Developmental Disabilities - NYC Health

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Developmental Disabilities

Information about NYC Services

There are many services for persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities. For children under 3 years of age, contact the Early Intervention program. For children ages 3 to 5, contact the Department of Education, Special Education Hotline at (718) 935-2007.

See the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities for programs and resources in New York City.

See the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities for programs and resources statewide.

Call 311 for more information and help getting connected to services.

Types of Treatment Services

Work Readiness

Work readiness is an intensive pre-employment program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are not ready for Supported Employment. The goal is to prepare individuals for employment.

Transitional Employment

Transitional employment offers opportunities to individuals whose primary interest is employment and who have the ability to move into the workplace with intensive but time-limited assistance lasting about 12 to 18 months.

Specialty Clinic

The specialty clinic offers a full range of primary care services for people with developmental disabilities and their families. Related services include psychological testing, psychosocial evaluation, sibling counseling and support groups, nutritional counseling and home care.

Socialization/Recreation Programs (Children and Adults)

Socialization and recreation programs offer a planned program of social, recreational, and leisure activities for individuals with developmental disabilities that includes opportunities to interact with and participate as part of a community.

Home Care

Home care services offer families who have family members living at home with developmental disabilities support on addressing behavioral and activities of daily living issues and concerns.

Adult Classroom Education

Adult classroom education programs provide in-classroom activities for individuals with developmental disabilities in various academic areas.

Counseling and Information/Referral Programs

Counseling and information/referral programs offer services to parents, siblings, and care-givers, as well as to individuals with developmental disabilities. These services may be helpful for individuals and families who are looking to gain insight, resolve problems, develop alternate approaches to services, and to address other issues of concern.

Additional Resources

988: The hotline's staff of trained mental health professionals help callers find mental health and substance abuse services

Delayed Speech or Language Development: Information in English and Spanish