Is NYAdvocacy.help free to use?

Yes. Every guide, script, plan builder, and tool is free for New York families. You can save plans by creating a free account, but nothing on the site is paywalled.

Do you provide legal advice?

No. We translate New York programs (OPWDD, Medicaid, IEPs, housing waivers, etc.) into plain English and connect you to the right offices, scripts, and legal aid providers. For binding legal advice, work with one of the legal aid groups listed under Legal Aid.

How do I get help right now?

Use the Get Help Now navigator on the home page or call Parent to Parent NYS at 800-305-8817. If anyone is in danger, call 911. If someone is in emotional crisis, call or text 988.

Does this only work in New York?

Yes. Programs, contacts, scripts, and timelines are specific to New York State (OPWDD, NYSED, NY Medicaid, NYS Office for the Aging). Out-of-state families can still use the scripts as templates.

How do I find help in my county?

Open County Resources from the home page or footer. Each county page links the OPWDD regional office, parent center, Area Agency on Aging, and legal aid for that location.

For New York families

Tell us what's happening. We'll show you the next 3 steps.

Who to call. What to say. What documents you need. Real advocacy — not another never-ending directory.

I Need Help Now Build My Plan Parent to Parent NYS

A New York family talking together on a porch — a mother with her arm around her teenage son who uses a wheelchair, and a grandmother holding paperwork.

What's happening right now?

Pick the closest match. We'll route you to immediate next steps.

See all situations →

My child is being denied school services

If your district is refusing an evaluation, removing services, or ignoring your IEP, you have specific legal protections under IDEA and Section 504. Move fast — put everything in writing.

Next steps

I need respite this week

Emergency respite is hard but possible. Start with OPWDD Family Support, your county DD office, and the NYS Caregiving & Respite Coalition simultaneously — don't wait on any one call.

Next steps

I can't safely care for my loved one at home

Safety comes first. If there is immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, name what's happening clearly to OPWDD, your Care Manager, and your provider — that triggers crisis pathways that 'I need help' alone does not.

Next steps

My adult child needs housing

Housing in NY for adults with developmental disabilities is slow but navigable. Start the waitlist now, learn the difference between supervised, supportive, and family care, and build a Plan A and Plan B.

Next steps

OPWDD is confusing or delayed

OPWDD has its own language: Front Door, Care Coordination, Life Plan, Waiver, Self-Direction. Most delays happen between steps. Knowing where you are in the pathway lets you push the right person.

Next steps

My child is aging out of school

Transition starts at 14, intensifies at 16, and the deadline is the school year your child turns 21 (or the date of graduation). Don't wait for the school to drive this — they often won't.

Next steps

I'm overwhelmed and need someone to guide me

You don't have to figure this out alone. Caregivers in crisis make worse decisions — that's brain science, not weakness. Get a person on the phone today.

Next steps

I need legal or benefits help

Most NY families qualify for free legal help on disability, education, Medicaid, and SSI. Don't pay until you've tried Legal Aid, the Legal Services system, and the disability law projects.

Next steps

Everything in one place

Crisis Navigator

8 common situations, 8 fast paths.

Respite Finder

9 respite pathways across NY.

Housing Solutions

From OPWDD residences to Section 8.

OPWDD Roadmap

Eligibility → Front Door → Self-Direction.

School Advocacy

IEPs, 504s, CSE, hearings.

Medicaid & Waivers

HCBS, Children's Waiver, MLTC, pooled trusts.

Mental Health

Children's Waiver SED, ACT, AOT, CPEPs.

Elder & Aging

NY Connects, EISEP, NHTD, caregiver supports.

Foster & Kinship

KinGAP, OCFS, adoption subsidies.

Legal Aid

Free special-ed, Medicaid, OPWDD, housing help.

Adult Transition

Aging out, adult services, planning.

Caregiver Support

When you can't keep going alone.

Scripts Library

What to say to OPWDD, schools, providers.

County Resources

All 62 NY counties.

Why this site exists

Most NY disability resources are directories — endless lists of phone numbers and acronyms. Families don't need more information. They need to know what to do today. Every page here ends in a next step, a script, a person to call, or a document to bring.

Build My Plan Find an Advocate

Common questions

Is NYAdvocacy.help free to use?: Yes. Every guide, script, plan builder, and tool is free for New York families. You can save plans by creating a free account, but nothing on the site is paywalled.
Do you provide legal advice?: No. We translate New York programs (OPWDD, Medicaid, IEPs, housing waivers, etc.) into plain English and connect you to the right offices, scripts, and legal aid providers. For binding legal advice, work with one of the legal aid groups listed under Legal Aid.
How do I get help right now?: Use the Get Help Now navigator on the home page or call Parent to Parent NYS at 800-305-8817. If anyone is in danger, call 911. If someone is in emotional crisis, call or text 988.
Does this only work in New York?: Yes. Programs, contacts, scripts, and timelines are specific to New York State (OPWDD, NYSED, NY Medicaid, NYS Office for the Aging). Out-of-state families can still use the scripts as templates.
How do I find help in my county?: Open County Resources from the home page or footer. Each county page links the OPWDD regional office, parent center, Area Agency on Aging, and legal aid for that location.