Special Needs Directory
Advocates Incorporated. Parent-based organization offering support services to individuals with disabilities and their families as they navigate the complexities of the legal, social, medical and educational systems. 469-9931. www.advocatesincorporated.org
Alternative Autism Solutions. Mary E. Riposo, Ph.D., licensed professional counselor, offers reiki, soul realignment and consultation. 111 Ferris Ave., Syracuse. 449-0040. www.alternativeautismsolutions.com
Arc of Onondaga—Parkside Children’s Center. Daycare, preschool program, early intervention, home-based services, family/parent support, school-age transition, summer program for people with developmental disabilities and their families. 301 Valley Drive, Syracuse. 468-1632. www.arcon.org
ARISE Child and Family Service Inc. Independent living center by and for people with disabilities. Services include counseling, mental health, youth transition. Home-access ramps for income-eligible Syracuse residents. 635 James St., Syracuse. 472-3171. www.ariseinc.org
Aurora of Central New York Inc. Early intervention for infants and toddlers with suspected vision loss. 518 James St., Syracuse. 422-7263. http://www.auroraofcny.org/home/
Autism Spectrum and Related Disorders Clinic. Screening, consultation and other services for children ages birth-9 years who have or are at risk for developmental disability. MLW Developmental Evaluation Center, 215 Bassett St., Syracuse. 472-4404. http://www.upstate.edu/gch/services/autism/about.php
BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services)—Onondaga, Cortland, Madison Special Education Office. Numerous programs: career exploration for ages 14-21; deaf and hard of hearing student program; students with autism program; GED special education classes; life skills development program for older adolescents; and many others. Main office, 6820 Thompson Road, Syracuse. 453-4467. www.ocmboces.org
Brain Injury Association of NYS-Central Region. Provides assistance locating appropriate community services, accessing financial entitlements; sponsors support groups for individuals and family members; and offers education and advocacy regarding traumatic brain injury. Serves individuals who sustained a brain injury prior to age 22, and their families. 4873 Thornwood Drive, Liverpool. 453-7120.
Brain Injury Coalition of Central New York. Comprised of brain injury survivors, family members and community organizations, provides education, resources, activities and support through networking. Box 304, East Syracuse, 13057. 425-5364. www.upstate.edu/library/healthinfo/cny/tbi
Canine Working Companions, Inc. Provides people with disabilities with service, hearing or therapy dogs. Box 2128, Syracuse, 13220-2128. 656-3301. www.canineworkingcompanions.org
Center for Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics. Evaluation, diagnostic and management services for people with developmental, genetic and physical disabilities including spina bifida. 725 Irving Ave., Suite 112, Syracuse. 866-543-KIDS.
Central New York Developmental Services Office. Supports and services for people with developmental disabilities (including mental retardation, autism and neurological impairments). 800 S. Wilbur Ave., Syracuse. 473-5050. www.omr.state.ny.us/ws/ws_central.jsp
Child Care Solutions. Referrals and consumer information on early-childhood and after-school programs. 6724 Thompson Road, Syracuse. 446-1220. www.childcaresyracuse.org
Children First. Early intervention services for birth-age 3 including speech, occupational and physical therapies; feeding and swallowing disorders; and a teacher for the visually impaired. 725 Erie Blvd. W., Syracuse. 472-7094.
Children’s Rights and Elder Law Clinics. Law students, supervised by a practicing attorney, represent children and families in cases dealing with education rights; school disciplinary and suspension hearings; special education; custody/guardianship; emancipation; and other issues. Free if eligible. Office of Clinical Legal Education, Syracuse University College of Law, Box 6543, Syracuse, 13217-6543. 443-4582.
Children’s Therapy Network. Evaluations and teacher’s services including those for the hearing impaired, occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy. 171 Intrepid Lane, Syracuse. 437-4689. www.childrenstherapynetwork.com
CNY Coalition for Young Children with Special Needs. http://www.cnypreschoolcoalition.org/
CNY Ear, Nose and Throat Consultants. 721 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. Hearing tests by licensed audiologists; pediatric surgery; cochlear implants. 476-3124.
Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped. Through the NYS Office of Children and Family Services. Provides rehabilitation services to individuals who are legally blind and reside in New York. The Atrium, 100 S. Salina St., Suite 105, Syracuse, 13202. 423-5417. www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main/cbvh
Community Options Inc. Operates residential and day programs; family support services; environmental modifications; residential habilitation; and service coordination under DOH and OMRDD home and community based services waiver. 216 W. Manlius St., East Syracuse. 431-9859. www.comop.org
Connections Family-Centered Therapy. Evaluations for early intervention and preschool children. Home and site-based speech, occupational and physical therapy. 1744 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. 468-3414. www.connectionstx.com
David Clark Learning Center. Individualized services and supports to people with brain injuries and their families. Individualized planning; classes; member-facilitated support groups; computer labs; creative writing and music classes. 610 N. State St., Syracuse. 425-0305.
The Davis Center—Central New York Outreach. Sound-based therapies offered by sound therapist and audiologist Dorinne Davis. Diagnostic testing three times a year at Enable, 1603 Court St., Syracuse. (862) 251-4637 or www.thedaviscenter.com.
E. John Gavras Center. Early intervention services for birth-3 years in special education; speech therapy; physical and occupational therapy. 182 North St., Auburn. 255-2746. www.gavrascenter.com
Early Childhood Direction Center. Confidential consultations for parents about options for children under age 5, advising on screening and evaluation; financial entitlements; early intervention; numerous other areas. 805 S. Crouse Ave., Syracuse University, Syracuse. 443-4444. http://ecdc.syr.edu
Early Intervention-Onondaga County Health Department. Referrals for evaluations for children under age 3 with suspected developmental delays. 501 E. Fayette St., Suite B, Syracuse. 435-3230. http://www.ongov.net/Health/EI.html
Enable. Early Intervention therapy for home, daycare or other setting for children birth-3 years. 1603 Court St., Syracuse. 475-1382. www.enablecny.org
Epilepsy Foundation (Syracuse Region). Serves a 12-county area in Central New York with information and referral services for individuals and families with epilepsy, traumatic brain injury and other neurological impairments. 1045 James St., Suite 270, Syracuse. 477-9777. www.epi lepsy-uny.org
Exceptional Family Resources. Recreation and after-school programs, respite, advocacy and help with educational issues, and more. Produces comprehensive Resource Manual every two years, available free at office or as PDF download at Web site. 1065 James St., Suite 220, Syracuse. 478-1462. www.contactefr.org
Facilitated Communication Institute. Conducts training, research and public education about this alternative means of expression for people who cannot speak or whose speech is limited, or who cannot point reliably. 370 Huntington Hall, Syracuse University, Syracuse. 443-9657. http://thefci.syr.edu
Facilitated Enrollment Program. An easy way for families to apply for Family Health Plus, Medicaid and Child Health Plus. Onondaga County Health Department, Mulroy Civic Center, 9th Floor, 421 Montgomery St., Syracuse. 435-6808.
Guardianship. In New York state, parents may petition for guardianship of their child who has a developmental disability at any age. Parents are automatically the legal guardians for their child until the child reaches age 18. When this occurs the parent is no longer legal guardian unless they have formally petitioned through Surrogate’s Court, for which there is a filing fee.Surrogate’s Court, 401 Montgomery St., Syracuse. 671-2100.
Hear 2 Learn. Pediatric therapies; evaluations; hearing aids; special education; speech, occupational and physical therapy. 6296 Fly Road, East Syracuse. www.hear-2-learn.com
HELPLINE. Free resource that provides human services information and referrals 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 435-8300. www.ongov.net
High Peaks Rehabilitation and Development Center Inc. Numerous services including sensory integration evaluations; audiology and auditory processing evaluations; physical therapy; speech and language pathology. 170 Intrepid Lane, Syracuse. 492-8319. www.highpeaksrehab.com
InterActive Therapy Group. For birth-age 5, evaluations and therapies including speech, occupational and physical; special education. 1 Adler Drive, East Syracuse. 469-1189. www.interactivetherapygroup.com
Invested Families Service Inc. Private fee-for-service agency serves as agent to consumer and family to acquire all service needs. 1520 Caleb Ave., Syracuse. 431-4931
It’s About Childhood & Family Inc. Nonprofit clinical and resource center with a focus on improving mental health and wellness for youth and families. A variety of services includes counseling, parent education and training. Box 281, Jamesville 13078. 382-0541.
Jowonio School. Nonprofit, inclusive school for children ages 2-5 with, among other programs, special education; physical, occupational and speech therapy; evaluations. 3049 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. 445-4010. www.jowonio.org
Learning Disabilities Association of CNY. General information, referrals, advocacy, family support, and parent training to children and adults who have learning disabilities. 722 W. Manlius St., East Syracuse. 432-0665. www.ldacny.org
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, CNY Chapter. Provides current information and referrals on leukemia and related diseases, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and Hodgkin’s disease. Also provides financial assistance, peer volunteer support, and family support groups. Learbury Center, Suite 304, 401 N. Salina St., Syracuse, 13203. 471-1050. www.lls.org
Legal Services of Central New York. Free legal representation in 17 counties for people with disabilities concerning their rights. 472 S. Salina St., Suite 300, Syracuse. 703-6500. www.cqcapd.state.ny.us
Liberty Resources Inc. Provides a wide variety of services for children, adults and families in addition to services for people with disabilities. 1045 James St., Syracuse, 13203, 425-1004. www.liberty resources.org
Little Lukes. Preschool classrooms at various locations, with in-house team of physical, occupational and speech therapists; evaluations; Brazelton Touchpoints training for childcare professionals. 5820 Heritage Landing Drive, East Syracuse. 701-1107. www.littlelukes.com
Make-A-Wish Foundation of CNY. Grants wishes of children who are at least 2 1/2 years of age but not yet 18 with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. 5005 Campuswood Dr., East Syracuse. 475-9474. www.makeawishcny.org
March of Dimes Foundation. A national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. 5 Adler Drive, East Syracuse. 463-0700. www.marchofdimes.com/newyork/
Mental Hygiene Legal Service. Protects and advocates for the rights of people who reside, or are alleged to be in need of care and treatment, in facilities licensed to provide services for mental illness, developmental disabilities or chemical dependence. The Syracuse Building, 224 Harrison St., Suite 502, Syracuse. 473-9495. www.courts.state.ny.us/ad4/mhls
MLW Developmental Evaluation Center. School and home consultations, diagnostic evaluations and screening and brief intervention services for children ages birth-9 who have or are at risk for a developmental disability. 215 Bassett St., Syracuse. 472-4404.
Muscular Dystrophy Association. Provides diverse programs for Central New York including: clinics, summer camp, support groups, patient outings. 6493 Ridings Road, Suite 100, Syracuse. 451-8269. www.mdausa.org
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Upstate New York Chapter. Provides information and referral services, education and support programs for people living with MS and their families and friends. 3534 James St., Suite 104, Syracuse. 431-9993. www.msupstateny.org
New Justice Conflict Resolution Services Inc. Special education mediation offered to school districts and parents or guardians to help resolve conflicts involving a child with a disability, at no cost. Onondaga County Program, 1153 W. Fayette St., Suite 301, Syracuse. 471-4676. www.newjusticeservices.org
N.Y. State Education Department/Regional Association for Special Education. Oversees compliance to special education regulations. Can answer questions and investigate parent complaints. 333 E. Washington St., Suite 527, Syracuse. 428-3287.
NYS Office of Children and Family Services Office of Youth Development. Approves and funds programs that prevent delinquency and promote youth development through contracts with county youth
bureaus and community-based organizations. The Atrium, Suite 105, 2 Clinton Square, Syracuse. 423-5486. www.ocfs.state.ny.us
NYS Office of Children and Family Services Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped. Programs include: training for employment; business enterprise program; programs for children. The Atrium, 100 South Salina St., Suite 105, Syracuse. 423-5417. www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main/cbvh
NYS Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. State agency responsible for coordinating and providing services for people with mental retardation and developmental disabilities and their families. Conducts research into the causes and prevention of developmental disabilities. 44 Holland Avenue, Albany, 12229. (518) 473- 9689. www.omr.state.ny.us
North Syracuse Central School District Early Education/Pre-k/Early Intervention Programs-Main Street School. Evaluations and inclusive school for ages 3-5. Services provided in a variety of settings. 205 S. Main St., North Syracuse. 218-2200.
Onondaga Community Living (OCL). Works closely with families and adults with developmental disabilities in developing services based upon their own unique needs. 518 James Street, Suite 110, Syracuse. 434-9597. www.oclinc.org
OCM-BOCES Children’s Village at Park Hill School. Inclusive school for ages 3-4 and related services such as evaluations. Also services for deaf and hearing impaired children ages 2-4. 303 Roby Ave., East Syracuse. 437-0289.
Onondaga County Department of Aging and Youth. The Youth Bureau provides planning, coordination and funding of services for youth up to age 21 and their families; advocacy; information and assistance to parents and youth. 1300 Civic Center, 421 Montgomery St., Syracuse. 435-2362. www.ongov.net
PEACE (People’s Equal Action and Community Effort) Inc. Several programs serving children with developmental disabilities, including Head Start, Early Head Start and Early Intervention Parent/Child Play Group. 217 S. Salina St., Syracuse. 470-3300. http://www.peace caa.org/
Prevention Network. Nonprofit agency educates, trains and provides prevention services and education pertaining to substance use,abuse and addictions. 1050 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. 471-1359. www.preventionnetwork.info
Refugee Assistance Program. Comprehensive program of language training, employment, medical accessing and social adjustment services geared to help refugees attain self-sufficiency. 501 Park St., Syracuse. 435-4984.
Salvation Army. Offers counseling, emergency housing care and material assistance to individuals and families; shelter and transitional housing services for older troubled youth and their families. 677 S. Salina St., Syracuse. 475-1688.
Spanish Action League. Bilingual (English and Spanish) information and assistance mainly directed toward the Latino population, but all clients are assisted regardless of ethnic background. 700 Oswego St., Syracuse. 475-6153. www.laligaonline.com
Special Children Services, Onondaga County Health Department. Programs serve children birth-age 5 with disabilities. Physically Handicapped Children’s Program authorizes payments for medical care for children birth-21 who meet financial and diagnostic criteria. 501 E. Fayette St., Suite B, Syracuse. 435-3230.
SPICE (Special Preschool Intervention for Children’s Education) Program. Inclusive preschool for ages 3-5 with special expertise in social-emotional difficulties. Elmcrest Children’s Center, Elmcrest Early Education Center, 960 Salt Springs Road, Syracuse. 446-3220. www.elmcrest.org
Spina Bifida Center at SUNY Upstate Medical University. Coordinated multidisciplinary health care for people with spina bifida or spinal cord injury. 725 Irving Ave., Suite 112, Syracuse. 464-6395. www.upstate.edu/uh
Syracuse Community Health Center Inc. Numerous medical services including obstetrics and pediatrics, walk-in care and pharmacy. Sliding fee scale, Medicare, Medicaid, Child Health Plus, insurance plans (including third party insurance), cash, checks and credit cards. Several sites. 819 S. Salina Street, Syracuse. 476-7921. www.schcny.com
Syracuse Jewish Family Service Inc. Service for special populations includes consultation, comprehensive assessments and care management for older adults and individuals with special needs. 4101 E. Genesee St., DeWitt. 445-0820.
Whole Me Inc. Promotes an integrated approach to lifelong learning for deaf, hard-of-hearing and hearing children, young adults, and thei families by providing access to educational, social and community resources. 1015 State Fair Blvd, Syracuse. 468-3275. www.wholemeinc.com
Support Groups
ADD/ADHD—Support Group for Parents of Children with ADD/ADHD. 218-2500. luminalois@hotmail.com or dseal@nscsd.orgArc Parent Advocacy Program. 301 Valley Drive, Syracuse. 423-0100.
Arise Child and Family Service Inc. 342-4088.
Autism/CNY ASA (The Central New York Chapter of the Autism Society of America). 447-4466. www.cnyasa.org
Autism/FEAT CNY (Families for Effective Autism Treatment). 638-4058. www.featofcny.org
(Autism) Spectrum Support Group. 342-4088, Ext. 221. vaffinati@ariseinc.org
(Autism Spectrum) Connections. 598-7672.
Dietary and Natural Interventions for Autism (DANIA).
www.healingautismcny.com
Brain Injury: Acquired Traumatic Brain Injury. 446-3124 or 425-5364.
Brain Injury and Neurological Impairment. 435-5511, Ext. 272 or Ext. 273.
Brain Injury Association of NYS-Central Region. 453-7120.
Disabled in Action of Greater Syracuse. 410-3317 or 455-9626.
Down Syndrome Association of CNY, Inc. 682-4289. www.dsaofcny.org
Epilepsy/Seizure Disorders—Parent and Family Network. 477-9777.
Facilitated Communication Institute. 443-9657.
Family Tapestry. 451-5150.
Familycapped Inc. 469-9931. www.familycapped.com
Foster Care: Adoption Parent Support Group. 479-3616.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. 349-8603.
Hope Network. 652-3160. www.northsideonline.org
Huntington’s Disease—Syracuse Support Group. 451-9206.
Hydrocephalus Support (CNY). 478-7517.
Mainstream/Southwest Community Center. 474-6823.
MDA/ALS Support Groups. 451-8269.
Mental Health Association of Onondaga County. 445-5606.
Mental Health: NAMI—Syracuse Inc. 487-2085. www.namisyracuse.org
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Upstate NY Chapter. (800) FIGHT MS. abby.belford@nyr.nmss.org
New York State Office of Children and Family Services—Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped. 423-5417. www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main/cbvh
Parent-to-Parent of New York State. 478-1462.
Parents Reach Out Program (P.R.O.P.). 476-8938.
Prader-Willi Syndrome: Support for Families. 455-5822 or 402-6874. www.prader-willi.org
Ronald McDonald House. 476-1027. www.cnyronaldmcdonaldhouse.org
Social Group (Liverpool). 243-8897.
Special Olympics. 473-2933.