Family Resources
Family Reimbursement Grant
The Family Reimbursement Grant is funded by OPWDD to alleviate the financial burden and open doors to goods and services, recreation, and respite opportunities that would otherwise be unaffordable to families of people with developmental disabilities. See if this grant is a good fit for you and apply on the grant page.
In-Home Behavioral Services Grant
For people with autism or dual diagnosis, behavioral health can be expensive or inaccessible. This grant program, funded by OPWDD, alleviates these burdens by funding in-home behavioral health visits and management. Learn more about this program and apply on the grant page.
The 5280: Wayne A. Smith, Jr. Supportive Fund
The 5280: Wayne A. Smith, Jr. Supportive Fund was established thanks to the generous support of Ron Patterson, Darcy Harding, Cheri Smith, and Michele Fox. This fund honors Wayne’s legacy by expanding access, independence, and opportunity for others. essential aid not covered by insurance or other government or community funding sources for people supported by the Center for Disability Services and its affiliates. To qualify for assistance, applicants must demonstrate a financial need, provide documentation supporting the request and be supported by CFDS or one of its affiliates. To learn more about this fund, and how to apply, please contact Melissa Phillips, Director of Annual Giving 518-944-2111 melissa.phillips@cfdsny.org
Family referrals and community resources
This page is dedicated to providing resources to Center parents and families. These resources have been provided by staff and fellow Center families. If you have a resource to share, please contact Stephanie Smith, Director of Family Engagement at stephanie.smith@cfdsny.org
Please note: Mention of specific products, services or providers that are shared is for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement or recommendation, or discrimination against similar products, services or providers not mentioned, by Center for Disability Services (CFDS) and its affiliated entities. CFDS does not accept, solicit, or receive any form of compensation, remuneration, or other consideration in connection with the information or recommendations provided by others. Potential users are encouraged to do their own due diligence regarding any products, services or services mentioned.
Upcoming community events:
Community grants and funding resources:
Jake’s Help From Heaven: Founded in 2011, is a non-profit foundation dedicated to supporting individuals with multiple medical challenges and disabilities.
Dake Foundation: Our goal is to provide children with disabilities access to equipment and services that will give them more opportunities for participation within their families, communities, and with their peers.
Recreation, fitness and outdoor activities:
John Dillon Park: Run by Paul Smith’s College, this Adirondacks Campground is specifically designed for People with Disabilities. This park will be closed in the summer of 2026 for upgrades and maintenance.
The Janet Calkins Lakeside Retreat: A unique vacation opportunity is now available for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), their families, and their support networks. Located on the beautiful shores of Lake Champlain, the Lakeside Retreat offers a thoughtfully designed, inclusive space to relax and connect.
ILoveNY Travel Blog for visitors with autism and developmental disabilities
The Playground App: A free mobile application for iOS users that shows you a map of local playgrounds and allows you to leave reviews and photos for other users. Learn more about the Playground App here.
Bring on the Spectrum: Sensory gym
STRIDE Adaptive Sports: A nonprofit organization that provided over 14,000 adaptive sport and recreation lessons in 2023-24 to individuals with disabilities, with a focus on youth and Wounded Warfighters.
SOAR Experiences: Adaptive outdoor recreation.
St. Christopher Fitness: Inclusive personal training for individuals with disabilities
STEPS2: A free online health education program designed for young adult New York residents aged 16-27 with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD)
Capital Region Miracle League: Based out of East Greenbush, which provides year-round sports for anyone with a disability such as bowling softball basketball.
The Isabelle School of Dance: Offering adaptive dance classes
Capital District YMCA Circle of Champs: Circle of Champs is a program dedicated to improving the quality of life for children battling a life-threatening illness.
Fly to Fit Bungee Fitness Studio: Offers classes for mobility impairment
TSA Cares: TSA Cares provides information on security procedures aimed to help passengers with disabilities, medical conditions and individuals needing additional assistance to better prepare for the security screening process.
Medical transportation:
The Flutter Express: The Flutter Express offers two convenient round-trip services to New York City & Boston. Tickets for riders traveling for their healthcare appointments may purchase “Healthcare Seeker” tickets for a flat rate of $79.00, and family members, caregivers, and companions may purchase “Companion” tickets for $85.00.
Photography:
HourGlass Photo & Design: Offering a safe, welcoming, and neurodivergent-affirming experience for all clients. Whether you or your child need extra time, flexibility, or a more relaxed environment.
Trainings/webinars/parent programming opportunities/resource guides:
Disability Services NY: Explore a large database of services and organizations designed to support the disability community. Find information about healthcare, housing, education, or service opportunities.
Westchester Institute for Human Development: As one of 68 University Centers of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, the Westchester Institute for Human Development (WIHD) is dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities and vulnerable children through professional education, direct service provision, and innovative research.
Parent to Parent NY: Parent to Parent of NYS is a place where families of individuals with special needs and the professionals who serve them can meet and share information. This website is maintained as a resource for families. We’ve walked the walk and are here to help other families through support; information and referral; and trainings.
New York Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation: To be the leading resource for organizations, the individuals and families they support and serve as a catalyst for positive system change and innovation.
NYC FAIR: Advocacy group comprised of family members of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and concerned others.
Families Together: Families Together in New York State, Inc. a statewide, parent-governed, non-profit organization, grew out of the efforts of many people who were concerned about children’s mental health services in New York State and across the nation.
Eastern New York Developmental Disabilities Advocates: ENYDDA provides an independent and collective voice for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, to educate policy makers and the public for the purpose of ensuring diversity of support services, safety, well-being and quality of life.
NYS Council on Developmental Disabilities: The mission of the New York State Council on Developmental Disabilities (CDD) is to enhance the lives of New Yorkers with Developmental Disabilities and their families through programs that promote self-advocacy, participation, and inclusion in all facets of community life.
NYS OPWDD Family Resources: NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities is responsible for coordinating services for more than 126,000 New Yorkers with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, and other disabilities. OPWDD provides services directly and through a network of approximately 700 nonprofit service providing agencies, with about 80 percent of services provided by the private nonprofits and 20 percent provided by state-run services.
Down Syndrome Aim High Resource Center resource page: The Down Syndrome Aim High Resource Center at the Center for Disability Services provides parent-to-parent and professional services and support to individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
Albany Autism: The Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region promotes the active and informed involvement of family members and the individual with autism in the planning of individualized, appropriate services and support.
KidsOutAndAbout.com Special Needs resource guide
Capital District Center for Independence, Inc.: The Capital District Center for Independence Inc., (the Center, Center for Independence or CDCI), is a private not-for-profit (501(c)(3), community-based Independent Living Center (ILC), located in Albany, NY which provides non-residential services to over 1,500 people with disabilities annually living in the Greater Capital District of New York State.
Caregiver resources:
David’s Refuge: To provide respite, resources and support to parents and guardians of children with special needs or life-threatening medical conditions where they will be refreshed, restored and renewed in their role as caregivers.
A Mother’s Rest: A Mother’s Rest aims to make recuperative rest and therapeutic fellowship for parents and caregivers.
Wheelchair and adaptive equipment & accessories:
National Seating and Mobility: NSM provides 360-degree Complete Mobility Solutions, from customizing wheelchairs to installing chair lifts or repairing your equipment.