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“To empower individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families to identify and pursue their life goals through knowledge, collaboration and experience.”
“To empower individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families to identify and pursue their life goals through knowledge, collaboration and experience.”
Saratoga Bridges is a chapter of NYSARC, the largest organization providing support to individuals with special needs in New York. For the past 60 years, Bridges has been dedicated to empowering and improving the lives of the special needs community in the Capital Region.
Who is eligible for services at Saratoga Bridges?
Individuals who have been approved for services by the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)
Services and Programs:
Saratoga Bridges offers more than 30 programs for individuals with Developmental Disabilities. While each program has different goals, they are all centered around a focus of improving the participants' lives while embracing the individuality and growing a skill set to help the individual live a full and meaningful life.
Day Hab activity
Without Walls
Supplemental
Day Habilitation Programs (some examples include)
Participants follow their interests and complete activities which align with their goals while getting out in the community to learn valuable life skills and take part in volunteerism.
Through Day Hab. programs, participants work their fine and gross motor skills, as well as their communication, cognitive, and social skills.
Activities include community service, exercise, arts and crafts, reading, and more.
Without Walls is a Day Hab program for participants who do not need clinical support or medications.
This more independent program helps individuals and/or small groups get out into the community and complete meaningful work while achieving their individual life goals.
Supplemental is a program for individuals who live with their families or independently.
This program is available to provide participants with enriching experiences which align with their interests.
Residential Programs (some examples include)
Saratoga Bridges offers residential programs in house and apartment settings.
All residences and residential services are certified by New York State.
Placement is based off of criteria including but not limited to the participants least restrictive environment, interests, ability levels, and age.
Homes
Saratoga Bridges currently has 19 homes.
Homes have 24/7 supervision.
Participants have their own bedroom, or they may be paired with a roommate.
In the home, residents have daily chores, tasks, and group decisions such as where to get dinner.
The home becomes a tight knit community, just like a family.
Supported Apartments
Complexes in Clifton Park and Saratoga Springs.
For individuals who are ready for total independence in their daily living.
Staff members are present to help facilitate activities and ensure a busy lifestyle including going out to eat, going to the gym, and going shopping together.
Vocational & Employment Programs (some examples include)
Alpha Career Options is Bridge's supported work program.
Some participants may have a full job at a business through this program.
Some participants complete tasks such as the assembly of pallets and other projects.
All participants earn a paycheck for their hard work.
Participants are provided with:
Job Preparation: Writing a resume and practicing mock interviews
Job Development: Bridges has many networking opportunities as well as connections with local businesses and corporations who strive to hire participants of the Bridges program.
Onsite Training: Assistance with paperwork and contracts as well as job coaching
Extended Job Coaching: Available long-term assistance to individuals who hold their job longer than 4 months.
Autism Specific Support (some examples include)
Saratoga Bridges Autism Task Force
Works to identify, create, and implement the best practices for those working with individuals with ASD.
The McDonald Family Resource and Discovery Center
A teaching environment and library for individuals with ASD and their caretakers.
The library has state of the art sensory equipment which provides sensory input to all of the 5 senses.
Lending materials expands far beyond books and includes resources and supplies which are geared towards helping those with ASD.
Autism Support group
A group of families of individuals with ASD to share the highlights and difficulties that face.
Together, they can work to find solutions on challenges, and be reminded that they are not alone.
Want to get involved or learn more?
Want to get involved or learn more?
Phone (518) 587-0723
Fax (518) 871-9497
Email: info@saratogabridges.org
*All information on this page was sourced from SaratogaBridges.org*
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