UPDATED MARCH 2016: Raising a child with special needs in Brooklyn, NY? Find support by connecting with other families, parents, and caregivers in Brooklyn who have kids with special needs.
Helen Keller Services for the Blind – Brooklyn
57 Willoughby St., Downtown Brooklyn
718-522-2122
info@helenkeller.org
Free workshops are hosted by the Parent & Early Education Resource Center at the Children’s Learning Center. The center also provides services for people of all ages who are blind or have vision impairments.
Institute For Community Living Brooklyn Family Resource Center
Terry Johnson, director
2581 Atlantic Ave., Cypress Hills
718-290-8100 x21205; 877-425-8133
info@iclinc.net
This community-based program operated by parents of children with special needs is for parents whose children have emotional or behavioral issues. It provides services such as clinical consultation, supportive counseling for parents and families, workshops, and after-school programs for children, plus monthly family nights and anger management classes for children and parents. Services in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brownsville, Bushwick, Crown Heights, and Williamsburg. Parent support group services are available in English and Spanish.
Jewish Child Care Association
Program director: Denise Stephenson
858 E. 29th St., Flatbush
718-859-4500
stephensond@jccany.org
The association offers a variety of support groups for parents in varying phases of the adoption process, from discussing pre-adoption anxieties to learning how to answer difficult questions from your adopted child. Groups meet in Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island, as well as Westchester and Rockland counties.
Living Above Disorder Shared Journeys Support Group
646-481-6570
info@livingabovedisorder.org
This organization has a wealth of support to offer children with special needs, their siblings, and parents. It inspires hope through the support group Shared Journeys; in the Imagination Social Inclusion Playgroups for children; in spa days, game nights, and mixers for adults; and through workshops.
My Time Inc.
Creative director: Wayne Clarke
9603 Flatlands Ave.
917-933-9875
info@mytimeinc.org
Parent support group sessions focus on a range of topics relating to children’s developmental disabilities, including sharing development and playtime ideas for children. Guest speakers also provide different perspectives and insights. There are specific groups for fathers and grandparents. All groups provide positive coping behaviors, ongoing support, and are places to share ideas and find emotional support.
Support Groups for Parents of Children with Special Needs in the Bronx
Support Groups for Parents of Children with Special Needs in Manhattan
Support Groups for Parents of Children with Special Needs in Queens
