing their ability to shape their own lives.
Community Volunteer Opportunities
We follow a Service-Learning Model for vocational training, engaging people supported through our Day Habilitation programs as they volunteer at various local small businesses, non-profits, and schools. They contribute to their communities and acquire new skills, while gaining a sense of independence and responsibility as they prepare for future paid employment.
Independent Travel Instruction
Getting from one place to another is essential for a self-directed life. That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive Independent Travel Instruction program. Our goal is to empower participants with essential safety skills and problem-solving abilities when using New York City’s intricate public transportation system. To create a realistic yet secure travel experience, we provide a range of technologies, such as GPS and smartphone applications, to support independent travel and ensure a safe and unrestricted exploration of the city.
Communication Technology
We embrace the latest technological advancements that have revolutionized communication support devices, enabling more efficient expression for people with communication challenges. Through our Day Habilitation program, we provide assistive devices and equip individuals with the skills to utilize everyday technologies in a customized manner, empowering them to gain greater independence and actively engage in their communities.
Specialized Day Hab Services
Day Habilitation with Path to Supported Employment
Our innovative approach to vocational readiness offers transformational learning opportunities that unfold in real-time amidst the vibrant New York City community. Participants uncover distinctive strengths and passions by exploring interests, skills, and potential career avenues. Our team stands side by side with participants, actively co-creating opportunities for supported employment.
The Workforce Resource Center (WRC)
This program is exclusively dedicated to helping day program participants develop essential skills for future employment. Functioning as a drop-in center, the WFC offers discovery sessions and a range of classes such as CPR training, food handler certification, a GED program and much more. Day Habilitation participants are welcome to take advantage of these services to complement their current day habilitation program.
Autism-Specific Programming
AHRC NYC proudly makes available The University of North Carolina TEACCH program, which is dedicated to empowering participants with autism and related developmental challenges through a nurturing environment where each individual with autism’s strengths are celebrated and cultivated.
Traumatic Brain Injury Services
AHRC NYC offers community-based rehabilitation services tailored specifically to individuals with Traumatic Brain Injuries, providing support, skill development, and a nurturing environment to promote functional independence skills and active engagement in community life. Our unique Brooklyn and Bronx-based service ensures that people receive the specialized day service to meet their independence and rehabilitation goals.
Creative Expression
Express Your Individuality: Unleash your creative potential.
People supported through our Day Habilitation program can choose to participate in enriching experiences that enable them to express themselves through various mediums including drawing and painting, photography and filmmaking, and music and performance. Creative expression service highlights include:
Our Broadway
Join Our Broadway, a remarkable performing arts group consisting of 100+ performers supported by AHRC NYC. Collaborating with Broadway professionals, participants engage in the creation of theater, dance, and music, performing multiple musicals each year at the Jerry Orbach Theatre, and in schools, museums, and community centers across the city.
ArTech Collective
Operated by AHRC NYC and available in all boroughs, ArTech Collective provides AHRC NYC-supported individuals with opportunities to develop as artists and sell their work. Members of the ArTech Collective participate in the Outsider Art Fair, have their artwork displayed at local businesses and benefit from ongoing partnerships with local museums.
Day Habilitation FAQs
Is AHRC NYC’s Day Habilitation program open on weekends and all year round?
Our Day Habilitation program provides services Monday through Friday, throughout the year. Day Habilitation Services are closed on weekends. Please note that while we are open on most holidays, we do observe closures on federal holidays.
Are meals provided as a part of AHRC NYC’s Day Habilitation programs?
No, participants are responsible for their meals while at program. Participants can either bring money to purchase lunch on their own, or they can bring a packed lunch from home. We understand that some individuals may require supervision or assistance in accessing lunch options. In such cases, our staff members will work closely with people participating in the program to identify options and provide the necessary support.
Do AHRC NYC’s Day Habilitation programs provide 1 to 1 support to people who participate in the program?
While we strive to offer personalized support tailored to individual needs, we do not provide 1:1 support in our programs. We work diligently to determine and maintain appropriate ratios that ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.
How do participants get to and from AHRC NYC’s Day Habilitation program? Is transportation paid for by the program?
We understand the importance of convenient transportation for people who receive of Day Habilitation Services. That’s why we cover the cost of transportation through various options. Our program offers several transportation methods, including our AHRC NYC agency transit, public transportation tickets, and Access-a-Ride services.
Do any services received through the DOE (Department of Education) Services transfer automatically to Day Habilitation?
No, DOE services do not automatically transfer to our day program. If a participant requires specific services such as physical therapy (PT) or occupational therapy (OT) etc. please reach out to your Case Manager for a list of service options. They will apply for those services separately and, depending on availability and the specific day program site, AHRC NYC will do our best to accommodate the request.
Does AHRC NYC’s Day Habilitation provide students with opportunities to gain paid employment?
Our community volunteer opportunities within Day Habilitation are unpaid, although these experiences can help the volunteers to gain real-world job skills and enhance their community integration skills. We believe that active participation in meaningful service learning contributes to the development of valuable skills and community-based social connections.
Are remote services still available for Day Habilitation Participants?
Yes, remote services are available but with certain considerations and guidelines. To continue receiving or enrolling in ongoing remote supports, certain conditions must be met:
1. It must be at the request of the participant and/or their family.
2. It should be deemed an appropriate modality of support for that individual.
3. It should not prevent community inclusion or isolate the individual from others.
4. The decision to provide remote services must be documented by the Care Manager in the Life Plan.
*Please note even if all considerations and guidelines are met, we ONLY provide a hybrid model, AHRC NYC will no longer provide exclusive remote services to ensure continued community access and peer interaction for all our participants.