For Families
The dynamic partnership between the person with developmental disabilities, their family and friends, and our professional supports distinguish AHRC from other service providers. We offer individualized resources and opportunities for families, with key services including our family seminar series, a sibling support group and guardianship resources.
Families supporting a person through their transition to adult supports can view and download our transition resource manual, Transforming Your Life – a Resource Guide, which helps families and people with special needs navigate through the range of supports and services available. Our Family Seminar Series provides information and support regarding issues and concerns relating to families of individuals with developmental disabilities.
In addition, families are encouraged to plan for the future needs of their family member with a developmental disability. Persons and families interested in learning more about Nassau County based Supplemental Needs Trust can click here.
For more information about the Family Seminar Series or to register, please call (516) 293-2016 x5369 or email us.
Family Seminar Series:
Thursday May 16, 2019
Preserving Quality of Life: Special Needs Trusts and Estate Planning
Saundra Gumerove, Esq.
Parents and family members of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities will learn why, when, and how they should establish trusts as well as explore the process and benefits of estate planning.
Thursday, June 20, 2019
Self Direction
Kevin Wilbur
The ongoing transformation of OPWDD services means new and exciting changes for the people we support. With the shift from traditional services to non-traditional self-directed services, the people we support have the opportunity to decide what is important to them and who plays key roles in helping them choose the services they want and need. Parents and family members will have a better understanding about this new and exciting program as well as where to get more information about participating in this new program.
Thursday September 19, 2019
Positive Behavior Supports
Parents and family members of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities will learn about the core philosophy and practical use of Positive Behavior Supports. The importance of setting goals and realistic expectations along with exploring the five functions of behaviors will be addressed. Basic behavioral strategies will be discussed.
Thursday October 15, 2019
Benefits and Entitlements
This seminar provides an overview of the benefits and entitlements that are available for family members with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Learn the steps necessary to obtain them, the rules that should be followed to maintain them, and the importance of getting just one dollar of Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The seminar leaders work every day to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities get their maximum benefits.
Thursday, November 5, 2019
Life Decisions Big and Small
Julie Cannet
Please join us for this valuable discussion on how you can help your loved one make choices that are important to them. This seminar will guide you through supporting your loved ones as they make important life decisions.
All Seminars are held at:
AHRC Nassau’s Plainview Center
115 E. Bethpage Road
Plainview, NY 11803
From 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Admission is free
Advance Registration is requested
Sibling Support Group
Often times, siblings of people with developmental disabilities can benefit from assistance and peer support.
As part of our commitment to the COMPASS philosophy and empowering families, a Sibling Group meets every three months under the leadership of current Board President, Paul Giordano, also a sibling. The group serves as a forum for siblings to share their experiences, offer support, and discuss current life challenges or concerns. Siblings are the future caregivers for many of the people we support and thus take a proactive role in supporting their brother or sister.
2019 Sibling Event Schedule – To learn more, call 516.293.2016 ext. 5492
| DATE | TIME | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, March 7, 2019 | 6:30pm-8:30pm | Meeting in Plainview |
| Sunday, April 14, 2019 | 11:00am-1:00pm | Brunch Meeting in Brookville |
| Thursday, June 13, 2019 | 6:00pm-8:00pm | Annual Barbeque in Brookville (Please bring your brother or sister) |
| Thursday, September 5, 2019 | 6:30pm-8:30pm | Meeting in Plainvew |
| Thursday December 5, 2019 | 6:00pm-8:00pm | Holiday Party in Brookville (Please bring your brother or sister) |
Paul Giordano: “My relationship with my brother over the years has unsurprisingly had its ups and downs. He can be as thick as a brick, but will love you unconditionally no matter how disappointed or upset he may be with a decision you have made in his best interest. Someone recently asked me what it’s like being the sibling of a brother with Down syndrome. I can only think of one word that truly defines what it’s like- dynamic. When you boil it all down, it’s really very simple. As the song says, “he ain’t heavy, he’s my brother.”
Mollie Traversa: “The first meeting of the Sibling Group was in the summer of 2006 at the Mansion in Brookville. I knew one or two people there, yet I felt connected to every soul in the room once the discussion began.”
Below are siblings’ testimonials:
Jonas Kaplan: “Thank you AHRC. Thank you Paul and Karen for initiating and continuing the Sibling Group meetings. I can only say to all, get involved, come listen and share your thoughts and stories with people who understand and have experienced similar situations. As many of us have aging parents, it is time for us to step up, listen, learn and GET INVOLVED.”
Hallie Greene: “I attended my first Sibling Group meeting, hosted by AHRC Board member and sibling, Paul Giordano, nearly 2 years ago. Since that time, I have learned that there is much more to being a sibling than taking my brother, David, out on a Saturday night. In addition to providing siblings with an open forum for sharing stories, the Group educates each other.”
Eileen Goggins: “During the last few years, a Sibling Group has been initiated at AHRC Nassau. In a warm and friendly atmosphere, Paul Giordano and Karen Hirschfeld host gatherings for siblings. These meetings provide an additional avenue for siblings to learn how to assist and protect the interests of their siblings and ultimately the interests of their own families. Our meetings have explored numerous issues that currently affect our families or will potentially affect our families in the future.”
Guardianship
Our guardianship program is available to help families apply for guardianship and answer questions concerning the guardianship of loved ones.
At the age of 18, every individual, regardless of any developmental disability, is legally considered to be emancipated and are recognized as an adult capable of acting in his/her self-interest.
Parents who feel that their child is not capable to provide informed consent are strongly advised to establish legal guardianship when their child reaches 18. Assistance with obtaining guardianship for a family member with a developmental disability is available, as is assistance with future care planning.
The responsibility of a guardian is to ensure that the rights, interests and desires of the adult with developmental disabilities are protected in all aspects of his or her life. The powers, though not specifically enumerated are, at least as broad as those of parents of a minor child. The guardian does not assume any personal financial liability for the adult for whom they are the guardian.
AHRC Nassau, as a chapter of The Arc New York has the authority to act as guardian for an adult with developmental disabilities residing in Nassau County. The Arc New York will consider acting as the guardian if no family member is available to serve as guardian. Applicants requesting The Arc New York to act as guardian, standby or alternate standby guardian are served by the Nassau County Chapter. An applicant is expected to be a Life Member of the Chapter and contribute financially to the lifetime costs of providing guardianship oversight. Such contributions may be waived only under certain circumstances.
The guardianship process is timely and complicated. We are here to answer questions as well as provide further information, consultation and advice. Please contact our Guardianship Coordinator, Eileen Stewart-Rooney at (516) 546-7700 x4205.