Ages 5-17

OVERVIEW:

HARC’s mission is to enable individuals with disabilities and others in the community to achieve full potential and enriched lives. HARC provides a wide range of quality support services and activities for children and teens with developmental disabilities, such as after school and weekend recreation, services coordination, respite, among many others. Participants and their families are encouraged and supported in the expression of their individual rights and preferred choices. HARC provides consultation to ensure that each service package is appropriately designed to meet the personal needs and preferences of the individual. Service packages may include one or more of the services offered by HARC. All HARC services are provided at the highest quality and comply with all applicable rules, regulations, and laws. Programs and services available include:

• ACCESSING SERVICES

• SERVICES COORDINATION

• SIBSHOP WORKSHOPS

• RESPITE SERVICES

• HABILITATION SERVICES

• CLINICAL SERVICES

• FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES

• VALLEY COMMONS FAMILY PROGRAM

• SCHOOL TO WORK SERVICES (Ages 16-22)

• PERSON CENTERED PLANNING

• SELF-ADVOCACY

• ETHICS HELPLINE

ACCESSING SERVICES:

Outreach Development Coordination

If parents or caretakers of children and teens are interested in receiving any service(s) with HARC or in investigating the services offered, they should contact the Outreach Development Coordinator at (315) 574-7000. The Coordinator can help individuals or families substantiate developmental disabilities. In addition, the Coordinator can assist with Social Security applications, assistance with applying for other government programs such as food stamps and VESID (Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities) [link www.vesid.nysed.gov], and/or provide a direction of where to begin with services. If individuals are already determined to be eligible, but wish to access some of the HARC services listed on this site for themselves or family members, or if they are Service Coordinators from a different agency—the Outreach Development Coordinator can assist in applying for or accessing programs. This also includes referral to HARC’s Residential Services.

SERVICES COORDINATION:

Medicaid Services Coordination

Medicaid Service Coordinators work with individuals, families and caretakers to find the agency and community resources an individual needs to be as independent as possible. In order to qualify for Medicaid Service Coordination, a person must have a certain type of Medicaid coverage and be OMRDD (New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities) [link www.omr.state.ny.us] services eligible. The Service Coordinator visits the individual at least once per month in order to monitor services he or she is currently receiving and to explore new services the individual may desire. Typical areas a Service Coordinator assists with, but are not limited to, include Social Security acquisition, Medicaid and food stamp obtainment and guidance, recreational and respite services, medical and legal advocacy, school advocacy, day program options, residential and day habilitation services, and School to Work services. An individual is required to have a Medicaid Service Coordinator in order to be enrolled in an OMRDD Medicaid Waiver Program.  Service Coordination offices are open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Service Access Assistance

Service Access Assistance is limited service coordination for those who do not currently qualify for Medicaid. A Service Access Assistance Coordinator works with a person and/or their family to help them become eligible for Medicaid Service Coordination, and other OMRDD services including an HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) Waiver through the obtainment of Medicaid. If Medicaid obtainment is not a realistic goal, a Service Access Assistance Coordinator typically assists in the following areas: medical and legal advocacy, school advocacy, and respite options. Service Coordination offices are open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

SIBSHOP WORKSHOPS:

Sibshops recognize that children who have special needs, have non-disabled siblings, who have needs of their own. These free workshops provide brothers and sisters, ages 8 to 13, not only the opportunity to enjoy an exciting, fast-paced program which includes recreational activities in a relaxed setting, but to meet other siblings. The goals of Sibshops are to provide brothers and sisters with opportunities to discuss common joys and concerns with other siblings; to provide opportunities to learn how to handle situations commonly experienced by siblings of children with special needs; and opportunities to learn more about the implications of their siblings’ special needs. These workshops are offered several times per year. Please call (315) 574-7000 for more information.

RESPITE SERVICES:

Children’s Community Respite – Group

Children and Teens Community Respite is available six days a week (closed Sundays), with afterschool and weekends programs tailored to give family members personal time away from care giving for their developmentally-disabled child or teen. The group also promotes a social environment for children and teens to interact and to make friends with peers. Open to any child or teen living with another individual (family member, caretaker, sibling, etc.). The individual must be HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) Waiver enrolled, and diagnosed with developmental disabilities. Group activities can include: bowling, dining out, miniature golf, camping trips, attending area sporting events, time at the RAC (Recreational Activities Center), movies, etc. Two-way transportation provided to and from home.

Special Needs Children’s Play Group – Ages 3 to 5

Special Needs Children Play Group includes children with developmental disabilities, including those with Autism. The service is offered on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at HARC’s Recreation Activity Center (RAC) and other HARC sites. Activities include art and crafts, listening skills, gross and fine motor activities, social skills, music and language skills, among others. All learning will be done in the form of play and with fun activities.

Special Needs Children’s Respite – One-on-one

Special Needs Children’s Respite is available seven days a week. The program is designed for children and teens with challenging behaviors and/or with physical limitations that require one-on-one staffing. Open to any person living with another individual (family member, sibling, etc.). Children and Teens must also be HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) Waiver enrolled and diagnosed with developmental disabilities. Activities are designed for each individual and can include: bowling, dining out, arts and crafts projects, and attending movies, among others. Two-way transportation provided to and from home.

Children’s In-Home Respite – One-on-one

Children’s In-Home Respite is available seven days a week and is tailored to give family members personal time away from care giving—knowing their family member is in trusted care in a safe environment. The individual must be HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) Waiver enrolled, diagnosed with developmental disabilities, and live with another individual (family member, sibling, etc.). Activities are designed as needed for the child or teen.

Children’s Cultural Awareness Group

This program involves individuals who are enrolled in Children’s Community Respite or Special Needs Respite. Three group outings are planned a year to allow individuals with developmental disabilities to enjoy the company of their peers at cultural and sporting events in the community. Day outings have included trips to museums, a Harlem Globetrotters show, the circus, plays, and more. Two-way transportation provided to and from home.

Recreation Activities Center (RAC)

HARC’s Recreation Center is open six days a week: Monday through Wednesday, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday through Friday, 3:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and closed Sundays (and HARC’s holiday schedule). Individuals utilizing RAC must be HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) Waiver enrolled and be diagnosed with developmental disabilities. RAC offers individuals opportunities to participate in classes and recreational activities of their own choosing and to enjoy the company of their peers. Located in an easily accessible downtown location in Herkimer, NY, RAC boasts a big screen television and cozy seating in a large social area, kitchen facilities, art and music rooms, a spacious game room complete with pool table, air hockey, foosball and ping pong tables, and other games. A sampling of planned activities includes photography and exercise classes, baking and cooking, social clubs, nature walks, sports appreciation days, art and photography classes, karaoke and music classes, among other group experiences. Additionally, groups participate in community outings. Two-way transportation provided to and from home.

Drop-In Center at HARC’s Recreation Activities Center (RAC)

The Drop-In program is available to individuals who are enrolled in Children’s Community Respite and/or Special Needs Children’s Respite. Available to parents and caregivers to provide oversight and organized activities after school and during parent or caregiver work hours: Monday through Friday, 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Children and teens can be picked up by HARC staff at school. Additionally, parents can pick their children or teens up at the Center or they can be delivered home by HARC staff.

William H. Privett Respitality Center – Residential Services

Respite is available to individuals with a developmental disability, from infants to seniors, enrolled in the HCBS waiver program. The individuals must live at home with a family member or with a caregiver. Family Care Home providers may also access the William H. Privett Respitality Center. Families pre-arrange respite services to help provide them with personal time away from caring for their loved ones—whether it is a few hours, or all weekend. The Respitality Center, located in Little Falls, NY, is open from Friday afternoon to Sunday evening. The Center also operates a few weeks during the year to accommodate the vacation and school-break needs of families with school-age children and teens.

HABILITATION SERVICES:

Children’s Day Habilitation - Community

Day Habilitation - Community is available seven days a week with services provided after school and weekends. The child or teen must be HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) Waiver enrolled, and diagnosed with developmental disabilities. All activities are goal-directed and based on the needs of the individual. To address and achieve goals to help promote emotional and physical well-being, stronger communications skills and community integration, HARC utilizes local establishments for activities such as a grocery store, bowling alley, playground, movie theater, among other sites. Two-way transportation provided to and from home.

Children’s In-home Residential Habilitation

Residential Habilitation is available seven days a week in a child or teen’s home. The child or teen must be HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) Waiver enrolled and diagnosed with developmental disabilities. All activities are goal-directed and based on individual needs. The majority of time is spent in home on daily living and hygiene skills to help individuals to become independent within their home environments. Activities can include cooking and making snacks, daily living skills such as laundry, housekeeping, among others. Additionally, activities can include outings to community establishments such as the library, parks, shopping, etc.

CLINICAL SERVICES:

Psychiatry Services

Psychiatry Services are provided by a Psychiatrist for those having a developmental disability and determined to be eligible for OMRDD (New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities) [link www.omr.state.ny.us] services. This service is provided every two weeks by referral and appointment only. There are no fees or Medicaid eligibility requirements.

FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES:

Counseling

Counseling Service is provided by a Licensed Certified Social Worker or a master’s degree level Counselor. It is available to all families and requires that one family member have a developmental disability. Counseling is provided to the individual with the disability or the family of that individual. There is no cost for this service and it is available five days a week. The unique feature of this counseling is that it is or can be provided in a home, at school (with permission of the school) or a local community room such as in the local library. In this way transportation does not have to interfere with access to this service.

Autism Training

Workshops are provided four times a year, and are open to parents and professionals to assist with learning a technique or modality that will be useful in meeting the needs of those individuals with Autism, Aspergers or other pervasive developmental disabilities. HARC invites noted speakers and trainers to lead these trainings which are free and open to the public. Trainings are announced through e-mail, postal mail, and articles in local newspapers. To get on HARC’s e-mail list for these mailings, simply send an e-mail to info@herkimerarc.org to be added to the list.

VALLEY COMMONS FAMILY PROGRAM:

Valley Commons offers long term support and education to parents with developmental disabilities. Families may be headed by one or two parents. The parent must have custody of the child. Staffed by Family Educators, the program focuses on helping parents develop an individualized plan that teaches the needed skills to build a bright future for themselves and for their children. Valley Commons involves others organizations serving the parents, such as school teachers, Public Health, Social Services, Cooperative Extension, Head Start, and others, in the family’s planning and education. Examples of parent skill building include: positive discipline, bedtime routines, meal planning for child brain development, who is a safe person to be with my child, and how do I know if my child is too sick for school.

Valley Commons provides group day habilitation, evening and weekend habilitation, and at-home residential habilitation. Currently, the program is designed for four families. Two of the four families rent safe, affordable Valley Commons homes that serve as learning environments for the parent. Parents not enrolled in the program may also join in parenting and other classes with the Valley Commons families at the Learning Center located in Herkimer, NY.

SCHOOL TO WORK SERVICES – AGES 16 TO 22:

Career Connections School to Work services assists students, ages 16 to 22 with documented disabilities, to transition from an education to a work setting upon leaving school.

Assisting Students

To enroll in School to Work services, students may be referred by their parents, schools, other agencies such as VESID (Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities) [link www.vesid.nysed.gov], or by themselves. Career Connections offers a variety of options. After meeting eligibility requirements, students may obtain a job within the community or at Herkimer Industries—a Vocational Work Center at 304-306 Fourth Avenue in Herkimer. Job placement will be based on a student’s interests, needs, and abilities.

Finding a Job

For individuals still in high school or at Herkimer County BOCES, through cooperation with their schools, eligible students can work part of the day and attend school for the remainder. Career Connections will continue to help students to achieve their work goals even after graduation. The process includes an intake—gathering information such as interests, needs, strengths, and future goals. Individuals can also try jobs out. Once placed, students will work with a Job Coach to ensure that they adjust, learn the new jobs, and get to know their supervisors and coworkers. Staff will also assist with finding job opportunities, filling out applications, and practicing interviews.

Transportation Services

Transportation services may be available through HARC, Herkimer BOCES, and/or the student’s school to get to Career Connection services or employment in the community or at the vocational work center.

Contacting Career Connections

For School to Work employment options and services, contact HARC’s Outreach Development Coordinator at (315) 574-7000.

PERSON CENTERED PLANNING:

HARC’s Compliance and Quality Management department offers opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in a comprehensive, enhanced Person Centered Planning (PCP) session. The process involves group sessions with members of the Compliance and Quality Management department meeting with individuals, their staff, and family members and/or caregivers who support them. The tools enable each individual and their family to envision individualized possibilities for their future; determine supports and resources for each person; and enrich lives with unprecedented levels of customer satisfaction. The tools that assist with Personal Centered Planning include: PATH (Planning Alternatives Tomorrows with Hope), MAPS (McGill Action Plan System), Essential Lifestyle Planning, Personal Outcome Measures, Framework for Planning, and Importance Satisfaction Mapping.

SELF-ADVOCACY:

HARC supports an organized Self-Advocacy Group, whose representatives contribute to serve as a “voice” for people with disabilities. Accomplishments include sharing ideas and concerns with HARC administration and the community, communicating with local, state and national government representatives, and attending state and national conferences. The group also hosts fund raisers throughout the year. Additionally, Self-Advocacy classes are presented within several HARC programs, which help to develop and promote self and group independence. Individuals are encouraged to speak out on issues and to promote equal rights.

ETHICS HELPLINE:

The Compliance and Quality Management Director oversees HARC’s Ethics Helpline, a confidential secure voice mail system that is committed to timely identification and resolution of all issues that may adversely affect consumers, staff, and/or HARC. People can call anonymously. Telephone calls to the Ethics Helpline might include: known episode of misconduct or violation of agency procedures and/or questions regarding documentation or the implementation of agency policy. To call the Ethics Helpline, dial (315) 866-7946.

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