Senior Home
Caregivers
Entitlement Programs & Financial Assistance
Help Line
Health Promotion
Housing
Information & Counseling
Medical - Nursing - Home Care & Long Term Care
Municipal Agencies
News Releases
Nutrition Programs
Outreach and Special Services
Passes and Discounts
Publications
Recreation & Education
Related Links
Senior Photo Album
Transportation
Volunteer and Employment
City, Town & Village Governments
New York State Government
U.S. Government

Office for the Aging

Breadcrumb Start you are here >Home/Outreach & Special Services

Outreach and Special Services

                        Outreach Services – Click Here

                        Disability-Related Web Sites – Click Here

                        Organizations Serving People with Specific Illnesses – Click Here

                        Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired – Click Here

                        Services for the Speech and Hearing Impaired – Click Here

                        Services to the Physically Challenged – Click Here

                        Services for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities – Click Here

                        Services to the Homebound – Click Here

                        Services to Hispanic Seniors – Click Here

                        Alzheimer’s Support Services – Click Here

                        Safety Services – Click Here

OUTREACH SERVICES

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION

The Economic Opportunity Commission funds Community Action Programs located in the communities of: Freeport, Glen Cove, Hempstead, Port Washington, Rockville Centre and Roosevelt. Low income, older residents may obtain information, referral, transportation and emergency assistance. For further information:

Economic Opportunity Commission  
134 Jackson Street  
Hempstead, NY 11550 (516) 292-9710

Back to Top

DISABILITY-RELATED WEB SITES OF INTEREST

Abilities!
American Association of Persons with Disabilities www.aapd-dc.org
American Council of the Blind www.acbny.org
Disability Resources on the Internet www.disabilityresources.org
Jewish Guild for the Blind www.jgb.org
Lighthouse International www.lighthouse.org
Long Island Speech Language Hearing Association www.lisha.org
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders www.nidcd.nih.gov
New York State Library – Talking Books and Braille Library www.nysl.nysed.gov/tbbl/index.html
Technology Resources in Education Center www.trecenter.org
United Spinal Association www.unitedspinal.org

Back to Top

ORGANIZATIONS SERVING PEOPLE WITH SPECIFIC ILLNESSES

Alzheimer’s Association, Long Island Chapter (516) 935-1033 www.alzheimersli.org
Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation (LIAF) (516) 767-6856 www.liaf.org
American Cancer Society 1-631-436-7070 www.cancer.org
American Diabetes Association 1-631-348-0422 www.diabetes.org
American Heart Association (516) 777-8447 www.americanheart.org
American Liver Foundation 1-800-465-4837 www.liverfoundation.org
American Lung Association of Nassau/Suffolk 1-800-586-4872 www.lungusa.org
American Parkinson Disease Association (516) 626-6114 www.apdaparkinson.org
Arthritis Foundation 1-631-427-8272 www.arthritis.org
Cancer Care 1-800-813-4673 www.cancercare.org
Depression and Bi-Polar Support Alliance 1-800-826-3632 www.dbsalliance.org
Glaucoma Foundation 1-800-452-8266 www.glaucomafoundation.org
Hepatitis Foundation International 1-800-891-0707 www.hepfi.org
National Association for Continence 1-800-252-3337 www.nafc.org
National Cancer Institute 1-800-422-6237 www.cancer.gov
National Headache Foundation 1-888-643-5552 www.headaches.org
National Kidney Foundation 1-800-622-9010 www.kidney.org
National Multiple Sclerosis Society 1-800-344-4867 www.nationalmssociety.org
National Osteoporosis Foundation 1-800-223-9994 www.nof.org
National Tuberculosis Center 1-800-482-3627 www.nationaltbcenter.edu
United Ostomy Association 1-800-826-0826 www.uoaa.org

Back to Top

SERVICES FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED

HELEN KELLER SERVICES FOR THE BLIND

This program offers extensive programs and services for the elderly blind. For additional information, call:

Helen Keller Services for the Blind  
1 Helen Keller Way  
Hempstead, NY 11550 (516) 485-1234
www.helenkeller.org  

NASSAU LIBRARY SYSTEM

Libraries throughout Nassau County offer Talking Books and large print books for persons who are visually impaired.

Contact local library or Nassau Library System:                  292-8920

N.Y. STATE COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY HANDICAPPED

Legally blind individuals who want to work can receive vocational rehabilitation and training to care for themselves at home. For information, call:

N.Y. State Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped
50 Clinton Street, Suite 208 (516) 564-4311
Hempstead, NY 11550 Toll free: 1-866-871-3000
www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main/cbvh TDD: 1-866-871-6000

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OFFICE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
147 Schleigel Boulevard Voice/TTY
Amityville, NY 11701 1-631-789-5218

Orientation, mobility instruction, and counseling are provided to help visually impaired clients function independently and safely at home, in the work place, and in other environments. They learn communication and other daily living skills such as cooking, handling money, and home management. Visually impaired adults can participate in a weekly recreation, and education program at the VIP Center, which is partially funded by the DEPARTMENT OF SENIOR CITIZEN AFFAIRS. Transportation and a hot lunch are provided.

Catholic Charities VIP Center  
St. James United Methodist Church  
St. James Place  
Lynbrook, NY 11563 (516) 887-0768

Back to Top

SERVICES FOR THE SPEECH AND HEARING IMPAIRED

HEARING LOSS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA aka SELF HELP FOR HARD OF HEARING PEOPLE, INC. (SHHH)

This agency offers support groups for hearing impaired persons. Meetings are held the 2nd Thursday of the month, except during the summer at the Oceanside Public Library.

Hearing Loss Association  
South Nassau Chapter (516) 763-1557 (voice)
P.O. Box 533 (516) 763-7444 (voice)
Oceanside, NY 11572-0533 (516) 678-4294 (TTY/TDD)
www.nysashhh.org  

The Assistive Devices Center, at the same location, is an educational and informational service operated by volunteers. Devices are other than hearing aids. There are no fees or sales. Appointments are required. Call: (516) 763-7444

CENTER FOR HEARING AND COMMUNICTAIONS

This agency, also known as the League for the Hard of Hearing, provides services which include audiology, communication therapy, otology, mental health counseling, an assistive device center, as well as career development and job placement assistance to people who are deaf or hard of hearing. There is a sliding scale fee and Medicaid is accepted.

Center for Hearing and Communication  
50 Broadway, 6th Floor Voice 1-917-305-7700
New York, NY 10004 TTY 1-917-305-7999
www.lhh.org Fax 1-917-305-7888

MILL NECK SERVICES

The Audiology Department provides audiological and hearing aid services. The Services for Deaf Adults offers job-related assistance, including placement, communication skills training, vocational evaluation services, and interpreter services.

Mill Neck Foundation  
34 Frost Mill Road  
P.O. Box 193 (516) 922-3818
Mill Neck, NY 11765 (Voice/TDD)
www.millneck.org  

SENIOR LUNCH PROGRAM FOR HEARING IMPAIRED PERSONS

Operated by Catholic Charities, Diocese of Rockville Centre with funding provided by the NASSAU COUNTY OFFICE FOR THE AGING, this program serves all of Nassau County and provides a hot lunch and supportive services one day/week.

Wantagh Senior Deaf Club  
St. Frances de Chantal Church  
1309 Wantagh Avenue  
Wantagh, NY  11793 (516) 733-7009

Speech and hearing services are available at the following medical centers and universities:

Nassau University Medical Center  
Speech and Hearing Unit (516) 572-4955
   
Franklin Hospital Medical Center  
Speech, Language & Pathology Dept. (516) 256-6281
   
Long Island Jewish Medical Center  
Hearing and Speech Center 1-718-470-8910
   
North Shore University Hospital at Glen Cove  
Speech and Hearing Center (516) 674-7695
   
Adelphi University  
Speech and Hearing Center (516) 877-4850
   
C.W. Post Speech and Hearing Clinic (516) 299-2436
   
Hofstra University  
Speech-Language-Hearing Center (516) 463-5656

Back to Top

SERVICES TO THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED

NASSAU COUNTY OFFICE FOR THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED serves as an advocate and liaison for people with disabilities and is responsible for ensuring Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. It promotes equal access in education, employment, transportation, recreation, and consumerism in the private sector, and develops public awareness through referral services, conferences, and dissemination of literature. This agency issues the New York State Handicapped Parking Permit.

Nassau County Office for the Physically Challenged  
60 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard  
Uniondale, NY 11553 (516) 227-7399
www.nassaucountyny.gov  

ABLE-RIDE PROGRAM - (516) 288-4000
Click Here for Transportation: Medical and Special Transportation

LONG ISLAND CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING, INC.

This non-residential center offers a wide range of services and information needed by disabled people. Services are available to help establish and maintain independent living, and include counseling, benefits advisement, equipment loan, limited transportation to members, and a consumer-directed personal assistance program.

Long Island Center for Independent Living, Inc.
3601 Hempstead Turnpike, Suite 500 (516) 796-0144
Levittown, NY 11756 Voice
www.licil.net (516) 796-0135
  TTY

NASSAU COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MUSEUMS – SENIOR CITIZEN UNIT offers recreational activities for older persons. For further information:

Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Museums
Eisenhower Park - Senior Citizen Unit  
East Meadow, NY 11554 (516) 572-0338
www.nassaucountyny.gov  

LONG ISLAND ADVOCACY CENTER

This agency provides individuals with disabilities assistance with service coordination, accessing vocational rehabilitation programs, and obtaining educational services. Specially trained staff ensures individuals receive all services to which they are entitled under the law.

Long Island Advocacy Center  
999 Herricks Road  
New Hyde Park, NY 11040 248-2222
www.theliac.org  

NEW YORK STATE COMMISSION OF QUALITY CARE AND ADVOCACY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

This agency serves individuals with all kinds of disabilities by providing independent oversight of programs and services designed to meet their needs, and by offering legal, advocacy, traiining, information, and technical assistance services to promote their full inclusion in all aspects of community life.

New York State Commission of Quality Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities
401 State Street 1-800-624-4143
Schenectady, NY 12305 (Voice/TTY/SWpanish)
www.cqc.ny.gov  

 

TRAID-IN EQUIPMENT SERVICE EXCHANGE
Click here for Medical, Nursing, Home Care and Long Term Care Services: Medical Equipment

ABLEDATA

This federally-sponsored program provides objective information on assistive technology and rehabilation equipment that is available to consumers, orgaizations, professionals, and caregivers. Its database contains information on more that 40,000 items, including a detailed description, price if available, and contact information for the product's manufacturers and distributors.

AbleData  
8630 Fenton Street, Suite 930 S1-800-227-0216
Silver Spring, MD 20910 www.Abledata.com

DISABILITY.GOV

This federal-sponsored website provides an information on disability-related programs, services, laws and benefits in order to connect people with disabilities, their family members, caregivers, and others with the resources they need to ensure that people of all abilities can fully participate in the workplace and in their communities. Contact http://www.disability.gov

DISABILITY RESOURCES, INC.

This organization disseminates information about printed materials, videos, databases, agencies, organizations, telephone hotlines and on-line services that provide free, inexpensive or hard-to-find information to help people with disabilities live independently.  Information is only available via the Internet.  Contact: http://disabilityresources.org.

 

Back to Top

SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

NASSAU COUNTY OFFICE OF MENTAL HEALTH, CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

The Nassau County Office of Mental Health, Chemical Dependency and Developmental Disabilites Services provides funds for programs that assist persons with developmental disabilities to sustain themselves in appropriate community settings. Services are designed to improve and maximize the participant's quality of life and increase the participant's level of independence by providing opportunities for community integration.

Nassau County Office of Mental Health, Chemical Dependency and Developmental Disabilities
60 Charles Linbergh Bovlevard  
Uniondale, NY 11553 (516) 227-7057
www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/MentalHealth/index.html

OFFICE FOR PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities assists consumers to meet the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.  Family Support Services are designed to assist families in providing care for their loved ones with developmental disabilities who live full-tim in their family home. Regional offices coordinate an extensive network of supports for older persons that allow them to receive services such as adult day care, information and assistance, recreation and activity programs, and specialized residential supports.  Contact:

Office for People With Developmental Disabilities
Long Island Regional Office  
45 Mall Drive, #1  
Commack, NY  11725 1-631-493-1700
www.opwdd.ny.gov

Back to Top

SERVICES TO THE HOMEBOUND

CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Click here for Medical, Nursing, Home Care and Long Term Care Services: Information and Assistance

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

Friendly visiting services are sometimes available through local churches and organizations. For information, call: (516) 227-8900

HOME CARE SERVICES
Click here for Medical, Nursing, Home Care and Long Term Care Services

HOME DELIVERED MEALS
Click here for Nutrition Programs: Home Delivered Meals

FOOD SHOPPING AND HOME MAINTENANCE

Some local supermarkets and food stores deliver. Some food shopping services will shop for a fee. In some communities, youth groups and local school districts provide shopping and limited chore services for a nominal fee. Several senior centers offer shopping services for their members.

For information about these services contact:
NASSAU COUNTY OFFICE FOR THE AGING (516) 227-8900

Back to Top

SERVICES TO HISPANIC SENIORS

Spanish speaking senior citizens may obtain literature, advice and consultation from the following agencies.

CASA – Coordinating Agency for Spanish Americans  
40 Main Street  
Hempstead, NY 11550 (516) 572-0750
www.nassaucountyny.gov  
   
Circulo de la Hispanidad  
26 West Park Avenue  
Long Beach, NY 11561 (516) 431-1135
www.cdlih.org  
   
Hispanic Brotherhood of Rockville Centre, Inc.  
59 Clinton Avenue  
Rockville Centre, NY 11570 (516) 766-6610
www.hispanicbrotherhood.org  

Hispanic Brotherhood also operates a senior center and provides nutrition services with funding from the Nassau County Office for the Aging.

Hispanic Counseling Center  
344 Fulton Avenue  
Hempstead, NY 11550 (516) 538-2613
www.hispaniccounseling.org  
   
Hispanic Economic Opportunity Program
134 Jackson Street  
Hempstead, NY 11550 (516) 486-2800

Back to Top

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT SERVICES

THE LONG ISLAND CHAPTER OF THE ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION

This non-profit charitable organization works with family members, health professionals, and researchers to provide help and support to Alzheimer patients and their families. They sponsor many programs including support groups, conferences and workshops, respite programs, and a Safe Return® Program.”

The Association’s SAFE RETURN PROGRAM helps identify, locate, and return lost and/or confused individuals whose memory is impaired due to Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders. The program provides an identity bracelet or necklace, clothing labels and wallet cards to identify the individual; registration in a national data base; a 24-hour toll-free number to contact; and immediate access to the National Crime Information computer, a network of 17,000 local law enforcement agencies. The program enables police, community agencies, and private citizens to return lost individuals to their loved ones.

Alzheimer’s Association, Long Island Chapter

 
3281 Veteran’s Highway, Suite E-13 Nassau: (516) 935-1033
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779 Suffolk: 1-631-580-5100
www.alzheimersli.org 24 hour Help-Line 1-800-272-3900

LONG ISLAND ALZHEIMER’S FOUNDATION (LIAF)

LIAF is a non-profit charitable organization providing a broad range of services including a Resource and Referral Center, the “Alzheimer’s Disease Directory of Services,” support groups, conferences and workshops, and a free newsletter. In addition, the agency operates an Early Stage Program that ncludes weekly support groups; Bridges, a mid-stage program; and the Memory Lane Club, a social model adult day care program. Fundraising activities help to provide research and program grants and awards.

The LIAF SAFETY PROGRAM includes distribution of a kit which enables caregivers to inform emergency or rescue workers that an Alzheimer’s patient resides in the home. A uniformly recognized symbol, displayed on the refrigerator door, notifies trained personnel to look inside for a packet of pertinent information, and to immediately search for a bedridden or absent Alzheimer’s patient. Members of Nassau County police and fire departments and emergency medical technicians have been trained to look for this symbol and take appropriate action.

Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation (LIAF)  
5 Channel Drive (516) 767-6856
Port Washington, NY 11050 Fax: (516) 767-6864
www.liaf.org  

MEMORY DISORDER PROGRAM

A diagnostic work-up to determine the cause of the presenting symptoms is conducted by a team that includes geriatric physicians, nurses, and ocial workers. Symptoms may include memory loss, confusion, forgetfulness, and agitated behavior. The process includes an intake interview, a complete medical history, physical examination, etc. When necessary, referral may be made for neuropsychological testing or geriatric psychiatric evaluation. Depending on the diagnosis, educational material and links to community resources are provided.

North Shore University Hospital - Geriatric Medical Group
Memory Disorder Program  
2800 Marcus Avenue, Suite 200  
Lake Success, NY 11042 (516) 708-2520

Back to Top

SAFETY SERVICES

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEMS

For isolated frail elderly residents in Nassau County an electronic device enables them to reach assistance 24 hours a day through a central switchboard. Electronic response systems generally work in the following way. The person wears a small electronic device. If help is needed, a punch of a button signals a central switchboard, and a trained operator immediately calls back. If there is no response, the operator calls a designated contact person. If no one can be contacted, the Police or Fire Department is called to check on the person. Prices vary. Call for information on installation costs, monthly operating fees and services.

United Life Line

 
P.O. Box 411 (516) 364-3401
Woodbury, NY 11797 or 1-800-345-4571
www.unitedlifeline.com/  

Voice Care - Catholic Charities Home Care
15 Power Drive  
Hauppauge, NY 11788 1-631-940-3350

NOTE: For information on other systems, check the Yellow Pages (Medical Alarms, Systems and Monitoring) or search for Emergency Response Systems on the Internet.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Individuals should take responsibility for making plans on what to do, who to call, and where to go in the event of an emergency. Identify a neighbor, friend, or family member who can assist with transportation or housing. Incorporate any pets in the emergency preparedness plan. Prepare a Home Survival Kit that includes toiletries, flashlight and portable radio with extra batteries, first aid kit, one week supply of medications, non-perishable canned or packaged foods with manual can opener, bottled water, and a list of emergency contacts. In the event you must leave your home, identify the clothing, medications, important papers, and other necessary supplies that must be taken. For additional information, contact:

American Red Cross www.redcross.org
  www.prepare.org
American Veterinary Medical Association www.avma.org/disaster
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) www.fema.gov
Homeland Security www.ready.gov/america/index.html
United States (for animal safety) www.hsus.org
National Hurricane Center www.nhc.noaa.gov
U.S. Fire Adminstration (fire safety) www.usfa.dhs.gov

 

For information specifically for persons with disabilities, contact:
National Organization on Disability www.nod.org

CRIME PREVENTION SERVICES

The Nassau County Police Department Community Affairs offers instruction, lectures, films and assistance with engraving of valuables. For further information, call:
NASSAU COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT (516) 573-7360

MEDIC ALERT

This emergency medical protection system includes a recognized medic alert bracelet or necklace. Engraved on one side is the person’s medical condition, his/her membership number, and a 24-hour emergency answering service number. For further information, call or write:

Medic Alert Foundation  
2323 Colorado Avenue 1-888-633-4298
Turlock, CA 95382 Fax: 1-209-669-2450
www.medicalert.org  

VIAL OF LIFE

Vital medical and emergency information is placed in a packet which is attached to a shelf in the person’s refrigerator. Police, Fire Departments, escue Teams and hospitals are aware of this program. The packet is provided without charge and a Health Care Proxy is also enclosed. For registration forms, contact local areas:

City of Long Beach (L.I.F.E.) (516) 431-3510
Town of Hempstead (516) 485-8100
Town of North Hempstead 869-6311

Back to Top