EIP Transition Guidance - Other Programs and Resources for Children and Their Families

In addition to the Early Intervention Program (EIP) and preschool special education programs and services, there are a number of programs administered by other State agencies that are helpful to children with special needs and their families. It is important for all professionals working with young children and their families to be informed about and help families access services available through other State agencies. Although this is particularly important when children are transitioning from the EIP to other services, it is also important for families and service coordinators to be aware of and access these other service delivery systems as needs emerge while children are receiving services from the EIP. These include:

Office for People With Developmental Disabilities

The Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) operates 13 Developmental Disabilities Services Offices (DDSOs) responsible for arranging and planning for the care, treatment, habilitation, and rehabilitation services to individuals with mental retardation and developmental disabilities (such as autism, cerebral palsy, seizure disorders, Down syndrome, and children with multiple disabilities). In partnership with consumers, families, staff, private providers, and local governments, the DDSOs provide person-centered assistance to improve the quality of life of individuals and their families through the provision of housing, employment, and family support services. The list of DDSOs, including addresses and telephone numbers, can be found in Appendix J. For more information visit the OPWDD Web site at http://www.opwdd.ny.gov/.

Office of Mental Health

The Office of Mental Health (OMH) is responsible for developing plans, programs, and services for the care, treatment, rehabilitation, education and training of individuals with mental illness. OMH provides direct services at nineteen adult, six children's and three forensic psychiatric centers and provides fund allocation and certification of non-State-operated mental health programs. Visit the OMH Web site at http://www.omh.ny.gov. For questions about mental health services, to find a mental health service provider, or to make a complaint, call the OMH customer relations at 1-800-597-8481.

Office of Children and Family Services

The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) provides operational support and policy direction to local social services districts and youth bureaus across the State and is responsible for the operation of 48 statewide residential and day placement facilities for youth. Programs and services provided through OCFS include child and adult protective, child welfare, domestic violence, pregnancy prevention, family services, youth development and delinquency prevention, juvenile justice, and after care programs. For general information contact (518) 473-7793 or visit the OCFS Web site at http://otda.ny.gov/. For information about other programs for children, call 1-800-345-KIDS.

Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped

Located within the Office of Children and Family Services, the Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped (CBVH) is responsible for the administration of programs and services to legally blind individuals to enhance independence and facilitate opportunities to participate in the community. CBVH provides a range of services for individuals who are legally blind through the independent living and vocational rehabilitation provisions of the Federal Rehabilitation Act, as well as through programs serving children and older individuals who are blind. For information about CBVH, call (866) 871-3000.

Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services

The Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) administers a comprehensive program of prevention, intervention, and treatment services for persons addicted to alcohol and other drugs. OASAS plans, develops and regulates the State's system of alcoholism and substance abuse treatment agencies; operates 13 Alcoholism Treatment Centers; licenses and regulates local, community-based providers of inpatient, outpatient and residential services; and monitors programs to ensure quality of care and compliance with State and national standards. For more information visit the OASAS Web site at http://www.oasas.ny.gov. The telephone number for public information and publications is (518) 473-3460. The telephone number for information and referrals is 1-877-8HOPENY (1-877-846-7369).

Office of Advocate for Persons with Disabilities

The Office of Advocate for Persons with Disabilities (OAPwD) is a systems advocacy agency for people with disabilities. Its primary mission is to ensure that people with disabilities have every opportunity to be productive and participating citizens through: full access to emerging technology; access to up-to-date, comprehensive information on and referral to programs and services available to people with disabilities and their families; and, implementation of progressive legislation protecting the equal rights of people with disabilities. For information about OAPwD, call (800) 522-4369 or (518) 473-6005, (voice, TTY and Spanish call (518) 473-4129), electronic BBS call (800) 943-2323 or refer to the OAPwD Web site at https://www.nyconnects.ny.gov/providers/new-york-commission-on-quality-of-care-and-advocacy-for-persons-with-disabilities-cqcapd-sofa-ag-435253.

Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities

The Commission on Quality of Care's Advocacy Services Bureau coordinates a statewide protection and advocacy program for people with disabilities and their families. The Bureau offers training programs to help parents understand special education laws and regulations. These programs are co-sponsored by local groups. For information, call 1-800-624-4143, or visit the Commission's Web site at https://www.nyconnects.ny.gov/providers/new-york-commission-on-quality-of-care-and-advocacy-for-persons-with-disabilities-cqcapd-sofa-ag-435253

Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC)

The New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council is a federally funded state agency working under the direction of the Governor. The DDPC is responsible for developing new ways to improve the delivery of services and supports to New Yorkers with developmental disabilities and their families. For information, call TDD/TTY: 1-800-395-3372 Voice: 518-486-7505, or visit the DDPC Web site at http://ddpc.ny.gov.

State Education Department

State Education Department Early Childhood Direction Centers

The Early Childhood Direction Centers (ECDCs) provide information about programs and services for young children, ages birth through five, who have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities and help families obtain services for their children. For information about the ECDC in your region, refer to VESID's Web site at http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/quality/regassoc.htm . A list of ECDCs is included in Appendix B.

Special Education Quality Assurance Regional Associates

The Regional Associates conduct Quality Assurance Reviews of public and private special education programs to determine compliance with federal and State special education laws and regulations. They also provide technical assistance to parents, school district personnel, and special education programs; and, investigate complaints alleging a public or private special education program's noncompliance with federal or state law or regulation pertaining to the education of students with disabilities. For information about the Regional Associate for your region, refer to VESID's Web site at http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/quality/qaoffices.htm. A list of Regional Associates for each region is attached in Appendix H.

Department of Health

In addition to the EIP, the Department of Health is responsible for a wide range of programs and services to promote and protect the health of children and adults residing in New York State. Examples of other programs and services for children and families include the Child Health Plus insurance program, maternal and child health services funded under the Title V block grant (including services for children with special health care needs), universal newborn hearing screening, vaccination information materials, school-based health centers, and the Women Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program. For more information about the Department of Health, visit the Department's Web site at http://www.health.ny.gov. For information regarding the Early Intervention Program call (518) 473-7016 or email to beipub@health.ny.gov.

Other Community Resources

There are also a variety of community resources that are helpful to all young children and their families. It is important for all professionals working with young children and their families to be informed about and help families access services available through other community resources. Although this is particularly important when children are transitioning from the EIP to other services, it is also important for families and service coordinators to be aware of and access these other service delivery systems as needs emerge while children are receiving services from the Early Intervention Program. Appendix K includes a listing of other important community resources for young children and their families.

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