Where you start can make a difference in ensuring you get the services you need. Understanding the eligibility requirements for the services you are looking for will save you time and help you avoid going down the wrong path.
Developmental Needs
Your family doctor or child’s pediatrician is the best place to start if you have concerns about your infant or preschool age child’s development. You may have noticed that your infant isn’t sitting up or crawling or that your preschool aged child is not developing skills such as talking, walking or playing like other young children.. Your pediatrician will conduct developmental screenings during well-child visits to make sure your child is on track. If you do not have a family doctor or pediatrician, a local health care walk-in clinic would be an alternative starting place to bring your concerns. A medical professional there should be able to point you in the right direction.
If the doctor is concerned, or you are still not comfortable with your child’s progress, getting your child evaluated is one of the first steps to finding appropriate programs and services. The NYS Early Intervention Program (EIP), through the NYS Department of Health, helps infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. To be eligible for services, children must be under 3 years of age and have a confirmed disability or established developmental delay, as defined by NYS, in one or more of the following areas of development: physical, cognitive, communication, social-emotional, and/or adaptive.
The NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) assists people with developmental disabilities and their families in gaining access to high-quality services and supports. The “Front Door” will guide you through the steps involved in finding out if you are eligible for OPWDD services.
Educational Needs
Early Head Start and Head Start programs are located in every county in NY. They provide free care and education as well as supportive services for the whole family.
If your school-age child is having difficulties in school, one of the first things you should do is talk to his or her teacher. You can also make a referral to the Committee on Special Education (CSE) for preschool-aged children and older school-aged children who may have a disability that affects their learning. Many schools offer direct supports for school aged students who may benefit from psychological services, speech and language improvement services, curriculum and instructional modifications and academic intervention services. If you, the teacher, and principal have not been able to help your child, your child may have a disability that affects his or her learning.
Mental/Behavioral Needs
“Single Point of Access” (SPOA) coordinators serve as a primary entry point for mental health / behavioral health services throughout New York State. Staff at the SPOA in your region are very knowledgeable about programs and services and are trained to help guide individuals and families to the most appropriate mental health services and providers. SPOA coordinators provide referrals and help with transitions between programs and services.
If you are unsure where to start with any of your concerns, NY Connects is a trusted place to go for free, unbiased information about long-term supports in New York State for people of all ages or with any type of disability. NY Connects staff help link you to long-term services and supports, such as home care, transportation, and meals. Their goal is to help individuals live as independently as they wish, while meeting medical, social, and functional needs that arise from aging or disability. NY Connects helps individuals, families, caregivers, and professionals.
You can also call 2-1-1 (3-1-1 in NYC) to get connected to a specialist who provides free, confidential information about local resources in your community. The service is open 24 hours, 7 days-a-week.