Services to Special Needs Populations
Information and Advocacy – 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
Alzheimer’s Support Services – Click Here
Safety Services – Click Here
INFORMATION AND ADVOCACY
LONG ISLAND ADVOCACY CENTER (LIAC)
LIAC provides service coordination, assistance in obtaining vocational rehabilitation and other appropriate services, trainings in advocacy skills, and information about relevant laws and regulations. The agency utilizes trained attorneys and paraprofessionals to mediate, negotiate and represent individuals to ensure they receive all appropriate services.
| Long Island Advocacy Center |
|
| Herricks Community Center |
|
| 999 Herricks Road, Room 108 |
(516) 248-2222 |
| New Hyde Park, NY 11040 |
www.theliac.org |
LONG ISLAND CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING
This non-residential center offers a wide range of services and information needed by individuals with disabilities. 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 (LICIL) |
|
| 3601 Hempstead Turnpike, Suite 208 |
(516) 796-0144 |
| Levittown, NY 11756 |
TTY (516) 796-0135 |
| www.licil.net |
|
ADULT VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION RESOURCE
Vocational counselors assist persons with disabilities to obtain vocational rehabilitation services that will lead to employment opportunities in the community.
Adult Career and Continuing Education
Services – Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) |
|
| Garden City District Office |
(516) 227-6800 |
| 711 Stewart Avenue, Suite 4 |
1-888-263-2564 |
| Garden City, NY 11530 |
TTY: (516) 542-2012 |
| www.acces.nysed.gov/vr/ |
|
COMMISSION ON QUALITY OF CARE AND ADVOCACY
The New York State Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities serves people with mental, physical, and sensory disabilities by providing independent oversight of programs and services designed to meet an individual’s needs. Staff offers individuals legal assistance, advocacy, training, information, and technical assistance services to promote their full inclusion in all aspects of community life. One of its programs is the TRAID-IN Equipment Exchange Service. Click Here for additional information on TRAID-IN
The NYS Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities |
| 401 State Street |
1-800-624-4143 |
| Schenectady, NY 12305 |
(Voice/TTY/Spanish) |
| |
www.cqc.ny.gov |
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DISABILITY-RELATED WEB SITES OF INTEREST
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ORGANIZATIONS SERVING PEOPLE WITH SPECIFIC ILLNESSES
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SERVICES FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
HELEN KELLER SERVICES FOR THE BLIND
This agency offers extensive programs and services for individuals who are visually impaired. 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: (516) 292-8920
www.nassaulibrary.org
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 |
Visually impaired adults can participate in a weekly recreation, and education program at the VIP Center, which is partially funded by the OFFICE FOR THE AGING. 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 |
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SERVICES FOR THE SPEECH AND HEARING IMPAIRED
HEARING LOSS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA aka SELF HELP FOR HARD OF HEARING PEOPLE, INC. (SHHH)
This association provides information on hearing aids, hearing loss management, advocacy, cochlear implants and other technology, resources, and communication strategies for family and friends. Webinars with renowned experts in the field are held regularly. Local chapters provide individualized support, information, and education.
| Hearing Loss Association |
|
| 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 1200 |
|
| Bethesda, MD 20814 |
|
| www.hearingloss.org |
1-301-657-2248 |
CENTER FOR HEARING AND COMMUNICATION
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) 922-4100 |
| 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) 733-7051 |
Speech and hearing services are available at the following medical centers and universities:
| Long Beach Medical Center |
(516) 897-1394 |
| Mercy Medical Center |
|
Speech and Hearing Unit
|
(516) 705-2525 |
| Nassau University Medical Center |
|
Speech and Hearing Unit
|
(516) 572-4955 |
| |
|
North Shore University Hospital-
Long Island Jewish Health Care System |
|
Franklin Hospital
– Speech Therapy Center
|
(516) 256-6000 |
Glen Cove Hospital – Speech/Hearing Unit
|
(516) 674-7695 |
Long Island Jewish Medical Center
|
|
Hearing and Speech Center
|
1-718-470-8910 |
| |
|
| 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 |
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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 PARATRANSIT 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 |
(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, training, 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/Spanish) |
| 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 rehabilitation equipment that is available to consumers, organizations, professionals, and caregivers. Its database contains information on more than 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 |
1-800-227-0216 |
| 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.
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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 Disabilities 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.
NEW YORK STATE 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-time 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 |
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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
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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 includes 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 PROGRAMS
North Shore University Hospital-Long Island Jewish Health System
www.northshorelij.com
A diagnostic work-up to determine the cause of the presenting symptoms is conducted by a team that includes geriatric physicians, nurses, and social 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.
Memory Disorders Center
Geriatric Medical Group |
|
| 2800 Marcus Avenue |
|
| Lake Success, NY 11042 |
(516) 708-2520 |
| |
|
| Neuwirth Memory Disorders Program |
|
| The Zucker Hillside Hospital |
|
| 74th Avenue and 263rd Street |
|
| Glen Oaks, NY 11004 |
(516) 470-7000 |
Winthrop University Hospital
Trained staff evaluates for, and treats, cognitive memory deficiencies by conducting a thorough assessment of the patient and carefully monitoring the patient’s condition. Supportive services and educational programs are provided.
Center for Memory and Cognitive Disorders |
|
222 Station Plaza North – Suite 518 |
|
Mineola, NY 11501 |
(516) 663-0333 |
www.winthrop.org |
|
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SAFETY SERVICES
CREDIT CARD/IDENTITY SAFETY
Legal experts offer the following advice to safeguard one’s identity from credit card fraud and theft:
- Do Not sign the back of a credit card. Instead put “Photo ID Required.”
- Do Not put the full account number on checks when paying credit card bills. Instead put the last four (4) digits of the card number.
- Use a PO Box if available instead of a home address.
- When a telephone number is required on a check, use a work number if possible instead of a home telephone number.
- Make a photocopy of both sides of a driver’s license and all credit cards that are carried in a wallet. Keep the photocopy in a safe place.
- Keep the telephone numbers of all credit card companies in an easily accessible place in case a credit card is stolen or lost and must be cancelled immediately.
- File a police report immediately if a credit card is stolen.
- Call the three national credit reporting organizations to place a fraud alert on your name. In this way, any company that checks your credit will know that your information was stolen and they will have to notify you by telephone to authorize new credit requests.
| Equifax: |
1-800-525-6285 |
| Experian (formerly TRW): |
1-888-397-3742 |
| Trans Union: |
1-800-680-7289 |
- Call the Social Security Administration Fraud Line to report any stolen identification materials:
1-800-269-0271
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.
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:
| 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 |
1-888-432-5378 |
| 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, Rescue 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 |
| Nassau County |
1-888-724-1200 |
| Town of North Hempstead |
869-6311 |
“YELLOW DOT” PROGRAM
A yellow dot sticker is placed on a rear window, and directs the first responders to important medical information on a form that is located in the glove compartment of the vehicle. Call for information and a form. (516) 571-6000
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