DISABILITY SERVICES

Swim ‘N’ Skills is an OPWDD swimming program with ABA support. Each child will receive individualized swim instruction and 1:1 support from a counselor as well as a swim instructor. An ABA Specialist in collaboration with a Disability Services Supervisor will lead all counselors and swim instructors to best provide clinical support to participants. In addition, parents/caregivers of children will be provided with 3 ABA parent training lessons.

Swimming activities will support the development of positive social behavior, turn-taking, communication, and self-esteem.

Sundays | 9 – 10 am (October to March)

Eligibility Criteria:

• Children ages 5 – 17 years old
• Diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and have completed the OPWDD Front Door approval process

Each family participating and consistently attending can participate for up to 3 years. Availability is limited.

Please note, an intake/family support meeting is the first step and a required enrollment step to confirm eligibility for this program. To schedule a time to meet, please use Calendy here.

For more information about Swim ‘n’ Skills, email [email protected] or call (718) 241-3000 ext. 143.

After School Inclusion Program: R.A.P. Room

The R.A.P Room is a specialized after school program that provides enriching services for children 5 years old up until highschool graduation (usually between ages 18 and 21). with developmental disabilities. Our classrooms offer, with the support of special needs counselors, individualized homework help and specialist-led activities in environments that are customized to be both therapeutic and inspirational. Activities include art therapy with breathing technique incorporation, Zumba and mediation time. Students are mainstreamed into a variety of activities with the general H.E.S. After School program, including dance, yoga, martial arts, youth fitness and baking. Counseling is also available to participants during program hours from one of our on staff social workers.

School Year:  Sep 10, 2026 –  Jun 23, 2027

General Hours: Mon through Fri from 2 to 6 pm with early closing at 5:30 on Fridays. Please inquire about After Care until 7 pm Mon – Thu.

Please note, an intake/family support meeting is the first step and a required enrollment step to confirm eligibility for this program. To schedule a time to meet, please use Calendy.

Sunday Fundays

Sunday Funday is an inclusive play day for all children between the ages of 4 to 15. For three hours every Sunday, the program provides and promotes community inclusion and socialization for all children including those with disabilities. Through activities, such as art therapy, music, games, mediation, adaptive yoga, zumba, sensory activities and more, children build confidence, make friends and have fun. Snack is provided.

Sundays | 10:30 am to 1:30 pm 

1 Session: $35

12 Sessions: $370

** This is a fee-for-service program that is not covered by Medicaid Waiver Services, but can be reimbursed through OPWDD Self-Direction. For OPWDD Self Direction participants, support can be provided to apply for funding approval by a fiscal intermediary agency.

Root Sports

Our Root Sports Program is an adaptive sports education program that includes 2 sports (basketball and soccer). The program welcomes all skill levels as this is an inclusion based program that allows for equal opportunity amongst all children. Individualized and small group counselor support in combination with coach led instruction.

Ages 5 to 16

Tuesdays 6 – 7 pm

February 24 – June 9, 2026

• Fee: $395

Parent Support Groups

The Support Group for Parents with Children with Disabilities provides parents and caregivers a safe haven to gain knowledge, develop connections and receive access to resources.

Sessions are professionally led by our Social and Disability Services Administrators. Topics vary monthly and include focuses such as coping with stress, helping your child succeed in school, accessing resources, transitioning into adulthood, self-care, and more.

All families are welcome to join and no reservation is required. This Parent Support Group meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month on Zoom. 

Minnie’s Place

Minnie’s Place is a sensory room environment that provides a safe space for children to calm and de-stress. All of the equipment in Minnie’s Place can be controlled, manipulated, intensified, or reduced as needed by H.E.S. Staff personnel to support children during challenging times or for needs such as isolated learning environments, such as customization of lighting, smell and visual and tangible interactions. Minnie’s place is also open to any HES participant while they are in the building (while disability services staff is available).

Weekdays after 6 pm & Sundays

Open during the School Year.

To learn more, make reservations and/or room rental consideraron, email [email protected] or call (718) 241-3000 ext. 143.

Camp Xtra

Camp Xtra is an inclusion-based summer day camp that provides specialized support for children with developmental disabilities within the general H.E.S. Summer Camp.

Campers explore an array of activities with all children in non-restrictive settings. In addition, specialized activities and trips are conducted to provide the campers an opportunity to de-compress, be empowered, as well as explore new experiences tailored for them.

More info about Camp Xtra.

To learn more about any of our programs for children with disabilities, email [email protected] or call (718) 241-3000 ext. 143.

Sunday Adult Recreation Program

This program supports adults living with developmental disabilities. Activities include promoting independence lessons, art therapy, meditation time, adaptive yoga, community outings, social events and more. In addition, Sunday Adult Recreation supports participants with opportunities to make friends, learn life skills and provides respite for family caregivers.

Sundays | 11 am – 4 pm 

Eligibility Criteria:

• All adults 18+, approved for OPWDD HCBS waiver services living within the Southeast Brooklyn area in a non-group home setting
• Do not require 1:1 supervision, do not have a behavioral support plan, and do not need line of sight supervision when in the community
  Transportation may be available depending on proximity to HES.

Please note, an intake/family support meeting is the first step and a required enrollment step to confirm eligibility for this program. To schedule a time to meet, please CLICK BELOW.

For more information about any of our Adult programs, email [email protected] or call (718) 241-3000 ext. 143.

Pathways to Empowerment

October 8, 2026 – May 20, 2027

Groups Meet Thursday from 6:30 PM -7:30 PM, Via Zoom

Join us for a series of welcoming support groups designed to uplift, connect, and empower. Our three unique groups offer a safe space for open conversations, meaningful connections, and shared resources to support you on your personal journey.

It Takes A Village | Supporting Parents Through the Journey: 1st Thursday

• Join a warm and welcoming space to connect with fellow parents! Share experiences, build meaningful relationships, and support each other through the joys and challenges of parenting

Journey Through Grief | Pathway to Healing : 2nd Thursday

• A compassionate space to share, heal, and find strength with professionals and peers. Join us on your journey to healing.

Navigating the Journey | Supporting Families with Disabilities : 3rd Thursday

• Connect with a compassionate community prioritizing unique abilities—find support, resources, and understanding for the diverse needs of families with disabilities.

All families are welcome to join and no reservation is required to join by Zoom.

For more information about our Parent Support Groups email [email protected] or call (718) 241-3000 ext. 135.