OPWDD
Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)
OPWDD coordinates services for people in New York who have developmental disabilities through a network of nonprofit agencies. The Arc of Monroe is one of the nonprofit agencies that OPWDD oversees.
OPWDD Front Door
If you are interested in receiving services, one of the first steps you must take is to go through the OPWDD Front Door process. This website provides more information on The Front Door.
OPWDD Transition for Students with Developmental Disabilities
Resources for families who need more information about transitioning out of high school and into adult services
https://opwdd.ny.gov/community-involvement/school-transition-students-developmental-disabilities
OPWDD Eligibility
Individuals must meet OPWDD eligibility requirements to receive services from Arc of Monroe. This website has more information on Eligibility. To speak with someone about eligibility, feel free to call Outreach & Enrollment at 585-672-2222.
Self-Direction
In The Driver’s Seat
In the Driver’s Seat was created to assist navigating the Self-Directed Service system in an easy to use, multi-faceted approach. Unique features in this site include “First Gear,” an essential tool-kit with resources, tips and insight to give you a better understanding of the road ahead. Looking for a roommate or someone with similar interests? The “Registry” will help you connect with others in an easy, confidential format. Have you developed tools or used resources that can help others? If so, be sure to click on the “Got Tools” box so that we can share them.
Acces-VR
ACCES-VR
Adult Career and Continuing Education Services -Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) provides a variety of employment related services for eligible students and adults with disabilities. Services focus on helping individuals to prepare for, obtain and sustain employment relative to their personal strengths and goals.
http://www.acces.nysed.gov/vr/apply-vocational-rehabilitation-services
ACCES-VR REFERRALS
Referrals to Job Path Employment Services occur though ACCES-VR, They can be contacted at 585-238-2900. Community Information Sessions that explain the vocational rehabilitation process and VR services occur Every Thursday at 10am and 1:15pm (ASL interpreter available) at Rochester District Office, 109 South Union Street, Rochester, NY 14607.
ACCES-VR COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSIONS
Community Information Sessions that explain the vocational rehabilitation process and VR services occur Every Thursday at 10am and 1:15pm (ASL interpreter available) at Rochester District Office, 109 South Union Street, Rochester, NY 14607.
Recreation
Abilities Movement
Services
Functional Education Classes, Community Connections Classes, Personalized Fitness/Healthy Living , 1:1 and small group Adapted Personal Training, Adult social club, Animation Group, Aquatics, Power Wheelchair Soccer, and Mighty Dunks basketball program.
Best Buddies
Services
Middle School, High School, and College One-to-One Friendship Programs.
Boys & Girls Club
Services
Character and leadership, accelerated reading, education, health and life, the arts, sports and fitness, Camp DayDreams, Family Support.
Building Families First, Inc
Services
Video making, Sewing, Cooking, Personal Fitness, Exercise and Nutrition, Creative Arts, Anger Management, African Drum Class, African Dancing, Mentoring and Music Recording, helping hands.
Camp Puzzle Peace
Services
Sibling Empowerment, Children programs (Ages 4-12), Teen programs, Water Safety & Swimming, Parent Programs, Family Activities, Running Team, Functional Skills and Training, and Behavioral Support Classes.
Climbing Vines Cafe & Play
Services
Place for parents to bring their children for low-key play ages 7 and under.
Gliding Stars of Rochester
Services
Ice skating program for individuals with disabilities.
Rochester Accessible Adventures
Services
Inclusive paddling and cycling, pickle ball, and adaptive sports teams and athletes in pursuit of competitive goals in wheelchair basketball, sled hockey, and fencing.
Rochester Miracle Field
Services
Opportunity for boys and girls with physical and mental challenges, ages 4 to 18, or up to 22 if still enrolled in school, to enjoy the game of baseball.
Rochester Top Soccer
Services
Open to all players with disabilities ages 5-21 who are interested in learning more about playing soccer.
Special Olympics
Services
Sports training and athletic competition in Olympic-Style sports for all children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
SportsNet
Services
Provide adaptive sports and inclusive recreation opportunities for people with disabilities. Youth Programming (1:1 Fitness, Adapted Play, Gymnastics, Learn to Ride, Rock Climbing and Bouldering, Skiing and Snowboarding, Swim Lessons). Adult Programming (Aquability, Bowling, Cycling, Golf, Outrigger Canoeing, Power Soccer, Sailing, Swim, Skiing and Snowboarding, and Weightlifting)
Wellness G.I.F.T.S
Services
Educational, Social, therapeutic and respite activities for children with special needs and their family members.
Education
Agency for Social Skills Education Training
Services
Social skills groups for preschool and school-aged children, as well as young adults.
Blossom Elementary Learning Extension
Services
Full services early childhood developmental center for K-6.
Bright Start Pediatrics
Services
Early Intervention and Preschool Therapy Services for children ages birth-5. Summer camps also available.
Intelligent.com
Services
Publication delivering data-driven research and insights to aid students and education institutions nationwide. Intelligent.com translates complex data into understandable and actionable information.
Therapeutic
AIMS- Adventure in Movement and Sensation
Services
Indoor play space with zip lines, ball pits, foam pits, climbing equipment, suspended toys, slides, calming corner, Play groups and birthday parties.
ArtsROC
Services
Innovative preschool of art, music, and language, Special after-school program for children on the Spectrum.
Canalside Therapeutic Arts
Services
Therapeutic activities for individuals, couples, families, and group therapy.
EquiCenter
Services
Therapeutic riding, horsemanship, adaptive yoga, therapeutic horticulture and canine therapy.
Hochstein School of Music and Dance
Services
Year round classes and summer camps in music, dance, and other aspects of the arts.
Imagine Integrative Counseling & Healing
Services
Counseling for children, adolescents and parents, specializing in Child Centered Play Therapy.
Music Education Centers
Services
Adaptive music programs for students of all ages and abilities, including those with Autism, Down syndrome, ADD/ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, and a variety of other special.
Pace Sensory Developmental Program
Services
Natural alternative options for parents with children who have been diagnosed with SPD, ADHD, Autism, and PPD. Nutrition, neurology chiropractic and exercises can make a difference.
Shannon Halligan, Licensed Creative Arts Therapist
Services
NYS Licensed Creative Arts Therapist, Specializes in Autism, Developmental Disabilities, ADHD, and mental health disorders.
Spotted Rabbit Studio
Services
Apprenticeship Program, Art Classes, Creative Arts Therapy.
Step by Step Pediatric Therapy Center
Services
Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, and Feeding Therapy.
Autism
Autism Learning Partners
Services
ABA therapy, Social Skills Instruction, Parent Training, and Telepractice.
Autism Nature Trail (Letchworth State Park)
Services
An experience in nature, designed specifically for visitors with autism spectrum disorder and their families.
Autism Now Center
Services
The Autism NOW center provides high quality resources and information in core areas to people with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities, their families, and caregivers. Autism NOW is affiliated with The Arc.
Autism Speaks iOS Apps
Services
This is a list of applications for use with iOS-powered devices like iPhones and iPads for people with autism spectrum disorders and their families.
Autism Speaks Tool Kit
Services
Autism Speaks has put together many tool kits for families. Topics range from advocacy, information for families of young children newly diagnosed, challenging behaviors, and even postsecondary educational opportunities.
Autism Up
Services
Classes based on age or interest, Parent Support Group, Training opportunities, Parent workshops, Parent mentor program.
Center for Autism and Related Disorders
Services
Treat children with Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, PDD-NOS, and related disorders. ABA therapy .
LEAP for Kids NY
Services
DIR (Autism Program), SCERTS (Social Communication, Emotional Regulation and Transactional Support), TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication- Handicapped Children), TheraPLAY, and Sensory Integration.
How to Design a Home for Individuals with ASD
Services
Research suggests that minor changes to sensory inputs in the home can reinforce positive behaviors and create a safe oasis for people with autism. However, no two autism diagnoses are the same and each person has different sensitivities and symptoms, which is why designing an autism-friendly home can be challenging.
Employment
Access-VR (Adult Career and Continuing Education Services)
Services
Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
NY Connects
Services
Connects you to people and resources that can help you find employment, transportation, health and wellness programs, and help applying for Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, or HEAP.
Rochester Educational Opportunity Center
Services
Business & IT, Early Childhood Development, Occupational Trades, Health Care, Academic, and Community Programming Programs.
Rochester Works! Career Center
Services
Support Finding a Job, Job Readiness Assessment, Job Counseling, Support maintaining employment, Comprehensive skill assessment, Career planning, Information on occupations in demand, Referral to training, Funding for training, Adult education, Literacy training.
Mental Health Agencies
DePaul
Services
Senior Living, Affordable Housing, Mental Health Residential, PROS (Employment), Supported Employment, Comprehensive Vocational Assessment, Resume Preparation and Interviewing Skills, Transitional Employment Program, Support Programs.
East House
Services
Residential, Education and Employment Services, Health Home Care Management.
Mental Health Association
Services
Creative Wellness, Education and Training, Life Skills, Employment Support.
Rochester Rehabilitation
Services
Drive On, Employment Connection, Mental Health, SportsNet, SSI/SSDI support.
Guardianship and Special Needs Trusts
Future Cares Planning
Services
Planning, Guardianship and Planning, Specials Needs Pooled Trusts. Family Reimbursement Available
Community Partners
The Arc NY
Services
NYSARC, Inc. is New York State’s largest not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting people with developmental and other disabilities and their families since 1949. NYSARC is the New York State Chapter of The Arc. The Arc of Monroe is a chapter of NYSARC.
Parent to Parent of New York State
Services
Parent to Parent of New York State builds a supportive network of families to reduce isolation and empower those who care for people with developmental disabilities.