Special Education Transition Resources

OPWDD

The Office of Persons with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is an agency that provides services to people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities. OPWDD, through its local Developmental Disabilities Regional Offices (DDROs), determines whether a person has a developmental disability and is eligible for OPWDD-funded services.

Some examples of services that OPWDD may provide are:

The first step in seeking out eligibility is to view the Front Door Informational Videos. These videos will provide you with valuable information about the Front Door process as well as provide information regarding the support that your child may be eligible for. Once you have viewed the videos, call OPWDD at (866) 946-9733 to begin eligibility determination.  

For more information regarding eligibility or required documentation, click here

For additional information or assistance with OPWDD contact:

Kathleen Petrenko

Assistant Director of Special Education

(631) 801-3040

Or email: Petrenkok@esmonline.org

Supported Decision Making- An Alternative to Guardianship

Supported Decision Making is now widely recognized in NYS as a less restrictive alternative to guardianship. The end of the facilitation process is a “contract” between Decision-Makers and their Supporters that delineates the areas in which Decision-Makers want support, the Supporter(s) for each area, and the kinds of support Decision-Makers want from each Supporter in each area. In turn, Supporters recognize the Decision-Makers’ right to make their own decisions, promise to support them, and refrain from conflict of interest or undue influence.

For more information click here

Viability Pre-ETS Program

Viability’s Pre-Employment Transition Service (Pre-ETS) programs are designed to support the transition from school into adult life. Career readiness services equip students living with a disability ages 14-22 with an introduction to work that informs their future vocational choices, develops positive work habits, and emphasizes workplace wellness.

Pre-ETS provides vocational exploration, hard and soft skills, and competitive, integrated vocational experiences. Pre-ETS programs cover everything from workplace expectations and how to prepare for them, to getting the job and how to be successful.

For more information click here

ACCES-VR

ACCES-VR offers a diverse range of services to assist with employment and support independent living.

It is strongly advised that students initiate their ACCES-VR application during their time in the school system.

To initiate the process for an eligibility intake meeting, completion of both the application and Release Form is required. Two convenient options are available for this purpose:

• Fillable Online Application and Release Forms:
  • Utilize the Fillable Online Application for a streamlined digital process.
  • Complete both Release Forms electronically.
  • Ensure all documents are signed digitally.
  • Submit the signed application and Release Forms directly to ACCES-VR.
• OR
• Printed Application and Release Forms:
  • Print out the application and two Release Forms for a physical copy.
  • Fill in all necessary information on the printed documents.
  • Sign both the application and Release Forms manually.
  • Send the signed application and Release Forms directly to:

Eastport South Manor CSD

149 Dayton Avenue

Manorville, NY 11757

Attn: K. Petrenko

Or email Petrenkok@esmonline.org

Click here for the ACCES-VR application

Click here For the required Release form VR-21 for general health impairments

Or here For the required Release form VR-22 for substance abuse disorders or mental health conditions

Supported Decision Making- An Alternative to Guardianship

Supported Decision Making is now widely recognized in NYS as a less restrictive alternative to guardianship. The end of the facilitation process is a “contract” between Decision-Makers and their Supporters that delineates the areas in which Decision-Makers want support, the Supporter(s) for each area, and the kinds of support Decision-Makers want from each Supporter in each area. In turn, Supporters recognize the Decision-Makers’ right to make their own decisions, promise to support them, and refrain from conflict of interest or undue influence.

For more information click here

Guardianship

This can take a year to complete. There are two types of guardianship. 17-A can be filed without a lawyer.
Click here for New York State guardianship forms.

Organizations that offer support/information at no or minimal cost

• Long Island Advocacy Center - 631-234-0467
• SILO - Suffolk Independent Living Organization - 631-880-7929
• Brandow Law - Regina Brandow, Esq. 631-675-2540

Social Security Income/Medicaid

Supplemental Security Income (SS) is a United States government program that provides stipends to low-income families who are either aged (65 or older), blind or disabled.

Social Security website

• SSI Phone number: 1-800-772-1213
• Frequently Asked Questions
• SSI Starter Kit

Medicaid

Medicaid pays for a wide-range of services, depending on age, financial circumstances, family situation, or living arrangements. These services are provided through a large network of health care providers that can be accessed directly through a Medicaid card or through a managed care plan.

Click here for more information on Medicaid.

Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP)

• This Medicaid program provides services to chronically ill or physically disabled individuals who have a medical need for help with activities of daily living (ADLs) or skilled nursing services.
• Services can include any of the services provided by a personal care aide (home attendant), home health aide, or nurse.
• Recipients have flexibility and freedom in choosing their caregivers.
• The consumer or the person acting on the consumer´s behalf (such as the parent of a disabled or chronically ill child) assumes full responsibility for hiring, training, supervising, and – if need be – terminating the employment of persons providing the services.

Click here for more information on CDPAP

Transportation Services

Suffolk County Accessible Transportation (SCAT) Services

Suffolk County Accessible Transportation (SCAT) provides curb-to-curb service to individuals with disabilities.

Please click here to access the application for eligibility. 

Once complete please forwarded all required information and original application to:

Suffolk County Office for People with Disabilities

William J. Lindsay County Complex, Building 158

725 Veterans Memorial Hwy.

P.O. Box 6100

Hauppauge, NY 11788-0099

Gersh Driver's Education Extended Program

Gersh Driver's Education Extended Program is a local and state certified driving program which offers young adults of all abilities classroom and behind the wheel instruction and in smaller class sizes, preparing students to obtain their permit and prepare for the road test.

Click here for more information on Gersh Driver’s Ed Program.

For more information regarding Post Secondary opportunities, explore the “Post Secondary Resources” on the left column of this page.