DISABILITY SERVICES

For more information about Disability Services at the H.E.S. please contact Ariella Feldman at 718.241.3000 ext 123 or ariella@thehes.org

The “Making the Case” – Future Planning Program aims to build future independence and safeguards for adults with disabilities.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Adults with Disabilities and their families, ages 30+

  residing in Brooklyn in a non-group home setting

Begin applying today by visiting http://bit.ly/futureplanning-

Services Include:

• Individualized Case Management to develop future plans

• Workshops on legal, financial and benefits counseling

• Health and emergency preparedness fairs

• Connections with community resources

For inquiries, please contact Ericka Charles at 718-241-3000 ext. 133

INCLUSIVE SUNDAYS

Formerly known as the Sunday Funday Rec program

IS RELAUNCHING STARTING NOVEMBER 7TH

SUNDAYS | 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.

FEES:

$30 dollars per session or

$200 dollars for 8 sessions*

The disability services department welcomes all children between the ages of 4 to 15 for a day of fun!

The objective of the Inclusive Sunday program is to promote community inclusion and socialization for all children. By providing engagement in recreational based activities, such as themed based sensory arts in crafts, gym activities, music, dance, karate, swim (on occasion) and more, children have opportunity to build confidence, make friends and to have fun. Snack is also provided as part of the program.

*Please note this is a private program that is not covered by Medicaid Waiver Services, but can be reimbursed through Self-Direction. 

For families who would like to cover the costs through self-direction, assistance can be provided please reach out to Ericka Charles, director of disability services for assistance at ericka@thehes.org.

Contact us for more information 718.241.3000 ext 133 or disabilityservices@thehes.org

CONNECT-A-BILITY

Please note, due to summer activities, Connect-A-Bility’s “Music is All around Us” sessions and parent training workshops will not be held in June and July of 2021.

Progamming is to resume in August of 2021. Dates to be announced soon for Connect-A-Bility’s “Music is All Around Us” sessions.

On August 24th at 7:30 p.m.: meet Ericka Charles, our Disabilities Services Director! – Learn about her history of supporting families of children and adults with special needs and receive updates on Disabilities Services at H.E.S. that will be launched for the 2021 – 2022 school year.

The H.E.S. Disabilities Services Department invites you and your family to join us for this brand new program.

For your children, a series of interactive virtual enrichment sessions designed specifically for their abilities. Programs include puppetry, music, yoga, drumming, art, and movement.

Parents will be invited to workshops that will provide you with information and support. This will help ensure you have access to the best services for you, your family, and your child.

Families will receive monthly packets including materials to use in sessions, information for parents, alongside fun surprises!

Let us be part of your team; supporting you and your child while helping you connect them to the services they need and stay connected to others during these unique times.

CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP 

COME JOIN THE BAND!

Join us for “Come join the band!”, an interactive virtual family music activity for children with special needs and their families.

Upon registration, materials will be provided for free by mail.

In addition, please also note that for each class attended, you and your child will be entered into a raffle to receive a promotional code of $100.00 off any H.E.S. programs

Materials will be sent home ahead of time to all families who are registered for the Connect-A-Bility program. 

SWIM ‘N’ SKILLS

AN OPWDD PROGRAM 

The H.E.S. Swim ‘n’ Skills program is designed for children ages 4-15 who have been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and meet OPWDD’s eligibility requirements.

Each child will receive individualized swim instruction and an individual counselor. Parents will receive ABA training and optional swim time with children.

Swimming activities will target the encouragement of positive social behavior, including sharing, language growth, and self-esteem.

Want more information about the Swim ‘N’ Skills Program at the H.E.S. please contact Director of Disability Services Ericka Charles at 718.241.3000 ext. 133 or ericka@thehes.org or contact Coordinator of Disability Services Javier at ext. 143 or javier@thehes.org.

Need assistance registering? Check out our registration assistance page or contact the H.E.S. registration office at your convenience by calling us at 718.241.3000.

CAMP XTRA

SUMMER 2022 Camp Details

H.E.S. Camp Xtra is a day camp that caters to children with developmental disabilities. Campers are in a safe environment where they can feel comfortable and enjoy their summer in the least restrictive environment. 
 

Children in Camp Xtra are mainstreamed within H.E.S.’ Summer Camp with the support of a counselor. The appropriate level of assistance is assessed for each child based on their individual needs, from a group setting to a 1:1 camper/staff ratio.
 

Children participate in general camp activities and enriching activities. Transportation (from local areas), lunch and snacks are provided. 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Your child must be between the ages of 5-17;

• The child must have an IEP;

• If a child has received OPWDD Waiver Services, the Care Manager must provide their Level of Care (LOC), Life Plan, Notice of Decision (NOD), Psychological and Psycho-social evaluations.

Additionally, children, 7+ must be toilet trained to attend the Camp Xtra Program.

Each child must engage in an intake meeting with the Director of Disability Services Department prior to being admitted to the program.

Want more information about Camp Xtra at the H.E.S. please contact Ericka Charles at 718.241.3000 ext. 133 or ericka@thehes.org

Need assistance registering? Check out our registration assistance page or contact the H.E.S. registration office at your convenience by calling us at 718.241.3000.

R.A.P. ROOM | REACHING ACADEMIC POTENTIAL 

PROVIDING ENRICHED SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

The atmosphere in the room is soothing and relaxing, and children complete their homework individually or in small groups in the least restrictive environment.
 

After completing academic work, children are mainstreamed with a counselor into general After School Program’s activities, which include karate, dance, arts and crafts, multimedia room projects, and more.
 

The R.A.P Room Program runs from September to June, 3 P.M. – 6 P.M. Monday through Thursday, and 3 P.M. to 5:30 P.M. on Fridays.
 
This program is staffed with a social worker and counselors with Special Education experience.

The eligibility requirements for the R.A.P. Room are as follows:

• The child must be between the ages of 4-21;

• The child must have an IEP;

• If the child has received OPWDD Waiver Services, the Care Manager must provide their Level of Care (LOC), Life Plan, Notice of Decision (NOD), Psychological and Psycho-social evaluations.

Additionally, children, 7+ must be toilet trained to attend the R.A.P Room program.

Each child must engage in an intake meeting with the Director of Programs for People with Disabilities prior to being admitted to the program.

Want more information about the R.A.P. Room Program at the H.E.S. please contact Ariella Feldman at 718.241.3000 ext. 123 or ariella@thehes.org

Need assistance registering? Check out our registration assistance page or contact the H.E.S. registration office at your convenience by calling us at 718.241.3000.

SUNDAY ADULT RECREATION

The Sunday Recreation Program engages developmentally disabled adults in weekend activities and provides respite for family caregivers.

These activities include going to shows, movies, sports events, and engaging in arts and crafts activities. The program allows developmentally disabled adults to socialize with their peers while also sharpening their life skills. Due to restrictions because of COVID-19, the program has been modified to include on-site activities instead of trips.

The program is open to individuals 18 to 45 years old, living within the greater Southeast Brooklyn area. Participants should be high functioning developmentally disabled adults. Transportation may be available depending on proximity to H.E.S.

Eligibility requirements for Sunday Recreation Program:

• The individual must be between the ages of 18-45.

• The individual must have a Medicaid waiver.

• The individual’s Care Manager must provide H.E.S with the individual’s Level of Care (LOC), Life Plan, Notice of Decision (NOD), Psychological and Psycho-social evaluations.

To apply for the program, please complete the program registration here.

In addition to completing the online registration, participants must provide a signed one-time attestation form along with an up-to-date health form.

Each Individual must engage in an intake meeting with the Sunday Coordinator or the Director of Programs for People with Disabilities before being admitted to the program.

Want more information about the Sunday Adult Recreation Program at the H.E.S. please contact Ariella Feldman at 718.241.3000 ext. 123 or Ariella@thehes.org.

Need assistance registering? Check out our registration assistance page or contact the H.E.S. registration office at your convenience by calling us at 718.241.3000.

PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES SUPPORT GROUP AND THE EMPOWERED PARENTS SERIES 

MONTHLY VIRTUAL GROUPS 

The Empowered Parents Series provides parents and community members informed on issues related to raising children. 

Sessions are facilitated by our Social Worker, Samantha Vincent, MSW; topics vary monthly and include such topics as Coping with Stress, Helping your child succeed in school, accessing resources to help your child, transitioning into school, and many more.

The Parent Support Group led by our Social Worker Samantha Vincent, MSW, meets once per month. The support group allows parents and caregivers to share information, knowledge, and experiences with each other. 

​All are welcome to join, no reservation is required. For more information, please give us a call at (718) 241-3000.
 

DATES AND TIMES:

Empowered Parents Series

Offered every 2nd Tuesday of the month @ 6:30 PM 

• March 9th – Cyberbullying
• April 13th – Transitioning to Kindergarten
• May 11th
• June 8th

Join our Social Worker, Samantha Vincent, MSW, for the first of this upcoming series, which will focus on coping with stress in these difficult times.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN

Support Group

Offered every 4th Tuesday of the month @ 6:30 PM 

• March 23rd
• April 27th
• May 25th
• June 22nd (To be rescheduled for July 2021 – Please check back shortly for updated dates.)

CLICK HERE TO JOIN

FREE TO ALL 

MINNIE’S PLACE AT THE H.E.S.

A SENSORY CENTER

The H.E.S. is proud to offer Minnie’s Place – a controlled sensory environment that is used to stimulate and/or calm children- to all of its participants.

All of the equipment in Minnie’s place can be controlled, manipulated, intensified, or reduced as needed by the qualified H.E.S. Persons with Disabilities department.

Want more information about the Person’s with Disabilities Services at the H.E.S. please contact Ariella Feldman at 718.241.3000 ext. 123 or ariella@thehes.org