Special Needs Programs

The NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) staff work hand-in-hand with other City offices and over 50 agencies to ensure that the voice of the disabled community is represented and that City programs and policies address the needs of people with disabilities. The Office provides information on accessible programs, accessible transportation, employment, health services, activities and other resources to the over 800,000 New Yorkers with disabilities and the millions of people with disabilities visiting New York City every year.

Office for People with Development Disabilities (OPWDD)
The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is responsible for coordinating services for nearly 140,000 New Yorkers with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, Prader-Willi syndrome, and other neurological impairments. It provides services directly and through a network of approximately 650 nonprofit service providing agencies, with about 80 percent of services provided by the private nonprofits and 20 percent provided by state-run services. In NYC are they have employment centers that assist with finding paid internships and community jobs:

Brooklyn: 718-642-8576
Bronx: 718-430-0757
Manhattan: 646-766-3220
Queens: 718-217-6485
Staten Island: 718-982-1913


Vibrant (Formerly MHA-NYC)
Vibrant is helping people achieve mental and emotional wellbeing with dignity and respect. Formerly the Mental Health Association of New York City (MHA-NYC), Vibrant Emotional Health’s groundbreaking solutions have delivered high quality services and support, when, where and how people need it for over 50 years. Through our state-of-the-art technology-enabled services, community wellness programs, and advocacy and education work, we are building a society in which emotional wellness can be a reality for everyone.

INCLUDEnyc
INCLUDEnyc has been helping young people with disabilities and their families in NYC since 1983 when three moms of kids with disabilities decided to start INCLUDEnyc. Now they provide after-school, summer camp and educational programs for youth with disabilities and other special needs in the New York City area.

AHRC NYC
Each Year, AHRC New York City touches the lives of over 15,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout the five boroughs. AHRC offers a wide range of programs, services and supports ranging from recreational activities and vocational training to medical and residential services.