Community Resources

There are many great businesses/organizations within the Capital Region & Mohonasen which offer programs specifically for people with special needs. There are others that may not offer programs specifically but have proven to work well with the special need population. We've rounded up a few that we've heard great things about. We will continue to add to this list as we discover more, so check back in the future.

Living Resources 

After School Program at Draper Middle School 

*for Ages 9 and above

** The district would be able to transport the student to Draper from their school program if needed.  

• The Anchor Room

The Anchor Room is a private room in Mohon High School where students can visit and find the necessities (clothes, toiletries, and food), they need at no cost. It is run by students of Mohonasen through Work Based Learning (WBL). The WBL students learn self help and organizational skills, such as how to read clothing tags (s-m-l-xl), decipher between men & ladies clothing, how to hang clothing on hangers (both tops & bottoms), how to hang clothing in their proper places- facing the correct direction and by color, and how to display items in window displays and shelves. It gives them customer service experience by acknowledging visitors and offering them assistance. The WBL students also help with organizing items for the Backpack Program. The Backpack Program allows people that are coming in to select backpacks, to select clothing items as well. There are mobile clothing racks throughout the school that WBL students take care of by keeping them stocked and organized. They take care of the Prom Room, too. 

If you have questions or would like to donate items to the Anchor Room, you may contact Angie Lasher at alasher@mohonasen.org 

• Mohonasen Adaptive Swim 

The Mohonasen Adaptive swim pairs a special needs student with a swim instructor. Together they work on swim skills at students' pace. Currently closed due to COVID. 

Aquatics Director: Kate Streeter kstreeter@mohonasen.org 

• Mohonasen Business Advisory Board (B.A.B.)

The Mohonasen Business Advisory Board is a dynamic connection between local businesses and the Mohonasen School System. This partnership works together to develop work based learning opportunities for students.

Learn more here: https://sites.google.com/mohonasen.org/mcsd-business-advisory-board/home

• Mohonasen Unified Bowling & Basketball

Mohonasen Unified Bowling & Basketball offers students with or without intellectual disabilities in grades 9-12 an opportunity to represent their schools by participating in legitimate competition,. All sports are co-ed. Student/athletes participate in the identical manner as traditional sports: they have uniforms, ride the bus to away games, have referees, and have playoffs at the end of the season. The secondary component is the Youth Activation Committee (YAC), which coordinates the social aspects of the sports, and helps students expand their social circles.

Unified sports are part of the relatively new initiative in this area. It is a collaboration between the Special Olympics and NYSPHSAA. Mohonasen was in the first group of schools that incorporated unified basketball into the athletic program in 2013; we began participating in unified bowling in 2019.

Info can be found here: https://mohonasencsd.rschoolteams.com 

Click on "Sports Registration" and use FamilyID to sign up - please note- registration may be closed depending on sport season.

Coach: Ben Pierson bepierson@mohonasen.org 

Athletic Director:  David Bertram dbertram@mohonasen.org 

Learn more about Unified Sports Nationally here: https://resources.specialolympics.org/marketing-and-communications/events/play-unified 

• Living Resources at Draper Middle School

Living Resources is dedicated to providing life enhancing services to individuals challenged by intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as those who are brain injury survivors. Growth and happiness are unique for each person and at Living Resources, we offer a safe and supportive environment that allows individuals to meet and exceed their personal goals.  

Learn more about the Living Resources After School Program (ASP) here: https://www.livingresources.org/more-information-asp/

After School Program Application: https://livingresources.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/AfterSchoolProgram_application_revised_2018.pdf

Rotterdam Challenger Tri-County Baseball League

If your child has special needs and they like to play baseball, please consider the Rotterdam Challenger Tri-County Baseball League! Our league is getting ready for our 2023 season and we're accepting new members for our teams.

Who: Children ages 5-16

Where: Woestina Field, Rt. 5S Rotterdam Junction

When: Games start at 6:00 p.m. and teams play once a week, depending on age levels

Why: It's great fun and a wonderful way to socialize with other people

Levels: There are both children and adult teams

Cost: It's free! All team members receive a t-shirt and hat for their team

Coaches and team managers are volunteers in the community and have a great deal of experience in adapting the sport of baseball for children and young adults with special needs. There is an emphasis on cooperative play, getting exercise and having fun together.

Sign Ups...Contact Ellen Brown by phone at 518-915-4467 or by email at irishellen1@gmail.com

We have had many successful and fun years of playing adaptive baseball together, please consider joining us with your family!

The philosophy of the Challenger Tri-County Baseball League is to provide structured athletic activities for all participants with special needs in the community. Thee wide range of abilities and talents of our players necessitates modifications to the rules and philosophy of conventional baseball, for the purpose of providing a challenging, fun social opportunity and athletic experience for all.

Dance Force: Located in Rotterdam

Dance Force is a dance studio offering a variety of classes, including a class for special needs students taught by a physical therapist and a special education teacher.

     Ways to contact them: phone: 518-382-8480

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dance-Force-125366270832626/

Website: http://www.danceforceinc.com

AIM Services: Located in Saratoga Springs

AIM Services, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing residential and community-based services to people with disabilities, including those with acquired brain injuries and those who are looking for nursing home transition or diversion. We provide all of our services in Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties. Our Self-Direction program provides services in additional areas: Capital District, Long Island, Taconic, Hudson, and Sunmount regions. AIM Services, Inc. is approved to provide services through New York State Office of People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and the New York State Department Of Health (DOH). 

Here is a link for more information about getting started with AIMs services. https://www.aimservicesinc.org/services/

AIM Services, Inc. Home page aimservicesinc.org 

Phone: office: (518) 587-3208 | Direct: (518) 430-2242

Bizzy Bees: Preschool for 3 and 4 Year Olds: Wolf Road, Albany

Learn more here: https://www.bizzybeezsensoryadventures.org

CARD (Center for Autism and Related Disabilities): University at Albany

     CARD offers no cost workshops for family members & professionals.

     Learn more here: https://www.albany.edu/autism

Down Syndrome Aim High Resource Center (DSAHRC):  Located in Albany

The mission of the Down Syndrome Aim High Resource Center is to provide parent-to-parent and professional services and support to individuals with Down syndrome and their families, and to educate the broader community on Down Syndrome. The services and support are provided to promote individuals with Down Syndrome to reach their fullest potential, and to become fully included members of their communities. A sample of their services are: support groups, play groups, and tutoring for students with Down Syndrome.

     Learn more here: https://www.cfdsny.org/dsahrc

OMH (Office of Mental Health): Located in Albany

The Mission of the New York State Office of Mental Health is to promote the mental health of all New Yorkers, with a particular focus on providing hope and recovery for adults with serious mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbances.

OMH Customer Relations toll-free at 1-800-597-8481.

Learn more here: https://omh.ny.gov

OPWDD (Office for People With Developmental Disabilities): Located in Albany

OPWDD provides a range of services, including: transition services, employment services, environmental modifications, respite, assistive technology and crisis services. To gain access to these services, you must first contact the regional front door office. The Capital Region's Front Door phone is: 518-388-0398.

General Info Phone: 866-946-9733

Email: info@opwdd.ny.gov

Website: https://opwdd.ny.gov 

The Front Door flyer: https://opwdd.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/03/012_frontdoor_trifold_342020.pdf

Rotterdam Challengers Tri-County Baseball League: Woestina Field in Rotterdam Junction

Rotterdam Challengers Tri-County Baseball League has been playing together for 25 years. For anyone ages 5 and up with special needs. Ages 5yrs -16yrs. meet     on Mondays. Wednesday is the rain date if Monday is rained out. The adults play on Tuesdays and Thursdays. All players and coaches get free t-shirts and hats  each season. There is an Opening Day with dignitaries and an end of year banquet. Parents or staff members need to be with each player at each game for

safety. Parents are encouraged to volunteer at concession stand. The league is always looking for helpers and sponsors. Everyone is accepted and welcome to play. 

Season typically runs from late April to mid-June; play happens at Woestina Field in Rotterdam Junction. 

Register to receive a schedule and uniforms prior to playing.

Learn more here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RotterdamChallengerBaseball

Ways to contact them: Ellen Brown irishellen1@gmail.com or Cindy Barkowski cinbad@nycap.rr.com 

Victoria Acres Equine Facility: Located in Altamont

Victoria Acres Equine Facility is a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides equine assisted therapies and recreational programs for clients ages 4-90. We  serve clients with disabilities such as Down Syndrome, autism, developmental delays, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, emotional trauma, and the list goes on. 

We see, on a daily basis, our clients progress toward their goals in the areas of physical development including balance and motor planning; emotional development including self awareness and self-confidence and sense of pride and accomplishment; cognitive development including educational basic skills and memory; and social development through relationships developed naturally with our staff and incredible volunteers.

Lessons are conducted on a one-on-one or small group basis depending on the client’s needs along with our incredible volunteers’ assistance.

For more information and access to our client application visit our website:

www.victoriaacresequinefacility.org, or contact Erin Pashley, the founder and Executive Director at 518-813-8805.

The Friday Knights Program: The College of Saint Rose

The Friday Knights Recreation Program is a structured and supportive recreational environment for children and adolescents who need opportunities for social interaction beyond what is available through school settings or community recreation programs. 

Learn more here: 

https://www.strose.edu/academics/schools/school-of-education/campus-based-professional-groups/friday-knights-program/