Advocates for Children www.advocatesforchildren.org
For over 35 years Advocates for Children of New York, Inc. (AFC) has worked in partnership with New York City's most impoverished and vulnerable families to secure quality and equal public education services. AFC works on behalf of children from infancy to age 21 who are at greatest risk for school-based discrimination and/or academic failure. These include children with disabilities, ethnic minorities, immigrants, homeless children, foster care children, limited English proficient children and those living in poverty. AFC provides a full range of services: free individual case advocacy, technical assistance, and training for parents, students, and professionals about children's educational entitlements and due process rights in New York City.
New York Lawyers for the Public Interest http://www.nylpi.org/
NYLPI’s Disability Law Center (DLC) works to dispel discrimination and fight for the right of people with disabilities to participate fully in all aspects of mainstream American society. To achieve these ends, the DLC’s team of attorneys, advocates and organizers engages in impact litigation, advocates for systemic change and provides trainings to people with disabilities and their families. Their Education Program represents parents and children with disabilities trying to secure appropriate, integrated special educational opportunities.
Resources for Children with Special Needs http://www.resourcesnyc.org/
Resources shares knowledge and support to empower parents and other New Yorkers who care about young people with disabilities. Founded in 1983 by three moms who were looking for resources for their children, Resources has grown to be the premier source for knowledge and help with systems, programs and services affecting young people with disabilities in New York City. For more info on all their programs call: 212-677-4650
Parent to Parent USA http://www.p2pusa.org/
P2PUSA is a national non-profit organization committed to promoting access, quality and leadership in parent to parent support across the country. This site highlights alliance member statewide organizations that have parent to parent support as a core program and a commitment to implementing parent to parent evidence-based practices.
• Parent to Parent of New York State: Janice Fitzgerald, Phone: 1-800-305-8817 Web: www.parenttoparentnys.org
• Parent to Parent of New York City: Ellen McHugh, Lead Coordinator 1-800-405-8818 / 212-229-3222
Guide to Understanding Supports and Services
Administered By the NYS Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)
Compiled by Parent to Parent of NYS For your FREE copy: 1-800-405-8818 or www.parenttoparentnys.org
Local Consumer Council: There is a Consumer Council in each Borough of New York City and Consumer Councils throughout the State through the local DDSO’s. The Consumer Councils are the parent link to OPWDD. For information on your local Consumer Council call the OMRDD hotline: 1-866-946-9733 http://www.opwdd.ny.gov/
Free Family Support Directory
Offering tons of information about all programs located in your borough. Call: Mary Ellen Tarangelo at 212-229-324
AHRC/NYC Intake: 212-780-4491 or 212-780-4493 (24/7) http://www.ahrcnyc.org
UCP/NYC Intake: Project Connect 877-827-2666 http://www.ucpnyc.org
YAI/NIPD Intake: LINK 212-273-6182 http://www.yai.org