New York City News

Stress Relief & Healthy Living Techniques for Those with Mental Illness

Thursdays 1:30- 3 p.m. & Fridays 6:30 - 8 p.m.
15 West 26th Street, 10th Floor, between 6th Ave & Broadway
R/W/F/1/6 to 23rd or 28th Street

Breathing, Indian & Chinese Yoga, Deep Relaxation. (No prior experience necessary.) For more information please contact Jenna Ritter at Jenna@dharanyc.org  or visit the website www.dharanyc.org   ($10 donation requested. Give what you can.)

YAI Autism Center: Social Skills Group

10 Weekly Sessions
3:00-4:00 pm            
The Gramercy School in Midtown West, Manhattan

This program is designed to enhance your child’s social abilities. Art, music, physical movement/dance and yoga will be used tto promote increased socialization while addressing any sensory needs your child may have. For more information or regarding fees, please call 212-273-6100 Ext: 2360

Family Support Series for Caregivers of People with ASD

460 W 34 St., 11 Floor
New York, NY

Various topics. For more information call (212) 273-6182 or visit www.yai.org/autismsupport

What’s Out There and How to Get It

A free training series for families and professionals needing programs and services for children with disabilities.  Topics include: Advocacy Skills for Parents; Transition from School to Adult Life; Getting Appropriate Educational Services; Early Childhood Services: Birth to 5; and Community Resources.  Presented by Resources for Children with Special Needs, Inc. at various locations.  For more information, contact Gary Shulman, MS.Ed. at 212-677-4650 or e-mail: gshulman@resourcesnyc.org or visit http://www.resourcesnyc.org or http://www.resourcesnycdatabase.org 

Read and Play

The program, sponsored by the Brooklyn Public Library Child place for children with special need, is for children ages 0-5 years old and their families. It is centered on book sharing and educational playtime. "Read and Play," is a great program that can help children increase their socialization and language development skills. All of the toys are age appropriate. Please be aware that the program can only accommodate 12 children at a time. Join us and let's have fun. Child Place with children with special need is located at following six barrier-free locations. If there are any questions please do not hesitate to contact me, Juana "Jenny" Flores, Outreach Associate, at the Flatbush Branch.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays
1:00-1:45 pm, Fridays 3:30- 4:15pm
Flatlands Branch
2065 Flatbush Avenue ( Avenue P and Flatlands)
1-718-253-4948

Mondays 1:00- 1:45
Red Hook Branch
7 Wolcott Street at Lorraine Street .
1-718-935-0203

Wednesdays
Saratoga Branch
8 Thomas S. Boyland at Macon
1-718-935-0203

Tuesdays
Sunset Park Branch
5108 Fourth Avenue at 51 St.

New Music Support Group

Every third Thursday of the month                                      
6 – 8 pm
NAMI- NYC Metro
505 Eighth Ave Suite 1103 at 35th Street
New York, NY

This group is a way to experience the healing effects of music.  RSVP by calling NAMI at (212) 684-3264.

Mercy’s Place Babysitting Service

216 Central Ave
White Plains, NY 10606

Specializing in children with special needs, Mercy’s place offers a variety of activities and groups.  These groups and services include Mommy and Me groups, pre-school groups, individualized therapy and private evaluations.  Babysitters are certified in Home Health Aids/ Certified Special Education Teacher Assitants, CPR and First aid.  For more information call (914) 722- 2467 ext. 17.

New Health and Wellness Group

Every Monday                                                                                               
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm starting November 22, 2010
NAMI- NYC Metro
505 Eighth Ave Suite 1103 at 35th Street
New York, NY

This is a complimentary and alternative health treatment plan for NAMI consumers and family members.  Acupuncture services will initially be offered by board certified, Wendy Henry, in Oriental Medicine. RSVP by calling (212) 684-3264

Advocate – the Metro NY Family Support Services Consumer Councils Need You

Parents of children with a developmental disability are needed to participate on the Family Support Consumer Council to develop and monitor family support services for the Boroughs.
The Family Support Consumer Councils work in partnership with the Developmental Disabilities Services Offices to develop and monitor policies, services and supports to enhance a family's ability to provide in-home care to their family member with a developmental disability. Services range from counseling and training, respite, recreation, to family reimbursement for the purchases of goods and services.            
For further information, contact Eric Magwood, 718-642-8659 (Brooklyn); Sheila Green-Gholson 718-217-6117 (Bernard Fineson - Queens); Janet Davis, 212-229-3112 (Metro New York) ; Josie Astacio, 212-430-0469 (Metro New York - Bronx); or Leroy Smith, Jr., 718-982-1903 (Staten Island)

Learn and Earn Program-Abilities Inc.

This program is designed to assist first year community college student with learning disabilities to increase academic skills while participating in work experiences on and off campus. Students are provided with individualized instruction and assistance to develop realistic short and long term goals within a supportive and challenging environment. Students enter the labor market with stronger and more marketable skills. While many students will focus primarily on employment, many others will choose to work as they pursue higher education with greater confidence in their capabilities. Contact information: Nassau Community College-Ann Benedict 516-572-9775; Queensborough Community College-Angela Russo 718-281-5774; NYC College of Technology-Michelle Campbell 516-465-1512

You and I: A Social/Sexual Skills Training & Recreation Program

designed to provide the opportunity to meet new people and have more meaningful and satisfying relationships. Individuals must be living with their parents at home and reside in Manhattan. For more information, call  Bobra Fyne at 212-273-6202.

Getting Resources for Autistic Children’s Equality (GRACE)

Bowling, swimming, gym and little league activities will require only one annual fee of $30 for a member child to participate in any or all of the activities. For family or sibling participation, the cost will be $5 more, or a total of $35 for the year. You must  register for each activity. If you cannot afford to pay the full amount right away, you can defer all or part of the payment. The important thing is that your child participates in these activities. Mike Galdorisi is responsible for coordinating all recreation activities. Contact The GRACE Foundation of New York, 6581 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 1030

Early Intervention Service Coordination

EISC provides service coordination for infants and toddlers with known or suspected developmental delays. There is no cost to the family and U.S. citizenship is not required. Call 1-888-424-3472

Tae Kwon Do for Children with Special Needs

Anyone can learn Tae Kwon Do regardless of strength, sex, or natural abilities. It is not just kicking and punching; it is a modern universal art of self defense and character development. Classes meet every Sunday 9:15-10 a.m. or 10-10:45 a.m., Party & Arts Center, 68/29 Myrtle Ave., Glendale. Call 718-366-6080 for more information.

Free Psychological Evaluations and Psychosocial Assessments

For individuals living in Queens who are developmentally disabled and do not have medicaid. To make a referral call Clara Cordero, Family and Clinical Intake Mgr at AHRC 212-780-2387

Parent Training Program for Parents with Mental Disabilities

Participating families will receive: in home parent training, in home behavior management and intensive case management and advocacy. Requirements: parents must be developmentally disabled and must reside in Queens. For information, contact Alcides Casares at 212-780-2592 or 917-459-1163.

Eden II Programs/Keyspan Foundation Autism Workshop Series

Eden II Programs, in conjunction with KeySpan Foundation will offer workshops designed to assist professionals and parents develop more effective programs for individuals affected by autism spectrum disorder. Pre-registration is necessary. For more information, contact Marissa Bennett @ 516-937-1397 x217.

NYU Child Study Center is seeking preschool children

who are restless, overactive, have trouble paying attention, easily distracted and very impulsive to participate in a study. The program runs for 8 weeks and consist of weekly 60-90 minute sessions.  Children receive a comprehensive evaluation to determine eligibility for the study. Treatment is provided at no cost. For more information, please contact Robyn Stotter (robyn.stotter@nyumc.org) at (212) 263-2734 or Christina Grice (christina.grice@nyumc.org) at (212) 263- 2738

New Autism School Opening

HeartShare Human Service of New York is opening its new Heartshare School. This program is for school-age children with autism and mental retardation from all five boroughs. Located at St. Finbar's School in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, children ages 5-14 are eligible for services. For more information about the HeartShare School, call 718-323-2877 or visit www.heartshare.org

Become a New York Botanical Garden Volunteer

Join a special group of people whose abilities and talent are diverse and whose dedication and commitment are infinite. Learn new skills and gain valuable experience while contributing to an institution with local and global significance. For more information please contact Jacqueline Martinez (718) 817-8564 volunteer@nybg.org

On the Road to Independence…

Ramapo for Children’s Staff Assistant Experience offers a new opportunity for young adults 18 to 30 with special needs
           
One-on-one coaching tailored to the needs of each participant. Living and working in a rustic camp community with age-matched typically developing mentors. A culture which promotes lifelong learning; health and self-care; meaningful communication; self-advocacy, and personal responsibility. Leadership and supervision from a resident professional staff with substantial experience working with special needs populations. For more information or to apply, please call (212)754-7003.

The Children’s Research Unit

at the City College of New York is conducting a research study about brain development.  If you have a typically developing child between the age of 6 and 17 year old, he or she may qualify to participate in the study. For more information please call (212) 650-5711 or (212) 650-5680 Email: ChildrensResearchUnit@gmail.com

Eligibility Evaluations offered at the Fay J. Lindner Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders

Providers of services such as respite, social skills, therapy, behavioral consultation, vocational counseling often require that recipients meet certain eligibility criteria. Scores on a recent cognitive (IQ) test and an assessment of adaptive functioning are often necessary. If you are interested in receiving an eligibility evaluation, call 516-802-8600.

Free Tax Help and More Available by SPEC Disability Initiative

Stakeholder Partnerships, Education and Communication (SPEC) Disability Initiative educates taxpayers with disabilities on available tax credits, deductions, and free tax help.  The following organizations are involved in the SPEC Disability Initiative in New York City:  UCP, Independent Living, United Way, Mayors Office - Office on Disability, Food Change, Queens CP, National Disability Institute, CMEP, Neighborworks, Independent Care System, Disability Network of NYC, The Initiative for Women with Disabilities, Visions at Selis Manor, and Lighthouse for the Blind.  For more information about SPEC Disability Initiative and Real Economic Impact Tour visit www.reitour.org

Project GROW

is a 7-session parent training program in positive behavior management for parents or legal guardians of a child with a developmental disability.   If interested, please contact Kelly Flanigan 212-273-6259, fax 212-268-1083.

Genuine Alternative in Therapy (G.A.I.T) Therapeutic Riding Center

“To improve the quality of life of children and adults with special needs resulting in a more independent life in society.” Become a member and help the program to continue and grow. For more information please call (570) 409-1140 or email: gaitpa@gmail.com. Visit G.A.I.T.’s official website: www.gaitpa.org.

PO Box 69
Milford, PA 18337

Mommy and Me

Every Thursday
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Music Conservatory of Westchester (Rm 210)
216 Central Ave
White Plains, NY 10606

This is for children 2.5 – 3.8 years of age to play in inclusive, interactive groups. Instructors our certified bi-lingual teachers that provide families with a multi sensory play approach to learning. First session is free. Contact their office at (914) 722- 2467 to RSVP to the group.

---