DISABILITY SERVICES

The H.E.S. Disabilities Program for children and adults with disabilities is the largest community-based program of its kind in Brooklyn. Over 1,000 children, teens and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities, such as autism, are served and supported by the H.E.S. on an yearly basis.

Services are designed to provide support to family caregivers, empower individuals with disabilities and promote inclusion within the H.E.S., as well as the community at large. Our programs are in partnership with OPWDD, DOHMH, ACS, UJA and the Butler Foundation.

The programs provide respite, social/recreational opportunities, workforce development, academic support, parent education, advocacy, benefits access and life planning. We are confident that you will find a program that meets your family’s needs.

Adults

Children and Teens

For more information about Disability Services, email disabilityservices@thehes.org or call (718) 241-3000 ext. 133 or (718) 241-3000 ext. 143.

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

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

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Adults with disabilities and their families, ages 30+ residing in Brooklyn in a non-group home setting

Please note, an intake/family support meeting is a required enrollment step to confirm eligibility for this service. Begin applying here.

For more information about “Making the Case” – Future Planning Program, email disabilityservices@thehes.org or call (718) 241-3000 ext. 146 or (718) 241-3000 ext. 133.

Sunday Funday welcomes all children between the ages from 4 to 15 for three hours of fun!  The objective of the Sunday Funday program is to provide and promote community inclusion and socialization for all children including those with disabilities. By providing engagement in recreational based activities, such as art therapy, music, mediation, adaptive yoga, zumba and more, children have the opportunity to build confidence, make friends and have fun. Snack is also provided as part of the program.

Sundays | 10 am to 1 pm (October to April)

8 Sessions: $200

1 Session: $30

Please note, an Intake/Family Support meeting is a required enrollment step to confirm eligibility for this service.

** 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. **

For more information about Sunday Funday, email sundayfunday@thehes.org or call (718) 241-3000 ext. 133 or (718) 241-3000 ext. 143.

Need assistance registering? Check out our Registration Assistance page or contact HES Registration by calling (718) 241-3000 ext. 131.

 

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 a required enrollment step to confirm eligibility for this service.

For more information about Swim ‘n’ Skills, email disabilityservices@thehes.org or call (718) 241-3000 ext. 133 or (718) 241-3000 ext. 143.

The R.A.P. Room is an After School program supporting children with disabilities. Our after school classrooms are inviting, soothing and relaxing. Participants receive specialized support from their special needs counselor, classroom supervisor, and our social services team. Counselors support children on an individual and small group basis with their academic work during homework help time. Post completion of homework, there is time for inclusion-based activities such as karate, dance, arts and crafts, art therapy, zumba, nature, baking, meditation time, theme-based projects, and more.
Monday – Thursday | 2 – 6 pm

Friday  | 2 – 5:30 pm

(September – June, following the DOE schedule)

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Between the ages of 5 – 17 years old
  • Have an IEP
  • Attends school in southeast Brooklyn
  • Toilet trained

Space availability is limited per school year. Upon space openings, families on the waitlist will be contacted for consideration.

Please note, an Intake/Family Support meeting is a required enrollment step to confirm eligibility for this service.

For more information about the R.A.P. Room, email disabilityservices@thehes.org or call (718) 241-3000 ext. 133 or (718) 241-3000 ext. 143.

Need assistance registering? Check out our Registration Assistance page or contact HES Registration by calling (718) 241-3000 ext. 131.

Register for RAP Room

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

R.A.P. Room Required Documents

Download

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

Sundays | 11 am – 3 pm 

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Adults 18 to 45 years old, 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 a required enrollment step to confirm eligibility for this service. Begin applying today here.

For more information about the Sunday Adult Recreation Program, email disabilityservices@thehes.org or call (718) 241-3000 ext.133 or (718) 241-3000 ext. 143.

The H.E.S. provides support for parents and community members raising loved ones with disabilities. The support group provides parents and caregivers with a safe haven to gain knowledge, develop connections and receive access to resources together with fellow parents.

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.

Schedule:

Sessions are conducted on a monthly basis during the months of October through May and meets every 3rd Thursday of each month. All families are welcome to join and no reservation is required.

For more information about Parent Support Group, email disabilityservices@thehes.org or call (718) 241-3000 ext. 133 or (718) 241-3000 ext. 143.

Minnie’s Place is a sensory room environment for children that provides a safe space to calm and destress. All of the equipment in Minnie’s Place can be controlled, manipulated, intensified, or reduced as needed by HES staff personnel to support children during challenging times or for needs such as isolated learning environments. Such customizations involve customization of lighting, smell, and visual and tangible interactions.

Weekdays after 6 pm  & Sundays

Open during School Year

To learn more, make reservations and/or for room rental consideration, email disabilityservices@thehes.org or call (718) 241-3000 ext. 133 or (718) 241-3000 ext. 143.