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Family Support Services

AccessCNY’s  Family Support Services (FSS) help individuals with developmental disabilities and their families get the supports they need to live safely and happily in the community. Click on each service below to learn more about it. 

Unless otherwise noted, all FSS services require eligibility from the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). If you do not currently have OPWDD eligibility, our Service Access Assistance program can guide you through the process of gaining eligibility, as well as connect you to other important community resources (available in Madison, Onondaga and Oswego counties).

Family Support & Outreach Services 

Adaptive Technician Assistance (making home/work/school more accessible)

With AccessCNY’s Adaptive Technician Assistance program families can receive advice from a trained professional on how to make your home, work or school environment more accessible. This service can make recommendations for both environmental modifications and adaptive equipment.

Available in the following counties: Madison, Onondaga, Oswego

Behavior Support & Training (support for children with behavioral challenges)

In partnership with FEAT of CNY this program provides support to families of children with autism (and other developmental disabilities) who have behavioral challenges. We aim to help families build a strong support network by connecting them with other local families who have similar experiences. Parents can learn about support groups and other resources; children can participate in play groups and the entire family can take part in FEAT’s social outings.

Available in the following counties: Onondaga. Families in Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Oneida and Oswego counties can also enroll with the approval of the Developmental Disability Regional Office (DDRO).

Counseling After Brain Injury (support to attend the DCLC)

AccessCNY offers both practical supports/assistance and situational counseling for adults (18+) with acquired brain injuries (ABIs) to attend the David Clark Learning Center and be independent in the community at large.

Available in the following counties: Onondaga. Families in Madison and Oswego counties can also enroll with the approval of the Developmental Disability Regional Office (DDRO).

Family Reimbursement (funding for respite activities)

The Family Reimbursement program provides families caring for a loved one with a developmental disability with reimbursement for respite services and other approved programs such as YMCA memberships and recreational camps.

Available in the following counties: Cayuga, Cortland, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego

Home Services Program (helping seniors find support)

AccessCNY’s Home Services program specializes in helping connect seniors with a disability to the supports and services they need. The Home Services program is jointly supported by the New York State Elks Association and the Cerebral Palsy Association of New York State.

Available in the following counties: Madison, Onondaga, Oswego

Housing Subsidy (funds to live independently)

AccessCNY’s Individual Support Services (ISS) help adults with disabilities obtain the funding they need to live on their own. Enrolled individuals receive startup funds to help with upfront moving costs like the security deposit. Once settled in their new home, participants get monthly funding to pay for necessities like rent and first month deposits.

AccessCNY staff members do quality assurance/safety checks as necessary, with a minimum of one a year. This is to ensure that all home environments are safe and accessible. Each individual is responsible for keeping important bills, receipts and proof of income.

Available in the following counties: Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, Oswego

Individualized Supports for Families & Children with Autism

This program provides support to kids (ages 1-21) diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their loved ones. Eligible families can receive up to 100 hours of care from a trained professional who can help caregivers and schools identify and respond safely to behavioral issues.

Available in the following counties: Cayuga, Madison, Onondaga

Project Adapt (funding to buy adaptive technology)

Project Adapt helps families to purchase transport equipment and adaptive recreational items for children (21 and under). This program is run through the AccessCNY TRAID Center.

Available in the following counties: Onondaga

Summer Recreation Programs

AccessCNY offers several programs that support children with disabilities who want to attend a summer camp or sign up for community based recreation activities at community partners such as the YMCA, Jewish Community Center and CNY ASA. Contact us today to find out which options are right for your family!

Available in the following counties: Onondaga

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