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Developmental Disabilities

The Developmental Disabilities Unit (DDU) is a technical assistance unit that works on behalf of the intellectually disabled (ID) and developmentally disabled (DD) child, youth, and parent during the protective, preventive, and foster care phases of their ACS involvement. The Unit's daily outreach to foster care case planners, preventive agencies and CPS workers offers case consultation, training on developmental disabilities, identify local community resources and services, as well as provide free psychological testing to children in foster care suspected of having a developmental disability. The unit's focus has expanded to include a Parent Resource Manager (PRM). The PRM will provide referrals to resources specifically for the parent with cognitive impairment which supports the reunification of the child and/or resources to maintain custodial care of the child in the community.

Contact the Developmental Disability Unit at: DDUnit@acs.nyc.gov

Parenting a child with developmental disabilities requires patience, planning, information and resources. This video of a father of a medically fragile child offers links to important resources, and suggestions on meeting your child's special needs.


Disclaimer
Parenting a child with developmental disabilities requires patience, planning, information and resources. This video of a father of a medically fragile child offers links to important resources, and suggestions on meeting your child's special needs.

Learn more about resources mentioned in the video:

Early Intervention Program

Parents of children from birth through three should request a comprehensive evaluation by contacting Early Intervention Services. Services include special education, and physical, occupational and speech therapy.
Early Intervention Services, or call 311

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For Children Three to Five Years Old

For children three to five years old, contact the Committee on Pre-School Special Education (CPSE) through your local school district.
Pre-School Special Education

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Medicaid Waiver Programs

For more information about the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (NYS OPWDD) Home and Community-Based Services Waiver, go to:
People with Developmental Disabilities

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The Rusk Institute

The Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine
400 East 34th Street / New York, NY 10016
Email: Rusk.Info@nyumc.org

For additional information on assistive technology and equipment, go to Assistive Technology and Equipment (ADAPT)

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Additional Resources for Children with Developmental Disabilities

New York State OPWDD local Developmental Disabilities Regional Offices (DDROs). This website helps you find the local service office of NYS OPWDD near you.

New York State OPWDD Provider Directory
A list of providers of a range of services, such as camp, respite, residential, day services, vocational, and more OPWDD

Front Door - Further details the initial eligibility process for families.

Access Supports - Details accessing supports and services through OPWDD, and the inital steps toward eligibility.

Types of Services - Services/supports through OPWDD if found eligible.

Plan Your Services - Connect to the supports and services through OPWDD once eligibility has been determined.


For Assistance with Children with Serious Emotional Problems

NYS Office of Mental Health Resources for Families - supports and services for children who have serious emotional disturbances.
Office of Mental Health

For children ages five through 17 with serious emotional disturbances or behavioral disorders, visit:, or to make a referral call: 347-396-7205, Fax: 347-396-8849

For more information about mental health resources, services, and supports in New York City,
Call: 1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355)

Visit: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI); NAMI Helpline: (212) 684-3264

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Essential Parenting Supports: Parenting Skills Training Program

The ACS Developmental Disabilities Unit "Essential Parenting Supports" Parenting Skills Training Program is tailored for parents with a suspicion or diagnosis of a cognitive limitation or an Intellectual / Developmental Disability residing within the five boroughs of NYC. The Parenting Skills Training program offers parents with a suspected or diagnosed cognitive limitation and/or an ID/DD diagnosis the opportunity to learn the essential skills necessary to safely care for their children.

The ACS Developmental Disabilities Unit is partnered with (3) NYS OPWDD (Office for People with Developmental Disabilities) providers, who are: YAI, ADAPT Community Network, and Briason Associates, which provide parenting skills training. OPWDD eligibility is not required for a parent to participate in the program.

Within this strength-based parenting skills training program, parents will work with providers to develop an Individualized Parenting Training Plan (IPTP), engage in tailored parenting skills training classes, connect with a 1:1 parent coach, and receive case management / linkage to supports and services (e.g., OPWDD eligibility/ Services, Health Home Care Management, Assistance and supports with benefits/entitlements, housing and other community-based supports needed).

For questions or to submit a referral, please email: DDUParentingSkills@acs.nyc.gov

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