New York City has one of the most comprehensive networks of disability services in the country — home care, transportation, employment support, independent living assistance, mental health services, and more. Navigating these services can be overwhelming, but knowing which agencies to contact and what you are entitled to is the starting point. This guide maps the major disability services available to NYC residents.
NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD)
The NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) is the city’s central hub for disability services coordination, policy, and advocacy. MOPD can:
- Connect you to city services relevant to your needs
- Provide information on NYC disability programs and benefits
- Assist with ADA accommodations requests to city agencies
- Offer free orientation and mobility training referrals
Contact: (212) 788-2830 | nyc.gov/mopd | 100 Gold Street, Manhattan
Home Care and Personal Care Services
Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP)
CDPAP allows Medicaid-eligible people with disabilities to hire, train, and supervise their own personal assistants — including family members or friends. If you need help with daily activities (bathing, dressing, cooking, medication) and want to choose who provides that care, CDPAP may be the most empowering option.
To apply, you must have Medicaid and a chronic illness or disability requiring ongoing care. Contact your Medicaid managed care plan or call the NY Medicaid Choice helpline at 1-855-345-5816 to enroll.
NYC HRA Home Care Services
NYC HRA administers home care services for income-eligible adults who need assistance with activities of daily living. Apply through HRA at nyc.gov/hra or call 311.
Independent Living Centers
Independent Living Centers (ILCs) provide peer-based support, advocacy, and services to help people with disabilities live independently in the community. Services include:
- Information and referral to disability services
- Independent living skills training
- Peer counseling (support from others with disabilities)
- Advocacy and systems change work
- Assistive technology resources
Major ILCs in NYC:
- Center for Independence of the Disabled NY (CIDNY): (212) 674-2300 | cidny.org — Manhattan and Queens
- Bronx Independent Living Services (BILS): (718) 515-2800 | bilsnyc.org
- Staten Island Center for Independent Living: (718) 720-9016
- Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled (BCID): (718) 998-3000 | bcid.net
Employment Services for People with Disabilities
- NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services — Disability Employment: For NYC government jobs — nyc.gov/jobs
- ACCES-VR (Adult Career and Continuing Education Services — Vocational Rehabilitation): New York State’s vocational rehabilitation program providing job training, education support, and employment placement for people with disabilities — call 1-800-222-5627 or visit acces.nysed.gov/vr
- Customized Employment through CIDNY and other ILCs: Support finding jobs that match your specific skills and needs
- NYS Commission for the Blind: Specialized employment services for people who are blind or visually impaired — (866) 871-3000
Assistive Technology
- NY Connects: nyconnects.ny.gov — statewide resource finder including assistive technology
- TRAID Program (Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities): Provides low-cost or free assistive technology and training — acces.nysed.gov/traid
- NYC Public Library assistive technology centers: The NYPL has adaptive technology centers at several branches — call (212) 621-0672
Mental Health Services for People with Disabilities
- NYC Well: 1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355) — 24/7 free mental health support, no insurance needed
- NYC Health + Hospitals behavioral health clinics — available through NYC Care or Medicaid
- NYC Department of Health Mental Hygiene Services: nyc.gov/health
Benefits Navigation for People with Disabilities
- NYC HRA: Cash assistance, Medicaid, SNAP — 311 or nyc.gov/hra
- SSI/SSDI: Social Security Administration — 1-800-772-1213
- NYC Benefits Platform (ACCESS HRA): a069-access.nyc.gov
- Benefits.gov: benefits.gov — federal benefits screening tool
- CIDNY Benefits Counseling: (212) 674-2300 — free benefits counseling for people with disabilities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CDPAP and how is it different from regular home care?
CDPAP is a Medicaid-funded home care program that lets you choose your own caregiver — including a family member or friend — and direct their work yourself. In regular home care, the agency assigns the worker. CDPAP is designed for people who want more control over their care. Contact your Medicaid managed care plan or call 1-855-345-5816 to apply.
What is ACCES-VR and who is eligible?
ACCES-VR is New York State’s vocational rehabilitation program — it provides job training, education support, assistive technology, and employment placement services to people whose disability is a barrier to employment. Eligibility requires a documented disability that is a barrier to work. Apply at acces.nysed.gov/vr or call 1-800-222-5627.
Where can I find a disability service that speaks my language?
NYC’s ILCs and MOPD have multilingual staff and can refer you to services in your language. The 311 system also connects to services in over 200 languages. NYC Well (1-888-NYC-WELL) is multilingual and available 24/7. Many community-based organizations serving specific immigrant communities also provide disability service navigation in their languages — ask CIDNY at (212) 674-2300 for a referral.
I just became disabled. Where do I start?
Start with three calls: (1) NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities at (212) 788-2830 to learn what city services are available to you; (2) your nearest Independent Living Center (CIDNY at (212) 674-2300 for Manhattan/Queens) for peer support and service navigation; and (3) Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to begin an SSI or SSDI application if you cannot work. Apply for Medicaid through NY State of Health simultaneously.
