DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT City of New York Policy and Procedure Administration for Children’s Services #2019/xx

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Policy Key Words:

Related Policies: Determining the Least Restrictive Level of Supervision Needed During visits for Families with Children in Foster Care (Policy #2013/02) Assessment and Safety Planning with Special Medical Needs Children (March 1, 2012) Homemaking Services Authorization Procedure (Policy #2016/16) Records Management Policy for Provider Agencies (Guidance #2009/11)

Supersedes: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Procedure (Procedure #2011/08)

Related Forms: Client Notice of Disability Rights (Form CS 1028) Client Reasonable Accommodation Request (Form CS 1029) Reasonable Accommodation Request Determination (Form CS 1030) Record of Client Reasonable Accommodation Review Process Request for Additional Medical Information (Form CS 1031) Interpretation/Translation Voucher Request Form (Form CS 1250C) NYC Early Intervention Program Referral Form (Referral Form 1/16)

SUMMARY: Consistent with Federal, State, and City laws, reasonable accommodations must be provided to all qualified clients with physical or mental impairments in all Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) and provider agency services, programs and facilities that provide services or other benefits to clients that come in contact with ACS. This policy sets forth ACS’s and provider agencies’ responsibility so that qualified clients with physical or mental impairments are provided with equal access to child welfare services and activities in a non-discriminatory manner. ACS and provider agencies must provide reasonable accommodations to qualified clients with physical and/or mental impairments except in instances where an accommodation will: impose an undue hardship on the operation of a facility or program; fundamentally alter the nature of service, program or activity; or pose a direct threat of harm to the health or safety of others. ACS and provider agencies shall provide all qualified clients with individualized assessments and services so that every qualified client is given a full and equal opportunity to participate, learn and benefit from activities, programs and services offered by ACS and provider agencies.

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SCOPE: Except as noted below, this policy applies to all ACS and provider agency staff, including but not limited to, those that provide prevention and foster care services, Division of Child and Family Well-Being early care and education services, and Division of Youth and Family Justice services, and to all children and families who receive any ACS or provider agency services and facilities. All clients of ACS and its provider agencies may use this policy to exercise their rights if they believe that they require a reasonable accommodation; have been subjected to discrimination on the basis of disability; or have been denied access to services or reasonable accommodations required by law. This policy is effective immediately and replaces The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Procedure dated October 28, 2011.

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Table of Contents

Policy………….…………………………………………………………………… 5 I. Definitions……….………………………………………………..………. 6 II. Display of Notice...……………………………………………….…..…… 9 III. Training…...……………………………………………..………….……. 9 IV. Record Keeping and Auditing…………………………………………… 10 V. Informal Reasonable Accommodation Procedure.………....................... 10 VI. Formal Reasonable Accommodation Procedure...…………………….. 13 VII. Grievance Procedure………………………………………………......... 22 VIII. Appeals………………………………………………………….………… 24 IX. Discrimination Complaints……..….…………………………..………... 25

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POLICY: No qualified client with a physical or mental impairment shall be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, any ACS or its provider agency’s programs or services or be subjected to discrimination by ACS or its provider agencies. No person shall be subjected to discrimination by ACS or its provider agencies because of his or her known relationship or association with an individual who has such a disability.

Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects individuals with disabilities who: • Have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life

activities; • Have a record of a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more

major life activities; or • Are regarded as having an impairment, regardless of whether or not the impairment

actually exists. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. The New York State Human Rights Law and the New York City Human Rights Law prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability 1. Under both laws, a disability is defined as any physical, medical, mental or psychological impairment or a history or record of such. These laws provide a broader protection for individuals with physical, medical, mental or psychological impairments.

This policy provides protections for individuals with disabilities. Whether an individual is disabled under this policy must be determined on an individualized, case-by-case basis. The following circumstances are not considered to be a “disability” under this policy: • Disadvantages due to environmental, cultural or economic factors, such as poverty or having a

criminal record; • Age alone, unless age causes a physical, medical, mental or psychological impairment; and • Current and illegal use or abuse of drugs.

o However, individuals who have a prior history of illegal drug use and individuals who are currently engaged and compliant in a drug rehabilitation program are considered to have a “disability” for purposes of this policy.

o Given that an individual currently engaged in the illegal use or abuse of drugs may also have a disability, reasonable accommodation requests from such individuals will also be reviewed and determined on a case-by-case basis.

1 These laws also prohibit discrimination on the basis of other protected characteristics.

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I. DEFINITIONS

A. Activities, Services and Programs include, but are not limited to, investigations, assessments, conferences, provision of in-home services, case planning and service planning, educational services, child care services, in- and out-of-home services, child removals, foster care, adoption, parent-child visitation, prevention services, reunification services, counseling services. Court proceedings, such as child welfare hearings, custody hearings and proceedings to terminate parental rights, are considered to be an activity within this definition.

B. Auxiliary aids and services include— 1. Effective methods of making aurally delivered information available to individuals who are

deaf or hard of hearing, including but not limited to: Qualified interpreters, on-site or through video remote interpreting (VRI) services; note takers; real-time computer-aided transcription services; written materials; exchange of written notes; telephone handset amplifiers; assistive listening devices; assistive listening systems; telephones compatible with hearing aids; closed caption decoders; open and closed captioning, including real-time captioning; voice, text, and video-based telecommunications products and systems, including text telephones (TTYs), videophones, and captioned telephones, or equally effective telecommunications devices; videotext displays; or accessible electronic and information technology;

2. Effective methods of making visually delivered materials available to individuals who are blind or have low vision, including but not limited to: Qualified readers; taped texts; audio recordings; Brailled materials and displays; screen reader software; magnification software; optical readers; secondary auditory programs (SAP); large print materials; or accessible electronic and information technology;

3. Acquisition or modification of equipment or devices; and 4. Other similar services and actions.

C. Client is defined as any individual who is being considered for, applying for or participating in the services, programs, and activities provided by ACS or its provider agencies. Clients may include, but are not limited to, children, youth, parents, legal guardians, relatives, other caretakers, foster and adoptive parents, and individuals seeking to become foster or adoptive parents. A client may include a person who is involuntarily required to participate in services, programs, and activities provided by ACS or its providers agencies. A client may also include a person making a general inquiry or in any way seeking access to or receiving information or services from ACS and its provider agencies, either in person, in writing or via telecommunications.

D. Companion means a family member, friend, or associate of an individual seeking access to a service, program, or activity of ACS or a provider agency, who, along with such individual, is an appropriate person with whom ACS or the provider agency should communicate.

E. Major life activities include, but are not limited to: (i) Caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, sitting, reaching, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, writing, communicating, interacting with others, and working; and (ii) The operation of a major bodily function, such as the functions of the immune system, special sense organs and skin, normal cell growth, and digestive, genitourinary, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, cardiovascular, endocrine, hemic, lymphatic, musculoskeletal, and reproductive systems. The operation of a major bodily function includes the operation of an individual organ within a body system.

F. Mental Impairments include, but are not limited to, mental or psychological disorders, such as intellectual disability, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness and specific learning disabilities. Individuals with intellectual disabilities are characterized by having significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior.

G. Other power-driven mobility device means any mobility device powered by batteries, fuel, or other

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engine––whether or not designed primarily for use by individuals with mobility disabilities––that is used by individuals with mobility disabilities for the purpose of locomotion, including golf carts, electronic personal assistance mobility devices (EPAMDs), such as the Segway® PT, or any mobility device designed to operate in areas without defined pedestrian routes, but that is not a wheelchair.

H. Physical Impairments include, but are not limited to, physiological disorders or conditions; cosmetic disfigurement; or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological; musculoskeletal; special sense organs (which would include speech organs that are not respiratory such as vocal cords, soft palate, tongue, etc.); respiratory, including speech organs; cardiovascular; reproductive; digestive; genitourinary; hemic and lymphatic; skin; and endocrine.

I. Provider agency means any organization or agency that has a contract with ACS for the provision of services, including but not limited to foster care services, prevention services, Division of Youth and Family Justice providers, and Division of Child and Family Well-Being providers.

J. Qualified Client is defined as a client with a disability who meets the essential eligibility requirements for receipt of services or participation in programs, activities or services with or without a reasonable accommodation. A disability does not exclude a client when they are qualified for a program, activity or service.

K. Qualified interpreter means an interpreter who, via telephone, a video remote interpreting (VRI) service or an on-site appearance, is able to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially, both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary. Qualified interpreters include, for example, sign language interpreters, oral transliterators, and cued-language transliterators.

L. Qualified reader means a person who is able to read effectively, accurately, and impartially using any necessary specialized vocabulary.

M. Reasonable accommodation includes, but is not limited to, the reasonable modification to the program or facility’s policies or practices, removal of impediments created by architectural, communication or transportation barriers, and the provision of auxiliary aids or services, in order to tailor activities, services, and programs to the needs and abilities of a qualified client. Reasonable accommodations must be determined on an individualized, case-by-case basis. Reasonable accommodations must be provided at no additional cost to the qualified client.

N. Representative means any individual authorized to act on the client’s behalf, such as a parent, guardian, social worker, guardian ad litem, and/or attorney.

O. Service animal means any dog or miniature horse that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not service animals for the purposes of this definition. The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the individual’s disability. Examples of work or tasks include, but are not limited to, assisting individuals who are blind or have low vision with navigation and other tasks, alerting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to the presence of people or sounds, providing non-violent protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, assisting an individual during a seizure, alerting individuals to the presence of allergens, retrieving items such as medicine or the telephone, providing physical support and assistance with balance and stability to individuals with mobility disabilities, and helping persons with psychiatric and neurological disabilities by preventing or interrupting impulsive or destructive behaviors. The crime deterrent effects of an animal’s presence and the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship do not constitute work or tasks for the purposes of this definition.

P. Staff or designee responsible for approval means ACS or provider agency staff responsible for decision making and approval of requests for a reasonable accommodation. Examples of such staff, as specified below, include Program or Facility Director or functional equivalent, such as DCP Zone Deputy Director, Assistant Commissioner, provider agency Program Director, and provider agency Executive Director.

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Q. Substantial limitation of one or more major life activity is defined as a restriction as to the conditions, manner, or duration under which an individual can perform important life activities in comparison to most people. Major life activities include, but are not limited to, caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working.

R. Undue Hardship means a significant difficulty or expense relative to the operation of an activity, service or program. ACS or provider agency staff responsible for approval of an accommodation must determine whether there is an undue hardship in providing the accommodation by taking into consideration all resources available for use in the funding and operation of the services, program, or activity. Programming availability will also be considered when determining whether a reasonable accommodation would cause an undue hardship. When an accommodation would result in an undue hardship, the ACS or provider agency staff responsible for approval must determine if another accommodation is available that would not result in an undue hardship.

S. Video remote interpreting (VRI) service means an interpreting service that uses video conference technology over dedicated lines, or wireless technology offering high-speed, wide-bandwidth video connection that delivers high-quality video images. If ACS or a provider agency chooses to provide qualified interpreters via VRI services, ACS or the agency must verify that the service provides—

1. Real-time, full-motion video and audio over a dedicated high-speed, wide-bandwidth video connection or wireless connection that delivers high-quality video images that do not produce lags, choppy, blurry, or grainy images, or irregular pauses in communication;

2. A sharply delineated image that is large enough to display the interpreter’s face, arms, hands, and fingers, and the participating individual’s face, arms, hands, and fingers, regardless of his or her body position;

3. A clear, audible transmission of voices; and 4. Adequate training to users of the technology and other involved individuals so that they may

quickly and efficiently set up and operate the VRI.

II. DISPLAY OF NOTICE

All ACS and provider agency programs and services serving children and families must prominently display CS 1028 – Client Notice of Disability Rights (see Appendix A) in any area ordinarily used for posting client information. The CS 1028 – Client Notice of Disability Rights will be posted in the following languages: Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, English, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Polish, Russian, Spanish, and Urdu. The ACS Office of Advocacy provides flyers or brochures for distribution to clients if needed.

III. TRAINING

A. ACS staff who interact with clients must be trained on the ADA and this Policy at new employee

orientation and annually thereafter.

B. Provider agencies shall train all staff on either ACS’ ADA Policy, or the provider agency’s own ADA Policy, only after such policy has been approved by ACS, as discussed below.

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IV. RECORD KEEPING AND AUDITING: The ACS ADA Coordinator shall track and keep a record of the outcome of all reasonable accommodation requests received by ACS employees. Each provider agency shall establish its own record keeping and tracking system for reasonable accommodation requests. The ADA Coordinator will audit agencies every two years to determine the number, nature, and outcome of reasonable accommodation requests.

PROCEDURE: V. INFORMAL REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION PROCEDURE

A. The following requirements are applicable to all ACS staff when interacting with ACS clients. These requirements are also applicable to all provider agencies, unless the provider agency has its own reasonable accommodations policy which has been approved by ACS. If a provider agency opts to develop its own policy, this policy shall be followed in the interim until such policy is approved by ACS. Provider agencies which have their own reasonable accommodations policy must send their policy for approval to the ADA Coordinator in the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity at the NYC Administration for Children’s Services, 150 William Street, 11th Floor, New York, New York 10038 or by email to EEO.ADACoordinator@acs.nyc.gov. Whenever a provider agency makes modifications or revisions to its reasonable accommodations policy, the revised policy must be resubmitted to the ADA Coordinator for review.

B. ACS and provider agency staff shall notify all clients of the agency’s reasonable accommodation policy during initial contact and anytime that it becomes apparent there is a need for an accommodation. The staff member must advise the client that he/she has a right to make a formal request for a reasonable accommodation at any time. The client’s response must be documented in CONNECTIONS (CNNX) progress notes, if that is the system of record, or in a comparable system of record if CNNX is not used. Progress note entries must be entered and maintained consistent with ACS’ record keeping policy.

C. This informal process should always be the first step in addressing a client’s request for a reasonable accommodation. Informal reasonable accommodations are intended to be accommodations that are easily determined. These types of accommodations may already be offered by staff within the regular course of casework/business practice. All staff must implement this informal reasonable accommodation process when it becomes apparent that the client has an impairment, has a history of an impairment, or is regarded as having an impairment. This process must also be utilized when a client expressly requests a reasonable accommodation.

D. Individualized Assessments: The purpose of a reasonable accommodation is to provide each client with an equal and meaningful access to the activities, services and programs of ACS. Therefore, all ACS and provider agency staff responsible for providing services to ACS clients must individually assess each client’s needs, taking into consideration factors, such as: the client’s diagnosis, the functional effects of the client’s disability, and possible reasonable accommodations. The assessment must be interactive and collaborative with the client.

During the assessment, the staff member is expected to discuss with the client their medical history, current and/or prior known diagnosis, whether the client is currently receiving any treatment and the contact information for the client’s treatment provider, if any, and any collateral contacts that may assist in determining a reasonable accommodation for the client. Collateral contacts include, but are not limited to, medical providers, family members, schools, and community members. Division of

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Child Protection frontline staff are expected to use the Clinical Consultation Program and medical consultants to assist in making assessments.

E. When a staff member suspects that a client may have an undiagnosed impairment which impacts their ability to benefit from the program, services, and activities of the agency, the staff member should make an appropriate referral for a clinical assessment for the purposes of obtaining a diagnosis and recommendations for an accommodation. The client should be accommodated in the interim, if possible, while clinical assessments are pending. As part of the reasonable accommodation process, front-line staff are to provide their own services, including case work practice, in a manner that accommodates the client’s disability. (See Appendix F - Programs, Activities and Services Appropriate for Reasonable Accommodations; Appendix G - Sample List of Reasonable Accommodations; Appendix H for a sample list of auxiliary aids and services for effective communication; Interpretation Services for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Children and Family Members Memorandum (April 23, 2012 / for ACS employees); Interpretation Services for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Children and Family Members Memorandum (March 13, 2007 / for foster care provider agencies); and Appendix I - Reasonable Accommodations Recommendations For Servicing Qualified Clients with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities.)

F. All ACS and provider agency staff must take into consideration the architectural accessibility of facilities that clients are invited to for meetings, visitation, or referred to for services.

G. Consultation with Supervision: All ACS and provider agency frontline staff are required to discuss all informal reasonable accommodation requests or indications of the possible need for a reasonable accommodation with their supervisors within 48 hours of receipt. Frontline staff are required to speak with their supervisor immediately if there is an elevated risk, or immediate or impending danger. Such staff shall not provide the client with a decision regarding their request for a reasonable accommodation until the matter has been discussed with their supervisor. Supervisors are encouraged to consult with the ACS ADA Coordinator when attempting to identify an appropriate reasonable accommodation or to gain clarity regarding the client’s rights. Supervisors should consult with the ACS Developmental Disabilities Unit (DDU), if applicable, to gain information about available resources and referrals when a client is suspected of having an intellectual and/or developmental disability (I/DD).

H. Denial of an Informal Reasonable Accommodation Request:

1. If the staff/designee responsible for approval determines that the requested reasonable accommodation would result in an undue hardship to ACS or the provider agency, fundamentally alter the nature of a program, service or activity, or pose a direct threat of harm to the health or safety of others, the ACS or provider agency staff must determine if another accommodation is available that would not result in an undue hardship or pose a direct threat of harm. The staff/designee shall implement any other action that would not result in an undue hardship but would nevertheless ensure that, to the maximum extent possible, the individual is provided with the benefits or services of ACS or its provider agencies in an equal and meaningful manner. ACS or provider agency staff should consult with the ACS Developmental Disabilities Unit (DDU), ACS Medical Director or the ADA Coordinator for assistance, if needed.

2. If the staff/designee responsible for approval determines that it cannot provide the requested reasonable accommodation because such accommodation would cause an

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undue hardship or pose a direct threat, a transfer to another provider agency should be considered (if appropriate). A transfer should not be made unless the transfer would facilitate a favorable outcome for the client. Prior to processing a transfer, the ACS/provider agency staff must consult with the receiving agency and ensure that the receiving agency is able to provide a reasonable accommodation that benefits the client. The client and, if applicable, the client’s advocate must also be informed that a receiving agency has been identified that will be able to provide an appropriate reasonable accommodation. If the client’s advocate is an attorney, the staff member must consult with the FCLS attorney and their agency attorney.

3. A determination that the requested reasonable accommodation would cause an undue hardship, fundamentally alter the nature of a program, service or activity, or pose a direct threat of harm to the health or safety of others, and that no reasonable accommodation can be provided, must be accompanied by a written statement of the reasons for reaching that conclusion. A copy should be given to the client and, if applicable, the client’s advocate. An oral explanation must also be provided.

4. If an informal request is not granted, staff are required to inform the client orally and in

writing of their right to submit a formal Reasonable Accommodation Request (RAR), as discussed in section VI. below. This formal Reasonable Accommodation Request may be filed at any time by the client.

I. Recordkeeping: Whether an informal request for a reasonable accommodation is granted or not,

all decisions and pertinent information regarding the request for a reasonable accommodation must be documented in the progress notes in CONNECTIONS (CNNX), if that is the system of record, or in a comparable system of record if CNNX is not used.

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VI. FORMAL REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION PROCEDURE

A. General Guidelines

1. Where the informal reasonable accommodation process, as discussed in section V. above, fails to produce a mutually agreeable outcome, the client may obtain a Form CS 1029 – Client Reasonable Accommodation Request Form (see Appendix B) from their case planner or from the ACS OEEO. ACS and provider agency staff may retrieve copies of this form from Docushare on the ACS intranet.

2. Any client or member of the public with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services for effective communication, may make such request to their caseworker, case planner, or other ACS/provider agency staff with whom the client works.

3. All clients may obtain assistance from their companion or representative in completing the

RAR form.

4. If necessary, staff accepting Form CS 1029 shall assist the client in completing the form. The staff accepting the RAR shall also collect or offer to assist the client in collecting any supporting documentation.

B. Filing a Formal Reasonable Accommodation Request

1. Filing a Formal Reasonable Accommodation Request with the Division of Child Protection (DCP)

a. The ACS employee who receives a client’s completed RAR shall immediately discuss the RAR and accompanying documentation, if any, with the Child Protective Specialist (CPS) Supervisor II to determine whether the RAR can be immediately granted. For example, a request to change a conference location due to a client’s physical disability may be a request that is immediately granted. If the CPS Supervisor II determines that the RAR cannot be immediately granted, the CPS Supervisor II will forward the request and accompanying documentation, if any, to the DCP staff/designee responsible for approval within 2 business days of ACS’ initial receipt of the RAR. Frontline staff are expected to use the Clinical Consultation Program and medical consultants to assist in making assessments of the client’s needs. The staff/designee responsible for approval should consult with the ADA Coordinator (if necessary) to determine if the request requires additional information before a decision can be rendered.

b. A copy of the completed RAR must be provided to the client, placed in the client’s case

record and forwarded to the ADA Coordinator for record keeping and tracking.

c. DCP staff must enter a progress note in CNNX indicating the receipt of the formal RAR. Progress note entries must be entered and maintained consistent with ACS’ record keeping policy.

d. Client information relevant to their RAR and/or medical documentation, if any, must be

e. kept confidential, except as may be necessary in resolving the RAR or when disclosure is authorized by law.

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2. Filing a Formal Reasonable Accommodation Request with the Division of Youth

and Family Justice (DYFJ)

a. The ACS employee who receives a client’s completed RAR shall forward the request and accompanying documentation, if any, to DYFJ’s Chief Operating Officer or their designee. DYFJ’s Chief Operating Officer or their designee should consult with the ADA Coordinator (if necessary) to determine if the request requires additional information before a decision can be rendered.

b. Copies of the completed RAR must be provided to the client, shall be placed in the

client’s case file by the DYFJ or provider staff assigned to the youth, and forwarded to the ADA Coordinator for record keeping and tracking.

c. The DYFJ staff member or provider staff must enter a progress note in the appropriate

DYFJ system of record indicating the receipt of the formal RAR.

d. Client information relevant to their RAR and/or medical documentation, if any, must be kept confidential, except when deemed necessary in determining the outcome of the RAR or when disclosure is authorized by law.

3. Filing a Formal Reasonable Accommodation Request with a Division of Youth and Family Justice (DYFJ) Contracted Provider The following requirements are applicable to all DYFJ contracted providers and their staff when interacting with ACS clients, unless the provider has its own reasonable accommodations policy which has been approved by ACS. If a DYFJ contracted provider opts to develop its own policy, this policy shall be followed in the interim until such policy is approved by ACS. DYFJ contracted providers which have their own reasonable accommodations policy must send their policy for approval to the ADA Coordinator in the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity at the NYC Administration for Children’s Services, 150 William Street, 11th Floor, New York, New York 10038 or by email to EEO.ADACoordinator@acs.nyc.gov. Whenever a contracted provider makes a modification or revision to its reasonable accommodations policy, the revised policy must be resubmitted to the ADA Coordinator for review.

a. The DYFJ contracted provider employee who receives a client’s completed RAR shall forward it with supporting medical documentation, if any, to the Contracted Provider Case Planner Supervisor, who will forward it along with supporting medical documentation, if any, to DYFJ’s Chief Operating Officer or their designee. This person should consult with the ADA Coordinator (if necessary) to determine if the request requires additional information before a decision can be rendered.

b. Copies of the completed RAR must be provided to the client and placed in the client’s case record.

c. Contracted provider staff must enter a progress note in the system of record indicating the receipt of the formal RAR.

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d. Client information relevant to their RAR and/or medical documentation must be kept

confidential, except as may be necessary in resolving the RAR or when disclosure is authorized by law.

e. Each contracted provider shall establish its own record keeping and tracking system for RARs. The ADA Coordinator will audit agencies every two years to determine the number, nature, and outcome of RARs.

4. Filing a Formal Reasonable Accommodation Request with the Division of Child and

Family Well-Being (CFWB)

a. The CFWB employee who receives a client’s completed RAR shall forward the request and accompanying documentation, if any, to the Associate Commissioner for Program Development (ACPD).

b. Any client requesting reasonable access for child care assistance not associated with a

provider agency, may submit a completed request and accompanying documentation, if any, to a CFWB employee. The CFWB employee who receives a client’s completed RAR shall forward the RAR and accompanying documentation, if any, to the Assistant Commissioner for Eligibility and Referral Services.

c. The CFWB employee must enter a progress note in the system of record indicating receipt

of the formal RAR.

d. Copies of the completed RAR must be provided to the client, placed in the client’s case record, and forwarded to the ADA Coordinator for record keeping and tracking.

e. Client information relevant to their RAR and/or medical documentation, if any, must be

kept confidential, except when deemed necessary in determining the outcome of the RAR or when disclosure is authorized by law.

5. Filing a Formal Reasonable Accommodation Request with a Division of Child and Family Well-Being (CFWB) Contracted Provider Agency The following requirements are applicable to all contracted CFWB provider agencies/programs and their staff when interacting with ACS clients, unless the provider agency has its own reasonable accommodations policy which has been approved by ACS. If a CFWB provider agency/program opts to develop its own policy, this policy shall be followed in the interim until such policy is approved by ACS. CFWB provider agencies/programs which have their own reasonable accommodations policy must send their policy for approval to the ADA Coordinator in the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity at the NYC Administration for Children’s Services, 150 William Street, 11th Floor, New York, New York 10038 or by email to EEO.ADACoordinator@acs.nyc.gov. Whenever a provider agency makes a modification or

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revision to its reasonable accommodations policy, the revised policy must be resubmitted to the ADA Coordinator for review.

a. The Provider Agency employee who receives a client’s completed RAR shall forward it with accompanying documentation, if any, to the Provider Agency Case Planner Supervisor, who will forward it along with supporting medical documentation, if any, to the agency staff/designee responsible for approval. This person should consult with the ADA Coordinator (if necessary) to determine if the request requires additional information before a decision can be rendered.

b. Copies of the completed RAR must be provided to the client and placed in the client’s case record.

c. Provider agency staff must enter a progress note in the system of record indicating the receipt of the formal RAR.

d. Client information relevant to their RAR and/or medical documentation must be kept confidential, except as may be necessary in resolving the RAR or when disclosure is authorized by law.

e. Each agency shall establish its own record keeping and tracking system for RARs. The ADA Coordinator will audit agencies every two years to determine the number, nature, and outcome of RARs.

6. Filing a Formal Reasonable Accommodation Request with a Foster Care Provider

Agency The following requirements are applicable to all Foster Care Provider Agencies and their staff when interacting with ACS clients, unless the provider agency has its own reasonable accommodations policy which has been approved by ACS. If a Foster Care Provider Agency opts to develop its own policy, this policy shall be followed in the interim until such policy is approved by ACS. Foster Care Provider Agencies which have their own reasonable accommodations policy must send their policy for approval to the ADA Coordinator in the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity at the NYC Administration for Children’s Services, 150 William Street, 11th Floor, New York, New York 10038 or by email to EEO.ADACoordinator@acs.nyc.gov. Whenever a provider agency makes a modification or revision to its reasonable accommodations policy, the revised policy must be resubmitted to the ADA Coordinator for review.

a. The Provider Agency employee who receives a client’s completed RAR shall immediately forward it along with supporting medical documentation, if any, to the Provider Agency Case Planner Supervisor, who will immediately forward it with supporting medical documentation, if any, to the agency staff/designee responsible for approval. This person should consult with the ADA Coordinator, if necessary, to determine if the request requires additional information before a decision can be rendered.

b. Copies of the completed RAR must be provided to the client and placed in the client’s

case record.

c. Provider agency staff (foster care) must enter a progress note in CNNX indicating the

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receipt of the formal RAR.

d. Client information relevant to their RAR and/or medical documentation, if any, must be kept confidential, except as may be necessary in resolving the RAR or when disclosure is authorized by law.

e. Each agency shall establish its own record keeping and tracking system for RARs. The

ADA Coordinator will audit agencies every two years to determine the number, nature, and outcome of RARs.

7. Filing a Formal Reasonable Accommodation Request with a Prevention Provider

Agency The following requirements are applicable to all prevention provider agencies and their staff when interacting with ACS clients, unless the provider agency has its own reasonable accommodations policy which has been approved by ACS. If a prevention provider agency opts to develop its own policy, this policy shall be followed in the interim until such policy is approved by ACS. Prevention provider agencies which have their own reasonable accommodations policy must send their policy for approval to the ADA Coordinator in the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity at the NYC Administration for Children’s Services, 150 William Street, 11th Floor, New York, New York 10038 or by email to EEO.ADACoordinator@acs.nyc.gov. Whenever a provider agency makes a modification or revision to its reasonable accommodations policy, the revised policy must be resubmitted to the ADA Coordinator for review.

a. The Provider Agency employee who receives a client’s completed RAR shall forward it with supporting medical documentation, if any, to the Provider Agency Case Planner Supervisor, who will forward it along with supporting medical documentation, if any, to the agency staff/designee responsible for approval. This person should consult with the ADA Coordinator (if necessary) to determine if the request requires additional information before a decision can be rendered.

b. Copies of the completed RAR must be provided to the client and placed in the client’s case record.

c. Provider agency staff (prevention) must enter a progress note in CNNX indicating the receipt of the formal RAR. For Advocates Prevention Only Cases (ADVPO) a progress note should be documented offline and placed in the case record.

d. Client information relevant to their RAR and/or medical documentation must be kept confidential, except as may be necessary in resolving the RAR or when disclosure is authorized by law.

e. Each agency shall establish its own record keeping and tracking system for RARs. The ADA Coordinator will audit agencies every two years to determine the number, nature, and outcome of RARs.

C. Review of Formal Reasonable Accommodation Requests

1. A determination for a formal RAR must be issued within ten (10) business days of an

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employee’s receipt of the completed application, except in situations where a quicker decision is necessary and possible in order to prevent a denial of equal and meaningful access to programs and services. Such examples include, but are not limited to: a client with difficulty ambulating not being able to attend a conference, in which case staff must consider transportation for the client, changing the location of the conference, or bring the conference to the client; or a client needing a qualified interpreter In such cases, the request must be decided and an accommodation implemented immediately.

2. For the purposes of this Policy, the RAR application process will be deemed complete ten (10) business days after issuance of Form CS 1031 - Request for Additional Medical information or when the appropriate medical documentation (including, where applicable, any additional information requested by the ACS/provider agency staff/designee) is provided.

3. The RAR review process must be collaborative. Each RAR must be determined on an individual, case-by-case basis. ACS and provider agency staff must conduct an individualized assessment of the client as described in Section V (D) of this policy. Upon receipt of a RAR, the ACS/provider agency staff must confer with the client, and if necessary, the client’s companion or representative, the ACS Medical Director (for RARs made to ACS) or the provider agency Medical Director or their designee (for RARs made to provider agencies) to consider whether further clinical assessments are needed, and to gather or confirm appropriate information that will help clarify the request. The staff/designee responsible for approval should contact the ACS Developmental Disabilities Unit (DDU) when a client is suspected of having an intellectual and/or developmental disability (I/DD). Additional guidance may be sought from the ADA Coordinator in reaching a determination.

4. When necessary, the ACS/provider agency staff may issue a Form CS 1031 - Request for Additional Medical Information (see Appendix D). The client must return the completed Form CS 1031 within ten (10) business days of receipt of the request. If a client requires additional time, a reasonable amount of time shall be granted if the client shows good cause.2

5. The ACS/provider agency staff/designee responsible for approval will evaluate each RAR individually, taking into account:

a. the specific nature of the client’s disability;

b. the extent of the client’s limitations;

c. the nature of and essential eligibility requirements of the program, service or activity;

d. the health and safety of others;

i. In determining whether an individual poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others, an individualized assessment must be done, based on reasonable judgment that relies on current medical knowledge or on the best available objective evidence, to ascertain: the nature, duration, and severity of the risk; the probability that the potential injury will actually occur; and whether reasonable modifications of policies, practices, or procedures or the provision of auxiliary aids or services will mitigate the risk. The

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assessment should not be based on stereotypes but on individual facts.

e. whether an accommodation would constitute a fundamental alteration to the program, service or activity or impose an undue financial and administrative hardship on the facility, program, or ACS.

6. When applicable, the ACS/provider agency staff/designee responsible for approval must review Appendix G for a list of possible reasonable accommodations; Appendix H for a list of possible auxiliary aids and services for effective communication; Interpretation Services for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Children and Family Members Memorandum (April 23, 2012 / for ACS employees); Interpretation Services for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Children and Family Members Memorandum (March 13, 2007 / for foster care provider agencies) for further guidance on obtaining auxiliary aids and services for clients; and Appendix I for providing services to qualified clients with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

7. If the ACS/provider agency staff/designee responsible for approval approves the RAR, the staff/designee shall issue to the client a Form CS 1030-Reasonable Accommodation Request Determination (see Appendix C) notifying the client of their decision. The determination form shall include a description of the accommodation to be granted, if any, and, if denied, information regarding the filing of a formal grievance in accordance with the protocol set forth in section VII. below.

The facility or Program Director must also inform the client of the decision orally and document the discussion in Connections (CNNX), if that is the system of record, or in a comparable system of record if CNNX is not used.

Any request for a reasonable accommodation must be documented along with the steps taken to reach the final determination. ACS/provider agency staff/designee responsible for approval must complete the Record of Client Reasonable Accommodation Review Process Form (see Appendix E). A progress note should also be entered in CNNX, if that is the system of record, or in a comparable system of record if CNNX is not used, and the form must be forwarded to the ACS ADA Coordinator as resolved. Progress note entries must be entered and maintained consistent with ACS’ record keeping policy.

8. If a reasonable accommodation is granted, ACS/provider agency staff must include the

reasonable accommodation in the service plan or service plan amendment.

9. If the ACS/provider agency staff/designee responsible for approval is unable to reach a determination, the ACS or Provider Agency staff/designee responsible for approval shall refer the RAR, along with a written recommendation from the ACS/Provider agency’s Medical Director, if appropriate, to the appropriate Assistant/Associate Commissioner or provider agency Executive Director for resolution. The appropriate Assistant Commissioner or provider agency Executive Director shall issue an oral and written determination to the client and the ACS/Provider Agency staff/designee responsible for approval, within ten (10) business days of the filing of a completed RAR. A progress note must be entered in Connections (CNNX), if that is the system of record, or in a comparable system of record if CNNX is not used, and the request forwarded to the ADA Coordinator as resolved. Progress note entries must be entered and maintained consistent with ACS’ record keeping policy.

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10. If the staff/designee responsible for approval determines that it cannot provide the requested

reasonable accommodation because such accommodation would cause an undue hardship or pose a direct threat to others, a transfer to another provider agency should be considered (if appropriate). A transfer should not be made unless the transfer would facilitate a favorable outcome for the client. Prior to processing a transfer, the ACS/provider agency staff must consult with the receiving agency and ensure that the receiving agency is able to provide a reasonable accommodation that benefits the client. The client and, if applicable, the client’s advocate must also be informed that a receiving agency has been identified that will be able to provide an appropriate reasonable accommodation. If the client’s advocate is an attorney, staff must consult with Family Court Legal Services and their agency attorney.

11. If the staff/designee responsible for approval determines that the proposed action would fundamentally alter the service, program, or activity or would result in undue financial and administrative burdens, such determination must be accompanied by a written statement of the reasons for reaching that conclusion. In addition, the staff/designee responsible for approval shall take any other action that would not result in such an alteration or such burdens but would nevertheless ensure that, to the maximum extent possible, individuals with disabilities receive the benefits or services provided by ACS or its provider agencies.

12. The client has the right to refuse an accommodation. In such cases, the client’s refusal for services may result in adverse findings or action by the agency. The client’s refusal must be documented in CNNX or, for those systems which do not record in CNNX, in the appropriate record keeping system.

13. If the client is dissatisfied with the determination, the client or their representative may appeal the determination by filing a grievance in the manner described in section VII. below, within fifteen (15) business days of receiving the determination form. A client’s representative is any individual authorized to act on the client’s behalf, such as a parent, guardian, social worker, guardian ad litem, and/or attorney. ACS/provider agency staff should offer to assist the client in filing the grievance, and file the grievance on the client’s behalf, if necessary.

If additional information or supporting documentation related to the RAR is being submitted to supplement a grievance, it must be submitted within sixty (60) days after the initial determination is made. If, after a determination is made, a client and/or their medical provider furnishes additional medical documentation supporting the RAR, the ACS/provider agency staff/designee responsible for approval shall review the initial determination in consultation with the ACS/Agency Medical Director. After the ACS/provider agency staff/designee responsible for approval makes a re-determination of the RAR, the staff/designee responsible for approval shall issue to the client a completed CS 1030 Reasonable Accommodation Request Determination form notifying the client of the agency's decision and explain the decision orally. A progress note describing the determination must be entered in CNNX, if that is the system of record, or in a comparable system of record if CNNX is not used, and the request forwarded to the ADA Coordinator as resolved.

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VII. Grievance Procedure

A. Filing a Grievance 1. A client or their representative may appeal the reasonable accommodation determination by

filing a grievance within fifteen (15) business days of receiving the determination form.

2. A client or their representative may file a grievance regarding any ACS and/or provider agency action concerning one or more of the following:

i. Denial of a requested service, accommodation, or modification to an ACS or provider agency practice or requirement;

ii. Inaccessibility of a program, service or activity; iii. Failure to offer and/or provide services tailored to the client’s needs; iv. Harassment or discrimination on the basis of a disability, perceived disability,

record of disability, or known relationship or association with a person with a disability; and/or

v. Violation of privacy in the context of a disability.

3. A grievance may be filed using this policy regardless of whether a provider agency has its own policy for handling reasonable accommodations.

4. Grievances should be directed to the ADA Coordinator, ACS Office of Equal Employment

Opportunity at 150 William Street, 11th Floor, New York, New York 10038. Tel. (212) 341-8951 / Fax (212) 676-6515/ Email: EEO.ADACoordinator@acs.nyc.gov and shall include:

i. The complainant’s name, address and telephone number; ii. A description of the program, service or activity that was denied complainant or

in which the alleged discrimination occurred; iii. The date and nature of the alleged denial or discrimination; and iv. The signature of complainant or their authorized designee.

5. Upon request by the client and/or their representative, assistance in filing the grievance shall

be provided by ACS/provider agency frontline staff.

B. Investigation of a Grievance

1. Within five (5) business days of receipt of a grievance, the ADA Coordinator shall initiate an investigation. In undertaking the investigation, the ADA Coordinator may interview, consult with, and/or request a written response from any individual whom he/she believes to have relevant information. All ACS and provider agency staff shall cooperate fully with such an investigation.

2. Upon completion of the investigation, the ADA Coordinator will prepare and deliver to the

complainant, the program administrator, the facility and/or the person against whom the grievance is directed, a final determination of the reasonable accommodation request. This determination will be mailed by certified mail within fifteen (15) business days of the ADA Coordinator’s receipt of the grievance.

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3. The ADA Coordinator shall maintain the ACS files and records relative to any grievances filed. Grievances shall be maintained in compliance with ACS and city-wide record retention policies.

C. Case-by-Case Resolution

Each grievance involves a unique set of facts that includes, but is not limited to, the specific nature of the disability; the essential eligibility requirements for the program, service or activity; the nature of the program, service or activity; the health and safety of others; and whether an accommodation would constitute a fundamental alteration to the program, service or activity or impose undue hardship on the facility, program or ACS. Programming availability will also be considered when determining whether a reasonable accommodation would cause an undue hardship. Accordingly, the determination of a grievance at any level, whether through the granting of relief or otherwise, shall not constitute a precedent upon which other complainants may rely. Each grievance will be determined on an individual, case-by-case basis.

VIII. Appeals

If the result of the grievance investigation does not satisfactorily resolve the issue, the client and/or their representative, may appeal the decision to the Director of the ACS OEEO. A. Filing an Appeal

1. Appeals must be filed within fifteen (15) business days after receipt by the client of the final written grievance report.

2. Appeals must be in writing, and should be directed to the Director of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, NYC Administration for Children’s Services, 150 William Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10038, Tel. (212) 442-2356 / Fax (212) 676-6515/ email: EEO.ADACoordinator@acs.nyc.gov. Caseworkers should offer to assist the client in filing the appeal.

B. Appeals Process

1. Within ten (10) business days of receipt of the appeal, the ACS OEEO Director or their designee will meet with the client to discuss the grievance, the investigation and the proposed accommodations and/or resolutions. In circumstances where the ACS OEEO Director determines that the decision requires cross-divisional input, the ACS OEEO Director will contact the relevant areas (e.g. Office of General Counsel, Family Court Legal Services, ACS Medical Director, Office of Advocacy, etc.).

2. Additionally, within fifteen (15) business days after the ACS OEEO Director or their

designee meets with the client, the ACS OEEO Director will issue a written response to the appeal with a final resolution of the issue.

3. Upon completion of the investigation, the ACS OEEO Director will prepare and deliver to

the complainant, the program administrator, the facility and/or the person against whom the grievance is directed, a final determination of the appeal. This determination will be mailed by certified mail within 25 business days of the ACS OEEO Director or their designee’s receipt of the appeal. The Complainant will also receive an oral explanation

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of the final determination.

4. The ACS OEEO Director or their designee shall maintain the ACS files and records relative to any appeal filed. Appeals shall be maintained in compliance with ACS and city-wide record retention policies.

IX. Discrimination Complaints

This ADA Policy is intended to provide equal access for clients with disabilities but shall not impede the right of any client to file a complaint with an appropriate city, state, or federal oversight agency, or a court of competent jurisdiction. Clients should be advised of this right orally and in writing. Complaints about violations by units of state and local government or violations by public accommodations and commercial facilities (private business and non-profit service providers) should be filed with the Department of Justice.

Please send complaints to: US Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Civil Rights Division Disability Rights Section 1425 NYAV Washington, D.C. 20530 Clients may also call the ADA Information Line to ask about filing a complaint with the Department of Justice and to order forms that can assist in providing information about the violation. The numbers for the ADA information line are (800) 514-0301 (voice) and (800) 514-0383 (TTY).

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APPENDIX A

Client Notice of Disability Rights (Form CS 1028)

Title II of the Americans Disabilities Act (the “ADA”), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, state and local laws, and regulations promulgated pursuant to these Federal, State and local laws protect qualified individuals with a disability from discrimination on the basis of that disability in the delivery of or access to benefits, programs, services or activities of the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS). This notice is posted to inform the public of the privileges, protections and requirements created by Federal, State, and local laws regarding individuals with disabilities and their access to the benefits, programs and services offered by ACS.

ACCOMMODATION PROCEDURE

A Reasonable Accommodation includes modification to the programs or facility’s policies or practices, removal of impediments created by architectural, communication or transportation barriers, and the provision of auxiliary aids such as TTD/TTY devices or services such as, sign language interpretation. If you believe you require a Reasonable Accommodation in order to fully access ACS programs or services, please contact your Program/Facility Director or your Caseworker.

Grievance Procedure

ACS and its provider agencies do not discriminate against any qualified individual with a physical or mental disability in their provision of services, programs or activities or exclude any qualified individual from participation in ACS and its provider agency benefits, programs and services. If you believe that you have been discriminated against with respect to ACS services, programs, or activities because of a physical or mental disability, you may file a grievance with ACS’ ADA Coordinator:

ACS Office of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) 150 William, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10038

Tel. (212) 341-8951 Fax (212) 676-6515

Email: EEO.ADACoordinator@acs.nyc.gov This notice is available in alternative formats upon request

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APPENDIX B Client Reasonable Accommodation Request Form (Form CS 1029)

Instructions: Clients and/or their representative must complete Section I and submit this form along with supporting documentation to their caseworker or case planner. Any ACS or provider agency staff/designees receiving a completed form must complete Section II, return a copy to the client and/or their representative, and immediately transmit by fax or email the request and supporting documents, if any, to the appropriate Supervisor and to the ADA Coordinator in the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, 150 William Street, 11th Fl., New York, NY 10038, Tel. (212) 341-8951, Fax (212) 676-6515), Email: EEO.ADACoordinator@acs.nyc.gov Section I: Client Information and Request (This section must be completed by the client. When necessary, staff may assist the client in completing this form) Name:______________________________________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________________________________ Phone #:____________________________________________________________________ Social Security#:___________________________Case#:_____________________________ Describe the accommodation requested: (attach additional sheets and supporting documentation as appropriate) _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Section II: (To be completed by Staff member receiving the request form) Program Type: (Please Check Applicable Program) Division of Child Protection ___ Division of Youth and Family Justice ___ Foster Care Provider Agency ___ Prevention Provider Agency ___ Division of Child and Family Well-Being/EarlyLearn NYC Program ___ Name/Title:_________________________________________________________________ Facility/Program:_____________________________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________________________________ Phone:______________________________________________________________________ Date:_________________________________ Date Received:_________________________ Signature:___________________________________________________________________

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APPENDIX C

Reasonable Accommodation Request Determination Form (Form CS 1030)

Date:_____________________________________

Client:____________________________________

Case #:____________________________________

Decision Maker (Name/Title): _____________________________________________________

On ________________, the Administration for Children’s Services received your request for a reasonable accommodation.

We have reviewed your request and the supporting medical documentation, and have made the following determination.

[ ] Your request for a reasonable accommodation has been denied because:

___ An accommodation would cause an undue hardship (see attached explanation)

___ An accommodation would pose a direct threat of harm (see attached explanation)

[ ] Your request for a reasonable accommodation has been granted.

The administration for Children’s Services offers the following accommodation (attach additional sheets if necessary): ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

You or your representative may appeal this determination by filing a grievance within fifteen (15) business days of receipt of this Determination. Grievances should be directed to the ADA Coordinator, ACS Office of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), 150 William Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10038, Tel. (212) 341-8951, Fax (212) 676-6515, Email: EEO.ADACoordinator@acs.nyc.gov and must include:

1.The Client’s name, address, and telephone number; 2.A description of the program, activity, or service that was denied to the client; 3.The date and nature of the alleged denial; and 4.The signature of the client or their authorized designee.

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APPENDIX D Request For Additional Information Form (Form CS 1031)

Date:_____________________________________

Client:____________________________________

Case #:____________________________________

Staff Requesting Additional Information (Name/Title): _______________________________

____________________________________________

On _____________________, the Administration for Children’s Services received your request for a reasonable accommodation. We have reviewed your request and the supporting medical documentation, and require additional information. Please have your doctor or healthcare provider provide us with documentation that provides the following information:

1. A detailed description of the specific physical and/or mental

restrictions/limitations affecting your ability to access ACS or Provider Agency services;

2. Whether your condition is a permanent, chronic or temporary; 3. Whether you are currently receiving any treatment(s) to mitigate the

symptoms and/or limitations associated with your medical condition(s) including, but not limited to, any medication or therapy; and

4. A complete description of the accommodation sought and the relationship between it and your disability.

You or your healthcare provider must return the supporting documentation referenced above within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of this Request. The requested medical documentation should be sent by fax or email to the individual listed below. Name/Title:______________________________________________________

Division/Agency:__________________________________________________

Phone:___________________________________________________________

Fax:_____________________________________________________________

Email Address: ___________________________________________________

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APPENDIX E

RECORD OF CLIENT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION REVIEW PROCESS

INSTRUCTIONS: This form should be completed by the ACS/provider agency staff/designee responsible for approval.

Please provide a detailed record of the accommodation review process, including but not limited to: a description of medical documentation received; additional requests for medical documentation; Program Administrator comments; notes regarding consultation with ACS medical director and, as needed, client advocate; proposed accommodations; detailed description of client’s individualized service plan and how the services will accommodate the client’s needs; and the final determination. Attach additional sheets if necessary.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Final Determination:

Decision Maker’s Name/Title:____________________________________________________

Phone:_____________________________________Date:______________________________

Signature:_____________________________________________________________________

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APPENDIX F

Programs, Activities and Services Appropriate for Reasonable Accommodations Reasonable accommodations must be considered at every phase of a client’s involvement in the child welfare, juvenile justice, or early care and education systems at ACS and its provider agencies. Programs, activities and services that may require ACS to provide a client with reasonable accommodations include, but are not limited to:

1. Investigations; 2. Witness interviews; 3. Collateral interviews; 4. Assessments/Evaluations; 5. Completion of applications/paperwork; 6. Establishing appointment schedules; 7. Provision of in-home services; 8. Prevention services; 9. Removal of children from their homes; 10. Case planning and service planning; 11. Visitation; 12. Guardianship; 13. Adoption; 14. Foster care; 15. Reunification services; 16. Program eligibility requirements; 17. Eligibility requirements for foster or adoptive parents; and 18. Family court proceedings (including child welfare hearings; custody hearings; and proceedings to

terminate parental rights).

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APPENDIX G

Sample List of Reasonable Accommodations

Each client’s need for a reasonable accommodation must be individualized and assessed on a case-by-case basis. A reasonable accommodation must also ensure that the client has a full and equal opportunity to benefit from the programs, services and activities of ACS and its contract service providers. Possible reasonable accommodations include, but are not limited to:

1. Reasonable modification to rules, policies or practices;

2. Removal of architectural barriers to ensure physical access to a program’s building;

3. Provision of auxiliary aids and services to ensure adequate communication and participation;

4. Assistance in completing NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) applications, including assistance in gathering documentation needed to apply for services;

5. Accompanying clients to appointments/evaluations, including appointments and evaluations necessary

to complete OPWDD applications;

6. Reminding clients of appointments, including by using calendars or other organizational tools;

7. Referral to individualized services while an OPWDD determination is pending or when the client is ineligible for OPWDD services;

8. Travelling with clients to important appointments until OPWDD services are in place;

9. Providing all service referrals and visitation schedules in writing to clients and their counsel, where applicable and explaining them orally to clients;

10. Offering to have meetings and conferences in the home or an alternate location;

11. Parenting skills classes that are tailored to the needs of the client;

12. Increased frequency of services to meet the needs of the client;

13. Increased visitation;

14. Providing training in familiar environments, or that are otherwise conducive to learning;

15. Referrals to organizations or agencies that can provide the necessary accommodation, or coordinating services with other agencies;

16. Collaborating with organizations/agencies equipped to provide medical and clinical individualized assessments for clients when needed;

17. Use of a service animal;

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APPENDIX G

Sample List of Reasonable Accommodations

(Continued)

18. Referral to ACS Family Home Care for home making services;

19. Referral for Community Habilitation Services;

20. Referral for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS);

21. Referral for Early Intervention Services and referrals to services that are recommended based upon the evaluation;

22. Referral for Individualized Education Program evaluation and referrals to services that are

recommended based upon the evaluation.

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APPENDIX H

Reasonable Accommodation Recommendations for Providing Services to Qualified Clients with Communication-Related Disabilities

(Auxiliary Aids and Services)

A. General Guidelines

1. Clients must be given the opportunity to request the auxiliary aid or service that meets their needs.

The individual’s preference must be given primary consideration unless such preference would result in a fundamental alteration to the nature of the program, service or activity, or would result in undue financial and administrative burdens. If a different method of communication is provided, it must be equally effective.

2. Individuals with disabilities cannot be required to supply their own interpreters or other auxiliary aids and services.

3. A surcharge cannot be placed on a particular individual with a disability or any group of individuals with disabilities to cover the costs of the provision of auxiliary aids or other services that are required to provide that individual or group with nondiscriminatory treatment.

B. Examples of auxiliary aids and services include, but are not limited to:

• Qualified sign language interpreters; • Note takers; • Computer-aided transcription services; • Accessible electronic and information technology; • Written materials / handwritten notes; • Telephone handset amplifiers; • Assistive listening devices; • Assistive listening systems; • Telephones compatible with hearing aids; • Closed caption decoders; • Open and closed captioning; • Telecommunications devices for deaf people (TDD’s); • Videotext displays; • Qualified readers; • Taped texts; • Audio recordings; • Braille materials; • Large print materials; and • Modifications to existing devices.

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APPENDIX H

Reasonable Accommodation Recommendations for Providing Services to Qualified Clients with

Communication-Related Disabilities (Auxiliary Aids and Services)

(Continued)

C. Determining the Type of Auxiliary Aid or Service to Provide

Factors to consider:

1. The setting in which the aid or service will be used: size, type, and room layout; ease with which a client can obtain visual cues or view an interpreter; number of people in attendance;

2. Method of communication used by the individual with a disability; 3. Nature, length, and complexity of the communication involved; and 4. Context in which the communication is taking place.

D. Who Can be Used as Interpreters

1. In all situation, the family must be notified that sign language interpretation services will be provided free of charge.

2. For cases in the Division of Child Protection, children, family members or neighbors accompanying individuals with disabilities cannot be used as interpreters. Staff must always use an ACS-contracted vendor for interpretation services.

3. For cases not in the Division of Child Protection, the child and/or individual family member who is deaf or hard of hearing is entitled to use his or her own sign language interpreter where the interpreter is at least 18 years of age if:

a. He or she chooses to do so after being informed that sign language interpretation services will be provided free of charge; and

b. Reliance on the outside interpreter is appropriate under the circumstances.

E. Tips for Requesting a Sign Language Interpreter

1. Child Protective Specialists should plan visits well in advance in order to obtain assistance from a sign language interpreter.

2. If an interpreter was requested but does not show up for a scheduled visit, the CPS should assess whether there are emergent safety concerns requiring that the CPS make immediate contact with the child(ren).

3. Written notes may only be exchanged in emergency situations, such as when contact with a client must be made due to an investigation and a sign language interpreter is unavailable. When written notes are exchanged with a client, the staff member must make a follow up visit with a sign language interpreter as soon

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APPENDIX H

Reasonable Accommodation Recommendations for Providing Services to Qualified Clients with

Communication-Related Disabilities (Auxiliary Aids and Services)

(Continued) as a sign language interpreter becomes available to ensure that the client understands what was communicated.

4. When ordering a sign language interpreter, consider the size of your audience, setting (i.e. large conference), and whether you need more than one interpreter.

5. The CPS should document in Connections when an interpreter is ordered.

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APPENDIX I

Reasonable Accommodations Recommendations For Providing Services to Qualified Clients with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities

1. Definition of developmental disability: A developmental disability is a broad category of physical and mental

disabilities that occur during the developmental period (before the age of 22) and these disabilities usually last throughout a person’s life time. Examples of developmental disabilities include, but are not limited to: Cognitive/intellectual disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Fragile X Syndrome, Epilepsy, and Neurological impairments.

2. Clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) may require a reasonable accommodation to meet their needs. A reasonable modification of services should be made so that the services received by an IDD client are as effective as those provided to persons without disabilities. Each IDD client must be individually assessed in determining a reasonable accommodation. Staff must consider the client’s disability and the effects of the client’s disability and the possible need for a reasonable accommodation at every stage of engagement with the client (i.e. conferences, services referrals, implementation of services, visitation, etc.).

3. Inform the client of their rights. Inform the client that he/she can make an informal and formal request for reasonable accommodations.

4. Service must be individualized to address the needs of the IDD client. Staff must follow ACS risk assessment protocols and the ACS ADA Policy to identify the needs of the client. Collaborate with the client to find the most appropriate accommodation. Never rely on stereotypes, speculation or generalizations. Identify the client’s strengths and weaknesses, identify support systems, such as family members, and ask the client to help identify what accommodations could address their needs.

5. Contact the ACS Developmental Disabilities Unit for assistance. This unit can assist staff with making referrals for assessments and identifying service providers. The Office is located at:

ACS Developmental Disabilities Unit 150 William Street, 11th Fl. New York NY 10038 Director: Yolanda Dillard (212) 748-1898 Email: yolanda.dillard@acs.nyc.gov

6. Assist the client in filling out forms or with scheduling appointments.

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APPENDIX I

Reasonable Accommodations Recommendations For Providing Services to Qualified Clients with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities

(Continued)

7. Collaborate and Communicate regularly with service providers. Staff members are expected to collaborate with all service providers to develop an integrated, individualized service plan for the IDD client. When the client requires a reasonable accommodation, communicate the client’s need to all service providers to ensure that the service providers are aware and able to meet the client’s need. When possible, refer the client to service providers that can meet all the service needs of the client. Identifying a comprehensive program provides for greater consistency in the messages given to parents, reduces strain on the client and enhances communication amongst providers.3 In instances where a client has several providers, request that the providers communicate with each other to ensure the client’s needs are being met appropriately.

8. Allow the client to be “hands-on”. Skills are best taught in the context that they will be used. For individuals with cognitive limitations, learning may occur at a slower pace and services should take into consideration the client’s ability instruction should take into account the client’s ability. 4 When possible, services should be provided in the home or in a setting where the client can demonstrate their skills and where the provider can provide guidance and/or demonstrate necessary skills. In-home services, such as community habilitation and home making services are beneficial to parents because they permit service providers to identify areas of concern and provide the appropriate interventions and supports as needed.

9. Give the client enough time. ACS and contract provider staff must work interactively with service providers to determine a service plan that is individualized and based upon the client’s needs and abilities. Staff should request that service providers provide regular written updates on the client’s progress and an estimated timeline for completion of services. When it is anticipated that a client needs more time to successfully complete services due to the client’s disability, staff must consider accommodating the client by giving the client more time to complete services.

10. Provide repetition of services. A reasonable accommodation for an IDD client may consist of a repetition or continuation of the same services.

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APPENDIX I Reasonable Accommodations Recommendations For Providing Services to Qualified Clients with

Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (Continued)

11. What services should I refer an IDD client to? Remember, each client must have an individualized

service plan. Services may include, but are not limited to: • Adult Education classes; • After-school help with homework for school-aged children; • Comprehensive mental health evaluations/assessments; • Child care; • Early intervention; • Exploration of family resources; • Family therapy; • Home care; • Home Health Aide; • Community habilitation; • Individual therapy; • Individualized Family Service Plan; • Occupational therapy; • Parenting classes tailored to the individual; • Physical therapy; • Physical examinations; • Prevention Services; • Referral to Office for People with Developmental Disabilities; • Referral to self-advocacy agencies; • Speech therapy; • Substance abuse treatment; • Visitation with a visiting coach to permit “hands on” and visual learning; • Visitation with a visiting host, such as a family member; • Visiting Nurse; • Vocational services for individuals with cognitive disabilities; • Parenting support group or a parent advocate; • Parenting skills courses tailored to the individual’s needs; and • Recreational and other after-school enrichment opportunities

12. Training. ACS staff and Provider Agency case planners are expected to receive regular training on how to

engage parents with intellectual disabilities. ACS provides monthly trainings in each borough through the Workforce Institute titled “Engaging Parents with Cognitive and other Developmental Limitations.” Contact by email: wihelpdesk@acs.nyc.gov; Telephone: (212) 748-1898.

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APPENDIX J

Resources for Providing Services to Clients with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities

1. OPWDD Developmentally Disabled Service Offices Bronx DDSO 2400 Halsey Avenue Bronx, NY 10461 (718) 430-0700 Manhattan DDSO 75 Morton Street New York, NY 10014 (212) 229-3000 Brooklyn DDSO 88 Fountain Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11208 (718) 642-6151 Queens DDSO 80-45 Winchester Blvd. Hillside Complex, Bldg. 12 Queens Village, NY 11427 (718) 217-4242 Staten Island DDSO 1150 Forest Hill Road Staten Island, NY 10314 (718) 982-1903 2. NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Main Office 42-09 28th Street Long Island City, NY 11101 Division of Mental Hygiene-Bureau of Mental Health Community Treatment: (347) 396-7098 Housing Services: (347) 396-6933 Outpatient Services: (347) 396-7118 Early Intervention: Citywide ACS Referral Hotline: (877)855-KIDZ (5439)

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APPENDIX J

Resources for Providing Services to Clients with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (Continued)

3. New York City Board of Education – District Committees on Preschool Special Education CSE 1 - Districts 7, 9, 10 1 Fordham Plaza, 7th Fl. Bronx, NY 10458 Phone: (718) 329-8001 CSE 2 - Districts 8, 11, 12 3450 East Tremont Ave., 2nd Fl. Bronx, NY 10465 Phone: (718) 794-7420 CSE 3 - Districts 25, 26 30-48 Linden Place Flushing, NY 11354 Phone: (718) 281-3461 CSE 3 - Districts 28, 29 90-27 Sutphin Boulevard Jamaica, NY 11435 Phone: (718) 557-2553

CSE 4 - Districts 24, 30 28-11 Queens Plaza N., 5th Fl. Long Island City, NY 11101 Phone: (718) 391-8405

CSE 4 - District 27 Satellite Office 82-01 Rockaway Blvd., 2nd Fl. Ozone Park, NY 11416 Phone: (718) 642-5715

CSE 5 - Districts 19, 23, 32 1665 St. Marks Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11233 Phone: (718) 240-3557/3558 CSE 6 - Districts 17, 18, 22 5619 Flatlands Avenue

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APPENDIX J

Resources for Providing Services to Clients with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (Continued)

Brooklyn, NY 11234 Phone: (718) 968-6200 CSE 7 - Districts 20, 21 415 89th Street Brooklyn, NY 11209 Phone: (718) 759-4900 CSE 7 - District 31 715 Ocean Terrace, Building A Staten Island, NY 10301 Phone: (718) 420-5790 CSE 8 - Districts 13, 14, 15, 16 131 Livingston Street, 4th Fl. Brooklyn, NY 11201 Phone: (718) 935-4900 CSE 9 - Districts 1, 2, 4 333 7th Avenue, 4th Fl. New York, NY 10001 Phone: (917) 339-1600 CSE 10 - Districts 3, 5, 6 388 West 125th Street New York, NY 10027 Phone: (212) 342-8300 Charter Schools - All Districts One Fordham Plaza, 7th Fl. Bronx, NY 10458 Phone: (718) 329-8001

4. Service Providers

Advocates for Children of New York 151 West 30th Street, 5th Fl. New York, NY 10001 Services provided: Special education advocacy for children

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APPENDIX J

Resources for Providing Services to Clients with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (Continued)

AHRC New York City Headquarters 83 Maiden Lane New York, NY 10038 (212)780-2500 Services provided: Bridges to Health; clinical services; community habilitation; habilitative services; family education; family therapy; group therapy; home health care; individual therapy; residential services; respite; Queens In-home parenting program

Epilepsy Foundation of Metro NY 65 Broadway, Ste. 505 New York NY 10006 (212) 677-8550 Services provided: Epilepsy advocacy, awareness, and education; counseling; day habilitation; service coordination; and socialization INCLUDEnyc 116 East 16th Street, 5th Fl. New York, NY 10003 (212) 677-4650 (Local) http://www.INCLUDEnyc.org/ Services provided: A variety of resources for disability related issues National Jewish Council for the Disabled/Yachad 11 Broadway, 13th Fl. New York, NY 10004 Services provided: Counseling; educational; family services; parent support groups; service coordination; and testing and diagnostic Sinergia 15 W. 65th Street, 6th Fl. New York, NY 10023 (212) 678-4700 Services provided: Employment services; habilitation services; parenting class for individuals with developmental disabilities; service coordination YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities 460 West 34th Street New York, NY 10001 212-273-6182

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APPENDIX J

Resources for Providing Services to Clients with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (Continued)

Services provided: Family reimbursement for services not reimbursed through existing programs; parenting class for parents of children with developmental disabilities; parenting class for parents with special needs; special skills groups for children on the autism spectrum; psychological, psychosocial and autism assessments

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APPENDIX K

ACS Resources

1) ADA Coordinator/Disability Service Facilitator Jessica K. Cooke, Esq. Office of Equal Employment Opportunity 150 William Street, 11th Floor New York, NY 10028 (212) 341-8951 jessica.cooke@acs.nyc.gov EEO.ADACoordinator@acs.nyc.gov

2) Director, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity / EEO Officer

Jodi M. Savage, Esq. Office of Equal Employment Opportunity 150 William Street, 11th Floor New York, NY 10038 (212) 442-2356 jodi.savage@acs.nyc.gov

3) Medical Director for Reasonable Accommodations Jorge Farrat, M.D. 150 William Street, 11th Floor New York, NY 10038 (212)-676-7491 jorge.farrat@acs.nyc.gov

4) Agency Medical Director / Director, Office of Child and Family Health Angel Mendoza, M.D. 150 William Street, 11th Floor New York, NY 10038 (212) 341-2660 angel.mendozajr@acs.nyc.gov

5) Office of Advocacy Michael Arsham – Executive Director 150 William Street, 1st Floor New York, NY 10038 (917) 551-7967 michael.arsham@acs.nyc.gov

6) Developmental Disabilities Unit Yolanda Dillard - Director 150 William Street, 11th Floor New York, NY 10038 (212) 442-2081 yolanda.dillard@acs.nyc.gov

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APPENDIX K

ACS Resources (Continued)

7) Office of Preventive Technical Assistance, Division of Prevention Services

Luisa Linares, LMSW – Assistant Commissioner 150 William Street, 2nd Floor New York, NY 10038 (212) 676-8660 luisa.linares@acs.nyc.gov

8) Office of Preventive Technical Assistance, Division of Prevention Services Juliet Smith, MSW-Director 150 William Street, 2nd Floor New York, NY 10038 (212) 341-2949 juliet.smith@acs.nyc.gov

9) Family Home Care Program, Division of Prevention Services Martha Boomer - Director 150 William Street, 11th Floor New York NY 10038 (212) 676-6800 martha.boomer@acs.nyc.gov

10) Office of Provider Agency Collaboration and Engagement, Division of Family Permanency Services Neil Freedman, LMSW-Associate Commissioner 150 William Street, 2nd Floor New York, NY 10038 (212) 676-9271 neil.freedman@acs.nyc.gov

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APPENDIX L

Resources for Blind and Low Vision Clients Achilles International 42 West 38th Street, Suite 400 New York, NY 10018 (212) 354-0300 (Local) (212) 354-3978 (Fax) http://www.achillesinternational.org/ Services offered: Recreation American Foundation for the Blind Two Penn Plaza, Suite 1102 New York, NY 10121 (212) 502-7600 (Local) (212) 502-7777 (Fax) http://www.afb.org Services offered: Braille and reading instruction; educational services; job training and information; and referrals Andrew Heiskell Library for the Blind and Visually Impaired 40 W. 20th Street New York, NY 10012 Services offered: Recorded and braille books Association for the Advancement of Blind and Retarded (AABR) 15-08 College Point Boulevard College Point, NY 11356 (718) 321-3800 Services offered: Adult day programs; education; family support services; recreation; residential; socialization; pre-vocations and supportive employment; services available to address multiple disabilities Blindline 500 Greenwich Street, 3rd Fl. New York, NY 10013-1354 (212) 625-3301 http://blindline.org/home.asp Services provided: Information and referrals

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APPENDIX L

Resources for Blind and Low Vision Clients (Continued)

Catholic Charities Community Services Guild for the Blind 1011 First Ave., 6th Fl. New York, NY 10022

Catholic Guild for the Blind 1011 First Avenue New York, NY 10022 (212) 371-1000 2097 Services for Adults: Adult Education. Services for children: Assistive technology; independent living skills; employment job training; information; and referrals Ethel and Samuel J. LeFrak School 111 East 59th Street New York, NY 10022-1202 (212) 821-9604 Services offered: Early intervention for children; supportive services for parents Helen Keller Services for the Blind 57 Willoughby Street Brooklyn, NY 11201 (718) 522-2122 http://helenkeller.org Services offered: Early intervention; employment/job training; health; pre-school programs; summer day camp and after school program; support for parents; travel/orientation and mobility Lavelle School for the Blind 3830 Paulding Avenue Bronx NY 10469 (718) 882-1212 Lavelleschool.org

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APPENDIX L

Resources for Blind and Low Vision Clients (Continued)

Lighthouse Guild 15 West 65th Street New York, NY 10023-6601 (212) 769-6200 (Local) http://www.lighthouseguild.org Services for Adult and Children: Educational services; health, life skills and career services for adults; computer training and assistive technology; information and referrals; support for parents; independent living skills; comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facility (CORF; medical and vision services, and residential care) New York City National Association for Parents of Children with Visual impairments (NAPVI) Family Connect 999 Pelham Parkway Bronx, NY 10469 O: 718-519-7000 ext.: 127 www.napvi.org Services offered: Online resources for parents New York Institute for Special Education 999 Pelham Parkway Bronx, NY 10469 (718) 519-7000 (Local) (718) 231-9314 (Fax) kbenisatto@nyise.org http://www.nyise.org Services offered for students age 5-21 years: Assessments; educational services; preschool; job training; information and referrals; summer/day camp at Camp Wanaqua New York State Office of Children and Family Services: Commission for the Blind 270 Broadway, 5th Fl., Room 528 New York, NY 10007 http://www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main/cbvh Services offered: Early intervention and rehabilitation services to transition youth to adult employment opportunities

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APPENDIX L

Resources for Blind and Low Vision Clients (Continued)

New York State School for the Blind 2A Richmond Avenue Batavia, NY 14020 (585) 343-5384 (Local) (585) 344-5557 (Fax) (877) 697-7382 (Toll-Free) nyssb@mail.nysed.gov http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/nyssb/ Services offered for students age 5-21: Assessments; braille and reading instruction; community outreach; computer training/assistive technology; counseling; daily living skills/independent living skills; distance education; education services; employment/job training; health; information and referrals; low vision services; recreation services; after school program; support for parents; support groups; and travel/ orientation & mobility Vision Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired 500 Greenwich Street, 3rd Fl. New York, NY 10013 O: 212-625-1616

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Appendix M

Resources for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Clients

Auditory Oral School of NY / Strivright 3321 Avenue M Brooklyn, NY 11210 Voice: (718)531-1800 Fax: (718)407-2648 http://www.strivright.org An Auditory/Oral Early Intervention and Preschool Program servicing hearing impaired children and their families. Programs include: Early Intervention (center-based and home-based); preschool; integrated preschool classes with children with normal hearing; multidisciplinary evaluations; parent support; individual auditory-verbal therapy; speech, occupational and physical therapies; music therapy; complete audiological services; cochlear implant habilitation; mainstreaming; ongoing support services following mainstreaming Center for Hearing and Communication 50 Broadway New York, NY Phone: (917) 305-7700 Services: Individual psychotherapy; couples therapy; family therapy; therapeutic support groups; psychiatric evaluation and medication management; crisis intervention; information and referrals; hearing tech and testing services Empire State Association of the Deaf, Inc. 54 Thorndyke Road Rochester, NY 14617 TTY (716) 544-5285 Provides advocacy, elder camps, youth leadership programs, and information and referral services. International Center for the Disabled (ICD) 340 E. 24th Street New York, NY 10010-4097 Voice 1 (212) 585-6000 TTY (212) 585-6060 Fax (212) 585-6161 Provides evaluation and individualized treatment for communication disorders including speech, language, voice, hearing, and swallowing problems. Advocates for better communication.

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Appendix M

Resources for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Clients (Continued)

Junior High School 47M, School for the Deaf 225 E. 23rd Street New York, NY 10010 Voice 1 (917) 256-4600 TTY (212) 481-0307 Fax (917) 256-4619 Offers a one-to-one program for parents and children under age 3 and an Integrated Pre-School program. Educational programs for children ages 5-21 provide academic, pre-vocational, and vocational job training. La Guardia Community College 29-10 Thomson Avenue, C203 Long Island City, NY 11101 (718)482-5324 (718) 482-5137 www.laguardia.edu/academics/majors/deaf-studies/ Services: Adult Higher Education Lexington School for the Deaf Deafness Information and Referral Service 30 Jackson Heights, NY 11370 V/TTY (718) 899-8800 http://www.lexnyc.org/ Services: education, vocational, hearing and speech, and mental health services Mill Neck 40 Frost Mill Road Millneck, NY 11765 Phone : (516) 922-4100 www.millneck.org Services: Education, ACCES- VR, OPWDD, hearing screenings and aural rehabilitation New York City Board of Education Citywide Programs/District 75 22 E. 28th Street, 2nd Floor New York NY 10016 Voice 1 (212) 481-5642 TTY (212) 679-6104 http://www.nycenet.edu Provides special education programs for deaf and hard-of-hearing students aged 3-21. Programs include resource rooms (SIS II), and self-contained classes (MIS VIII). Admission is through the

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Appendix M

Resources for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Clients (Continued)

Committee on Special Education HHVI (Hearing Handicapped/Visually Impaired) and the Citywide Committee for the Hearing and Visually Impaired. New York Parent Association for Deaf-Blind 102 Arleigh Drive Albertson, NY 11507 (516) 621-2934 www.nypn.net Services: Advocacy, children recreation services, information and referrals New York Society for the Deaf 161 William Street, 11th Floor New York, NY 10038 O: (212)777-3900 Services: Outpatient mental health clinic; substance abuse treatment program; Service Coordination Program; Ryan White AIDS/ HIV Case Management Program; residential services; Communication Skills Program; American Sign Language Academy; Interpreter Referral Service; Berger Deaf Scholars Program; Jewish Continuity