Maximizing potential throughout a lifetime.

Our family of organizations support all ages and abilities.

AHRC Nassau empowers people to live fulfilling lives.

Together with Family - Friends - Community

Committed to Excellence

CQL Accredited with Person-Centered Excellence With Distinction

AHRC Foundation Walk

Join us at the AHRC Foundation Walk on Sunday, October 25th at Eisenhower Park!

Supports & Services

Employment Services

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Wheatley Farms & Arts Center

Featured Programs

A group of artists from AHRC Nassau's East Meadow Art Gallery pose in front of their art at a local library.

Day Habilitation

AHRC Nassau provides OPWDD-approved Day Habilitation Services, which provide measurable outcomes for the people we serve.

More Information On Day Habilitation

AHRC Nassau self-advocates and direct support professionals march to have their voices heard in New York City as part of the Disability Pride Parade.

Advocacy in Action

Stand up for the issues impacting people of all abilities. Join us in advocating for the needs and rights of people with developmental disabilities.

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A member of the AHRC Nassau Farmingdale Day Hab team carries a completed dog bed to be donated to local animal shelters.

Preparing for Work

We are dedicated to helping people we support find competitively paid community based employment opportunities.

MORE INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

Wheatley Farms Classes & Events

Held on the farm and within the arts center, these classes foster community, encourage creativity, and support personal growth.

More Information On Wheatley Farms

Upcoming Events

october

07oct11:00 am12:00 pmUnderstanding and Supporting Employment Pathways for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities - InformME Series

25oct10:00 am1:00 pmAHRC Foundation Walk 2026

november

04nov2:00 pmDSP Pathways Bi-Monthly Provider Advisory Meeting

Event Details

DSP Pathways: Preparing High School Students for Careers in Human Services

Building a High School–to–Career “Front line to Future,” Initiative to Human Services

AHRC Nassau, in collaboration with The Bellmore Merrick Central High School District and OPWDD, has designed an innovative workforce model that gave rise to DSP Pathways, the first high school recruitment initiative of its kind, strategically aligned with the long-term workforce needs of New York State providers. Grounded in a forward-thinking philosophy of succession planning, the model recognizes that the future of direct support services depends on early, intentional engagement of emerging talent. By cultivating interest at the high school level and equipping students with exposure, skills, and purpose-driven career pathways, our collaboration has proactively built a sustainable talent initiative. This approach not only addresses critical workforce shortages but also reinforces a broader commitment to continuity, quality of care, and the long-term stability of the human services across New York State. During the experience students increase their compassion, understanding and acceptance of people receiving services.

Through its unique partnership with the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, AHRC Nassau and OPWDD, further advanced this vision by supporting the School District in the development of the first standalone DSP curriculum recognized within New York State education. The course meets the profile of a graduate in NYS. This groundbreaking collaboration has been instrumental in preparing students for meaningful career pathways while also supporting their successful graduation outcomes. Together, this partnership exemplifies how education and service providers can align to create scalable, impactful solutions that benefit students, communities, and the future workforce.

DSP Pathways is an innovative high school workforce development program designed to prepare students for meaningful careers as Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) while they are still in school. Through a structured blend of classroom instruction, hands-on work-based learning, and nationally recognized credentialing, the program creates a seamless transition from education to employment in the human services field.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

For more information, reach out to: dsppathwaysli@ahrc.org