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Family Services

Support for young people with disabilities

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

1. 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

2. Determine your eligibility

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

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3. How to Apply

3. 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.

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More ways to get help with this program

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

Last Updated October 11, 2024