Center for Disability Services

About

For 80 years, the Center for Disability Services has been one of upstate New York’s largest providers of programs and services for individuals who have disabilities. With more than 80 locations throughout 15 counties, we annually provide programs and services to over 12,000 individuals, ranging from infants to senior citizens, and their families. We provide services for over 300 different diagnoses of disabilities including Cerebral Palsy, developmental disabilities, Multiple Sclerosis, Autism Spectrum disorders, epilepsy, spina bifida, TBI and Down syndrome. Our wide range of services under a single umbrella allows us to provide a seamless continuum of care as the people we support age or as their needs change. From intensive medical care to residential services, to dental care to mental health, the individuals we support can have it all managed through the Center. The Center for Disability Services, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization provides additional services through the Down Syndrome Aim High Resource Center, and our affiliates: Prospect Center in Queensbury and St. Margaret’s Center in Albany. We are committed to the well being of the people we support, while providing opportunities which lead to more independent lifestyles and productive, happier lives. For a weekend, a week, or a lifetime, in your home or ours, the Center for Disability Services is here for you and your family.

Services Provided

Employment

• Work experience (e.g., vocational training programs, employment training programs, internships, volunteer)
• Skill development (e.g., technology, employability skills, pre-employment transition services)
• Youth and adult employment programs

Independent/Community Living

• Housing/Residential services (e.g., apartment, low-income housing, supported apartments, groups homes, intermediate care facility, community residence, treatment facility)
• Supported living (e.g., in-home assistance, group living, family care, housing subsidy)
• Daily living skills (e.g., cooking, cleaning, budgeting, community habilitation)
• Recreation (e.g., parks, sports centers, arts programs, summer camps, social groups, day habilitation programs)
• Transportation (e.g., public transportation, driving instruction, vehicle modification, medical appointments)

Healthcare

• Health specialists serving youth with disabilities (e.g., developmental pediatrician, occupational therapist, physical therapist, behavioral support, speech therapy, clinical evaluation, dentistry, music therapy, health insurance navigators)
• Mental health (e.g., crisis intervention, clinics, social work, stabilization center, treatment facility, substance abuse, mobile mental health)

Family Supports

• Support groups (e.g., parents, caregivers, siblings, peers)
• Educational resources for families (e.g. special education, disability specific resources, adult service systems)
• Evaluations (e.g., psychological, neurological, assistive technology, developmental)
• Respite services (e.g. temporary/relief care, emergency care)

Education/Training

• Preschool/early childhood programs
• Higher education (e.g., community college, four-year college, inclusive higher ed, non-credit bearing courses)
• Certificate programs (e.g., food handling, welding, first aid/CPR)
• Adult education (e.g., reading, math, communication, High School Equivalency Diploma)
• Vocational training programs
• Tutoring
• Before and After-school programs
• School-age programs (e.g., Career & Technical Education, Alternative Schools)

Other Services

• Advocacy (e.g., special education, supported decision-making, young adult self-advocacy)
• Assistive Technology

Supported Age Ranges

• Early childhood (0-5)
• School age (5-18)
• Young adult (18+)

Counties Served

• ALBANY
• SCHENECTADY
• SARATOGA
• MONTGOMERY
• WARREN
• WASHINGTON
• FULTON
• RENSSELAER