Independent Living

Everyone would like a place to call home!

Work ~ Independence ~ Support ~ Home, the WISH program at Upstate Cerebral Palsy helps those with developmental disabilities achieve their personal best and attain the highest level of independence in the community through a comprehensive network of individualized supports and services - all while living in their own home.

Congratulations to the two men pictured to the right, who just moved into their new apartment thanks to the WISH Program!

Housing options may include:
- One’s own home
- Private apartment dwellings
- Matched home sharing
- HUD rental subsidies, and more…

Qualified candidates must have documented proof of a developmental disability that was diagnosed prior to age 22.
Candidates must have Medicaid or be eligible for Medicaid benefits.

The costs associated with the WISH program can vary depending on the type of housing desired and the level of supports needed to be successful.  
Individuals can qualify for existing Medicaid and public assistance benefits such as SSI/D, HUD, and HEAP to be used in combination with other earned wages when applicable.  Individualized Support Services (ISS) funding, which can help pay for start-up costs associated with moving into the community, may also be accessed through the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD).
An Upstate Cerebral Palsy representative will help guide each individual through this process to assure a smooth transition.

Upstate Cerebral Palsy understands that each individual is unique and therefore provides the freedom to customize his or her own supportive program which is tailored to suit his or her own personal needs.    

Services may include, but are not limited to:
• Community Habilitation Aides
• Assistance with activities of daily living such as     
  dressing, bathing and meals.
• Medication monitoring
• Skilled nursing services
• Access to Medical/clinic services
• Social skills training
• At-Home Residential Services
• Day Habilitation Services
• Medicaid Service Coordination
• Access to public transportation
• Durable medical equipment

A group of qualified professionals, who are specifically trained in supporting people with developmental disabilities, will meet with the candidate and his or her advocate to determine if the WISH program is the right fit.    
Self-determination and a person’s right to choose will be supported and encouraged throughout the entire process.  Many areas will be explored to assist the individual in achieving his or her desire to live independently while assuring that health, safety and overall well-being will not be compromised.
Your Medicaid Service Coordinator can talk with you further about the WISH program and assist you in making a referral if desired.

For more information, contact Paul Stern, Director of Community Services, at
(315) 738-0794 ext. 233, or
paul.stern@upstatecp.org.