Home & Community Services

Home & Community Services

For children with disabilities that live with their families, we bring services to the home and the community. These services are delivered by trained Abilities First staff members, typically in a one-to-one ratio. The selected staff member comes to the home to provide support and care in the home (Respite) or provide skill building activities in the home or out in the community (Community Habilitation). Family members are encouraged to take part in selecting staff members and scheduling activities.

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Respite

Caring for a loved one with a disability can take a great deal of time and energy. It can make it difficult to complete some of the basic tasks in life like shopping, banking and other obligations. Without breaks from this responsibility, caretakers can also experience fatigue and burnout.

The main purpose of Respite services is to temporarily relieve caretakers so they can address the duties of life and perhaps relieve stress. Respite is provided in the home on a one-to-one basis. In order to qualify for this service, the child must be deemed eligible through the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and become authorized for the Medicaid Home & Community Based Services Waiver.

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Community Habilitation

Habilitation means assisting with the achievement of developmental skills. Children who live with their families may benefit from this service which is meant to help children learn new skills and maintain their current skill set. Community Habilitation is provided either in the home or out in the community on a one-to-one basis with a trained Abilities First staff member.

Within this service, each child works toward individualized goals that target personal challenges and needs such as Daily Living Skill Development and Personal Safety Skills. In order to qualify for this service, the child must be deemed eligible through the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and become authorized for the Medicaid Home & Community Based Services Waiver.

For additional information about Abilities First Home & Community Services see our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact Mark Nace, M.S., Chief Program Officer at 845-485-9813 ext. 1247.