Group Day Habilitation
Group Day Habilitation is a day program for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities to increase independence and socialization.
This program is certified by the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)
Our Group Day Habilitation program is designed to be both engaging and person-centered, offering a variety of activities tailored to the needs of adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
It includes skill development activities, creative arts sessions, and physical fitness activities to enhance both cognitive and motor skills. Social skills building and community involvement projects are integral to the program, fostering interaction and a sense of contribution.
Additionally, the program incorporates technology for learning, therapeutic activities, and regular parent engagement, ensuring a holistic approach to development and family involvement. Our program is designed to build on the skills that were fostered in public school ensuring participants continue to explore and grow. Safety and life skills drills are also a key component, preparing individuals for real-world scenarios.
Upon entering the program, individuals are evaluated to determine their levels of need and are then placed in groups surrounded by peers based on that level of need. This ensures that all individuals are challenged at an appropriate level based on their personalized needs.
Program Schedule
Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn:
Monday through Friday 9 AM to 3 PM
Individuals who are interested in Group Day Habilitation services after 3PM should consider our Supplemental Group Day Habilitation Program.
Eligibility
Individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disability over the age of 18 who live at home or in a group residence.
Must reside in the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn or Westchester County.
Must have OPWDD eligibility.
What Individuals with Developmental Disabilities Receive
The Gateway team carefully created a day program activities for adults with developmental disabilities
Skill Development
Individuals engage in life skills workshops that focus on activities of daily living included but not limited to cooking, budgeting, money handling, and personal hygiene with a person-centered approach. Gateway’s activities are interactive and engaging.
Socialization Skills
Individuals develop interpersonal skills through structured socializing activities within the community and the program activities. These activities are intended to assist individuals in also developing their communication, advocacy and assertiveness skills.
Physical Participation
Individuals who are interested participate in physical activities, including basketball, dance, community walks, billiards and yoga to stay active.
Group Activities
Individuals benefit from groups that focus on the practical application of math, reading, writing, drawing, literature, music, arts and crafts.
Festive Celebrations
Individuals enjoy holiday celebrations such as Christmas, New Years, Halloween, Black History and Womens Months, Juneteenth, Valentine’s Day, Independence Day, and Thanksgiving, fostering a sense of community and inclusion. On these days, Gateway offers special meals and activities to highlight the Holiday.
Diverse Field Trips
Individuals explore museums, parks, farms, zoos, retail establishments, restaurants, sports games, community centers, amusement parks, etc. through multiple field trips/community inclusion activities.
Additional day services for adults with developmental disabilities:
Convenient Transportation
Transportation to and from Gateway is provided for individuals. Gateway is also able to provide transportation to individuals for therapy sessions that fall during the program day. For those individuals who are independently travel trained, Gateway provides Metro-Card subway/bus fare.
Nutritious Meals (Free of Charge)
Breakfast, lunch as well as snacks are provided daily free of charge.
Enroll Into The Program
Individuals, Parents, Care Managers, and Guardians/Advocates, please use the form below to sign up into our program. At Gateway your needs and those of your loved ones are met with the utmost care and attention
Meet Our Program Members
Our day program for adults with developmental disabilities is a thriving community where each member brings their unique strengths and personalities.
Application Process
Submit Your Application
Await Contact: Our Intake Director will reach out to you via email.
Personalized Consultation: Discuss your needs and program specifics with our Intake team.
Intake/Tour- followed by a Trial
Care Manager submission of required documentation- OPWDD approval
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You can begin the enrollment process or submit a referral for enrollment by filling out this form.
You can also contact us through this form if you have further questions about our agency and programs.
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In order to receive OPWDD services at Gateway, you must have OPWDD eligibility.
Each program has unique eligibility requirements. More information can be found on the program information page here.
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Those who qualify for OPWDD services will have assistance coordinating their healthcare with a Care Coordination Organization (CCO).
CCOs provide comprehensive care management, care coordination and health promotion, comprehensive transitional care from inpatient to other settings, individual and family support, referrals and links to services. The CCOs in Gateway’s region are Advance Care Alliance, Care Design NY, Tri-County Care and Partners Health Plan FIDA-IDD. In addition to those above, Westchester County residents can also use LifePlan CCO.
You can find contact information for the CCOs here.
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During the enrollment process, Gateway will work with the designated Care Manager who will submit a psychological evaluation, medical exam, Lifeplan and Level of Care. You may already have these documents from your enrollment into OPWDD or other programs.
If you need assistance obtaining these documents, Gateway will work with your Care Manager to get you started!
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