NY Connects is a locally based No Wrong Door (NWD) system that provides one stop access to free, objective, comprehensive information and assistance on long term services and supports for people of all ages or with any type of disability. The NY Connects NWD System is administered through a collaboration between the Area Agencies on Aging, Local Departments of Social Services, and six regionally contracted Independent Living Centers.

• NY Connects website
• Find a local office of NY Connects
• NY Connects program description

The Front Door is the way the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities connects New Yorkers to the services they want and need. The program includes a person-centered planning process, which helps participants learn about and access service options that take their needs and desires into consideration. The Front Door is based on the understanding that people with developmental disabilities have the right to enjoy meaningful relationships, experience personal growth, participate in their community, and live in the home of their choice.

• Front Door Program website

The Open Doors Program is focused on assisting people living in nursing homes and intermediate care facilities to receive individualized home and community-based services. This includes providing people with free, objective information about services and supports that are available in their local community. Open Doors can be reached at (844) 545-7108, or via email at secq@ilny.org.

• https://ilny.us/programs/open-doors
• Find a local office
• Open Doors 30 second video
• 2017 webcast: "The Money Follows the Person Program - Facilitating Return to Community-Based Settings"
• Website for the Money Follows the Person Demonstration, which funds the Open Doors Program

RRDCs manage the application, participation, and renewal process of the NHTD program.

• RRDC list and contact information
• RRDC regions map

The New York Association on Independent Living (NYAIL) is a not for-profit, non-government membership organization that promotes the independent living and rights of New Yorkers with disabilities. They can be reached at (518) 465-4650, or via email info@ilny.org. Visit their website here.

The Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities (TRAID) Program provides access to assistive technology to any New Yorker with a disability through Regional TRAID Centers.  Regional TRAID Centers provide device loans and hands-on training to people with disabilities. To access equipment, visit their website to locate a Regional TRAID Center near you. For general questions, contact the TRAID Program at (518) 549-0200 or via email at jc.sm.TRAID@Justicecenter.ny.gov.

The Olmstead Housing Subsidy is a statewide program that provides rental subsidies and community transitional services for seniors and adults with chronic disabilities who are homeless, have spent at least one hundred and twenty (120) consecutive days in a skilled nursing facility over the most recent two-year period, and can live safely in the community.

• Olmstead Housing Subsidy website

The Rapid Transition Housing Program (previously known as Nursing Home to Independent Living) provides a rental subsidy and supportive housing services for high-need Medicaid beneficiaries. The program is available in four areas of the state: Long Island, Syracuse, New York City and Rochester. Eligible participants of the program are those individuals who are either currently enrolled in the program or are individuals with one or more documented chronic physical disabilities and have two or more chronic conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes, substance abuse disorder). Participants in the program must be on Medicaid and referred as homeless high-utilizers by a health system including: hospital, Managed Care Organization, medical respite, Performing Provider System, or skilled nursing facility.

• Rapid Transition Housing Program website

The Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD) Housing Programs are rental subsidy programs of last resort for Medicaid recipients participating in the TBI or NHTD 1915(c) Home and Community-Based Services waiver programs, respectively. Only Medicaid recipients enrolled and actively participating in the TBI or NHTD programs are eligible to apply for the TBI/NHTD Housing Program. Subsidies for the housing program are contingent upon available funding and are renewed on an annual basis. The Program offers qualified applicants a monthly rental subsidy and assistance with utilities and certain one-time costs.

• Program Guidelines (PDF)
• More files and forms for these housing programs are available here