DISABILITY SERVICES

For more information about Disability Services at the H.E.S. please contact Ericka Charles at 718-241-3000 ext. 133 or email ericka@thehes.org

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

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

To learn more, please contact an administrator at (718) 241-3000 ext. 146, or disabilityservices@thehes.org

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

Formerly known as the “Sunday Funday” program, the disability services department at HES hosts Inclusion Sundays to welcome all children between the ages of 4 to 15 for a day of fun!

The objective of the Inclusive Sunday 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 themed-based sensory arts therapy, gym activities, music, dance, karate, swimming (on occasion), and more, children have the opportunity to build confidence, make friends and 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 (see the fee area below for more details).

SUNDAYS | 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. (Service provided October to May of each year only)

Services fees:

$30 dollars per session or

$200 dollars for 8 sessions

For OPWDD self-direction participants, support can be provided by an administrator to apply for funding approval by a fiscal intermediary agency.

For families who would like to cover the costs through self-direction, assistance can be provided.

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

To learn more, please contact an administrator at (718) 241-3000 ext. 133 or ext. 143, or email disabilityservices@thehes.org.

SWIM ‘N’ SKILLS

AN OPWDD PROGRAM 

The H.E.S. Swim ‘n’ Skills program is a swimming program with ABA support for children ages 5 – 17 years old who have been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and have completed the OPWDD Front Door approval process. Each child will receive individualized swim instruction and 1:1 support from a counselor and as well 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 in addition to health and safety will support the development of positive social behavior, turn-taking, communication, and self-esteem.

The program is held from October to March during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Sundays of each school year. Each family participating and consistently attending can participate for up to 3 years. Availability is limited.

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

To learn more and/or to inquire about availability, please contact an administrator at (718) 241-3000 ext. 133 or ext. 143 or email disabilityservices@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 – AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

PROVIDING ENRICHED SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

The R.A.P. Room is a H.E.S. after-school program supporting children with disabilities. Classroom atmospheres in the after-school classrooms are inviting, soothing and relaxing, while children complete their homework individually or in small groups. Furthermore, participants receive specialized support from their special needs counselor, classroom supervisor, and social worker. Counselors support children on an individual and small group basis with their academic work during homework help time. Post completion of homework, participants receive the opportunity to participate in inclusion-based activities which include karate, dance, arts and crafts, baking, meditation time, theme-based projects, and more.

The R.A.P Room Program runs from September to June, following the DOE schedule. Operation hours are Monday through Thursday, and 2:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. and early closing at 5:30 P.M. on Fridays.

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

• The child must be between the ages of 5 – 17 years old

• The child must have an IEP

• The child must qualify for OPWDD eligibility.

• Additionally, all prospective participants must be toilet trained.

   

Space availability is limited per school year.

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

To learn more and/or to inquire about availability, please contact an administrator at (718) 241-3000 ext. 133 or ext. 143, or email disabilityservices@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 supports adults living with developmental disabilities by participating in weekend activities while providing respite for their family caregivers. Activities conducted include promoting independence lessons, art therapy, meditation time, adaptive yoga, community outings, and more. Furthermore, the Sunday recreation program also supports participants with opportunities to make friends through socialization with their peers.

The program is open to individuals approved for OPWDD HCBS waiver services with 18 to 45 years old, and living within the Southeast Brooklyn area. In addition, participants should be individuals that 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 H.E.S.

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

To learn more, please contact an administrator at (718) 241-3000 ext. 133 or ext. 143, or email us at disabilityservices@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 

The Empowered Parents Series at HES provides parents and community members with support on challenges there can be with raising children. Our specialized support group that supports families with loved ones with disabilities, the support group allows parents and caregivers to have a safe haven to express concerns, collect resources, and share knowledge and experiences with each other.

Sessions are facilitated together by our social services 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.

Sessions are conducted on a monthly basis virtually during the months of October through May.
All families are welcome to join and no reservation is required. 

To learn more and/or to inquire about availability, please contact an administrator at (718) 241-3000 ext. 133 or ext. 143 or email disabilityservices@thehes.org

MINNIE’S PLACE AT THE H.E.S.

The H.E.S. is proud to offer Minnie’s Place – a sensory room environment that is used to provide a safe space to calm and destress children. 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 with their needs during challenging times or need for isolated learning environments. Such customizations involve customization of lighting, smell, and visual and tangible interactions.

To learn more and/or for room rental consideration, please contact an administrator at (718) 241-3000 ext. 133 or ext. 143, or email disabilityservices@thehes.org