NEW YORK SPECIAL NEEDS EMPOWER CENTER, INC
Empowering Abilities, Enriching Lives: Your Partner in Special Needs Advocacy and Care
Mission Statement
To ensure that every individual with developmental disabilities or chronic conditions—regardless of their background, language, or financial status—has access to the knowledge, tools, and support they need to navigate complex care systems. We aim to remove barriers, empower families, and create a more informed, equitable, and inclusive community through advocacy, resource coordination, and compassionate outreach.
About Us
New York Special Needs Empower Center, Inc. was born out of a personal journey and a family’s determination to make a difference. Our founders, a New York family raising a child with autism and managing a chronic illness, experienced firsthand the challenges and confusion navigating the complex care system. Frustrated by the lack of clarity, assistance, and language accessibility, they decided to turn their struggle into a solution for others. What began as an initiative to help a few local families navigate the same hurdles has blossomed into a dedicated nonprofit. Today, we are passionately committed to empowering individuals with developmental disabilities or chronic conditions, breaking down barriers, and fostering an informed, equitable, and inclusive community.
What Sets us Apart
What sets New York Special Needs Empower Center, Inc. apart is our deeply personal understanding of the challenges faced by families navigating complex care systems. Our foundation is rooted in firsthand experience, which fuels our passion and commitment to serve. We don’t just sympathize; we empathize, because we’ve been there. We’re not just a service provider; we’re a partner, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with families on their journey. Our unique approach combines advocacy, resource coordination, and compassionate outreach, all tailored to the individual’s background, language, and financial status. We’re not just about providing access to care; we’re about empowering individuals and families, removing barriers, and fostering an inclusive community where everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has the tools and support they need to thrive.
Products and service
Guidance and Education
We offer free guidance for individuals and families navigating the OPWDD system. Our team provides education on Self-Direction, Fiscal Intermediaries (FIs), and Care Coordination Organizations (CCOs), helping you understand and navigate these complex systems.
24/7 Support
Our team is available around the clock to assist with understanding paperwork, eligibility, budgets, services, and documentation. We’re here to answer your questions and provide the support you need, whenever you need it.
Provider Assistance
We assist in finding providers for any services available through OPWDD, Self-Direction, Medicaid (state-level), or Medicare. This includes Day Habilitation, Community Habilitation, Respite Services, Supported Employment (SEMP), Home Health Aides, and Nursing Services.
Therapy and Behavioral Supports
We can help you access Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy services, as well as Behavioral Supports such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). We’re here to ensure you have access to the therapeutic and behavioral support services you need.
Assistive Services and Modifications
Our team can assist in finding resources for Assistive Technology and Environmental Modifications, as well as Transportation Services and Personal Care Assistance (PCA). We understand the importance of these services in enhancing quality of life and promoting independence.
Community and Recreational Services
We can help you access Residential Programs, Community Classes, and Recreational Services funded through Self-Direction, such as music, dance, sports, art, fitness, computer, and cooking classes. We also assist with Individual Directed Goods and Services (IDGS) such as tutoring, coaching, or skill-building related to Life Plan goals.
Our Style
Empathetic and Personalized
- At the heart of our approach is empathy. We understand the challenges and frustrations that come with navigating complex care systems because we’ve experienced them firsthand. This understanding informs our personalized approach to service. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions; instead, we tailor our guidance and support to meet the unique needs and circumstances of each individual and family we serve.
Inclusive and Accessible
- We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of their background, language, or financial status, feels welcomed and supported. We strive to make our services accessible to all, and we work tirelessly to remove barriers and promote equity in the care system.
Proactive and Empowering
- We don’t just react to problems; we proactively seek out solutions and work to empower individuals and families with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the care system confidently. We believe in the power of education and advocacy, and we’re committed to equipping our clients with the resources they need to make informed decisions and advocate for their needs.
Contact us
We’d love to hear from you and assist you on your journey. Whether you have questions, need guidance, or are looking for resources, our dedicated team is here to help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re committed to providing you with the support and information you need to navigate the care system with confidence. Your journey is important to us, and we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
Email: info@nyspecialneeds.org
Phone: (917) 997-5707
Business Hours: 24/7
