Brooklyn Developmental Disabilities Council

BKDDC is group of family members, people with disabilities and professionals who volunteer their time to improve the lives of people with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities living in Brooklyn.

Thank You 2026 Family Support Fair Sponsors:
Wellbound For Special Needs
NeuSpark PDS
ACANY
Strive High ABA
Personal Touch Home Care

Join Advocacy Efforts TODAY!
Look Up Who Represents YOU!
https://www.mygovnyc.org/
or Scan the QR Code Below!

  • Welcome To The OPWDD Front Door

    The Front Door is the way OPWDD connects you to the services you want and need. Once you enter, a person-centered planning process begins, which helps you learn about and access service options that take your needs and desires into consideration. It will also give you the chance to direct your own service plan or help your family member or loved one as they direct theirs.

    The Front Door is based on the understanding that, as a person with developmental disabilities you have the right to:

    • Enjoy meaningful relationships,
    • Experience personal growth,
    • Participate in your community and,
    • Live in the home of your choice. 

    Front Door staff will guide you through the steps involved in finding out if you are eligible for services with OPWDD, identify your needs, goals and preferences and help you work on a plan for getting those services.

    How do I begin?

    Contact the OPWDD Infoline at 866-946-9733 and ask them to transfer you to your local Front Door Office by telling the operator what county you live in.  You can also view the Front Door modulesbelow where you will learn how to access services and what types of services are available.

    The first step to receiving assistance is to determine if you are eligible. Once you are determined eligible, you can begin the planning process. There are many supports and service options available, including supports to live in your home independently or with others, employment, day habilitation, and children’s services. 

    For helpful guides and videos, please CLICK HERE to visit the OPWDD Front Door Website!

  • Uniquely Me Creative Arts (UMCA) Grand Opening!

  • NYSED Transition Planning Tool

    revised-postsecondary_transition_planning_checklist_for_familiesDownload

  • LEND Training Programs

    The Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and other related Disabilities (LEND) network is a federally supported program designed to improve health outcomes for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disabilities. The Brooklyn LEND Parent Support Group is part of the Brooklyn LEND program established in collaboration between the SUNY Downstate School of Health Professions and the Department of Pediatrics, with the goals of enhancing ASD services across the lifespan.

    They offer monthly Parent Support Group meetings and Training Series to provide families who have children with neurodevelopmental conditions with important information and resources. This series runs periodically in 6 sessions via ZOOM and covers the topics about 1) Understanding the diagnosis of Autism, 2) The importance of the evaluation process, 3) Understanding different school settings and services, 4) Understanding the learning process and basic behavioral strategies, 5) Finding services and resources in NYC, and 6) transition to adulthood. 


    NOTE: LEND IS A TRAINING PROGRAM. THEY DO NOT PROVIDE ANY DIRECT SERVICES, BUT WE CAN CONNECT YOU WITH RESOURCES.

  • Adapt: Smart Supports for Safe Homes

    Join Adapt for Smart Supports for Safe Homes, a free virtual workshop on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, showcasing how housing and technology work together to support independence for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families.

    What to Expect:
    ADAPT Community Network’s Housing Assistance Services (HAS) helps families of individuals with I/DD navigate New York City’s housing system through advocacy, guidance, and referrals. Building on this support, ADAPT’s Techworks program provides digital literacy, assistive technology, and training that promote independence. This webinar will spotlight Techworks and show how housing and technology together create stronger opportunities for individuals and families across the city.

    Who Should Attend:
    People with disabilities, parents and family members, caregivers, educators, service coordinators, and professionals supporting I/DD housing and technology needs.

    When & Where:
    Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
    Time: 10 AM
    Location: Virtual (Zoom)
    Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/PX-O2EiuT9qyZrk6UX_YmA