2026 Program Information – DDRFO – Western, New York
Family Support Services Directory
| AGENCY | PROGRAM NAME | PROGRAM DESCRIPTION | COUNTIES SERVED |
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The Arc Allegany-Steuben One Arc Way Bath, NY 14810 Associate Executive Director of Community Supports |
1. Family Reimbursement ID# 67920780 Melissa Garner |
The Family Reimbursement Program is provided to help families by easing the expenses of providing care for family members with intellectual or developmental disabilities. FSS reimbursable goods and services must be related to the individual’s intellectual or developmental disability and deemed appropriate and necessary to meet the needs of the individual by the FSS provider. FSS is funding of last resort and cannot be used to supplement an individual’s waiver services funded through the HCBS Waiver. Funding may be approved up to the established statewide cap. | Allegany Cattaraugus Chautauqua Erie Niagara Genesee Orleans |
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2. Outreach and Advocacy ID# 67920930 Megan Shaffer |
This contract will provide Outreach services including education to families, local service organizations, law enforcement, schools, and other audiences on the services and supports offered by OPWDD, and the Arc Allegany Steuben, as well as information pertaining to disability awareness and education. Additionally, this contract provides education, supports, and advocacy to support a person and their family through life shifts to ensure a smooth and successful adjustment. |
Allegany Cattaraugus |
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3. Individualized Community Service (ICS) ID# 67920914 Crystal Buckley Megan Shaffer |
ICS addresses needs of three groups of people who have a developmental disability. Those groups include those classified with a sex offender status and or legal issues/concerns (Example, probation status); behaviorally challenged individuals who do not fit into a traditional program; and individuals who have not had their vocational or social needs met by traditional programs. Persons enrolled in this program require enhanced staffing levels, supports, and expertise to address the level of supports safely and effectively required to accomplish personalized goals and be able to take part in meaningful activities in the community. |
Allegany |
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Allegany Regional Development Corporation 1010 Wayne Street CEO: Mari Howard President |
1. Family Reimbursement ID# 87440935 |
The Family Reimbursement Program is provided to help families by easing the expenses of providing care for family members with intellectual or developmental disabilities. FSS reimbursable goods and services must be related to the individual’s intellectual or developmental disability and deemed appropriate and necessary to meet the needs of the individual by the FSS provider. FSS is funding of last resort and cannot be used to supplement an individual’s waiver services funded through the HCBS Waiver. Funding may be approved up to the established statewide cap. | Erie Genesee Orleans Allegany Chautauqua Cattaraugus Niagara |
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2. Parent Training and Behavior Management Elida Green |
This program offers support services of Behavior Management as well as Parent Training/Advocacy to OPWDD eligible individuals. The Native American population receives priority enrollment, but this program is open to non-native families as well. This program provides individualized in-home supports regarding behavioral needs as well as education to the families on how to address their individual’s needs in the home and community. Staff assist by teaching positive reinforcement techniques, coping mechanisms, positive communication for all to build connection between the individual and their supports. Parent Training includes advocacy to assist families with in-home and community skill support to increase the quality of life for the betterment of the individual. | Erie Genesee Orleans Allegany Chautauqua Cattaraugus Niagara |
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3. Outreach ID# 87440933 |
Provides outreach to individuals who are not enrolled in Medicaid Care Coordination, or HCBS waiver PCSS. Advocacy services, as well as information and referral services, are provided to primarily Native Americans on the Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Niagara, Erie, and Orleans reservations but open to non-Native families as well. This agency participates in collaborative activities with the Seneca Nation, which increases the acceptance of services by Native Americans. | Allegany Cattaraugus Chautauqua Erie Genesee Orleans Niagara |
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| The ARC of ERIE County New York (Formerly Heritage Centers) 30 Wilson Rd Williamsville, NY 14221 CEO: Douglas DiGesare (716) 276-0913 X1254 ddigesare@arceriecounty.org Katie Reiss |
1. Intensive Parent Training ID# 60730810 Scott Slisinski |
This program is long standing and provides information and in-home supports to DD parents. Program also includes group skill building and training sessions 4 days/week. |
Erie |
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2. Recreation (R.E.C.C.) ID# 60730915 Scott Slisinski |
Individuals will be given the opportunity to integrate, learn and build relationships within a safe and healthy environment with a person-centered approach. Program collaborates with our existing programs and utilizes community resources to enhance integration and socialization. Program focus is on cultural diversity, self-advocacy, violence protection, relationship building, health and wellness, recreation, socialization, and increases opportunities for parental involvement and community resources. The program will provide a healthy snack or a small meal and provide transportation to all community/skill building activities. | Erie |
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Arc GLOW Northern Region 64 Walnut Street Martin Miskell, Exec. Director |
1. Family Reimbursement ID# 64430781 Jill Pegelow |
The Family Reimbursement Program is provided to help families by easing the expenses of providing care for family members with intellectual or developmental disabilities. FSS reimbursable goods and services must be related to the individual’s intellectual or developmental disability and deemed appropriate and necessary to meet the needs of the individual by the FSS provider. FSS is funding of last resort and cannot be used to supplement an individual’s waiver services funded through the HCBS Waiver. Funding may be approved up to the established statewide cap. | Genesee Orleans |
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2. Empowering Families ID# 64430894 |
This program provides advocacy in school and other service systems/agencies, individualized face to face caregiver supports in- home and in community settings, support groups, person centered planning and information/referral to individuals (birth to adults), families and professionals supporting them. | Orleans Genesee |
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3. Intensive Family Services (IFS) ID# 64430896 |
Services provide support to the individual and family unit to assist them with understanding and coping with the changing needs of their family unit – skills might include – parent training, assistance with challenging behaviors in home and community settings, personal care assistance, organizational skills, and linkage to other resources needed to benefit the family unit. | Orleans Genesee |
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4. Individuals Seeking Successful Inclusion ID# 64430893 |
The program provides staff support to individuals to access activities of interest in the community to include transportation to and from activities. | Orleans Genesee |
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Cattaraugus Niagara ARC (Intandem) 1439 Buffalo Street CEO: Mari Howard, President |
1. Family Reimbursement ID# 60670910 Elida Green |
The Family Reimbursement Program is provided to help families by easing the expenses of providing care for family members with intellectual or developmental disabilities. FSS reimbursable goods and services must be related to the individual’s intellectual or developmental disability and deemed appropriate and necessary to meet the needs of the individual by the FSS provider. FSS is funding of last resort and cannot be used to supplement an individual’s waiver services funded through the HCBS Waiver. Funding may be approved up to the established statewide cap. | Cattaraugus Allegany Erie |
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2. Self-Advocacy Program ID# 60670790 Demosthenes Denny Klidonas Deborah Debbie Amacher 716-297-6400 ext. 2371 damacher@intandem.org |
Individuals participate in a self-advocacy group, which includes involvement in DD Day, Self-Advocacy Conference in Niagara Falls, Batavia training, FEMA NCEM Core Advisory Committee, Transportation Planning meetings, anti-bullying initiatives, emergency preparedness meetings, etc. | Niagara |
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3. Guardianship (In-Home Training) ID# 60670891 |
Individuals participate in a self-advocacy group, which includes involvement in DD Day, Self-Advocacy Conference in Niagara Falls, Batavia training, FEMA NCEM Core Advisory Committee, Transportation Planning meetings, anti-bullying initiatives, emergency preparedness meetings, etc. | Niagara | |
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Community Services for Every1 180 Oak St. President & CEO: |
1. In-Home Support ID# 80830810 |
This program provides in-home support, skill development, parenting support, and 1:1 supports for individuals and families. Age starting at 5 years of age. | Erie Niagara |
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Community Services for Every1 FSS Supervisors: Jessica Moesch Shannon Ramos Ashley McLimans |
2. Project COACH ID# 80830870 |
This program contacts individuals enrolled during the evening and weekends to assist them day to day problems or as prompts for medication or appointments. They also can respond to meet the needs of a crisis. Participants given information on services that may fit their specific family needs. | Allegany Cattaraugus Chautauqua Erie Genesee Niagara Orleans |
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Community Services for Every1 180 Oak St. President & CEO: |
3. Behavior Intervention ID# 80830741 |
This program provides behavior services in the home to assist families in addressing challenging behaviors and building replacement behaviors. Also provides parenting training and skill building. | Cattaraugus Chautauqua Erie Genesee Niagara Orleans |
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Community Services for Every1 FSS Supervisors: Jessica Moesch Shannon Ramos Ashley McLimans |
4. Fill in the Gap Transportation – North ID# 80830942 |
This program is available to families when no other transportation options exist. Families can access our transportation service on weekends, evenings, nights and holidays or any other time that public transportation is not offered. Type, frequency, and destinations are predetermined during the admission process; however, the family can freely schedule the service anytime within the criteria agreed upon in their service plan. | Erie Niagara Orleans Genesee |
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5. Intensive Support Program ID# 80830872 |
Intensive Support Program will provide regular and flexible short-term relief to families caring for people living at home who have significant medical, behavioral, social, or emotional support needs. Under the program, dedicated staff—including a program coordinator and intensive respite specialists—will a) identify families and individuals who cannot find places in traditional programs and truly require intensive support services; b) formally assess the relief needs of caregivers and the interests and support needs of people who will participate in support services; c) develop person-centered support plans that address the relief needs of families and the support needs of individuals; and d) deliver specialized in-home, community-based and site-based intensive support services that cater to the relief needs of families. Through proposed services, families will be provided with a variety of options for support sessions designed to fit their personal schedules and to provide the equivalent of at least 4 hours/month of relief. In addition, support sessions will engage individuals in recreation-based activities that will reflect personal interests and choices. | Erie Niagara Genesee Orleans Cattaraugus Chautauqua Allegany |
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6. Family Reimbursement ID#80830780 Seven Powell |
The Family Reimbursement Program is provided to help families by easing the expenses of providing care for family members with intellectual or developmental disabilities. FSS reimbursable goods and services must be related to the individual’s intellectual or developmental disability and deemed appropriate and necessary to meet the needs of the individual by the FSS provider. FSS is funding of last resort and cannot be used to supplement an individual’s waiver services funded through the HCBS Waiver. Funding may be approved up to the established statewide cap. | Erie Niagara Genesee Orleans Cattaraugus Chautauqua Allegany |
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Directions in Independent Living 512 West State St. Kate Steigerwald & Krissy Wagner |
1. Transitions ID# 70110790 Deborah Coble |
Transitions provides a comprehensive, person-centered process that supports individuals through coordinated education, community linkage, and the development of natural supports. Through community linkage and the development of natural supports, the program promotes work-skill readiness, provides support and guidance for activities of daily living, and offers other meaningful opportunities that sustain community living and foster personal self-sufficiency. The program focuses on building essential skills that support a successful transition to adulthood. This includes developing social and daily living skills, providing individualized skill building opportunities, and assisting participants in securing internships, volunteer placements, and community experiences that align with their goals. Transitions staff collaborate closely with educational providers to prepare individuals for life beyond high school and continue to support them through early adulthood, ensuring each person is equipped for long-term success. | Allegany Cattaraugus Chautauqua |
| Lawerence MacDonald Assistant Program Manager of Developmental Disabilities (716) 790-2534 Lmacdonald@oleanilc.org |
2. Stepping Out to Independence ID# 70110910 |
Structured dance classes are designed to foster positive peer interactions, strengthen physical and motor skills, enhance communication abilities, and support personal empowerment. | Allegany Cattaraugus |
| Kate Steigerwald & Krissy Wagner Executive Directors 716-79-8670 ext. 8818 FAX: (716) 373-4604 ksteigerwald@oleanilc.org kawilliams@oleanilc.org |
3. Transportation ID# 70110900 |
This program is available to individuals when no other transportation options exist. It provides reliable transportation so they can access events, programs, and other community activities, promoting meaningful integration within their communities. Through increased opportunities for participation, the program fosters greater independence and enhances overall quality of life for each individual. | Allegany Cattaraugus Chautauqua |
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Epilepsy Association of Western New York 339 Elmwood Ave. Jeffrey Irwin, Exec. Director |
Counseling, Advocacy, and Training (North and South Regions) ID# 77970880 Lynn Carapellatti Cheryl Best |
Provides outreach and support, and primarily counseling to individuals of all ages diagnosed with epilepsy. Service delivery includes home visits to provide supportive counseling, linkage to needed services and advocacy at medical appointments. | Allegany Cattaraugus Chautauqua Erie Niagara Genesee Orleans |
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Excalibur Mailing address: Jim & Cathy Catalano |
Boating Recreation ID# 92090910 Program site: |
Excalibur is based at the Sun Life Marina-Buffalo Harbor and is in collaboration with People Inc. The program provides accessible boating and fishing trips for individuals and their families on Lake Erie during the season from May 15-October 15. (The ramp and boat are wheelchair accessible.) Activities in winter months related to boating, maritime history may also be available. Website: www.excaliburls.com | Erie Niagara Genesee Orleans Allegany Chautauqua Cattaraugus |
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People Inc. 1219 North Forest Rd. President & CEO |
1. Family Advocacy, Training, and Support ID# 63100934 Elizabeth Assad-Penner Natalie Ryan |
Provides outreach and assistance to families, including: Advocacy in all settings- Language/cultural support on medical and other appointments, advocacy in the school districts, assisting families in understanding educational and health care rights. Educational Strategies/Support- Implementing educational strategies in the home, serving as a liaison between school personnel and Care Coordinator. Advocating for necessary supports related to the person’s disability and possible language/cultural need. Supports with schoolwork, assisting parents in identifying resources that may be helpful for the child, establishing good nutrition and sleep routines, etc. Working with Care Coordinator to assure other Social Determinants of Health are addressed that may be impacting educational success. Support through Life Transitions/Crisis- Providing short term supports a family may need because of a life transition (i.e. death in the family, graduation from school, illness, hospitalization, loss of job/income, loss of housing, etc.). Short term support to Immigrant and Refugee Families- Assistance to families who do not speak English as a primary language (foreign language or ASL) in navigating OPWDD and non-OPWDD services by providing information sharing between OPWDD programs, the Care Coordinator, ethnic based organizations and other partners. This would include temporary services with the intent to link with CCO to help with establishing eligibility. General advocacy and coordination with other providers when there are a language or cultural barrier, and assistance in setting up inclusive plans. Transportation Barriers- Transportation of last resort or when other options are not feasible (i.e. paratransit or Medicaid cab), or when an as needed/short term option is needed. Mobility training to help families be as independent as possible. Support and Training- Follow up to health care appointments to assure the Care Coordinators and families have the necessary information in complicated situations. Support and training to parents. |
Erie Genesee Niagara Orleans |
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2. Intensive Behavior Training and Coaching (IBTC) ID# 63100880 Julie Barber |
In-home behavior management services for individuals who live in the community with their families, in-home clinical assessment, individual planning, and intervention for families. | Erie Niagara Genesee Orleans Allegany Chautauqua Cattaraugus |
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3. Personal Development Mentoring ID# 63100791 |
Aids individuals and families to identify strengths and talents and apply techniques to pursue their goals. Services are one on one, short term, and intensive based on need. | Erie Niagara |
| Formerly: Autism Services 40 Hazelwood Drive Amherst, NY 14228 |
4. In Home Clinical Support ID# 63100936 Julie Barber |
Provides in-home sensory services to individuals with autism or autism spectrum. Specialist services are accessed through a consultant model to assess sensory needs and develop approaches that parents can implement in the home. | Erie Genesee Niagara |
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6. Social Skills ID# 63100937 Elizabeth Assad-Penner Natalie Ryan |
The social skills training program is expected to enhance the social abilities needed to successfully participate in leisure, educational and vocational settings. These include, but are not limited to, turn taking, conversational skills, personal boundaries, and other social skills. Groups are conducted twice a month. Ages served: Elementary group: 6-12; Adolescent Group: 13-21 Must have an Autism diagnosis. Those enrolled in this program should be independent in self-care skills. |
Erie Niagara Genesee Orleans Cattaraugus Chautauqua Allegany |
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Starbridge 1650 South Ave., Suite 200 COO: Nikisha Ridgeway |
1. Family Reimbursement ID# 76660782 Jessica May |
The Family Reimbursement Program is provided to help families by easing the expenses of providing care for family members with intellectual or developmental disabilities. FSS reimbursable goods and services must be related to the individual’s intellectual or developmental disability and deemed appropriate and necessary to meet the needs of the individual by the FSS provider. FSS is funding of last resort and cannot be used to supplement an individual’s waiver services funded through the HCBS Waiver. Funding may be approved up to the established statewide cap. | Erie Niagara Genesee Orleans Cattaraugus Chautauqua Allegany |
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2. TIES (Recreation) ID# 76660911 Joyce Steel |
Children and Youth ages 8-21 with developmental disabilities are paired with a trained student volunteer to participate in an inclusive after school, recreational and community activity of their choice. The activities are at various times and locations in their school and community. Each participant has an individualized support plan which details the support they need to participate in to assist with achieving goals. The TIES program develops cooperative relationships with school districts that are interested in bringing TIES to their district. Each year new schools are identified primarily because of parent/ family interest and contact. • Students who have developmental disabilities previously did not have opportunities to participate in inclusive activities. • The natural support of a trained peer volunteer allows for more acceptance by peers. • Positive relationships with school districts have been established and thus school districts have become more inclusive. |
Erie Niagara Genesee Orleans Cattaraugus Chautauqua Allegany |
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3. Independent Parent Advocacy Network (IPAN) ID# 76660897 Joyce Steel |
Provide monthly “Family Fun” events to families that includes advocacy support and follow-up support to families. Advocacy support to families may include: • Build capacity of families to better advocate for their children and other family members. • Better understanding of the educational and OPWDD systems • Educational and other relevant planning • Increased appropriate referrals • Increased access to services • Representation at school (team and CSE meetings and other relevant meetings) Direct support to families with OPWDD eligibility process will: • Assist with communication to DDRO Eligibility Coordinator • Help families locate evals and assessments needed • Referrals for additional assessments needed • Assist with identifying and locating services needed |
Allegany Cattaraugus |
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4. IPAN Transportation Support ID# 76660900 Joyce Steel |
Provide gas gift cards to families ($100 max per family) so that they can attend school meetings (IEP, CSE, etc.), social/recreational events and engage in other meaningful activities in their community. Gift cards will not be used for Medicaid Waiver programs. | Allegany Cattaraugus |
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Suburban Adult Services Inc. 960 W. Maple Court Mr. Jeff Paterson Rebecca Buchnowski |
High Hurdles (Therapeutic Horseback) ID# 70510910 Susan Mentecki |
Program provides therapeutic horseback riding lessons for school age children with developmental disabilities. Program address: 13339 Route 39 Sardinia, NY |
Erie Cattaraugus Chautauqua |
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The Summit Center 150 Stahl Road Lisa Foti, CPA Amy L. Jablonski, Psy. D. |
1.STAR Group Skill Building ID# 91080910 Wendy Loverme Ashlee Bronson |
Skill building groups will be offered to individuals whose parents/caregivers attend a STAR training session as well as individuals who are in a difficult to serve area. This program consists of providing onsite specialized respite/skill building groups to individuals whose families are attending training sessions along with their siblings. The goal is to develop the skills necessary to decrease target behaviors and encourage coping strategies, appropriate requests, and accepting no/waiting. This program serves individuals with Developmental Disabilities ages 3 and up regardless of gender. Virtual modality offered at family’s request. | Erie Niagara Genesee Orleans Cattaraugus Chautauqua Allegany |
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2. STAR Parent Training ID# 91080740 Wendy Loverme Ashlee Bronson |
STAR parent/caregiver training will offer two levels of group parent training: a two-hour Basic Group Parent Education/Support Group (level 1) and a three-step Intensive Group Parent Training (level 2). Both trainings will include a respite/skill building component for the identified child and non-identified siblings if necessary. For the topic areas of challenging behaviors and adaptive skills, priority will be given to individuals, ages 3-10 years old. This will emphasize the importance of modifying challenging behaviors and teaching adaptive skills while the child is young. An initial assessment/intake appointment with the family will determine their level of need. The program will also provide support to planned community recreational and fitness activities as a way of assisting children with disabilities ages 5-18 years, and their families, to become more engaged in their community. The program staff will also accompany the family, providing support and crisis expertise, to enable families to participate in community-based recreational opportunities with their child. The intent of this program is to work with individuals and families towards a goal established at the start of training and eventually fade this support. Parents are to remain with their child during all sessions as the ultimate goal is to fade the staff support so they may independently partake in recreation and leisure activities with their child. This program serves individuals with Developmental Disabilities ages 3 and up regardless of gender. Virtual modality offered at family’s request. | Erie Niagara Genesee Orleans Cattaraugus Chautauqua Allegany |
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3. STAR Intensive Support ID# 91080742 Wendy Loverme Ashlee Bronson |
Our STAR Intensive program provides intensive therapeutic services to individuals that require a high staff ratio due to extreme behavior needs and are unable to be served in waiver respite. Many individuals are awaiting placements in specialized hospital settings or specialized group homes. Individuals will be targeted that have been put on hold from or denied access to traditional respite services. | Erie Niagara Genesee Orleans Cattaraugus Chautauqua Allegany |
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4. LAFFS Building Friendship Fridays ID# 91080911 Wendy Loverme Ashlee Bronson |
Summit Building Friendship Fridays (B.F.F.s) will offer structured community-based respite/skill building groups. This program will provide young adults with regularly scheduled social and recreational activities to occur on weekday evenings, as well as some day activities during school breaks. Individuals meet at a set location and are transported via Summit vehicles to community venues. Recreation and social activities are chosen based on individual and parent surveys. Activities are widely varied across interest groups and staff aims to diversify as much as possible. Outings have included art experiences, culinary preparation, fitness activities and volunteer opportunities. Individuals are expected to carry their own wallet as well as make all personal monetary transactions. This program helps to promote self- advocacy which in turn gives our individuals the self-confidence to better navigate their community. This program serves individuals ages 16-25 regardless of gender. The individuals we serve has a basic skill set of vehicle and community safety as well as independence in bathroom and hygiene skills. They independently can manage their personal possessions including cell phone and wallets. Virtual modality offered at family’s request |
Erie Niagara Genesee Orleans Cattaraugus Chautauqua Allegany |
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The Resource Center (Chautauqua Co ARC) 200 Dunham Avenue Denise Jones |
1. Family Empowerment ID# 60690801 |
The Family Reimbursement Program is provided to help families by easing the expenses of providing care for family members with intellectual or developmental disabilities. FSS reimbursable goods and services must be related to the individual’s intellectual or developmental disability and deemed appropriate and necessary to meet the needs of the individual by the FSS provider. FSS is funding of last resort and cannot be used to supplement an individual’s waiver services funded through the HCBS Waiver. Funding may be approved up to the established statewide cap. | Chautauqua Cattaraugus |
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WNY Independent Living, Inc. 3108 Main St. Stephanie Orlando, CEO |
1. Transportation ID# 86020940 |
This program is available to families when no other transportation options exist. The van transportation program provides high quality safe transportation for individuals. The drivers pick up and drop off at the person’s home or where the individual chooses (up to 6 round trips per month). | Erie Niagara Genesee Orleans |
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2.Bus Pass ID# 86020942 |
This program distributes bus passes to 20 individuals a year. The recipient is required to document when the pass was used and for what reason. | Erie Niagara |
Click here for any Family Support Services – Family Reimbursement forms and Guidelines, effective 7/1/2022
For More Information Contact: region1fss@opwdd.ny.gov
Vanessa Sandor, WNY FSS Program Coordinator at (716) 608-2716 or email Vanessa.M.Sandor@opwdd.ny.gov
Shauna Evanczik-Olrogg, Region 1 FSS Supervisor at (716) 608-2692 or email shauna.l.evanczik@opwdd.ny.gov
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