Classes
Pre-recorded, take them at your own pace. Register and we'll send you the link.
45 min
Intro to Self-Direction
Self-direction lets you build a support plan around your own life instead of fitting your life into someone else's program. In this introductory class we cover what self-direction actually means in New York, who qualifies, and how the budget and staffing pieces work in plain language. You'll learn how to think about your goals, how to recruit and pay the people who help you, and what your broker, fiscal intermediary, and care manager each do. We share real examples — what's worked, what hasn't — so you can picture how self-direction might fit your family. By the end of the session, you'll know the next concrete steps to take, the questions to bring to your team, and where to go for help when you're ready to start.
55 min
Housing Options 101
Housing decisions are some of the hardest your family will make, and the options aren't always obvious. This class walks through the full menu — supportive apartments, certified residences, family care, and self-directed living arrangements — with honest pros and cons for each. We cover how waitlists actually work, what paperwork you'll need ready, and the questions to ask when you tour a placement. You'll hear from families who have been through the process, including what they wish they'd known earlier. You'll leave with a clear framework for evaluating options, a checklist for visits, and a sense of the realistic timelines involved at each step.
60 min
Advocating as a Family
Advocating for a loved one is a long-term skill, not a one-time event. This class is for parents, siblings, and chosen family who want to become more effective partners in planning meetings, school transitions, and service reviews. We break down the language professionals use, what your rights and options actually are, and how to prepare for a meeting so you walk in calm and ready. You'll practice asking direct questions, taking notes that matter, and following up in writing. We also talk about the emotional side — how to advocate hard without burning out, how to share the load across a family, and how to bring the person you love into their own planning at every step.
Have questions about a class?
Reach out and we'll help you pick the right one — or talk through other ways we can support you.
Contact our team