Service Access Coordination

About Service Access Coordination

Service Access Coordination are services offered to Nassau County, Suffolk County and Brooklyn residents at no cost providing a range of support.

Service Access Coordination provides:

• Connect eligible individuals and their families to Care Coordinators and Family Support Brokers.
• Support families in navigating the HCBS (Home and Community Based) Medicaid Waiver process.
• Make referrals to clinical evaluations and state, city and private programs.
• Link families to community resources.
• Educate families regarding their school-based services.
• Promote self-advocacy skills.
• Provide educational group presentation, and much more
• Support individuals and their families while navigating the initial OPWDD Eligibility Process (Office for People with Developmental Disabilities).
• Provide support during assessments, for example, life plan meetings and circle of support meetings.
• Educate families regarding services within the OPWDD service system.
• Assist and troubleshoot navigating the self-direction program including Family Support Service, ie: Service Access Coordination and OPWDD process.
• Guidance, Direction, Information, Referrals & Linkages to Transition Related Services.
• Offer Support & Expertise in Understanding & Adult Service Providers

Learn more and schedule an appointment today:

Virtual Lunchtime Discussion

Join us on the below dates 11:30 am-12:30 pm.

Pre-registration is required.

No registration fee. A zoom link will be sent the day before the presentation.

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Meeting at the Intersection: Understanding LGBTQIA+ Identity and Disabilities

This workshop explores the intersection of LGBTQIA+ identity and disability, highlighting the unique challenges faced by individuals who navigate both experiences. Participants will identify effective support strategies, deepen their understanding of inclusive advocacy, and gain practical insights for supporting family members and loved ones within this community.

Presenter: Amy Snyder, Regional Coordinator, Upstate East Office, Parent to Parent of New York State.

Amy Snyder is a Regional Coordinator at the Upstate East office of Parent to Parent of NYS. As a mother of four, including two children with disabilities, her professional work is deeply rooted in personal experience. Her advocacy journey began through navigating the complexities of her children’s unique needs, including Dyslexia, ADHD, and DiGeorge Syndrome (22q11.2 deletion syndrome). Furthermore, her experience supporting a child within the LGBTQ+ community has established her as a dedicated ally for individuals at the intersection of gender identity and disability. Driven by her commitment to the community, Amy earned a Bachelor of Science in Disability Studies and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in the same field to further enhance her expertise in professional advocacy.

RSVP by: October 19, 2026

Wednesday, October 28, 2026 | 7:30-8:45 pm

Navigating Medicaid: Coverage Types and Service Opportunities

 

Presenter: Jacqueline R. Speciale, Office Manager, RRA3, Financial Benefits and Entitlement Assistance and Management, NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)

Hosted by:

  • Mid-Island Y JCC Access Coordination Program
  • Long Island Family Support Services Advisory Council

About the Workshop

Participants will gain an understanding of Medicaid coverage and program types, how they relate to OPWDD service opportunities, and strategies for maintaining Medicaid eligibility.

RSVP by: October 26, 2026

Tuesday, November 17, 2026

Home-Enabling Supports | Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)

Home-Enabling Supports (HES) provide a new way to help individuals who are eligible for OPWDD services and the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver achieve greater independence. These supports use technology and innovative tools to reduce reliance on staff at home and in the community.

This informative workshop is designed for parents, caregivers, and professionals across New York State.

Topics will include:

  • Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver
  • The process for applying for Home-Enabling Supports
  • Assistive Devices and Technology that promote safety, independence, and daily routines
  • Remote Supports
  • Health Assessment and Coordination Services (HACS)

Home-Enabling Supports provide greater access to opportunities available throughout the community. Selected not-for-profit agencies can purchase HES on an individual’s behalf when there is a clear expectation that the support will:

  • Increase safety
  • Improve independence
  • Enhance health and well-being
  • Increase participation in meaningful community activities

RSVP by: November 6, 2026

Tuesday, December 1, 2026

New York State Department of Civil Service (NY HELPS)

The Center for Careers in Government (CCG) presents a Workshop to Learn About Careers with New York State.
• Competitive Salaries Package
• Amazing Health Benefits
• Generous Time Off
• Retirement Package
• Rewarding Careers in Public Service
• Civil Service Law 55b and 55b/c programs which coordinate efforts to place individuals with disabilities in entry-level state jobs.

Speaker Ingrid Alexander currently works for the New York State Department of Civil Service as a Program Outreach Specialist for the Long Island region, under the Centers for Careers in Government department. She brings years of experience working in government. She has more than 4 years of experience assisting Long Islanders with finding employment. In her current role, she outreaches and educates Long Islanders on how to find and apply for jobs with New York State.

It’s easier than ever to get a job with New York State!

RSVP by November 23, 2026.