Family is the most important resource and source of support in the life of a person with a developmental disability.
The dynamic partnership between the person with developmental disabilities, their family and friends, and our professional supports distinguish AHRC Nassau from other service providers. Services to families are provided to strengthen families’ capacities to support family members with intellectual and developmental disabilities and to build their own supportive network. We offer individualized resources and opportunities, with key services including our family respite services, seminar series, sibling supports, a family reimbursement program and guardianship resources.
Families are encouraged to plan for the future needs of their family member with a developmental disability. If you are interested in learning more about future planning and supplemental needs trusts you are encouraged to contact Nassau County AHRC Foundation.
Family Supports
Our InformMe provides a year-long calendar of workshops, presented by professionals in the field, on topics that are important to families, advocates and the community.
The Sibling Group is for adult brothers and sisters who have a sibling receiving services through AHRC Nassau. Meetings often present a topic of interest, serve to support one another and offer guidance based on real-life experience. A staff member is available to offer support and discuss current life challenges/concerns. Come join us! Siblings meet four times a year. For meeting information, please contact Colleen Tapia at ctapia@ahrc.org
At the age of 18, every person, regardless of any developmental disability, is legally considered to be emancipated and are recognized as an adult capable of acting in his/her self-interest. Under current NYS law, guardianship is appropriate for a person with an intellectual or developmental disability for whom it has been determined by two qualified professionals to be legally incapable of managing his/her own affairs, specifically concerning daily living, healthcare, residential, and/or financial decision-making.
Parents of a child who meets the above criteria can consider establishing legal guardianship when their child reaches 18. Assistance with obtaining guardianship for a family member with a developmental disability is available, as is assistance with future care planning.
In cases of last resort, The Arc New York has the authority to act as guardian for an adult with an intellectual and developmental disability living in Nassau County. Serving as a corporate guardian, The Arc New York may be available to serve as primary, standby, or alternate standby guardian. In order to have The Arc New York serve as guardian, you must apply and be approved by both AHRC Nassau and The Arc New York.
To learn more, contact Eileen Stewart-Rooney, Guardianship Coordinator by phone at 516.546.7700 ext. 4205 or by email at erooney2@ahrc.org
For people with developmental disabilities who live at home with their families, AHRC Nassau provides overnight, out-of home residential respite to support families.
Residential Respite
Residential respite provides short-term care on a planned basis to families caring for an adult (18 years and older) who is OPWDD eligible. Respite services include the support of professionally trained and certified staff members along with nursing oversight.
For more information, Click on Contact Us below and complete the form or call central enrollment 516.644.4800
Family Reimbursement provides monetary assistance to help defray the cost of quality-of-life enhancing expenses incurred on behalf of a household member with a developmental disability. Family reimbursement funding is provided through OPWDD.
To be eligible for reimbursement, the person must qualify for OPWDD services, the expenses must directly benefit the person with a developmental disability and the expenses must not be able to be covered by any other means.