Glossary

Abilities First Inc.

“Is non-profit organization  provides programs and services that are comprehensive in scope, meeting the needs of people of all ages with a wide range of disabilities. Rehabilitation, education, employment, vocational and residential support and services are provided by our professional and caring staff who make it their goal to allow each individual to meet their full potential. Our values-based approach incorporates, at its core, communication, dignity, excellence, independence, integrity, leadership and safety. These values are woven into the fabric of everyday life at Abilities First, and are, without question, the key to our overall success.” (Visit the Abilities First Inc. page)

Adolescent Day Treatment

“Adolescent Day Treatment Program  is an intensive and highly structured. It is a school based treatment program that serves young people (ages 12 -21 years of age) . “(Adolescent Day Treatment)

Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program

These programs are designed to prevent inpatient hospitalization or re-hospitalization and to help adolescents transition back to their life in the community.

Adolescent Partial Hospitalization

“Is licensed by the NYS Office of Mental Health, offers an intensive treatment program designed to keep adolescents in the community and prevent inpatient hospitalization. The PHP Program uses intensive group, individual and family therapy to stabilize the adolescents’ symptoms and avoid inpatient admission.  This program may be used as an initial point of entry into mental health care; as a step up from routine or intensive outpatient services; as a step down from acute inpatient care; or to prevent hospitalization. The program provides an educational component to enable the adolescent to keep up with his/her school work. In addition, adolescents are provided with extra support in any learning areas that are challenging to them.” (Visit the Adolescent Partial Hospitalization page on Astor Services for Children and Families )

Adult Career and Continuing Education Services – Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR)

“Adult Career and Continuing Education Services–Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) starts with the presumption that all individuals with disabilities can benefit from vocational rehabilitation services and should have opportunities to work in jobs integrated within their communities. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors guide individuals through service programs they need to reach their employment goal. Our mission is to assist individuals with disabilities to achieve and maintain employment and to support independent living through training, education, rehabilitation, and career development.”(Adult Career and Continuing Education Services -Vocational Rehabilitation)

Adult Children of Alcoholics

“Never before in the history of Twelve Step programs has a fellowship brought together such a diverse group of recovering people that includes adult children of alcoholics, codependents, and addicts of various sorts. The program is Adult Children of Alcoholics. The term “adult child” is used to describe adults who grew up in alcoholic or dysfunctional homes and who exhibit identifiable traits that reveal past abuse or neglect. The group includes adults raised in homes without the presence of alcohol or drugs. These ACOA members have the trademark presence of abuse, shame, and abandonment found in alcoholic homes.” (Adult Children of Alcoholics)

Adult Protective Services otherwise known as Protective Services for Adults (PSA)

“Protective Services for Adults (PSA) is a state-mandated program which is provided without regard to income to assist adults age 18 or older who, because of mental or physical impairments, can no longer provide for their basic needs for food, clothing, shelter or medical care, or protect themselves from neglect, abuse, or hazardous situations, and who have no one willing and able to help in a responsible manner.” (Protective Services for Adults)

Alcohol Anonymous for families

Organization of relatives and friends whose lives have been affected by the alcoholism of another (Alcohol Anonymous)

ALA-TEEN – Alcoholic Anonymous support for teens . This program is a place just for teens affected by someone else’s alcoholism. Not a place for teenagers seeking help for drinking or drug problems or a therapy program; to complain about parents or anyone else or a social hangout. It is for teen children of alcoholic parents who are seeking support.(Ala-Teen)

Alcoholics Anonymous

“Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere. There are no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about his or her drinking problem.”(Alcohol Anonymous)

The Alternative High School Programs (AHSP), located at BETA, join the resources of concentrated counseling services and a structured program with clear behavioral and academic standards. This creates a supportive atmosphere where the individual student is the focus. The program is designed to assist students in rebuilding their self-esteems and to develop pride in their accomplishments. As a result, students have a positive sense of their own worth and abilities which enables them to achieve. Characteristics of the program include small class sizes and the ability to individualize instruction if needed. Students are offered a full range of courses and academically related experiences, similar to those typically found in the traditional school setting. Our success is measured by our steadily increasing annual graduation rate. (Visit the Alternative High School @ BETA page)

American Psychological Association  is a professional association for psychologists.

American Sign Language (ASL)

“American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete, complex language that employs signs made by moving the hands combined with facial expressions and postures of the body. It is the primary language of many North Americans who are deaf and is one of several communication options used by people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.” (Visit the American Sign Language page)

Americans with Disabilities Act

“The ADA Home Page provides access to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations for businesses and State and local governments, technical assistance materials, ADA Standards for Accessible Design, links to Federal agencies with ADA responsibilities and information, updates on new ADA requirements.”(American with Disabilities Act)

Anderson Center for Autism

“ACA’s core philosophy is that all people deserve to live a life of quality.  ACA has evolved into an organization that has the expertise, resources and technology to enable the agency to contribute much toward the optimization of the quality of life of those it serves.” (Visit the Anderson Center for Autism)

ACA is a non-profit organization that provides a variety of services including residential school, day school for children; home based services and adult residential care.

Applied Behavior Analysis

“What is Applied Behavior Analysis?

Behavior analysis focuses on the principles that explain how learning takes place. Positive reinforcement is one such principle. When a behavior is followed by some sort of reward, the behavior is more likely to be repeated. Through decades of research, the field of behavior analysis has developed many techniques for increasing useful behaviors and reducing those that may cause harm or interfere with learning.

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the use of these techniques and principles to bring about meaningful and positive change in behavior.” (Autism Speaks)

Board of Cooperative Educational Services

BOCES stands for Board of Cooperative Educational Services. BOCES is a public organization that was created by the New York State Legislature in 1948 to provide shared educational programs and services to school districts. (Board of Cooperative Educational Services)

BOCES Education and Training Academy (BOCES Education and Training Academy)

Care at Home

“The Medicaid-waiver CAHI/II program provides community-based services to physically disabled children who require hospital or skilled nursing home level of care, and allows the child to be at home instead of in an institutional setting. Medicaid state plan services and waiver services, including case management, respite, home adaptations, vehicle modification and palliative care are available to assist families in caring for their disabled child at home. Considered as a group, the cost of care of children participating in CAH I/II can not exceed that if cared for in a skilled nursing facility or hospital.” (Visit the New York State Department of Health Care at Home page)

Care Coordination 

“Service coordination assists persons with developmental disabilities and their families in gaining access to services and supports appropriate to their needs. OPWDD delivers almost all service coordination through its Service Coordination program. Care Coordination is provided by qualified service coordinators, uses a person-centered planning process in developing, implementing, and maintaining an Individualized Service Plan and providers are independent of other OPWDD service provider agencies to ensure services are conflict free. Plan of Care Support Services (PCSS) is an alternative form of service coordination. PCSS providers assist individuals to review and update their Individualized Service Plan. PCSS is delivered by a qualified  Care Coordinator.” (OPWDD)

Currently OPWDD is planning on transitioning services from MSC to Care Coordination in 2018. More details can be found on the OPWDD website.

Career Development & Occupational Studies (CDOS);

NY State Education replaced what was known as the Individual Education Plan (IEP) diploma with the CDOS certificate. This is not a high school diploma, but a certificate of completion of studies focused on career development and job readiness training. For more information visit the New York State Special Education page

Certified Rehabilitation Counselor

The designation of Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) is a respected, well-recognized credential for individuals who provide rehabilitation counseling services, establishing for you, the employer, a standard level of competency for employee hiring and evaluation.

Rehabilitation counselors who obtain the CRC credential are counselors who possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to collaborate in a professional relationship with people who have physical, mental, developmental, cognitive and/or emotional disabilities. (for more information on the certified rehabilitation counselor credential)

Child Advocacy Center

The Child Advocacy Center was the first of its kind in New York State. The CAC brings Child Protective Services (CPS) Caseworkers, Law Enforcement officers and other service providers together under one roof to meet the needs of child victims and families while undergoing sexual and physical abuse investigations. This collaborative response reduces trauma to the child victim and increases prosecution of child sex offenders. The CAC operates with the guidance of a multidisciplinary team with representation from each Dutchess County public and private agency involved in dealing with child sexual abuse and the most severe physical abuse and neglect of children up to 18 years of age. (Child Advocacy Center)

Child and Adolescent Service System Program

Family Support Services follow the Child Adolescent Service System Program (CASSP) Principles. These principles focus on strengths and needs identified by the family. CASSP is based on well-defined set of principles for mental health services for children/adolescents with or at risk of developing severe emotional disorders and their families. Family Support Services utilizes these principles with children regardless of their disability. (Child and Adolescent Service System Program)

Child Protective Services

Is responsible for investigations of abuse and/or neglect of children under 18 years of age. Staff are available seven days a week, 24 hours per day to investigate reports received through the State Central Register for Child Abuse (1-800-342-3720). (Visit the Child Protective Services page on DutchessNY.gov)

Children with Special Health Care Needs Program (CSHCN): Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health’s Nursing Division provides services and assistance for children with health care needs.  This is another point of entry to Early Intervention services and other supports for medically frail children in Dutchess County.

Committee for Preschool Special Education

If your preschool-age child (3-5 years old) did not receive early intervention services, but has some delays or lags in development such as difficulty in talking, moving around, thinking, or learning or is facing physical or behavioral challenges — you, or professionals who know your child, may make a referral to the chairperson of your school district’s Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) who will assist you in completing the referral process.(for more information on community on preschool special education)

Committee on Special Education

Community Mental Health Center

Provides outpatient services including evaluation, psychopharmacologic, psychotherapeutic, social rehabilitative, substance abuse, case management, and support services to children, teens and adults. The clinic is staffed by psychiatrists, social workers and other mental health professionals. (for more information visit Department of Behavioral and Community Health)

Community Residence

“A Community Residence (CR) is a residential program that provides both supervised and supportive living environments.  Individuals living in a Supervised CR have staff immediately available on site 24/7 and include supplies for daily living, like food and toiletries.  Supervised CRs are designed to provide a home-like atmosphere where individuals with developmental disabilities can acquire the skills necessary to live as independently as possible.  In a Supportive CR, staff is on site only during certain times of the day and up to 20 hours per week.  The extent to which staffing supports are provided is based on the individuals’ needs” (for more information on Community Residences)

Congregate Care Facility (CCF)

Just over 400,000 American children live in foster care, and some 55,000 reside in group homes, residential treatment facilities, psychiatric institutions and emergency shelters. This type of placement—called “congregate care”—may be beneficial for children who require short-term supervision and structure because their behavior may be place themselves or others at risk of injury or harm.

Child welfare agencies are working to reduce the use of congregate care by reinvesting funds into family-based and prevention services and changing policies to favor family placements and discourage congregate care. For example, some states have lowered the number of beds in group facilities and increased the number of family foster homes. Other states are including children and families in the decisions made on where children should be placed and what resources families might need to keep their children home safely.  (Visit the Congregate Care Facility page on the National Conference of State Legislatures page)

CCF is also the acronym for Council on Children & Families

Continuing Day Treatment

A program which provides seriously mentally ill adults with the skills and supports necessary to remain in the community and or work toward a more independent level of functioning. Participants often attend several days per week with visits lasting more than an hour. ( for more information on Continuing Day Treatment)

Council on Children and Families

The Council on Children and Families coordinates New York’s health, education and human services systems as a means to provide more effective systems of care for children and families. (Council on Children and Families)

This acronym also can be associated with Congregate Care Facility

Dutchess County Department of Community & Family Services (DCFS)

This Department provides the following programs:

Medicaid Division                  Temporary Assistance                Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

Adult Services                         Child Care Subsidy Program      Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

Children’s Services                Child Support Services                 Youth Services

Dutchess County Department of Community and Family Services

“To meet the needs of the County’s vulnerable population, as provided by social services law, in a courteous, fair and efficient manner with the aim of restoring each beneficiary to maximum independence.” (for more information on Department of Community and Family Services)

Developmental Disabilities Services Office is the local district office for New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. These are split into two areas of service delivery, the Regional Offices (DDRO) that over see the day to day services for people with developmental disabilities and State Operations that over see the state run residential group homes and day service programs for  OPWDD .

Developmental Disability

“Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. These conditions begin during the developmental period, may impact day-to-day functioning, and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime.” (for more information on developmental disabilities.

Developmental Disability Regional Office for NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities it is located at 38 Fireman’s Way, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 (for more information on the Developmental District Regional Office)

Developmental Milestones

Skills such as taking a first step, smiling for the first time, and waving “bye-bye” are called developmental milestones. Children reach milestones in how they play, learn, speak, behave, and move (for example, crawling and walking).

Children develop at their own pace, so it’s impossible to tell exactly when a child will learn a given skill. However, the developmental milestones give a general idea of the changes to expect as a child gets older.

As a parent, you know your child best. If your child is not meeting the milestones for his or her age, or if you think there could be a problem with your child’s development, talk with your child’s doctor or health care provider and share your concerns. Don’t wait. (Milestones children should reach)

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fifth Edition

The DSM-V is a peer reviewed manual that assists clinicians and researchers diagnose and classify mental disorders.

Down Syndrome Association of the Hudson Valley

The Down Syndrome Association Hudson Valley, established by a group of parents in the 1980s, is a volunteer driven organization created for local families. We wish to see our children and adults with Down syndrome live fulfilling, empowered lives and strive to meet the individual needs of each family. Our mission is simply:

• To provide support to new parents
• To obtain and provide up to date information on Down syndrome to parents and others
• To increase community awareness of Down syndrome
• To enhance employment opportunities for people with Down syndrome
• To improve education for students with Down syndrome

Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health

Dutchess County has combined the programs of its Department of Health with its Department Mental Hygiene to create the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health. 

Dutchess County Jail

“The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Correction Division is committed to fulfilling the needs of the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office and the community at large by providing for the safe, secure, and humane housing of persons committed to its custody.” (for more information regarding Dutchess County Jail)

Early Intervention Program in Dutchess County

The New York State Early Intervention Program is part of the national Early Intervention Program for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. First created by Congress in 1986 under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the EIP is administered by the New York State Department of Health through the Bureau of Early Intervention. In New York State, the Early Intervention Program is established in Article 25 of the Public Health Law and has been in effect since July 1, 1993.

To be eligible for services, children must be under 3 years of age and have a confirmed disability or established developmental delay, as defined by the State, in one or more of the following areas of development: physical, cognitive, communication, social-emotional, and/or adaptive.

Emotionally Disturbed

IDEA defines emotional disturbance as follows:

“…a condition exhibiting one or more of the following characteristics over a long period of time and to a marked degree that adversely affects a child’s educational performance:

(A) An inability to learn that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors.

(B) An inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers.

(C) Inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances.

(D) A general pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression.

(E) A tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears associated with personal or school problems.” (2)

As defined by IDEA, emotional disturbance includes schizophrenia but does not apply to children who are socially maladjusted, unless it is determined that they have an emotional disturbance. (3) (for more information on Emotional Disturbance)

Enhanced Coordinated Children’s Services Initiative (ECCSI)

To increase access to community-based preventive services to families; To decrease referrals to social services system; To create the structure necessary for effective coordination of community services and enhanced family functioning; To identify gaps and barriers to services in the current early childhood development system. (for more information on Enhanced Coordinated Children’s Services Initiative)

Health and Recovery Plans  (HARPs) is a Medicaid managed care program. A Health Home Care manager will typically conduct an annual HCBS eligibility assessment. When eligibility is confirmed, the care manager will also develop a Person-Centered Plan of Care, and then assist in working with the individual in selecting an HCBS provider.

• HARPs manage the Medicaid services for people who need them
• HARPs also manage an enhanced benefit package of Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS).
• HARPs provide enhanced care management for members to help them coordinate all their physical health, behavioral health and non-Medicaid support needs.

Home and Community-Based Services Waiver Program is a Medicaid waiver program that provides a wide array of services to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. (HCBS)

Home-Based Crisis Intervention

” The Astor Home-Based Crisis Intervention Program (HBCI) designed to prevent psychiatric hospitalization, is an intensive, short-term crisis intervention service and family education program. Astor provides this service under contract with the Dutchess County Department of Mental Hygiene.” (for more information on Home Based Crisis Intervention)

Hudson River Field Office is the local district office for the NYS Office of Mental Health. (OMH)

Hudson River Housing is a non-profit agency, that “through their continuum of services for the homeless to the homeowner, is dedicated to building strong, sustainable communities by developing and preserving quality affordable housing and helping families and individuals obtain and maintain housing through education, advocacy, and support services.” (HRH)

Hudson Valley Mental Health, Inc.  ” is a not-for-profit corporation that has been providing behavioral health services to the communities of Dutchess County since 2003 and Ulster County since 2014.  We operate eight clinics that are licensed by the New York State Office of Mental Health.  Additionally, HVMH is proud to be part of RESTART which is an innovative program that provides treatment and re-entry services to male and female inmates housed in the Dutchess County Jail. To make an appointment call (845) 486-2703.

Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center (HVSEPC)

Is located at Westchester Institute for Human Development (WIHD) provides resources and strategies to parents and guardians of students with disabilities in order to promote meaningful involvement in their children’s education programs. It is critical that parents understand the special education process and engage effectively as collaborative members of their children’s decision-making teams. Services are provided to families within the Hudson Valley region including Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, Ulster, Sullivan and Orange Counties.

Individual Family Service Plan

A written document that describes the early intervention (EI) services that will be provided to the child and family. Individual Family Service Plan meeting includes the child’s parents, the service coordinator, the county early intervention official, a representative of the team that evaluated the child and anyone else requested by the parent.

The Individual Education Plan is the cornerstone for the education of a child with a disability. It should identify the services a child needs so that he/she may grow and learn during the school year. It is also a legal document that outlines:

• The child’s special education plan (goals for the school year)
• Services needed to help the child meet those goals
• A method for evaluating the student’s progress (IEP)

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

“The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law that makes available a free appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and ensures special education and related services to those children. The IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services to more than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities.”(IDEA)

“Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are disorders that are usually present at birth and that negatively affect the trajectory of the individual’s physical, intellectual, and/or emotional development. Many of these conditions affect multiple body parts or systems.

Intellectual disability¹ starts any time before a child turns 18 and is characterized by problems with both:

• Intellectual functioning or intelligence, which include the ability to learn, reason, problem solve, and other skills; and
• Adaptive behavior, which includes everyday social and life skills.

The term “developmental disabilities” is a broader category of often lifelong disability that can be intellectual, physical, or both.²

“IDD” is the term often used to describe situations in which intellectual disability and other disabilities are present.^3″ (NIH)

Intellectual Disability

“Intellectual disability is a disability characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior, which covers many everyday social and practical skills.  Intellectual functioning—also called intelligence—refers to general mental capacity, such as learning, reasoning, problem solving, and so on. One way to measure intellectual functioning is an IQ test. Generally, an IQ test score of around 70 or as high as 75 indicates a limitation in intellectual functioning.

Adaptive behavior is the collection of conceptual, social, and practical skills that are learned and performed by people in their everyday lives.

• Conceptual skills—language and literacy; money, time, and number concepts; and self-direction.
• Social skills—interpersonal skills, social responsibility, self-esteem, gullibility, naïveté (i.e., wariness), social problem solving, and the ability to follow rules/obey laws and to avoid being victimized.
• Practical skills—activities of daily living (personal care), occupational skills, healthcare, travel/transportation, schedules/routines, safety, use of money, use of the telephone.

Standardized tests can also determine limitations in adaptive behavior.” (ID)

Intensive Day Treatment (RCPC at Dutchess BOCES)

“This is a short-term transitional program to serve adolescents in acute emotional crisis. Clinical services are provided by Rockland Children’s Psychiatric Center. This program offers two classes: one designed for adolescents, grades seven through twelve and the second designed for students in grades kindergarten through six.” (BOCES)

Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF)

“Are designed for those individuals whose disabilities limit them from living independently.  Services may be provided in an institutional or a community setting.   For the most part, ICFs serve individuals who are unable to care for their own basic needs, require heightened supervision and the structure, support and resources that define this program type.  ICFs provide 24-hour staffing supports for individuals with specific  adaptive, medical and/or behavioral needs and includes intensive clinical and direct-care services, professionally developed and supervised activities (day services) and a variety of therapies (e.g., physical, occupational or speech) as required by the individual’s needs.” (Visit the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities)

Learning Disability

“The term “learning disabilities”, sometimes referred to as specific learning disabilities, is an umbrella term that covers a range of neurologically based disorders in learning and various degrees of severity of such disorders.” (LD)

Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning Youth

The terms and definitions below are always evolving and changing and often mean different things to different people. They are provided below as a starting point for discussion and understanding. This Glossary has been collectively built and collected by the staff members of the LGBTQIA+ Resource Center since the early 2000s.(LGBTQ)

Local Government Unit

In accordance with New York State Mental Hygiene Law, as a Local Government Unit (LGU), Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health develops an annual Local Services Plan (LSP) establishes long-range goals and objectives consistent with statewide goals and objectives.

Mental Health of America

Mental Health America of Dutchess County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making sure nobody gets left behind in our community due to lack of mental health services. Our staff and volunteers work day and night to: strengthen families, overcome fear, help people dealing with anxiety, link individuals to the supports they need, provide safe spaces to heal, break down stigma.

Mid-Hudson Association for Persons with Disabilities Inc.

“MHAPD, Inc. is a non-profit organization founded over twenty-five years ago by parents of children with developmental disabilities and we are committed to supporting families in similar circumstances. image1. Our mission is to assist, support and advocate for families who have a disabled member with special needs, living at home.” Please call  (845) 485-3066.

Mid-Hudson Interpreter Service

“Mid-Hudson Interpreter Service, a program of Taconic Resources for Independence located in Poughkeepsie, New York, has been providing American Sign Language (ASL)/ English interpreting and translating services since 1992. MHIS provides sign language interpreting services to Dutchess County, Orange County, Ulster County, Putnam County, Rockland County, Sullivan County, Westchester County, throughout the Mid Hudson Valley and beyond.” (Visit the Taconic Resources for Independence page)

Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital

“Quality means proven technology put to work right for you, there is no doubt you want to be in the hospital for no other reason than to get better. However, because we strive for innovation and medical advancement, quality also means applying our history of learning to newer, simpler, less invasive (where possible) modes of care giving so that you benefit from today’s advancements too. These two aspects must work together in order for us to deliver a care giving experience that you can trust and rely on for your needs.“(MHRH)

Mothers Against Drunk Driving

“The mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, and prevent underage drinking.” (MADD)

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

“Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).

In MS, the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers and causes communication problems between your brain and the rest of your body. Eventually, the disease can cause the nerves themselves to deteriorate or become permanently damaged.

There’s no cure for multiple sclerosis. However, treatments can help speed recovery from attacks, modify the course of the disease and manage symptoms.” ( Mayo Clinic)

Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) ;  Muscular dystrophies are a group of diseases that cause weakness and degeneration of the skeletal muscles.  For a full list of muscular dystrophies please follow this link to the MDA website

Narcotics Anonymous – organization for relatives and friends of substance abusers

“The Nar-Anon Family Groups is primarily for those who know or have known a feeling of desperation concerning the addiction problem of someone very near to you. We have traveled that unhappy road too, and found the answer with serenity and peace of mind.

When you come into the family group, you are no longer alone, but among true friends who understand your problem as few others could. We respect your confidence and anonymity as we know you will respect ours. We hope to give you the assurance that no situation is too difficult and no unhappiness is too great to be overcome.” (Nar-Anon)

Narcotics Anonymous

“Narcotics Anonymous is a global, community-based organization with a multi-lingual and multicultural membership. We offer recovery from the effects of addiction through working a twelve-step program, including regular attendance at group meetings. The group atmosphere provides help from peers and offers an ongoing support network for addicts who wish to pursue and maintain a drug-free lifestyle.”(NA)

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill

“NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.” (NAMI)

National Association of Social Workers is a professional association for social workers.

National Organization for Disorders of the Corpus Callosum

Disorders of the corpus callosum are conditions in which the corpus callosum does not develop in a typical manner. Since these are disorders of brain structure, they can only be diagnosed by brain scan, including:

• Pre/postnatal sonogram (ultrasound)
• Computerized Axial Tomography (CT-scan or CAT scan)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

New Horizons Resources Inc. is an non-for profit agency that provides services to people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).

NYSARC  – (NYS Association for Retarded Children) formally changed its name to New York State Arc, Inc. The Arc New York is a family-led organization that advocates and provides support and services that emphasize choice and community engagement to people with developmental and other disabilities.

For more information on NYSARC

New York State Education Department (NYSED or SED)

“The New York State Education Department is part of the University of the State of New York (USNY), one of the most complete, interconnected systems of educational services in the United States.  Our mission is to raise the knowledge, skill, and opportunity of all the people in New York. Our vision is to provide leadership for a system that yields the best educated people in the world.” (Visit the New York State Education Department)

Notification of Denial (NOD)  of eligibility for services letter from NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). This letter also outlines the fair hearing process to appeal this decision and the timeline that it needs to be done. If you need assistance with this please contact Dana Hopkins, Dutchess County Coordinator of Intellectual & Developmental Disability Services at 845-486-2765 or DHopkins@dutchessny.gov

Office of Mental Health

“New York State has a large, multi-faceted mental health system that serves more than 700,000 individuals each year. The Office of Mental Health (OMH) operates psychiatric centers across the State, and also regulates, certifies and oversees more than 4,500 programs, which are operated by local governments and nonprofit agencies. These programs include various inpatient and outpatient programs, emergency, community support, residential and family care programs.

For questions about mental health services, to find a mental health service provider or to make a complaint, call OMH Customer Relations toll-free at 1-800-597-8481.” (Visit the Office of Mental Health)

Partial Hospital Program

Partial hospitalization provides a structured program of outpatient psychiatric services as an alternative to inpatient psychiatric care. It’s more intense than care you get in a doctor’s or therapist’s office. This treatment is provided during the day and doesn’t require an overnight stay.

Person in Need of Supervision

“A person in need of supervision (PINS) is an individual under the age of 18 who:

• Does not attend school
• Behaves in a way that is incorrigible, ungovernable, or habitually disobedient
• Is beyond the control of a parent, guardian or lawful authority
• Is suspected of drug abuse
• And requires supervision or treatment

The petitioner in a PINS case is usually the parent, guardian, school, or the presentment agency acting on behalf of the county or city.” (PINS)

Personal Recovery Orientated Services

“Personalized Recovery Oriented Services (PROS) is a comprehensive model that integrates rehabilitation, treatment, and support services for people with serious mental illness.” (Visit the Personal Recovery Orientated Services page)

Power of Attorney also know as a Durable Power of Attorney.

“There are ways to avoid the time and expense of a guardianship or conservator-ship process while accomplishing the same basic goals. If the person with special needs has sufficient capacity to understand, he can appoint an agent using a durable power of attorney over medical or financial matters, or both. Depending on the type of power of attorney, the agent will have the authority to make financial and property decisions or medical and personal decisions on behalf of the adult child, all without court intervention or direct oversight.” (read more…)

Pre-Admission Certification Committee

“The pre-admission certification committee for each region shall be responsible for reviewing the applications of children within the region referred for admission to a residential treatment facility. The pre-admission certification committee shall review each child and determine whether or not such child is eligible for admission in accordance with the criteria specified in section 583.8 of this Part and the immediacy of the need of the individual child given the availability of services and the needs of the other children determined to be eligible who have not yet been admitted.” (PACC) There is a process related to these decisions. (Process)

Probation Officer / Parole Officer

Probation and parole officers typically share similar duties with one main exception. A parole officer supervises offenders who have been released from prison after serving part of their sentence, while a probation officer supervises those who are sentenced to serve probation instead of being incarcerated. (PO)

Protective Services for Adults (PSA) otherwise known as Adult Protective Services (APS)

“Protective Services for Adults (PSA) is a state-mandated program which is provided without regard to income to assist adults age 18 or older who, because of mental or physical impairments, can no longer provide for their basic needs for food, clothing, shelter or medical care, or protect themselves from neglect, abuse, or hazardous situations, and who have no one willing and able to help in a responsible manner.” (Visit the Protective Services for Adults page on DutchessNY.gov)

Re-Entry Stabilization Transition And Reintegration Track :  “an evidence-based program designed to provide treatment and reentry services, reduce recidivism and assist inmates as they transition back into the community. RESTART is a voluntary program available to male and female inmates housed in the Dutchess County Jail who are at the highest risk to commit new offenses.” (Visit the Re-Entry Stabilization Transition and Re-Integration Track page)

Regional Special Education Technical Assistance Support Center (RSE-TASC)

Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)

“RID has played a leading role in establishing a national standard of quality for interpreters and translators. We encourage the growth of the profession, educate the public about the vital role of interpreters and translators  and work to ensure equal opportunity and access for all individuals.

The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf strives to advocate for best practices in interpreting, professional development for practitioners and for the highest standards in the provision of interpreting services for diverse users of languages that are signed or spoken.” (Visit the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf page)

Rehabilitation Support Services

“Rehabilitation Support Services, Inc. (RSS) strives to enrich and empower the lives of individuals by providing services and opportunities for meaningful emotional, social, vocational and educational growth. At RSS, we address the needs of individuals with psychiatric and substance abuse disorders. We believe a history of disability or being disadvantaged should not preclude an individual from realizing his or her full potential or ability to lead a productive life.  Through housing, employment, care coordination, treatment, socialization and wellness programs, our rehabilitation and recovery services provide individuals with experiences that will equip them to lead productive and fulfilling lives in their communities.”  (Visit the Rehabilitation Support Services page)

Rockland Children’s Psychiatric Center

“Rockland Children’s Psychiatric Center (RCPC) is a psychiatric hospital exclusively for children and adolescents. It is operated by the New York State Office of Mental Health, and serves children from the Hudson Valley Region. In addition to its inpatient facility, RCPC has a wide variety of outpatient services, including school-based aftercare programs, day treatment programs, and clinics. These programs are fully integrated with the inpatient service, enabling RCPC to provide a full continuum of care to the children it serves. ” (Visit the Rockland Children’s Psychiatric Center)

Rockland Psychiatric Center

“Rockland Psychiatric Center provides treatment, rehabilitation, and support to adults 18 and older with serious mental illness. RPC has services at multiple levels of care, including hospital-based care, ambulatory clinic care, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams, clubhouses, transitional and other residences, and family care residences. RPCs hospital-based services include focused treatment units for deaf adults, geriatrics, co-occurring substance disorders, and research.” (Visit the Rockland Psychiatric Center page)

Self-Advocacy Association of New York State, Inc. (SANYS)  

SANYS is an organization managed by, and for, people with developmental disabilities. We help people learn to speak up for themselves and others.

Seriously and Persistent Mental Illness

“The individual is 18 years of age or older and currently meets the criteria for a DSM-IV psychiatric diagnosis other than alcohol or drug disorders, organic brain syndromes, developmental disabilities or social conditions.” (Visit the Serious and Persistent Mental Illness page)

Serious Emotional Disturbance

“Serious emotional disturbance means a child or adolescent has a designated mental illness diagnosis according to the most current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) AND has experienced functional limitations due to emotional disturbance over the past 12 months on a continuous or intermittent basis.” Visit the Office of Mental Health

Single Point of Access (for High Risk Children’s Services) and is similar to a SPOE .

Single Point of Entry term typically used for how someone applies and enters into a system of care. Agencies set up separate SPOEs for specific populations and services; i.e. planning in adult housing;  homelessness services and in children’s services.

Skills, Achievement Commencement Credential (SACC)

“The Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential (SACC) will provide this group of students who are exiting school after attending at least 12 years, excluding kindergarten, with a commencement certificate similar in form to the diploma issued by the school district. The Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential must be accompanied by documentation of the student’s skills and strengths and levels of independence in academic, career development and foundation skills needed for post-school living, learning and working.” (SACC)

Social Security Disability

“Social Security pays disability benefits to people who can’t work because they have a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death.” (Visit the Social Security Disability page)

Social Security Disability Income

“The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. While these two programs are different in many ways, both are administered by the Social Security Administration and only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program.” (Visit the Social Security Disability Income page)

Supplemental Security Income

(Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a Federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenues (not Social Security taxes):

• It is designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income;
• It provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.” (Visit the Social Security Administration page)

Special Education Training and Resource Center (SETRCs) provide coaching and technical assistance to school districts based on the district’s needs. The local office located at BOCES as are called Regional Special Education Technical Assistance Support Center (RSE-TASC). Many of the SETRCs have resource centers housing materials on a variety of topics related to disabilities that can be borrowed. (Visit the BOCES RSE-TASC page)

The Student Assistance Program (SAP) is a NYS Certified Prevention Counseling Program that helps students with their concerns by providing support, information, referral services and one-on-one discussions.

Student Assistance Counselor (SAC) provides “Prevention counseling is a short -term, problem -resolution focused activity that concentrates on resolving identified problems and improving the level of youth and family risk and protective factors that are predictive of substance abuse and/or problem gambling. It is limited to individuals between five (5) and twenty (20) years of age. The goals are to prevent, delay or reduce substance use and problem gambling, and the negative consequences caused by substance use and gambling behaviors , and to refer to appropriate treatment or support services those individuals with apparent symptoms of substance abuse or dependence, problem gambling, or physical, mental, emotional educational or social problems.” (OASAS – page 37)

The Student Assistance Program (SAP) is a NYS Certified Prevention Counseling Program that helps students with their concerns by providing support, information, referral services and one-on-one discussions.

Taconic Resources for Independence Inc.  (TRI) is a non-for profit organization that Taconic is a consumer-directed, model center  of excellence and valued expert on accessibility. We will offer high quality, comprehensive services and technical assistance, provided both on site and  in the community by a skilled team working in a professional environment. Their mission is to to promote independence and integration in society for people with disabilities.

Vassar Brothers Medical Center

“Since 1887, Vassar Brothers Medical Center has been committed to delivering sophisticated medical care with a personal touch in the Mid-Hudson Valley. As a regional medical center, Vassar is recognized for stroke and cardiac care, and has the area’s first and only cardiothoracic surgery center in the Mid-Hudson Valley. For women’s and children’s health services, we offer the first and only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in the region for premature and critically ill infants. Vassar Brothers Medical Center recently became a Level II Trauma Center, further advancing our vision to provide the community with local access to state-of-the-art medical care.” (Visit Vassar Brothers Medical Center)

Veterans’ Administration

“The US Department of Veterans Affairs provides patient care and federal benefits to veterans and their dependents. The home page for the Department of Veterans Affairs provides links to veterans benefits .and services, as well as information and resources for other Departmental programs and offices.” (Visit the Veteran’s Administration page)

Westchester Institute for Human Development (WIHD) is a non-for profit agency that provides services in the areas of disability and human development. WIHD addresses major social and health issues by developing and delivering medical, clinical and support services to individuals, their families and caregivers.

Women, Infants and Children

“The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides Federal grants to States for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk.” (Visit the USDA’s WIC page)

Work Incentive Program

“Special rules make it possible for people with disabilities receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to work and still receive monthly payments and Medicare or Medicaid. Social Security calls these rules “work incentives.” (Social Security Adm) 

Workforce Investment Board

“Our mission is to foster a skilled and competitive workforce by promoting an understanding of workforce trends and issues in a dynamic economy and to facilitate lifelong learning for individuals and businesses.” (Visit the Workforce Investment Board)