Skip to main content

Support for young people with disabilities

School-Age and Early Childhood Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Centers | NYS Education Department (NYSED)

How it works

School-Age and Early Childhood Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Centers help young New Yorkers with disabilities who are 0 to 21 years old. Help is also available for their families and the professionals who support them.

  • FACE center services are available for free to young people and their parents who live in the five boroughs.
  • FACE Centers offer many services including:
    • guidance to help children with disabilities and their parents navigate early childhood.
    • teaching special education students to advocate for themselves in school. This includes teaching them how to participate meaningfully in their Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings.
    • teaching parents and special education students about the college admissions process.
    • helping youth transition into adult life. This means working with youth to plan for job training, work, higher education, and engaging with the community.
    • workshops and activities to help young adults develop social-emotional skills and life skills for independent living.
  • Parents can also get support through workshops on topics like:
    • understanding IEPs (Individualized Education Programs)
    • the special education process
    • school placement
    • accessing work and public benefits
    • parent advocacy

Eligibility requirements

All NYC families who care for a child with disabilities are eligible to receive services for free. Trainings are open to everyone.


How to apply

Apply by phone

You can speak one-on-one with an expert to get help and information on services. Call or text IncludeNYC’s Help Line to schedule an appointment.

Get help

Visit the IncludeNYC website

Visit includenyc.org for more information and services.

Email IncludeNYC

[email protected]

Call the IncludeNYC Help Line

English: 212-677-4660

Spanish: 212-677-4668


Come back to it later.
We can send you a link to this page to help you get back to it when you’re ready.


Last Updated March 31, 2025

Stay updated on benefits

Get occasional emails about benefits news, upcoming enrollment periods, and deadlines. Translations are available in 11 languages.