Many caregivers, including aging caregivers, are caring for a person with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The following resources are available:
New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities [OPWDD]
OPWDD and its associated voluntary agencies offer many services to consumers and their families.
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disabilities caused by a problem with the brain. They are increasingly common, and are now estimated to affect one in every 110 American children. It is important to identify and diagnose ASDs and obtain intervention services as early as possible.
The National Arc:
The Arc is the world’s largest community based organization of and for
people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It provides an array of services and
support for families and individuals and includes over 140,000 members affiliated through more
than 780 state and local chapters across the nation. The Arc is devoted to promoting and
improving supports and services for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
NYSARC(New York State ARC)
The NYSARC, a family-based organization working with and for people who have intellectual and other developmental disabilities.
webpage is designed to provide important information for
those seeking guardianship of another individual as well as guardianship alternatives.NYS Developmental Disabilities Planning Council
The New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council
is responsible for developing new ways to improve the delivery of services and supports to New Yorkers with developmental disabilities and their families. The Council focuses on community
involvement, employment, recreation and housing issues faced by New Yorkers with developmental
disabilities and their families.
School of Social Welfare, University at Albany, State University of New York
This site is intended
to be a resource for staff caring for individuals with intellectual and other developmental
disabilities who are showing signs of dementia. Administrators and researchers will also find
some of the links helpful. The resource links are divided into the following topics: Dementia,
Intellectual Disabilities, Tools for Assessment & Care and Training & Conferences.
is a 137-page manual for area agencies. Chapters include “Why Should Older
Carers be Targeted for Assistance?,” “Organizing Your Community,” “Developing Your Agency’s
Initiative,” “Cultural Aspects to Working with Carers,” and “Key Issues in Working with
Carers.” The document also contains a number of appendices of resources and sample materials.
,” is an accumulation of materials, resources and best practices in the
topic, produced as a direct result of three years of collaboration-building workshops in 33
different states. Sections include Demographics, Collaborations, Legislation, Best Practices,
References, Resources, and Quick Reference Fact Sheets.
