NAVIGATING ADULT SERVICES
ACCES-VR
Contact Information
Adult Career and Continuing Education Services - Vocational Rehabilitation www.acces.nysed.gov/vr
VR 1-800-222-JOBS (5627) TTY: 716-848-8105
Target Population
Adults (post-secondary) with a documented permanent disability that impacts their ability to seek, secure and maintain employment.
Eligibility
Physical or mental impairment; impairment impedes employment; Ability to benefit from services; Services are necessary to overcome employment barriers.
Cost
No cost to determine eligibility. Sponsorship in some services may be based on income and/or family resources.
Services Offered
Vocational counseling; assessment; vocation education (e.g., college or technical/business school; job placement services; job skills training; supported employment; work related books, tools, licenses, and rehab technology; referral to outside agencies for additional supports.
How to Access Services
Complete signed application; documentation of disability; availability to participate in assessment and training process; comply with requests of VR counselor.
New York State Commission for the Blind
Contact Information
NYSCB 1-866-871-3000 TTYL 1-866-871-6000
www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main/cb
Target Population
Children and adults who are legally blind are eligible for vocational rehabilitation services
Eligibility
Legally blind visual acuity is 20/200 or less in the better eye OR Vision field of 140 degrees or less in the better eye; Have one or more physical or mental impairments that keep them from working; Need rehabilitation services to get or keep employment; Benefits from services
Cost
No cost to determine eligibility.
Services Offered
Rehabilitation services; training for employment; business enterprise program; programs for older adults; programs for children; services provided in home, community, and private rehabilitation services; counseling and guidance to family; advocacy services; educational consultation; vocational coordination
How to Access Services
Complete signed application; documentation of disability; participate in initial interview; provide necessary reports; if eligible, work with a counselor to develop a plan for services and/or employment.
Office for People with Developmental Disabilities
Contact Information
1-866-946-9733 NY Relay System 7-1-1
www.opwdd.ny.gov/
Target Population
Children and adults with a documented developmental disability
Eligibility
Documented developmental disability (prior to age 22): Intellectual disability; Autism; Cerebral Palsy; Epilepsy; Neurological Impairment; Closely related conditions that limit intellectual functioning
Cost
Services available through Medicaid
Services Offered
Parent Advocacy training; service coordination; family supports services and financial counseling; residential support; supported employment; community support services (in-home support, respite); self-determination; environmental modifications (adaptive equipment); healthcare (Medicaid)
How to Access Services
Phone call to DDRO; documentation of a developmental disability; Complete Admission packet submit to local DDRO eligibility determination
Office of Mental Health
Contact Information
1-800-597-8481
www.omh.ny.gov
Target Population
Children and adults with a documented mental health diagnosis.
Eligibility
Children (before 18): Severity of Problem Presentation; Immediate need based on following dimensions: Psychosis, ADHD/Impulse Control, Depression/Anxiety, Oppositional Behavior, Antisocial Behavior, Trauma. Persistent home and school problems (2 years): risk behaviors; caregiver strengths/needs. Adults (over 18): Diagnosed SPMI (Severely and Persistently Mentally Ill) by a licensed mental health professional.
Cost
Services available through Medicaid
Services Offered
Children and Adult Services: Clinic Treatment; Day Treatment; Family Support Services; Functional Family Therapy; Home and Community-Based Services Waiter; Intensive Case Management (Medicaid); School-Based Mental Health Services; Single Point of Access; Supportive Case Management
How to Access Services
Application to County Department of Mental Health
College Disability Services
Contact Information
Individual college websites Collegiate Consortium of Disability Advocates
www.wnyccda.org/ WNY College Connection
www.wnycollegeconnection.com
Target Population
Adult college students who have a documented disability that requires they need accommodations in order to have equal access to education.
Eligibility
Self-declare disability; documentation of disability that includes: a diagnosis of your current disability; the date of the diagnosis; how the diagnosis was reached; the credentials of the professional; how your disability affects a major life activity and how the disability affects your academic performance
Cost
No cost (although college tuition and admission fees still apply)
Services Offered
Accommodations Examples: Note taker; enlarged print material; extra time on tests; tape record classes; textbooks on tape; computer voice input/output; alternate test locations; test/assignments in electronic format; interpreter
How to Access Services
Self-declare disability at the Office of Disabilities Services at the college; Documentation of disability
Independent Living Centers
Contact Information
(518) 585-2925 TTY: 1-800-222-5627
www.access.nysed.gov/vr/ilc/about.htm
Target Population
Individuals with disabilities and Elderly individuals
Eligibility
All disabilities - check with local provider regarding documentation requirements.
Cost
No cost
Services Offered
Independent Living Centers: Client Assistant Program; Peer counseling; Housing assistance; Advocacy; Information and referral; Living skills training
How to Access Services
Contact your local Independent Learning Center
Other Services
Contact Information
Department of Labor
716-851-2600
Department of Health
716/858-7690
Target Population
DOL - Youth and adults looking for employment
DOH - Anyone with a health related concern.
Eligibility
NYS Department of Labor - Universal access
NYS Department of Health - Services are available based on an individual's disability or medical concern.
Cost
NYS Department of Labor - no cost
Services Offered
NYS Department of Labor: Unemployment Benefits; Career Services; Finding a job; Planning your career; One Stop services; Worker Protection.
NYS Department of Health: STD Clinic; Obesity prevention; eating disorders; substance abuse prevention; pregnancy planning; traumatic brain injury
How to Access Services
NYS Department of Labor - Contact local office