Special Needs Directory
Ability Within, LLC. Adults and students with ADHD and related disabilities receive coaching in organizational and other useful skills. Sessions available in person, by phone, or Skype. 27 Fennell St., Suite B127, Skaneateles 13152. Joan Spector M.Ed. 679-0697. www.abilitywithin.net
Advocates Incorporated. Parent-directed organization offers support services to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families as they navigate the complexities of the legal, social, medical and educational systems. Advocates works with individuals with a variety of intellectual and developmental disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy and epilepsy. 609 Vine St., Liverpool, and 300 S. Manlius St., Fayetteville. 469-9931. www.advocatesincorporated.org
Arc of Onondaga. Largest provider of services to people with developmental disabilities in Onondaga County. 600 S. Wilbur Ave., Syracuse. 476-7441. Children’s Services and 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. Organization run by and for people with disabilities and their families. Services include advocacy (education, housing, health care), life-skills training, mental health, service coordination, respite and recreation. 635 James St., Syracuse. 472-3171. ariseinc.org. Arise at the Farm. Accessible recreational facility on a 72-acre working horse farm offers adaptive and therapeutic horseback riding, and summer camps. 1972 New Boston Road, Chittenango. 687-6727. ariseatthefarm.org
Aurora of Central New York Inc. Early intervention and other services for infants and toddlers with suspected vision or hearing loss. 518 James St., Suite 100, Syracuse. 422-7263. www.auroraofcny.org
Autism/CNY ASA (The Central New York Chapter of the Autism Society of America). Monthly meetings (October through May, excluding January) at Jowonio School Community Room, 3049 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. 447-4466. www.cnyasa.org
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. 433-2600. www.ocmboces.org
Brain Injury Association of NYS-Central Region. Program for people who sustain a brain injury before age 22, and their families. Services include educational plans, troubleshooting and other support. Liverpool. 453-7120.
www.bianys.org
Casey’s Place. After-school site-based respite for children ages 3 to 21 with developmental disabilities or certain medical conditions who qualify for OPWDD services. 228 Lafayette Road, Syracuse. 492-9990.
www.elmcrest.org
Catholic Charities of Onondaga County. Faith-based organization serving the needy of all ages. A free respite program provides case management for children (ages 5-18) with developmental disabilities while providing parents with time off (472-6343, Ext. 215). 1654 W. Onondaga St., Syracuse. 424-1800. www.ccoc.us
Center for Development, Behavior and Genetics at SUNY Upstate Medical University. Evaluations for children and other services. 725 Irving Ave., Suite 112, Syracuse. 464-6395. http://www.upstate.edu/gch/
Central New York Coalition for Young Children with Special Needs. Educators, evaluators and therapists who work together to promote interventions that support a child’s development. http://cnypreschoolcoalition.org/
Central New York Developmental Disabilities Services Office. Supports and services for people with developmental disabilities (including autism and neurological impairments). 800 S. Wilbur Ave., Syracuse. 473-5050. opwdd.ny.gov
Charity for Children. Provides financial and educational services to needy families in Onondaga, Madison, Cayuga and Oswego counties with children who suffer from disabilities, diseases and disorders. Located in the office of BTI The Travel Consultants, 124 E. Jefferson St., Syracuse. 234-1443. www.charityforchildren.net
Child Care Solutions. Referrals and consumer information on early-childhood and after-school programs. 6724 Thompson Road, Syracuse. 446-1220. www.childcaresolutionscny.org
Children’s Rights and Family Law Clinic. 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; and other issues. Free if eligible. Office of Clinical Legal Education, Syracuse University College of Law, Box 6543, Syracuse, 13217-6543. 443-4582. Law.syr.edu/academics/clinical-legal-education
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 Ear, Nose and Throat Consultants. 721 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. Hearing tests by licensed audiologists; pediatric surgery; cochlear implants. 701-7431.
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. http://comop.org/
Connections. Child-centered, play-focused evaluations and therapies for children. Home and site-based speech, occupational and physical therapy. 1744 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. 468-3414. www.connectionstx.com
CNY Sensory Processing Disorder Parent-Connections. Local chapter of the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation, based in Colorado, provides support to parents and families affected by sensory processing disorder. Monthly meetings at Beacon Baptist Church, Route 31, Clay, and Sensory Friendly Times at the MOST (Museum of Science and Technology), 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse. 247-4195. www.cnyspdparents.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. www.tls-onondaga.org
Disability Rights Clinic. Law students, supervised by a practicing attorney, represent people with disabilities in cases involving employment discrimination, access to state and local government services, access to places of public accommodation, and inmates with disabilities. Free if eligible. Interpreters and other accommodations provided clients with disabilities free of charge. Office of Clinical Legal Education, Syracuse University College of Law, Box 6543, Syracuse, 13217-6543. (315) 443-4582. law.syr.edu/academics/clinical-legal-education
Down Syndrome Association of CNY, Inc. Parents, family and friends of individuals with Down syndrome. Holds support group meetings, a conference, workshops and other events including annual Buddy Walk to raise awareness. POB 5, Manlius, N.Y. 13104-0005. 682-4289. www.dsaofcny.org
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
Elmcrest Children’s Center. Treatment and education center for children with emotional, behavioral and psychiatric disturbances along with children with developmental disabilities and serious medical conditions. Programs include early education, long-term residential treatment, critical care and pediatric respite. SPICE (Special Preschool Intervention for Children’s Education) Program. Inclusive preschool for ages 3-5 with special expertise in social-emotional difficulties. 960 Salt Springs Road, Syracuse. 446-6250.
www.elmcrest.org
Enable. Serves children and adults with disabilities. Services include early intervention therapy for home, daycare or other settings for children from birth to 3 years; assistive technology lending library for school-aged children; Social Skills Training for Youth with Autism (STARS); speech and language therapy; numerous other services for all ages of children and adults. 1603 Court St., Syracuse. 455-7591. www.enablecny.org.
Enable’s Exploring Your World. Applied behavioral analysis classroom for preschoolers with autism. 1603 Court St., Syracuse. 475-1382.
Epilepsy Foundation of Rochester-Syracuse-Binghamton. Serves families in Upstate New York with information and referral services for individuals and families with epilepsy, traumatic brain injury and other neurological impairments. Parent Family Network/Adult Support Group meets monthly. Syracuse Office, 1045 James St., Suite 270, Syracuse. 477-9777. (877) 214-7715. www.epilepsyuny.org
Exceptional Family Resources. Serving people with developmental disabilities and their families, EFR provides recreation and after-school programs, respite, advocacy and help with educational issues, and more. Produces comprehensive Resource Manual available as PDF download at Web site. 1820 Lemoyne Ave, Syracuse. 478-1462. www.contactefr.org
FEAT (Families for Effective Autism Treatment) of CNY. Nonprofit formed by parents of children with autism spectrum disorders and professionals supports families of children with autism spectrum disorders with play skills groups, parent resource specialists and support group meetings. www.featofcny.org.
GiGi’s Playhouse. Down syndrome awareness and educational center; part of national network of playhouses that foster skill development in areas including speech and language, social development, and fine and gross motor skills. 5885 E. Circle Drive, Suite 250, Cicero. 288-7529. gigisplayhouse.org/syracuse/
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 parents are no longer legal guardians unless they have formally petitioned through Surrogate’s Court, for which there is a filing fee. Onondaga County Surrogate’s Court, Room 209 Court House, 401 Montgomery St., Syracuse. 671-2100.
Hear 2 Learn. Pediatric therapies; evaluations; hearing aids; special education; speech, occupational and physical therapy. 6575 Kirkville Road, East Syracuse. 701-5710. www.hear-2-learn.com
Helpline. Free community resource directory provides human services information and referrals 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 435-8300. http://www.referweb.net/onondaga/
Hope Network (at Northside Baptist Church). Ministry to support families of special needs children. 7965 Oswego Road, Liverpool. 652-3160. www.northsideonline.org/ministries/hopenetwork.htm
Huntington Family Center. In partnership with Say Yes to Education Syracuse, the parent-driven program helps families remove barriers to engagement in school and student success. Say Yes to Education, 109 Otisco St., Second floor, Syracuse. 443-4260. http://www.sayyessyracuse.org/family-resources/huntington-family-centers
Institute on Communication and Inclusion. Conducts research and promotes support for people with disabilities to communicate in schools and society. 370 Huntington Hall, Syracuse University, Syracuse. 443-9379. http://soe.syr.edu/centers_institutes/institute_communication_inclusion/
InterActive Therapy Group. For birth-age 5, evaluations and therapies including speech, occupational and physical; special education. 1 Adler Drive, East Syracuse. 469-1189.
It’s About Childhood & Family Inc. Nonprofit clinical and resource center with a focus on improving mental health and wellness for youth and families. Services include counseling, parent education and training. Box 281, Jamesville 13078. 382-0541. iacaf.org
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. S.A.I.L. (Summer Adventures In Learning). Classes enable students, ages 6-13, with learning difficulties to experience success and maintain skills during the summer months. Classes taught by teachers trained in learning disabilities. 722 W. Manlius St.,
E. Syracuse. 431-0606. 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. 4043 Maple Road, Suite 105, Amherst, 14226. (716) 834-2578. www.lls.org/wcny
Legal Services of Central New York. Free legal representation for low-income families and individuals on issues including protection and advocacy of people with developmental disabilities. 472 S. Salina St., Suite 300, Syracuse.
703-6500. http://www.lscny.org
Liberty Resources Inc. Human service agency that serves, among other groups, children with disabilities and their families. Residential and non-residential services for individuals with developmental disabilities, mental illness, and others. 1045 James St., Syracuse. 425-1004. www.liberty-resources.org
Little Lukes. Preschool classrooms at various locations (Watertown, Fulton, Oswego, DeWitt), 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.cny.wish.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. 329 N. Salina St., Suite 304, Syracuse. 463-0700. www.marchofdimes.com/newyork/
Mid-State Early Childhood Direction Center. Free, 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/
Margaret L. Williams (MLW) Developmental Evaluation Center and Kohl’s Autism and Related Disorders Program. Screening, consultation and other services for children ages birth-8 years who have or are at risk for developmental disability. 215 Bassett St., Syracuse. 472-4404. http://www.developmentalevaluationcenter.com/
Muscular Dystrophy Association. Provides diverse programs including: clinics, summer camp, support groups, patient outings. 6315 Fly Road, Syracuse. 451-8269. www.mda.org
Mystical Acres. Summer camps for children (ages 6-14) who do best in groups of 10 or fewer. The camps are aimed at increasing kids’ self-esteem, confidence and social skills. 2709 Brennan Road, Pompey. 559-1319.
NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) Syracuse Inc. Self-help organization of families and friends of people with serious psychiatric illnesses, including bipolar disorder, depression and schizophrenia. 917 Avery Ave., Syracuse, 13204. 487-2085. www.namisyracuse.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. 1650 South Ave., Suite 100, Rochester 14620 (585) 271-0801. 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
NYS Office. for People with Developmental Disabilities. State agency for people with developmental disabilities and their families aims to help people with developmental disabilities lead richer lives. 44 Holland Ave., Albany, 12229-0001. (866) 946-9733. www.opwdd.ny.gov/
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. Syracuse Regional Office, The Atrium, Suite 350, 100 S. Salina St., Syracuse. 423-5432. 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
OCM-BOCES Children’s Village. In collaboration with the East Syracuse-Minoa Park Hill Pre-K program. Inclusive school for children under 5 offers related services such as evaluations. Also services for deaf and hearing-impaired preschool-age children. 303 Roby Ave., East Syracuse. 434-3830. www.ocmboces.org
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. 421 Montgomery St., Syracuse. 435-2362. www.ongov.net/ay
Parent-to-Parent of New York State. Organization that connects and supports families of people with special needs. North Central Office, Exceptional Family Resources, 1820 Lemoyne Ave., Syracuse. 478-1462, Ext. 322; (800) 305-8815. www.parenttoparentnys.org/
PEACE (People’s Equal Action and Community Effort) Inc. Several programs serving children with developmental disabilities, including Head Start and Early Head Start. 217 S. Salina St., Second Floor, Syracuse. 470-3300. http://www.peace-caa.org/
Prevention Network. Nonprofit agency educates, trains and provides prevention services and education pertaining to alcohol and substance use, abuse and addictions. 906 Spencer St., Syracuse. 471-1359.
www.preventionnetworkcny.org
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central New York. The CNY Ronald McDonald House has 25 suites to offer respite and comfort to families whose children are hospitalized nearby. 1100 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. 476-1027. www.cnyronaldmcdonaldhouse.org
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; daycare; and a variety of other services. 677 S. Salina St., Syracuse. 475-1688. www.sasyr.org
Sibshops. Workshop celebrates siblings of kids with special needs, including developmental disabilities. Arc of Onondaga, 600 S. Wilbur Ave., Syracuse. 473-5027. arcon.org
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. Evaluations, education and therapy for children up to age 5 who have a developmental delay or disability. 501 E. Fayette St., Syracuse. 435-3230.
http://www.ongov.net/health/SCS.html
Special Olympics New York, Central Office. Provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. 6315 Fly Road, East Syracuse. 314-6839. www.nyso.org
Spina Bifida Center at SUNY Upstate Medical University. Coordinated multidisciplinary health care for children and adults with spina bifida. 750 E. Adams St., Syracuse. 464-6395. http://www.upstate.edu/gch
Syracuse Community Health Center Inc. Numerous medical services including obstetrics and pediatrics, walk-in care and pharmacy. Sliding fee scale for dental and medical services. Most major insurances accepted, excluding Fidelis and some Medicare HMOs. Several sites. 819 S. Salina Street, Syracuse. 476-7921. www.schcny.com
Syracuse Neurofeedback. Program addresses symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder without medications. 170 Intrepid Lane, Syracuse. 492-3789. syracuseneurofeedback.com
Whole Me Inc. Promotes an integrated approach to lifelong learning for deaf, hard-of-hearing and hearing children, young adults, and their families by providing access to educational, social and community resources. 1015 State Fair Blvd, Syracuse. 468-3275. www.wholemeinc.com